Soups, Stews and Sandwiches, Vegan/Vegetarian

Riso e Lenticchie (Rice and Lentil Soup)

Nicoletta February 20, 2019

Riso e Lenticchie (Rice and Lentil Soup) is a classic dish of the Italian cuisine. Rustic, simple and packed with nutrients, it is a healthy comfort food that warms up your body and soul. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, Rice and Lentil Soup is perfect for winter but appreciated all year long.

Song of the day: Guardian – Alanis Morrisette

riso e lenticchie

Riso e Lenticchie (Rice and Lentil Soup) is one of those dishes that has accompanied me through the years. However it is made by different members of my big Italian family oftentimes, with recipes changing from house to house. It is a wholesome, fast and simple soup but rich in substance. Pure comfort, it warms up your body and soul.

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Meat and Poultry

Mushroom Beef, Prosciutto Wrapped Polpettone

Loreto February 17, 2019

Mushroom Beef, Prosciutto Wrapped Polpettone. This dish is the epitome of stacked flavor and texture. I think if you served this at your next Sunday Family Dinner you would have some pretty happy family members! A beautiful Italian-tyle meatloaf mixed in with sauteed mushrooms and just a wee bit of extras all wrapped in prosciutto baked and surrounded in roasted potatoes and mushroom caps. All I can say is triple yum!

Song of the day: “We are Here” by Alicia Keys.

Mushroom Beef, Prosciutto Wrapped Polpettone

[This post is sponsored by Mushrooms Canada. We’ve been compensated but -as always- all opinions are our own.]

Mushroom Beef, Prosciutto Wrapped Polpettone. An elaborated typical recipe that you would typically see for Sunday lunch, a time for family to come together for food, conversation, and maybe a heated debate!

This Polpettone is a blend of ground beef and wonderfully sauteed and seasoned mushrooms with some spices and herbs plus milk-soaked bread, Parmigiano Reggiano.

However, that is not all. How about some finely chopped mortadella? Blend it all together and mold it into a nice plump oval then wrap it all in prosciutto and you have a meat dish screaming moist, tender oh so lip-smacking, mouthwatering, tantalizing aromatic delicious savory meal!

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Cakes, Pies & Tarts, Dessert

Cocoa Yogurt Cake with Spelt flour

Loreto February 14, 2019

Cocoa Yogurt Cake with Spelt flour. It’s Valentine’s day and I cannot think of anything more precious than this heart-shaped cake that I know is delicious, because I know Nicoletta and she has a lot of heart and passion, plus a way with sweets! I love the rich look of this cake. It tells me a few things, it is going to be moist and deep in flavor!

Song of the day: “My Funny Valentine” by Alfie Zappacosta.

Cocoa Yogurt Cake with Spelt flour

Cocoa Yogurt Cake with Spelt flour. This is not your ordinary chocolate cake. It has a few twists. Firstly, it is done with spelt flour. Secondly, there is potato starch in the mix. Thirdly, it has a hint of cardamom and cinnamon and just a touch of vanilla. Perfect flavors and textures to dazzle a dessert for that special day of the heart!

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Dessert

Frappe, Rome’s Carnival Treats

Nicoletta February 12, 2019

Frappe, Rome’s Carnival Treats. Frappe, Chiacchiere, Crostoli, Bugie, Cenci, Sfrappole, these are some of the different names of these typical Italian Carnival treats. Thin ribbons of slightly sweetened and aromatic dough, deep fried until light and crispy, finished with a very generous dusting of powdered sugar.

Song of the day: Feel Good Inc – Gorillaz

Frappe, Rome's Carnival Treats

Making and eating Frappe, Rome’s Carnival Treats represent one of the ‘sacred’ annual rites that no Roman can miss. Right after the Epiphany, on January 6th, not only frappe, but also castagnole, bignè, zeppole, and all the luxurious sweet treats start to appear in every pastry shop, cafe, bakery, grocery store, and house. There is this aroma, in the air, a mix of frying oil, sugar, and liqueur or wine.

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Meat and Poultry

Toad in the Hole, a Taste of Great Britain

Loreto February 10, 2019

Toad in the Hole, a Taste of Great Britain. Talk about British comfort food with a foodie creative twist! Imagine Yorkshire pudding encasing lovely delicious sausages wrapped in bacon and brightened with roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs. Definitely a ride on the amazing flavor train!

Song of the day: “The Show Must Go On” by Queen.

Toad in the Hole a taste of Great Britain

This Recipe is worth a try!

Toad in the Hole, a Taste of Great Britain. If you were scared of making Yorkshire and never have, this recipe will change your mind and you will be floored by the romance of flavors and textures consequently leaving you with a smile on your face and some food love inside you!

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Gluten-free, Side Dishes, Vegan/Vegetarian

Spicy Italian Rapini and Cannellini Beans

Loreto February 6, 2019

Spicy Italian Rapini and Cannellini Beans. Sometimes the simplest things in life are fabulous. Like this dish, easy to prepare and in no time you have a dish that is substantial enough to stand alone and deliciously noteworthy at that.

Song of the day: “Chandelier” by Sia.

Spicy Italian Rapini and Cannellini Beans

Spicy Italian Rapini and Cannellini Beans.  A true Italian dish that has so much flavor and texture that you will have forkful after forkful until the sad end when it is gone. Earthy meets starchy in this wonderful Italian menagerie!

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