Lasagna Macaroni and Cheese
Just saying the word lasagna makes me happy. I’m sure I’m not the only one. What’s not to love right? Well other than how long it takes to make. It’s one of the few dishes that I make that does requires the bulk of a day. I’m not going to lie, I don’t make a lot of dishes that require that much commitment – you know I’m impatient. Now that I’m thinking about it I can only think of a few off the top of my head that I’m willing to spend that much time on. So if I am you can bet a jar of Nutella that it’s got to be eyes rolling back into your head good. Period.
read moreCoffee Rubbed Steaks
How would I describe coffee rubbed steaks? Two words. Crazy good. I do love my coffee (obsessed might be a better word) and I do love steaks so it’s a natural combination for me. For others, it might not be the obvious choice but sometimes the obvious isn’t always the best now is it? Go ahead and try something new. Come on. You can do it! The coffee rub forms a nice crust on the outside that’s got a little bit of a kick to it. If you don’t like so much of a kick just cut back on the chili powder.
read moreSuper Simple Summer Sliders
I have had a love affair with King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls for as long as I can remember. They’re soft, sweet and irresistible. I could pop them into my mouth all day long. But that would not be good would it. Sadly no. Sniff sniff. Instead of They’re the perfect size to transform into sliders or bite sized sandwiches. Making them an awesome party appetizer, snack or even a light lunch.
read moreBeef Tagliata Arugula & Mushroom Salad with Kerrygold Cashel Blue
I am a feeder. I LOVE having people over for dinner. I’ve never been able to cook for just our family. I blame my Mom for that ; ) Or maybe it was my Dad’s fault because he was always dragging GI’s over for dinner and she had to cook for an unexpected crowd . Anyway I get it honestly. Since I can’t physically have you all over we’ll have to settle for virtual dinner parties. Today you’re in luck Susan and I are co-hosting a virtual pot luck with a few of our fabulously talented friends. We’ll each be showcasing the Celtic wonder that is Kerrygold butter and cheese.
read moreGrilled Steak Kebabs with Caesar Salad
Do you have a salad’tude: a salad state of mind? I do. That doesn’t surprise you does it? I have confessed to you before that I am not much of a salad person (other than Caprese Salad which I could eat everyday) . When I do eat it it, 9/10 it is a small spinach salad made with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Simple but scrumptious. Probably a big part of my salad’tude is that I don’t get creative with my salads. I tend to look at salads as the intro to dinner, a small supporting character if you will. But my ways are changing and I’ll tell you why.
read moreSteak with Shallot, Butter & Balsamic Sauce
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.
read moreScaloppine Pasticciate {Veal Scaloppine}
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Another very impressive dish that couldn’t be simpler to make. Veal Scaloppine. It even sounds romantic doesn’t it ; ) And why wouldn’t you just fall in love with this dish? There’s: veal, mushrooms, CHEESE, ham, cream… It’s just dreamy all together.
read moreBistecche Piccanti {Spicy Steak}
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Sometimes I just want a piece of steak. I’m going to tell you a little secret though, I’m not the best grill master in the world. GASP. There I said it, whew. I feel better. So the idea of going outside and firing up the grill pretty much isn’t high on my list. What do I do in those cases? Wait for Mr. Bell’alimento to come home to grill. He is the grill master in our casa. And I’m okay with that ; )
read moreNodini al Pomodoro {Veal Chops in Tomato Sauce}
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Veal chops make my mouth water. Perhaps it’s just hearing the word “chops” which makes me want to lick my lips. Or perhaps it’s the oh so tender veal. Chissa {who knows} but what I do know is that Nodini al Pomodoro {veal chops in tomato sauce} is a dish that tantalizes my taste buds…
read moreBrasato {Braised Short Ribs with Vegetables and Herbs}
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Who doesn’t love braised short ribs? Not only are they incredibly flavorful because of the sheer amount of time they spend bubbling away in their own special little jacuzzi, they’re so tender they fall off the bone. And if that wasn’t enough it’s pretty much pot to table! Hey, what can I say, I like to cook but detest doing dishes…sigh
read moreManzo alla Panna {Beef Roast with Parmigiano and Cream}
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Before we get to this extraordinarily scrumptious beef roast {patience my pretties, patience}, I wanted to tell you about Kitchen Play ! It’s a brand spanking new interactive site and I think you’re going to like it. Who doesn’t like to play in the kitchen after all, I know I do ; ) Because I know you’re intrigued and you’re asking so how exactly does this site work ? Well, I’m so happy you asked ; )
Kitchen Play will present a new sponsored Progressive Party each month. The premise: six bloggers tasked with the challenge of incorporating the same food product or kitchen tool into six wildly different courses. After each month’s dramatic reveal, there will be a contest open to other food bloggers who want to try that month’s recipes and post about it for a chance to win a prize. How fun right!
I was honored to be chosen to participate in this month’s Progressive Party & Sur La Table just happens to be the Sponsor {squeeee} A word from our sponsor…”Sur La Table provides inspiration, tools and techniques for those who wish to enhance their lives through creative cooking and artful entertaining. Sur La Table’s comprehensive selection of products includes tools from around the world to prepare any cuisine, as well as beautiful dishes, linens and glasses to create a striking presentation. Sur La Table shops the world for new products providing the unexpected and a sense of discovery, whether you step into one of its stores nationwide, open the pages of its catalog or visit surlatable.com.”
My assigned course was ENTREE {score} and our top secret Sur La Table product {that was provided to me at no charge, ehem disclosure} was…*drumroll please* a Digital Flip Thermometer {perfect for cooking, baking and barbecuing Accurate up to 235 degrees F/112 degrees Celsius It’s small, sleek and yes sexy! And comes in a variety of snappy colors!
So now, what to do with this sweet sexy little number, eh? Since it is now fall, and I can bear heating up the kitchen a wee bit, I thought a roast was in order. Not just any roast {you know me better than that} A Manzo alla Panna {Beef Roast with a Parmigiano Reggiano and Cream sauce} Oh yes, it’s even better than it sounds. You’ll definitely want to make this. You, your tummy and your family’s tummies will thank me ; ) }
And…psst..because the site is called KITCHEN PLAY, {you knew a contest was coming didn’t you ; ) } if you DO make this recipe {or any of the others from this progressive party – but you know you want to make THIS recipe right LOL} and post about the experience on your own sites you MIGHT just win a prize. Woo hoo! To read about all of the rules/regulations, head on over to Kitchen Play. The prize will be the same for each course: The Swissmar V-Slicer valued at $50 (6 prizes total). But wait, there will also be a GRAND PRIZE drawing (all contest entrants are eligible), *drum roll please* it’s a Le Creuset Cassis Oval Wide French Oven, 3 ½ qt. #688606 Valued at $255.00.
Now there’s a little incentive ; ) And here’s a little more…
This is not your typical roast. The Parmigiano that is studded into the roast {that just sounds wrong doesn’t it LOL} oozes creamy cheesy goodness while it cooks. The roast is kissed with a nice red wine and then soaks in a creamy bath until it reaches just the right temperature. It’s juicy, moist and will have you going back for seconds {and maybe thirds, I’m not here to judge} I served this with a bed of Risotto ai Funghi that I made with leeks instead of onions. The sauce covered the Risotto like a warm blanket. It was the perfect culinary marriage on a plate.
So go ahead, get to playing in the kitchen ; ) Baci e in bocca al lupo {good luck}!
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Manzo alla Panna {Beef Roast with Parmigiano and Cream}
What you’ll need: {Easily serves 6 ppl}
3 pound Angus beef rump roast – room temperature
3/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
2 ounces Parmigiano Reggiano – cut into wedges {see directions}
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 cup dry red wine
3 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano – grated
What to do:
1. Rub the pepper onto all sides of the roast. Make small, deep slits in all sides of the roast. Cut your Parmigiano wedges so that they will fit into the slits of the roast. Insert the Parmigiano into each slit, making sure it’s inserted all the way into the roast. Set aside.
2. Into your dutch oven add butter, olive oil over medium – high heat. Once melted add your roast and brown on all sides. {use a splatter screen if desired} Add wine and cook until wine has reduced by half.
3. Once wine has reduced, reduce heat to LOW, pour 1 cup of cream over roast, cover and simmer until roast reaches an internal temperature of 150-155 degrees {medium} Approx 2 – 2.5 hours. Continue adding 1/2 cup of remaining cream every half hour. Turn your roast every so often.
4. Once roast has reached it’s internal temperature of 150-155 degrees, remove it from the dutch oven, transfer to a cutting board and allow it to rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.
5. WHILE the roast is resting, skim the fat off of the top of the sauce and discard. Add the grated Parmigiano Reggiano and stir to combine. {If you prefer your sauce thicker, return the sauce to medium heat, stirring often and allow it to thicken}
6. Once the roast has rested, slice roast into thin slices and top with sauce.
Buon Appetito!
Tips:
*You’ll want your roast to be room temperature before browning. Your roast will cook more evenly if it’s at room temperature. Same goes for the cream, you don’t want to add a COLD liquid to a WARM pot.
* Once you’re nearing the 2 hour mark start checking the internal temperature of your roast with your digital thermometer. Cooking times will vary depending on your stove and the size of the roast and how YOU like it cooked. We like our meat cooked medium which is 150 range for a warm pink center.
* It’s EXTREMELY important to let your roast rest prior to slicing. If you slice it too early all the juices from the roast will just run out onto your cutting board.
* If your sauce, simply turn up the heat, continue to stir until it reaches your desired thickness.
Brasato al Barolo {braised beef short ribs in Barolo wine}
I love comfort food & Brasato al Barolo is definitely comfort food! I hadn’t had Brasato in a LONG time but my recent Bertolli trip to New York for the launch of their “Into the heart of Italy” series remedied that. During that whirwind trip there was a lot of eating going on. And one of my favorite things was the Brasato from A Voce restaurant. It was scrumptious. Beyond scrumptious. I had to stop myself from licking the plate {seriously stop myself }.
read moreBistecche ai Funghi {Steak w/Mushrooms}
Ah steak & shrooms, they just go hand in hand don’t they! Well as usual, everything sounds better in Italian. I think I’m just going to start speaking in Italian full time. Cosa pensi? eh he he… Bistecche ai Funghi is pronounced Biz-stay-kay I foon-gee & it’s just that, steak & shrooms.Are you ready for a different take on this classic combination? I had this dish (as with every other LOL) in Italy forevah ago & thought it was genius. You’ve got this crunchy toast (essentially a piece of Texas Toast as it’s known round here ; ) on the bottom, a luscious piece of medium steak. Because yes, I think that steak should be eaten medium with a warm pink center *drool* and then it’s topped with a blanket of scrumptious shrooms that have been basking in a tomato wine based sauce! SUBLIME! It’s full of texture, flavor & it’s oh so filling! What more can you ask for!
read moreLasagne alla Bolognese
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Who’s ready for some LASAGNE? Me, me me! As soon as the weather turns frightful (& well, hello … old man winter has indeed arrived) I feel the urge for Lasagne!
Well to be completely up front with you, this is not a quick Lasagne Recipe. So if you’re looking for QUICK, you’re going to be disappointed. You’ll be better off going & picking up a box of Lasagne from the freezer section of your grocery. Oh it’s not going to be very good, but it will be quick.
read moreRagu’ alla Bolognese {Bolognese Sauce}
Some things in life are worth waiting for, and a good sauce is one of them (at least for me anyway). And no surprise then, this is one of those sauces! Ragu alla Bolognese. Pronounced bowl-own-ez-ay, it’s an amazing, rich, beautiful, robust sauce.
read moreBistecche al Rosmarino {Rosemary Steaks}
Want a nice steak dinner but not the nice steak price tag? Well, you’ll need to try this out! Bistecche al Rosmarino (be-stay-kay rose-mar-e-no) is simply Italian for Rosemary Steaks.
I think you all know by now about my honking big Rosemary Bush! So, I <3 to use fresh Rosemary whenever I have a chance. I was lucky enough to pick up a package of Sirloin Tip Steaks for $4.22 (yes it was on sale! yippee!) at my grocer & it was enough to feed my family of five!
read moreGaucho Steak Sandwich with Chimichurri Sauce
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I have been feeling like the Beef Category needs a little attention (yes, I realize there is only ONE lone beef recipe there) so here is another addition to the category. I think you’re going to like it. This one was inspired by a recipe contest put out by Mezzetta. The contest was to create a sandwich (either hot, cold or vegetarian) that had to contain at least two of their products. Easy enough!
read moreZucchine Farcite {Stuffed Zucchini}
Zucchine Farcite is Italian for Stuffed Zucchini! Again, everything sounds so much better in Italian. It’s just the way everything rolls off the tongue. So poetic, so rhythmic, so…swoon! If I ever have to hear really bad news I’d like to hear it in Italian. Just sayin’.
Zucchini are an amazing little veggie & they’re in abundance right now. I have had stuffed zucchini so many ways. Once you get the basic recipe down the possibilities are endless.
read morePepper Encrusted Steaks
Were you beginning to wonder if I eat beef? I have no idea why I have not posted a beef recipe on bell’alimento. Seriously, we ARE beef eaters! Really we are LOL! We eat beef at least once a week and yet I have neglected to post any recipes. Well we’re going to rectify that right now. Going to start off the beef category right with this recipe!
There’s something so satisfying about a big, fat, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth steak! & This is one of those! No wimpy steaks allowed here; you really need a super nice cut of meat. We went with the Ribeye. A thick 2″ one at that. We only cooked 2 of these babies for our entire family & it was plenty (thank goodness because lets just say they were ‘spensive!)
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