bell'alimento authentic Italian cuisine

Zeppole with Whiskey Caramel Sauce

Posted by Paula in Desserts | 29 comments

If you’re on a diet, click away, OR just plan on getting on the treadmill for a little longer. Fried dough (aka doughnuts, donuts, fried dough, just gimme). There’s something completely irresistible about it. Doughnuts are my weakness. Especially warm right out of the fryer. Swoon. I feel better about eating these small little doughnut holes, somehow it seems like I’m consuming less calories (even if I do eat 2 dozen by myself). I also have a unicorn that lives in my backyard and leaves me presents. Are you jealous LOL?

Cheesy Broccoli and Bacon Bake

Posted by Paula in Pasta, Pork | 18 comments

Surprise it’s still COLD. Good thing “Ada” my KitchenAid Range is such a workhorse. She’s been getting a massive workout EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. Especially the oven portion. Besides massive amount of chocolate chip cookies there have been a plethora of pasta bakes. I’m a fan of the pasta bake, aka casserole or cheesy carb-y goodness. You pick. What’s not to love about melted cheese and warm pasta? If you’re not a fan, I’m not sure we could be friends. Okay well maybe if you brought me wine and let me eat your bowl of pasta, that might work. Maybe. Chocolate would be good also. Just a thought.

Couscous with Mushrooms and Herbs

Posted by Paula in Pasta, Vegetarian | 19 comments

I’m not sure what took me so long to jump on the couscous train. I suppose better late than never eh? Regardless I’m glad I finally did. It is pretty incredible. Little balls of pasta-liciousness bursting with flavor. Almost like savory boba balls (you know the ones in bubble tea or at the fro-yo shop) without the liquid burst. Okay not at all like boba balls I just also happen to like those. A lot. Like I have a 7 pound jar in my Amazon cart right now. I don’t kid about food. Ever. What else do I love? Mushrooms. Mushrooms plus Israeli couscous = happy happy happy.

Bucatini with Parsley and Bread Crumbs

Posted by Paula in Pasta, Vegetarian | 20 comments

I love big fat sloppy bucatini pasta. They do make twirling challenging (you know how much I love a good twirl), and a little slurping is necessary but I’m okay with that. I understand in some cultures that slurping noodles is not considered impolite at all, instead it’s considered to be quite the compliment. So slurp on. Maybe not going as far as “Lady and the Tramp” style, we’re looking for a happy medium here. Right? Right.

Nutella Hazelnut Pots de Creme

Posted by Paula in Desserts, Nutella | 10 comments

Any excuse to make a decadent dessert and I’m in. Valentine’s Day no exception. As much as I love to have someone cook for me, I have to admit I don’t like to venture out for a romantic meal on Valentine’s Day. Why? Because in my experience, restaurants are over-crowded, over-priced and the service is typically slow on the love-iest dove-iest night of the year. Plus I can make a very special meal at home for our whole family for a fraction of the price. THEN we plan on a date night the following week when it’s safe to exit the house again. Win. Win.

Weeknight Meat Sauce with Rigatoni

Posted by Paula in Beef, Pasta | 22 comments

Last month I received an email from America’s Test Kitchen. They shared with me they have a BOOK coming out that’s all about pressure cooking. I almost deleted the email because to be completely honest pressure cookers SCARE me. Seriously scare me. For some reason I truly believed if I used one I was going to have an explosion in my kitchen. True story. But somehow curiosity got hold of me.