Passione: Simple, Seductive Recipes for Lovers of Italian Food features over 100 of Gennaro Contaldo’s favorite dishes and stories from his childhood. Along with the recipe I am sharing for Ndundari con Salsa di Pomodoro e Basilico (Pasta Dumplings with Tomato and Basil Sauce), other highlights include Zuppa di Piselli e Menta Fresca (Pea and Fresh…
Vibrant India Cookbook Review and Jolada Palya (Stir-Fried Corn with Basil and Leeks)
Vibrant India: Fresh Vegetarian Recipes from Bangalore to Brooklyn, written by Chitra Agrawal, features the light and fresh, bold and complex flavors of South Indian home cooking. In addition to being vegetarian, a large portion of the recipes are also vegan and gluten-free or can be easily adapted for restrictions and personal tastes. Highlights include…
#SundaySupper Oktoberfest: Kräuterbutter (German Herb Butter)
#SundaySupper is celebrating Oktoberfest today! This week’s event is hosted by Cricket of Cricket’s Confections and I am joining with a recipe for Kräuterbutter, German Herb Butter. This is actually my second event in a row featuring a German recipe. I also shared Eiskaffee (German Coffee with Ice Cream) for #SundaySupper a couple of weeks ago. Kräuterbutter was always a…
Culinaria France Cookbook Review and Pistou (Provençal Basil Paste)
Culinaria France: A Celebration of Food and Tradition, edited by André Dominé, features the regional cuisine of France along with the background of the people, culture, and development of local ingredients. A variety of favorites and lesser known recipes can be found including Tarte à l’Espoisses et aux pommes (Epoisses cheese and apple tart) from…
Pasta Cookbook Review and Dondolini Salad with Grilled Peppers and Feta
Pasta: Fresh, Simple, and Delicious, written by Valéry Drouet and Pierre-Louis Viel, features 50 unique dishes using a favorite versatile ingredient, pasta. This no-frills book focuses on beautiful photos and recipes for all tastes and occasions, from salads and baked dishes to filled doughs and dessert-worthy offerings. Along with the review, I’ll also be sharing a recipe perfect…
#SundaySupper Nostalgic Summer Recipes: Spätzlesalat (German Spaetzle Pasta Salad)
Today’s #SundaySupper is hosted by Coleen of The Redhead Baker and is celebrating Nostalgic Summer Recipes. I made Spätzlesalat, a German pasta salad tossed with tomatoes, bacon, cheese, fresh herbs, and a light dressing. To be honest, I didn’t really have any “favorite” summer foods as a child. I was an extremely picky eater and…
Pasta con Pesto alla Trapanese
Pesto Trapanese is the Sicilian version of the popular pesto pasta sauce. It originated in Trapani region, where tomatoes and almonds are abundant. Raw tomatoes, fresh basil, almonds, olive oil, and pecorino cheese are processed or pounded into a textured sauce that can be served warm or cold. The traditional pasta to accompany this sauce is…
The Broad Fork Cookbook Review and Crisp Toasted Bagel with Fromage Blanc, Tomato, Sea Salt, and Basil
The Broad Fork, written by Hugh Acheson, offers 200 recipes for seasonal fruits and vegetables the reader may be exposed to through CSA (community supported agriculture) boxes and local farmers, but not necessarily know how to prepare. His goal was to create recipes that generally take a short amount of time, but are still delicious to get…
Tomato Mozzarella Gratin
I found this recipe for Tomato Mozzarella Gratin (Tomaten-Mozzarella-Gratin) in a small pasta cookbook I picked up in Germany a few years ago. Lasagne noodles are broken into large pieces, then arranged with slices of tomatoes and mozzarella. After baking until the cheese is melted and the tops of the noodles are golden, the gratin…
Watermelon Feta Orzo Salad
This Watermelon Feta Orzo Salad is a great summer side dish to accompany any grilling or picnics during the holiday weekend. Orzo pasta is tossed with watermelon, feta cheese, and fresh basil, then dressed with a lemon honey mixture. It is best served at room temperature. I like a little higher pasta ratio, so I…
