Boozy Chocolate Amaretto Semifreddo

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Desserts | 226 comments

It’s American Chocolate week! What, didn’t you know? We couldn’t let the week go by without making something with chocolate. That would be unthinkable. AND since it’s American chocolate what better to use than Scharffen Berger chocolate! Since the weather seems to have skipped straight into summer here we’ve gone with something on the cooler side, a semifreddo. Which means half cold in Italian. But saying I’d like a plate of half cold just sounds ridiculous so let’s just continue calling  it semifreddo.

How to Make Almond Pralines

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Desserts, Vegetarian | 13 comments

5 ingredients and 30 minutes are all you need to make this sweet treat. Most of that time is spent tapping your foot waiting on it to cool so you can break off a chunk and plunk it into your mouth. Or maybe that’s just me?  The past two weeks have been insanely busy so I decided it was time to for a sweet treat. I didn’t want a cake (gasp) or anything creamy (someone check my temperature) I wanted something different. These pralines were just that.

Meyer Lemon Coffee Cake Muffins

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Breakfast, Taste, Vegetarian | 7 comments

I’m smitten with Meyer lemons. They’re a cross between a mandarin and a traditional lemon. They still have that citrus flavor that I love without the pucker taste of traditional lemons. When they’re in season I grab them every time I can. I’m currently working on a batch of Meyer lemon limoncello. I’ll let you know how that turns out ; )

Stuffed Not Stuffy! Chevre Stuffed Sweet Peppers

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Appetizer, Taste, Vegetarian | 2 comments

I have a thing for appetizers. I find them completely irresistible. I don’t know if it’s because they’re so small and cute. Or because I don’t feel bad about eating several of them at time or what. I just love them. If they’re stuffed, even better. These sweet bell peppers cried out to be stuffed. I saw a bag of them in the produce section and just HAD to get them. Just look at those gorgeous colors. It’s like part of a rainbow on a plate.

Cherry Tomato and Crab Bites

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Appetizer, Seafood | 269 comments

Have I mentioned my love of seafood before? Surely I have waxed poetic about crab legs at some point. I don’t want to toot my own horn but I happen to be pretty awesome at cracking crab legs. I know, I know, don’t be jealous ; ) After all you want to eat them while they’re warm, preferably dipped in a vat of melted butter and if there happens to be minced garlic in that butter even better. While the typical portion is 1 pound per person that just isn’t going to cut it with me. Oh no, there must be multiple pounds.

Kitchen Renovation Starts in 3-2-1

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Kitchen Sink | 38 comments

You might have noticed postings have been a LITTLE slow around bell’alimento. I’ve not been on vacation (although I’m going to need one by the time this is over) we’ve been busy planning and working. I’ve been hinting around on Twitter and via Instagram for a while now, but now that things are in full swing I wanted to FINALLY share with you all. We’re RENOVATING our KITCHEN! I’m both excited and nervous and hopefully won’t have a nervous breakdown before it’s all over ; )

We’re going to be doing a video series as we go along. So you’ll see the good, the bad and the ugly. I’m strapping on a tool belt and grabbing a pink hardhat as we’re going to do as much of the renovation as possible. Okay you know that I’m exaggerating right? When I say WE I mean Mr. bell’alimento ; ) But I think the pink hat might be cute anyway. 

Potatoes with Yogurt Sauce

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Gluten Free, Sides, Sponsored, Vegetarian | 11 comments

I haven’t met a potato I would turn down, but I have to admit I have a special thing for new potatoes. They’re small, round and have beautiful deep color. Totally superficial I know but what can I say. They’re pretty. Pretty delicious too. I like to keep a bag or two of a variety of potatoes in my pantry, they go with just about anything and let’s face it they’re fairly cheap. Having them on hand means I’m always looking for new ways to make potatoes. Besides eating them on their own, because for me a big fat creamy potato dripping in butter and okay loaded with cheese is pretty irresistible but probably not the most reasonable dinner choice eh?

How to Make Salad Shakers

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Salads, Taste, Vegetarian | 3 comments

I am admittedly not a huge salad fan. That’s not to say I won’t eat them, it’s just that if given another choice well you know ; ) I also know I should suck it up and eat more of them. On those occasions when I do eat a salad they’re typically spinach based and must have a BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE. Made from scratch of course. It truly takes just a few minutes and once you make/taste your own you’ll  never want bottled dressing again.

How to Make Spinach Pasta

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Pasta, Vegetarian | 27 comments

Pasta makes me happy. Homemade pasta makes me even happier. There’s something about the process of combining 3 simple ingredients that once mixed together form this crazy carb deliciousness that is so incredible to me. That process of making pasta is therapeutic for me, and cheap therapy at that ; ) Last month we announced we’ll have a monthly homemade pasta installment this year. We showed you HOW TO MAKE RAVIOLI in January and now we’re bumping up the color and flavor factor and moving onto how to make spinach pasta!

Whole Grain Shells, Spinach & Tomatoes

Posted by Paula in Pasta, Vegetarian | 182 comments

I don’t know what I would do if I ever had to give up pasta. I keep my pantry stocked with boxes and boxes of it — not just because it’s delicious, quick and easy, but also because there are so many options that I never ever get bored. Talk about quick, this simple pasta dish comes together in under 15 minutes. Not only is it beautiful, it’s HEALTHY. We’ve swapped out our usual Barilla® pasta for Barilla® Whole Grain pasta and added good-for-you spinach and tomatoes.

Blueberry Smoothie

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Breakfast, Drinks, Sponsored, Taste, Vegetarian | 13 comments

Even before taking that first slip, from the moment I hear the word smoothie, I just smile! It’s a happy word and it’s a happy drink! Smoothies couldn’t be easier to make and you can add just about anything you like. Besides being delicious it’s a great way to get more fresh (or frozen fruit) into your families diet.

Prosciutto, Mozzarella and Basil Roll

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Appetizer, Pork, Sponsored | 21 comments

This should just be called the “you won’t be able to stop at one no matter how much you try roll”. I tried and failed miserably. I’m going to be walking a lot this week because of it, but I’m okay with that. Really. And because I love to share in my misery, I want you to make it too and to eat as much as I did. It’s only fair ; )  Do yourself a favor and pick up a loaf of ciabatta bread to go with. You’ll have leftover prosciutto and it just begs to be placed onto a freshly baked ciabatta with a basil leaf and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Trust me.

Mother In Law’s Tongue Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Pasta, Vegetarian | 10 comments

This gorgeous rainbow colored pasta is perfect for dazzling your guests! It’s long, twisted, and lined with barbs. It’s aptly named Lingua Di Suocera – “Mother in Laws Tongue”.  Where did I find this gorgeous pasta? From one of my favorite stores of course – World Market (once again World Market doesn’t know who I am or that I am madly in love with their store) I also purchased a box of Mother In Law’s Tongue Lasagna noodles. I have visions of a rainbow colored vegetable lasagna, stay tuned.

Pistachio and Meyer Lemon Biscotti

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Cookies, Desserts, Sponsored, Vegetarian | 0 comments

If you’re looking for a quiet cookie to nosh on these are not those. I actually love the crunch that you hear when you bite into biscotti. It’s what makes biscotti, biscotti. To me they’re the perfect cookie. They’re not too sweet, have amazing texture and can be made with just about any flavor you like. We went with pistachio and a hint of marvelous meyer lemon. Can you just smell the meyer lemon. Swoon.

Biscoff Molten Lava Cakes

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Desserts | 21 comments

Yoo hoo, Valentine’s Day is TOMORROW! If you’re still flying by the seat of your pants and haven’t finalized your menu don’t worry we can help (and btw I always fly by the seat of my pants). We have a super simple dessert that will knock the socks off your sweetie. Lava cakes! They’re scrumptious, sexy and aren’t as fussy as you would imagine. In less than 25 minutes you can be diving into this warm, ooey gooey over the top decadent chocolate cake that’s filled with unmistakeable Biscoff spread. Pure evil deliciousness.

How to Make Lobster Risotto

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Seafood | 811 comments

Love is in the air! Can you feel it. Yes it’s almost time for Valentine’s Day. I have to admit I’m a complete romantic sap and love the day. Plus I’m kind of obsessed with red and pink. What do we do to celebrate? Mr. bell’alimento & I typically don’t go out for Valentine’s Day dinner, we like to stay home and make something special instead. Restaurants tend be overcrowded on Valentine’s, the food is overpriced and oh yeah bad service is sure to entail (of course they can’t help it they’re overloaded). Just because we stay in doesn’t mean we don’t get a little fancy with our menu.

Pancake Bacon and Egg Cups

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Breakfast, Taste | 2 comments

Do you like pancakes? What about bacon? Eggs? Well we put all three of those together into one small irresistibly delicious breakfast bite. Because they only take a smidge of pancake batter to make we like to have them alongside pancakes. Pop these babies into the oven and then whip up your batch of flap jacks. While you’re noshing on those the cups are baking away and will be ready to nibble on as soon as your flap jacks are no more. 20 minutes bowl to table.

Skinny Black Bean Wraps

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Sandwiches, Taste, Vegetarian | 5 comments

It’s a wrap! I told you I was pretty obsessed with wraps lately. Did you see our Mushroom, Roasted Red Pepper & Spinach beauty? Well these skinny black bean wraps are super simple to make and require no cooking at all! This is my “no more excuses for grabbing a bag of chips for lunch” lunch. If you’re feeling fancy you could add a little cheese and then simple warm it up. Easy peasy right.

Ricotta and Endive Appetizer

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Appetizer, Gluten Free, Sponsored, Vegetarian | 8 comments

If you’re looking for a healthy appetizer you’ll love this super simple endive recipe. What exactly is endive? “Endive is a member of the chicory family, which includes radicchio, escarole and curly endive. It is often called the queen of vegetables and is prized the world over. It has a crisp texture and a sweet, nutty flavor with a pleasantly mild bitterness — great served raw or cooked.” And did you know that endive is ALWAYS in season. So you can make this and other endive recipes all year round.

Nutella Mascarpone Chocolate Tarts

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Desserts, Nutella | 12 comments

It’s been WAY too long since I’ve posted a Nutella recipe. I know did you just gasp? Don’t worry we’re still eating our fair share. Okay who am I kidding, we’re eating several families fair shares. I was craving something sweet and didn’t want to wait for a traditional cake to bake so we whipped up these almost no bake Nutella mascarpone tarts. Best part, you can be diving into this deliciousness in less than 30 minutes.