Belly Button Mac N Cheese

Tortellini, A Different Style

Tortellini Mac N Cheese

And then there’s Ina Garten … Cheesy dishes are one of her specialities. When I say cheesy there is no other way to put it. If you aren’t into cheese just forget it! Some years ago my oldest son requested her 5 Cheese Penne Pasta for his birthday dinner. Little did I know one of the guests didn’t like cheese. Can you imagine! She didn’t tell me directly but she stirred her food to appear eaten. With four kids I knew what that meant.

This beats any cheesy recipe Ina has but in reality it’s a make over of her Mac N Cheese. Be prepared … this is so rich just a little will do you.

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The Best Pizza Soup

Pizza Soup

 

If you love pizza with red sauce you’ll love love this! Use the pizza toppings you like on your usual pizza, make it vegetarian, add jalapeños or not … You’ve got the idea. Make it your own! Ready in less than 30 or make everything from scratch for a truly personal touch. I’ve made our family favorite, Combination without anchovies. If you’re into anchovies add a little paste to give that in-depth taste.

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Pasta Sunday

Meatloaf Or Meatball Stuffed Shells

Meatloaf Stuffed Shells

 

 

Our family never complains Spaghetti Again! It’s just one of our very favorites. But if your family needs a change up on Pasta Sunday try this. It’s so simple and fast. And what a hit! Use your or my favorite meatloaf or meatball recipe, stuff the al dente cooked shells, and bake in marinara. That easy!

Mangia! Mangia!

Don’t forget a great Chianti!

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Portuguese & Italian Sausage Sliders

Just in time for the Super Bowl

Portuguese and Italian Sausage Sliders

No one wants to spend time in the kitchen when the game’s on. Back in the day most women went out on game day … Maybe took in a movie. Shopping was out … stores weren’t open Sundays.

Super Bowl Sunday the television room will be filled with everyone. Even gramma has a fav team. So, let’s make the spread quick and easy. Here are two favorite sliders with one basic recipe.

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Crostini Dinner

Endless Choices

Crostini

You might think of Crostini as an appetizer but it hasn’t always been. And just as with pasta, crostini toppings are endless. In fact, these sauces and toppings are pretty much interchangeable. If you enjoyed my post Linguini with Puttanesca but have run out of linguini try Puttanesca as a Crostino topping.

Toast thin slices of a French baguette, yep in the toaster, or impress your guy or gal by toasting these little bites of bread in a skillet coated with a bit of garlic infused olive oil. Top. Pair with your favorite wine and you have dinner. Chianti for me. And BTW if you are allergic to garlic (often protested by friends or family who can’t do garlic but aren’t allergic) this post is all about this favorite Allium, garlic.

Enjoy!

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Linguini (Linguine) Alla Puttanesca

Linguini with Puttanesca

This remains my favorite light pasta meal for so many reasons. Puttanesca is interesting in flavor and in story. It’s been near decades since I first heard the story and tried this amazingly simple but delicious sauce. Some may shy away because of the anchovies or cayenne pepper. This sauce is very forgiving not unlike a great lover. Add anchovy paste instead of anchovies and cayenne to your taste. For a vegan diet let the capers do the trick. The result is always amazing.

Versions of Puttanesca are as many as the verses of Lou Monte’s Lazy Mary. Hope you enjoy this one!

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Chicken Fettuccine Peas Mushrooms Tomatoes

Chicken Fettuccine

Did I mention I never grow tired of Italian! Any Italian recipe with pasta is my friend, especially with a splash of wine … The wine either in the recipe or my glass … I’m not picky. (Not sure my kids would agree with the not picky.)

This recipe takes about 30 minutes start to finish and presents well for company. I always lean toward Pinot Noir but a glass of Chardonnay is a compliment as well … And Chianti Classico.

Enjoy!

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Minestrone Soup

 

A few days rain and I’m craving soup, a nice hearty vegetable beef soup. And I love this! It’s hard to go wrong with Minestrone Soup. I’ve made the vegetarian, well vegan to be exact but I crave it with a little beef this time. It’s to rain twice more this coming week and I know this is just what the family’s going to want on those rainy days.

This is a no hurry recipe but can be made quickly by eliminating the beef short ribs and using the beef broth alone. Can be whipped up in 30 minutes. Or use your slow cooker by layering all the ingredients. Versatile.

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