bell'alimento authentic Italian cuisine

How to Make Ravioli + a KitchenAid Stand Mixer GIVEAWAY!

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Pasta, Vegetarian | 1,965 comments

This month we celebrate THREE years of our little place here on the internet! Three years of: stirring, chopping, boiling, sauteing, simmering, braising, frying, stuffing, baking, cooking and loving every minute of it. Even the ones where we burned something, and yes it happens. Cooking and taking photographs is so therapeutic for me. I can’t imagine NOT doing either. Besides cooking, and shooting what I’ve loved equally is connecting with all of you. Before I get all sappy and need Kleenex we have some exciting things planned this year and one of those is a monthly homemade pasta series. I’m thrilled to be able to get back to my love of homemade pastas. We’re kicking off with ravioli stuffed with a creamy dreamy RICOTTA cheese filling.

Creamy Butterfly Pasta with Endive

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Pasta | 16 comments

As I mentioned in our last post, we’re working on getting more veggies into our bellies around the bell’alimento house. Leaning towards more balanced meals throughout the week. No need to worry and click away, we’re not getting rid of carbs or sweets. Not at all (did I hear a sigh of relief). I had a slight panic attack just thinking of that. We’re just going to be eating them in moderation. It’s a win win. I still get my carbs and chocolate and nobody gets hurt.

Spaghetti with Kale and Tomato Sauce

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Pasta, Vegetarian | 20 comments

Did any of you happen to have any extra pounds just jump on you over the holidays? I looked down and all the sudden my pants were tight. GAH! Tight pants are just not fun. I don’t care who tells you they are. They aren’t! So instead of crying over it I decided to do something about it. I started a little juicing thing. I know right who am I? So if I seem a little crabby you’ll know why ; ) I’m not doing a radical juicing (cause I would end up hurting someone without food food) I’m starting out slowly with one glass in the morning and one later in the day when I’m craving sweets. It’s giving me the extra veggies I need and keeping me full in between “chewing” meals.

The Art of Risotto: Artichoke Risotto

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Vegetarian | 11 comments

I am a sucker for risotto. Plain and simple I could eat the entire pot. Not a good idea but hey I just don’t think clearly when a bowl/plate is placed in front of me. When it comes to food, good food, I am weak. I admit it. Sometimes you just need to take the stairs instead of the elevator so you can enjoy a bowl of goodness from time to time.

How to Make Italian Hot Chocolate

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Drinks, Vegetarian | 31 comments

I am revisiting a post I did way back when I ehem was still knee deep learning about this crazy thing we call blogging . I’m calling a mulligan on this one. It’s perhaps my FAVORITE cold weather drink – Ciccolata Calda (aka Italian hot chocolate, the best hot chocolate in the world) and I think once you’ve tasted it, it will be your favorite too. If you’ve been making something from a packet (and it’s okay you just didn’t know any better – we’re here to help) ditch it and make this instead. You’ll never look back. Guaranteed.

Steak with Shallot, Butter & Balsamic Sauce

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Beef, Main Course | 21 comments

Steak is sexy. Yes. It is. There’s nothing like a perfectly cooked piece of melt in your mouth steak. For me that means medium. Not too rare, definitely not too done. Nothing worse than a piece of overcooked meat. If I wanted beef jerky I would have gotten beef jerky (I happen to adore beef jerky just not when I’m craving a melt in your mouth steak). One of my goals for this year is to conquer my fear of the flame, aka grilling.