SugarLoveSpices

Rice with Peas and Carrots

Nicoletta May 25, 2020

Rice with Peas and Carrots, Riso con Piselli e Carote, a simple, tasty, and nutritious recipe that we love to make for lunch on rotation, almost every week. When fresh sweet peas make their appearance at the market, I rejoice because they are one of my absolute favorite vegetables.

Song of the day: Put a Little Love In Your Heart – David Ruffin

Unlike risotto, here you cook the vegetables and the rice separately, then you let them mingle in a wonderful embrace. Simple, delicious flavors, in a great seasonal recipe that will win your heart.

Meat and Poultry

Italian Stuffed Zucchini in Tomato Sauce

Loreto May 21, 2020

Italian Stuffed Zucchini in Tomato Sauce (Zucchine Ripiene alla Romana). A classic dish from Rome that says nothing but flavor and texture. Did you ever think that you could core a hole through a center of a beautiful zucchini and stuff it with some incredible ground meat? Think again, I did it, and want to share my experience with you!

Song of the day: “Be Nice” by Will I Am (feat Snoop Dog)

Italian Stuffed Zucchini in Tomato Sauce (Zucchine Ripiene alla Romana). Beautifully stuffed zucchini seared and slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce. If you love Italian food this is a dish for you to try. The end result, some very happy taste buds!

Gluten-free, Side Dishes, Vegan/Vegetarian

Simple Stove top Lemon Asparagus

Nicoletta May 16, 2020

Simple Stove top Lemon Asparagus. A seasonal recipe that isn’t much of a recipe. Just five ingredients: evo oil, garlic, salt and pepper, lemon juice and zest. The star of the show remains the asparagus. Cooking them on the stove top is easy, quick, and lets you control how crisp or tender you want your asparagus to be.

Song of the day: Look For The Good – Jason Mraz

Aren’t you happy when you see bundles of fresh asparagus in the markets? I am over the moon, I love all the dishes I can make with asparagus, from simpler to more elaborate ones. The first time I made these stove top lemon asparagus was to top my Spring focaccia served with crumbled feta and a drizzle of honey. Have you made it yet? It presents beautifully and it tastes amazing. I suggest you make a double serving of these lemon asparagus, use half as a side dish, and the other half for the focaccia. You can thank me later, lol.

Gluten-free, Side Dishes, Vegan/Vegetarian

Sweet Potato Onion Gratin

Loreto May 14, 2020

Sweet Potato Onion Gratin. Outdoor cooking and backyard barbecues are underway. The aromas of grilling and the sounds of spring and summer are in the air. Today we are sharing a wonderful side dish that was inspired by a Food Network star. Come into our kitchen and let’s make this aromatic oh so flavorful dish!

Song of the day: “Born to be Wild” by Steppenwolf.

Sweet Potato Onion Gratin! Take grilled sweet potato and onion and layer it in a baking dish separated by gooey cheese and cream spiced with grated horseradish and we have a side dish that will take you on the flavor town express! This dish has layer upon layer of taste bud tantalization surely making it a winner in my books!

Dessert

Pastry Cream Tiramisu (with Sardinian Savoiardi)

Nicoletta May 10, 2020

Pastry Cream Tiramisu (with Sardinian Savoiardi). We have yet to find somebody that doesn’t like Tiramisù, in Italy and abroad. Many even consider it their most favorite dessert. What’s not to love? Savoiardi, espresso coffee, cream, and cocoa create a scrumptious, luxurious dessert, where every spoonful melts in your mouth in heavenly pleasure.

Song of the day: Stay Awake – Dean Lewis

I revisited the classic Tiramisu recipe making a delectable pastry cream instead of the mascarpone/egg cream, and using ‘giant’ Savoiardi which are traditional from Sardinia. The end result is utterly delicious, light, and wonderfully creamy. Looking for a quick, delicious dessert for Mother’s Day or just to sweeten up your Sunday lunch? Try this Pastry Cream Tiramisu, you won’t be disappointed!

Meat and Poultry

Korean-style Short ribs on Rice with Asian Slaw

Loreto May 8, 2020

Korean-style Short ribs on Rice with Asian Slaw, talk about flavor and texture. These short ribs are marinated with an array of Asian spices then grilled releasing all that intense caramelized juice giving the ribs tenderness and moistness. Lay that on a bed of steamed Jasmine rice and add in a beautiful crisp and tangy coleslaw, and you have the perfect meal to wow your family with!

Song of the day: “I’m so excited” by The Pointer Sisters.

This is one of those dishes that you are going to absolutely love. The depth of spices perfectly elevates the short rib, and the slaw adds a nice touch of freshness. Plus it presents well with vibrant colors and amazing aromas. I guarantee you that when you bring this dish to the table, there will be a bit of eyebrow lifting going on!

Cakes, Pies & Tarts, Dessert

Flapper Pie, truly Canadian

Loreto May 3, 2020

Flapper Pie, truly Canadian. Most people say ‘what is a flapper pie’? Well, if you like cream pies, this is one of the most economical and great tasting pies from the prairies of Canada. However, the best part is it is so easy and I have made it gluten-free, how about that!

Song of the day: “At the Hundredth Meridian ” by The Tragically Hip.

Flapper Pie, truly Canadian. Imagine a wonderful gluten-free graham crust, vanilla cream, and a mound of meringue topping this wonderful dessert. The end result, luscious, delectable, creamy rich goodness with a side of Canadian culture! Try it today!

Dessert, Gluten-free, Spoon desserts, Vegan/Vegetarian

Strawberries with Sugar and Lemon

Nicoletta April 26, 2020

Strawberries with Sugar and Lemon (Fragole con zucchero e limone). Simple, easy, and delicious, it is our go-to Spring dessert as soon as fresh local strawberries start making their appearance at the markets. You need three ingredients and a few minutes of your time to throw together this Italian staple that everyone will enjoy! And it’s vegan, too!

Song of the day: Put Your Records On – Corinne Bailey Rae

I’ve been enjoying this my entire life, but for many years, I refrained to share it on our blog because of its simplicity. Cut up your strawberries, stir in sugar and lemon, and toss it all together until an irresistible strawberry syrup develops. Sounded too easy, didn’t it?

Breakfast and Brunch, Cakes, Pies & Tarts

Delicious and Easy Yogurt Marble Cake

Nicoletta April 22, 2020

Delicious and Easy Yogurt Marble Cake, a slight variation to the yogurt cake I make all the time, adapted in times of lack of ingredients. I reduced the number of eggs, replaced some flour with potato starch and added some cocoa to half of the batter to make the marbled effect. Delicious, easy, and good-looking.

Song of the day: “Things You Can’t Change” – Rhys Lewis

Yogurt cake is a classic here. It is the cake I make again and again in its multiple variations. All you need to do is change yogurt flavor, add cocoa, chocolate chips, fresh fruit, and you have a whole different cake. The marbled effect is pretty and the unsweetened cocoa gives scrumptiousness while keeping the cake not too sweet, just how I like it.

Older Posts

Instagram