Scalloped Potatoes {Patate alla Besciamella}

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Sauces, Sides, Vegetarian | 189 comments

What is it about white foods that I just HAVE to have them.  Pasta, rice, bread, POTATOES. You name it, they’re my kryptonite. Perhaps it’s their delicious carby starchy goodness that sucks me in. At one point I foolishly tried to cut out white foods from my diet and guess what, it was UGLY. For the sake of everyone else, of course, I immediately went back to consuming them again.

Mushroom and Potato Casserole {Torta di Funghi e Patate}

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Sides, Vegetarian | 17 comments

I have a gazillion leaves falling all over my yard in every color of the fall rainbow. I adore watching them floating in the air until they gently find their way to ground with the other gazillion leaves {that part I don’t love so much because someone has to get those up} What do all these leaves have to do with food you ask? Well leaves mean Fall and fall means comfort food, casseroles and calories. Two out of three ain’t bad right ; ) Okay let’s go with cardigans instead.

Frico con Patate {Potato and Cheese Fry}

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Gluten Free, Sides, Vegetarian | 26 comments

I think it’s HIGH time that I focus on food from my most favorite region in Italy. While you all know I adore Italian food, you might not know that I REALLY adore Friulano food. That is food from the Fruili Venezia Giulia region of Italy or Friuli for short ; ) All of my years living there might have something to do with that ; )

Zucca al Forno {Baked Squash}

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Gluten Free, Sides, Vegetables, Vegetarian | 16 comments

Butternut squash are quite odd looking but are incredibly tasty! One goes a long way. They are after all HUGE. When in season, you can find them in almost every produce market and obviously with their size they’re not hard to miss ; ) If you’ve never cooked with them, what are you waiting for, not only are they good for you  they’re just plain GOOD!

Funghi Trifolati {Sauteed Mushrooms}

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Sides, Vegetables | 15 comments

We love mushrooms! Yes, it’s true. If you search for mushrooms on bell’alimento you’ll be inundated with recipes. I make no apologies for that. Long live the shroom ; ) And now that I am a contributor for The Mushroom Channel you’ll be seeing even more shroom recipes! So naturally because we love them I’m always looking for ways to incorporate mushrooms into our meals.  

Asparagi con Prosciutto Crudo {Roasted Asparagus wrapped in Prosciutto}

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Sides, Vegetables | 29 comments

Asparagus are plentiful right now and I am taking full advantage of that. We LOVE asparagus and I’m always trying to find new ways to enjoy it. We’ve shown you how to make Asparagus alla Paper Bag {yes it really is cooked in a paper bag!} and Grilled Asparagus {which are ah-mazingly sweet & caramelized} Now we’re shaking things up by roasting and then wrapping with PROSCIUTTO? Glorious glorious Prosciutto *swoon*.  This is a super simple side dish that you can whip up in no time. It would even be perfect as an appetizer.

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!

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*.

Cavolfiore Gratinati {Cauliflower au Gratin}

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Sides, Vegetables, Vegetarian | 27 comments

Cauliflower doesn’t really do much for me on it’s own, BUT add some loverly creamy bechamel sauce, some homemade breadcrumbs & the King of cheese Parmigiano Reggiano & well count me in! This dish will hopefully make you think twice about Cauliflower & should get even the pickiest of eaters in your house to change their minds as well. I know my kids lurve this! They call them white trees (& yes they refer to broccoli as green trees) I think it’s cute & well they’re eating them so I’m a happy camper.

Piselli alla Pancetta {Peas w/Pancetta}

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Sides, Vegetables | 8 comments

With all of these sweet posts lately (Crostoli, Chocolate Nutella Molten Lava Cakes, Panna Cotta *drool*) I have been craving some veggies. I know, you might want to check my temperature. I thought the same thing. But you know before I know it, it’s going to spring (dare to dream – I am ovah all this snow) and wiggly jiggly is only good in jello if you know what I mean. 

Risotto alle Peperone {Roasted Red Pepper Risotto}

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Sides | 21 comments

I was so excited when Robin from MyMelange asked me to do a guest post. I’d had this recipe in my mind for quite some time & thought it would be the perfect time to whip it up.

As you ALL know, I HEART Risottos. I have many on the site & many more planned (think squash next time). I met Robin on Twitter (@MyMelange) earlier this year and immediately hit it off. She’s one funny tweep not to mention she LOVES Italy.

I KNOW you want to check out this recipe so here you go…. Buon Appetito!

CLICK HERE for recipe!

Gnocchi Rosa {Pink Gnocchi}

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Main Course, Pasta, Sides, Vegetarian | 31 comments

Gnocchi Rosa (GNYO-KEY ROW-SA) is Italian for {Pink Gnocchi} It’s Gnocchi with a pale pink veil of color glistening in a creamy buttery Sage Sauce! OH MY GOODNESS! I just can’t help it. Yes, it’s good! No, it’s better than good! It’s Semplicamente Delizioso! What’s not to love right? Potatoes, Cheese, Butter, Sage & just for good measure a little Grappa thrown in! Schweet.

Cipolle Vegetariane {Vegetarian Onions}

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Sides, Vegetables, Vegetarian | 22 comments

This is another Italian dish that can be made a multitude of ways. Cipolle Vegetariane is Italian for Vegetarian Onions! Yes, you read right – Vegetarian Onions! Don’t get excited, I am after all serving them with my Pepper Encrusted Steaks! But they are just as fab on their own. They smell so divine while cooking. What’s not to like: onions, mushrooms, bell pepper. Oooh! So good.

Funghi Gratinati {Mushrooms au Gratin}

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Sides | 37 comments

Ah another Fabulous Italian dish! Funghi {foon-gee (as in gee like geek)} Gratinati, is so much fun to say! Italian for Mushrooms au Gratin! or Simply FAB FUNGHI! This is by FAR one of the BEST mushrooms dishes I have EVER had, if not THE best…Can I just say MMMMMMMmmmmhhhh! I know that’s not technically an adjective or description but it’s spot on!

I am going to have to make a double batch of these next time. No question about it. They didn’t last five minutes at my dinner table and I could have eaten the entire dish by myself. Yes, seriously the WHOLE dish! It’s that good ppl. If you like mushrooms then you MUST, you simply MUST try this.

Saffron Seafood Risotto

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Seafood, Sides | 17 comments

Have I ever mentioned how much I love Risotto? I’m sure I have, it’s just so creamy & delicious. What’s not to love?  And it’s insanely versatile. You can put just about anything into it.

I wanted to do an ultra luxurious risotto and I thought what’s more luxurious than saffron? Oh, glorious saffron! I know this isn’t the most budget friendly recipe but we can splurge every now & then! When you’re ready to splurge, this is one of those recipes.

Homemade Pasta ~ Pasta fatto in casa

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Main Course, Pasta, Pork, Poultry, Reviews, Seafood, Sides, Vegetables | 40 comments

I recently got a brand new Imperial Pasta Maker! Yes, it’s an old school hand crank version but for me there isn’t any other way to make it. It’s a machine that will be around for you to pass on to the next pasta maker in your family. There is NOTHING like homemade pasta. You should really try it if you have not.

There is nothing wrong with dried boxed pasta (I use them all the time) but there is just something special about fresh homemade pasta. It’s much easier than you would think. It is time consuming but not difficult. If you wanted to speed up the process you could even mix the dough in your mixer or food processor. The recipe posted will make enough for 4 regular portions. I usually make at least two of this recipe to feed my family of 5 but we’re big pasta eaters. If you were making this as a prima, or first course, I think one batch would be fine.

Simply Sweet Grilled Asparagus

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Sides, Vegetables | 25 comments

This is the perfect time of year for asparagus & it’s the perfect time for grilling. I came up with this idea to caramelize asparagus on the grill & guess what? It’s amazing!

Hubs was a total disbeliever on this one when I was originally pitching the idea. He said many times over, “Really, you want to put sugar on the asparagus” (insert eye rolling here). But as he knows once I have an idea in my head it’s best just to go with it.

So he reluctantly went along & fired up the grill. He quickly did a 180 when he tasted them. He nearly ate an entire plate full himself. The kids were even gobbling them up. They are totally unexpected and wildly delicious. Plus they couldn’t be easier to make.

Grilled Eggplant dripping with a Tomato and Ricotta Salsa

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Appetizer, Sides, Vegetables | 14 comments

We’ve officially skipped spring and dived directly into summer. Now that it’s scorching hot outside already, it’s time to get outside and utilize the grill. Have I mentioned how much I like eggplant? It’s such a meaty vegetable & surprisingly inexpensive. One really does go a long way. I like to hit my local farmer’s market this time of year to get the freshest ingredients possible. Plus, it’s always nice to see where your food comes from & I like to support my local farmers!

This is a quick and easy recipe that can be done almost completely on the grill. It’s perfect as an appetizer or even as a side dish. If you want to change it up a bit, simply add a toasted bun and it becomes a scrumptious eggplant burger!

Risotto ai Funghi {Mushroom Risotto}

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Sides | 10 comments

As I mentioned in my basic Risotto recipe, there are tons of different items you can incorporate into your Risotto. Once you have the basic technique down, it’s easy peasy to add to it. Plus, by adding another ingredient it adds another layer of depth to the already deliciously complex Risotto.

Funghi (Mushrooms) are a perfect addition. This recipe can easily be doubled. If you happen to have any left over, which at my house is extremely rare, simply add a dab of chicken stock when reheating & it’s good as new! I like to garnish mine with a bit of Parmigiano Reggiano (I know shocking, right? LOL). Doesn’t Parmigiano Reggiano make everything better?

I hope you’ll give this a try & experiment with different add in’s as well! I plan on doing a Seafood Risotto soon!

What you’ll need:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion – minced
1 cup of Arborio rice
4-6 cups chicken broth
salt
1 cup of fresh mushrooms – chopped
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

What to do:
1. Pour olive oil into a large sauce pan and place over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent. Add rice, stir continually until rice changes color ever so slightly and is coated well with oil. Stir constantly so you do not let your onions or rice burn.

2. Reduce heat to low and carefully add in about 1/2 cup of chicken broth and stir continually. Season with salt. Once chicken broth has reduced add another ladel of broth. Continue this process until your risotto is al dente {approx 30 minutes} 

3. At about 20 minutes into the cooking, add your mushrooms. Once your rice is creamy and al dente, remove from heat, check for seasoning {add salt if necessasry} stir in butter and serve.

Garnish with Parmigiano Reggiano if desired.

Buon Appetito!

Roasted Brussel Sprouts & Mushrooms

Posted by Paula in All Recipes, Gluten Free, Sides, Vegetables, Vegetarian | 17 comments

Okay, I must admit until recently I was NOT a fan of the Brussel Sprout. At the very mention of the word, I conjured up memories of small, soggy, green vegetable balls from my childhood that I was told to eat because they were “good for me”. They were tasteless & lifeless & I wanted nothing to do with them. Until now that is!