SugarLoveSpices

Cookies, Dessert

Ciambelline Sarde (Sardinian Sandwich Cookies)

Nicoletta December 3, 2019

Ciambelline Sarde (Sardinian Sandwich Cookies). Filled with jam or chocolate hazelnut spread these Sardinian sandwich cookies are beloved by adults and children alike. They are excellent to accompany breakfast but also to eat as a snack or as a dessert at the end of a meal. The traditional shape is that with a double flower but they are also cute in a double star shape.

Song of the day: It’s Time – Imagine Dragons

Is there anything better than a buttery shortbread cookie? Oh yes, a sandwich cookie with a luxurious chocolate hazelnut filling, some icing sugar on top, and a cute flower shape.

Breakfast and Brunch

Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Loreto November 30, 2019

Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. If there is a breakfast that could make us excited and keep us from going out to start the day it is these incredibly light, airy, lemon-scented, ricotta rich pancakes with a crisp edge!

Song of the day: “Living in the Moment” by Jason Mraz.

Treat Yourself like Royalty………………………………………………

Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. A breakfast dish fit for kings and queens and one that will grace your table if you wish to try this recipe. I guarantee you will be blown away by the flavor and texture. It will leave you feeling great and a smile from the inside out!

Appetizers and Snacks, Gluten-free, Side Dishes, Vegan/Vegetarian

Portobellini Cheese Melts with Pesto and Peppers

Loreto November 26, 2019

Portobellini Cheese Melts with Pesto and Peppers, an appetizer that will have you smacking your lips beginning with the meaty succulent Portobellini mushroom taking you into the wonderfully sweet pepper stuffing sitting on a tasty bed of pesto, finally finishing with a gooey cheesy Fontina topping. How does that sound? Wondering what to make for a starter at your next festive or dinner gathering? Because I think these will be a hit!

Song of the day: “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” by Tears for Fears.

Appetizers a must…………………………..

One of our favorite things to do is have dinner which consists of different appetizers. The variety along with the fun involved in getting it ready and just relaxing while eating entails enjoying each bite.

Having said that we have just the dish that would be a great starter for you why not try these Portobellini Cheese Melts with Pesto and Peppers.

Pasta, Pizza, Risotto, Vegan/Vegetarian

Italian Baked Ziti (with Hard Boiled Egg and Eggplant Meatballs)

Nicoletta November 22, 2019

Italian Baked Ziti (with Hard-Boiled Egg and Eggplant Meatballs) is my interpretation of a family favorite: the Pasta al forno that my grandma would make for a Sunday Lunch. Always with ziti pasta, a rosé tomato sauce, hard-boiled eggs tucked inside, and a good amount of mozzarella and Parmigiano. I added tiny eggplant meatballs, that are oven-baked and so delicious! Get some help in the kitchen and start making this incredible pasta dish for your next family gathering.

Song of the day: Hey Look Ma, I Made It – Panic! At The Disco

This oven-baked ziti recipe features a luscious tomato sauce with ricotta mixed in, al dente ziti coated in the sauce, all dressed with mozzarella, Parmigiano, chunks of hard-boiled egg and tiny eggplant meatballs. Not your usual pasta bake, and definitely not a 30-minute meal, but so rewarding and fulfilling!

Appetizers and Snacks, Breakfast and Brunch

Pear, Bacon, and Taleggio Tartine

Loreto November 18, 2019

Pear, Bacon, and Taleggio Tartine. What do you get when you combine pear, bacon, and Taleggio on a piece of rustic beautifully crusted bred? A breakfast that will knock your socks off.

Song of the day: “Real Love” by Mary J Blige.

Pear, Bacon, and Taleggio Tartine. If you like grilled cheese then you are going to adore this open-faced melted cheese, with pear and bacon with a whole lot of texture and flavor. Now that’s a beautiful Tartine!

Canning, Pickling, How To

Easy Quince Jam

Nicoletta November 14, 2019

Easy Quince Jam. A smooth and delicious jam made of quince, sugar, and lemon juice. A Fall treat that you can enjoy every time of the year in a jam form, to spread on toast, on your crostata, or as an accompaniment to your cheese board.

Song of the day: Long Way Home – Norah Jones

Quince is the sole member of the genus Cydonia in the family Rosaceae which also contains apples and pears, among other fruits (Wiki). This Autumn apple has a hard and somewhat fuzzy skin and an uninviting appearance, however, when cooked, they are excellent for jams, jellies, and mustards.

Fish and Seafood

Home Style Portuguese Shrimp and Chorizo

Loreto November 10, 2019

Home Style Portuguese Shrimp and Chorizo, Talk about Mediterranean flavors and beauty, this is a great plate that can be served as a tapas or a dish substantial enough to stand on its own. This month with Eat the World we traveled to Portugal and I was so pleasantly surprised at the many incredible recipes including this seafood feast with a touch of chorizo!

Song of the day: “Around the World” by Daft Punk.

Home Style Portuguese Shrimp and Chorizo, hosts wonderfully plump shrimp combined with green onion, chorizo, and some bay leaf, white wine, olives. As a result a wonderfully fresh and bright dish that is nothing but a blessing to share with the one you love.

Gluten-free, Pasta, Pizza, Risotto, Vegan/Vegetarian

How To Make The Best Squash Risotto

Loreto November 7, 2019

How To Make The Best Squash Risotto. Just when you thought risotto is hard to make, think again. With a few ingredients and in less than 1/2 hour, you will have the most delicious creamy flavorful risotto!

Song of the day: “Putting on the Ritz” by Taco.

Flavor and Texture, I’m in!

How To Make The Best Squash Risotto Takes you on a step by step easy to follow illustrated tutorial on a misunderstood traditional Italian dish. After you make this risotto it will surely become a go-to dinner over and again, because the flavor and texture are amazing and options for deliciousness endless. A perfect recipe for any season, I think!

Breakfast and Brunch, Dessert

Salted Butter Spiced Apple Spelt Brioche Rolls

Nicoletta November 4, 2019

Salted Butter Spiced Apple Spelt Brioche Rolls. A light brioche dough made with spelt flour and honey hosts a filling of spiced apples sauteed in salted butter. The dough roll is then cut into slices and each slice is arranged in a muffin pan, brushed with egg wash and sprinkled with sugar where it bakes up in a golden, delicious, apple brioche roll. Try it for breakfast, brunch, grab and go snack, tea time treat, or dessert.

Song of the day: Snow (Hey Oh) – Red Hot Chili Peppers

I enjoy making brioche very much. And this particular one, made with spelt flour and sweetened with honey might be my absolute favorite. Apples are one of the seasonal gems we have in the Fall and Winter and they certainly shine, here, all dressed up in warm fragrant spices and sauteed in salted butter.