Cosciotto Arrosto {Roasted Leg of Lamb}

Posted by Paula in All Recipes | 25 comments

Roasted leg of lamb is a dish that can be eaten all year round, but it is especially perfect for Easter. It is such a tasty dish that I don’t believe is eaten often enough. Some people tend to shy away from it & I’m not sure why. When cooked properly (which in my humble opinion is MEDIUM) it is some of the most delectable meat out there. It’s supposed to be pinkish so don’t let that alarm you if you’ve not cooked it before, please don’t overcook it, you won’t like it, well unless you like lamb jerky and then I suppose you might.   

Limoncello

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Drinks | 46 comments

Limoncello! The luxuriously lemony drink! It just screams spring & summertime to me! There’s nothing like it. I love everything about it, it’s vibrant color, it’s sweet citrus smell, it’s smooth as Casanova flavor. But then again, I love all things lemon!    

Polenta Cakes

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Sides, Vegetarian | 33 comments

Polenta is an Italian staple. Punto (period) It is amazingly versatile. It can be eaten so many ways I can’t even count them all. But I’m willing to try them all ; ) Especially this Polenta! Why you ask? well, I was VERY excited when I was contacted recently by Scott who runs Sausage Debachery - Artisanal Italian Food Products! They pride themselves on bringing  unique, top quality, imported Italian food products. They scour the entire Italian peninsula to find the most rare and hard to find food products. From apple vinegar in the Dolomites, to prickly pear jam from Sicily & even kitchen gadgets (hello gnocchi board) Right up my alley!

Cozze Ripiene {Stuffed Mussels}

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Seafood | 21 comments

Mussels, Mussels and more Mussels please. I could literally eat my weight in Mussels. I know, probably not the brightest idea but I so could. Next to my Drunken Mussels these are my favorite way to enjoy Mussels. Okay, who am I kidding, I’d eat them just about any way but raw. There I said it! I was told the name of this recipe is Cozze Gratinate but that translates to Mussels au Gratin and well since there isn’t any cream in here and knowing if I called them that SOMEONE would call me out on it so I’m changing it to Cozze Ripiene, which translates to Stuffed Mussels ; ) Which is exactly what they are.  

Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe {Spaghetti w/cheese & pepper}

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Pasta, Vegetarian | 35 comments

 
I don’t think you’ll find a simpler dish than this. Pasta, Pecorino cheese & pepper. Yes that is the extent of it. Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe is a very traditional Roman dish. In case you’re wondering why Formaggio isn’t used in this title, “Cacio” is Italian dialect for Cheese. In it’s simplicity is it’s deliciousness (deep, eh ; ). It’s a dish that has to be eaten immediately and while very warm. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re in a huge rush and you need something on the table NOW! Or when you’re coming home super late and want something more than a bowl of cereal!   

Bertolli’s “Into the heart of Italy”!

Posted by Paula in All Recipes | 22 comments

Last week I had the privilege of being a guest of Bertolli at their “Into the heart of Italy” premiere launch in NYC! When they extended the invitation to the event it took me all of two seconds to say an emphatic YES, YES YES I’d LOVE to attend. You see for me, being around people that share my passion for Italy & all things Italian (especially the FOOD) is a treat!

Not to mention it was extra special because, I know *gasp* *shock* this was my FIRST trip to NYC! I can’t believe it myself, I’ve been around the world (well okay not completely around it but let’s just suffice it to say I’ve been A LOT of places) but not to NYC.

Pasta Gratinata con Verdure {Pasta au Gratin w/Vegetables}

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Pasta, Vegetarian | 25 comments

Casseroles. Some people love them, some not so much! Me, I fall into the first category. Perhaps it’s because (at least for me) it’s a one dish meal! I like the idea of only having one dish to clean up! I’ll let you in on a little secret, dishes and I don’t see eye to eye. Matter of fact, I can’t stand them. Washing them that is. I’m happy to shop for new dishes any day of the week. I’m happy to cook up a storm, but the cleanup, well that’s another story. But alas, my dish fairy has yet to show up. So, until then I like to throw in a casserole every now and then.

Nutella Caramel Hazelnut Brownies

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Desserts, Nutella, Vegetarian | 56 comments

I thought we were a little overdue for another NUTELLA recipe! What about you? I have been wanting to try a Nutella brownie recipe for a bit now, but it couldn’t be just any brownie, it had to be an oooey gooey over the top slap your momma kinda brownie. And after much drooling ehem contemplation, I think I got it! I decided on a layered brownie. Maximization of flavor! Yes, layer upon layer upon layer! I think this is going to be a fantabulous addition to our Nutella Category ; )

Pesto Pizza

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Vegetarian | 36 comments

PIZZA! I love it, so much so I had to bring this back to show you AGAIN! We make pizza usually once a week. It’s so quick & easy. Well, okay if you have the right tools, it’s quick and easy! But fear not, I’m here with a super simple recipe! You’ll probably want to pick up a pizza peel. Once you have one of those it will make baking Pizza a ton easier. No more wrangling with a cookie sheet trying to get the pizza out of the oven. No more almost burning yourselves, NOPE! You’re going to thank me.

Cannoli

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Desserts, Vegetarian | 41 comments

Who doesn’t love Cannoli? I mean really! They’re a sweet fried dough filled with a luscious creamy sweetened ricotta filling. *swoon* You all know my weakness for sweets and this is no exception. I literally had to stop myself from eating ALL of them when I made them this week.

And the winners are…

Posted by Paula in All Recipes | 5 comments

As always I really wish I could send out a set of these to all of you, but alas I’m not Pioneer Woman and don’t have that kind of pull ; ) I do however, feel very fortunate that The Scrumptious Pantry gifted us with 5 sets of these amazing products. I REALLY just lurve them. I must confess I even go and open the jar of the roasting & grilling salt just to smell it. I’d wear it as a perfume if I could. It’s glorious… okay focusing… because I know you really want to know who won, so after a whole lot of scientific study (tee hee) random.org has selected the following winners… drumroll please…And the lucky duck winners are…

Farfalle al Mascarpone {Butterfly Pasta w/Mascarpone Sauce}

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Bread, Pasta, Sides, Vegetarian | 19 comments

I just love pasta. I mean I really LOVE pasta (as if you didn’t know that by now tee hee). It’s the perfect dish. You can literally make it a million different ways. Okay I haven’t actually tested out that theory but I’m working on it! Plus I know you’re probably ready for something other than chicken! I KNOW I’ve  had a lot of chicken lately, really I know, and NO in case you’re wondering I’m not tired of it *wink wink*  but I have been wanting some pasta so voila a pasta dish! This dish will make you want to scrape the bowl with your finger! & It’s all because of the sauce. Not just any sauce. A creamy tomato-y basil-y melt in your mouth Mascarpone sauce *swoon*.

1st Annual SAVEUR Best Food Blog Awards Nomination !

Posted by Paula in All Recipes | 19 comments

The SAVEUR 1st Annual Food Blog Awards were announced earlier this week & I’m BEYOND elated & just down right giddy to announce that bell’alimento is nominated for one of them. Yep, little ole bell’alimento has been nominated for a “Best Special Interest Blog” Award *insert wild screams of joy here* Yes, I nearly fell off my chair when I saw it & then yes, of course,  more screams of joy & you know it’s coming a little happy dance! I was completely floored! I could hardly believe it but I have the screen shot to prove it tee hee!  

Tuscan Frittata & a GIVEAWAY!

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Breakfast, Vegetarian | 215 comments

I WISH you could smell these products! I can’t tell you how EXCITED I am about these! Okay I guess I’m going to have to try to contain my giddiness & put some words to screen (tee hee). I recently received some amazing products from The Scrumptious Pantry.