Pork Ragu with Fettuccine

| Linda

Pork Ragu with Fettuccine

So, a while ago I came across a recipe for a Wild Boar Ragu that I’ve been wanting to try…and I ALMOST did…but I chickened out! I looked online for wild boar meat and after reading up on it decided that although I would probably love it, I don’t think my boys would be willing to try it as it’s very gamey…so as an alternative I decided to use boneless pork shoulder in this ragu. After simmering for a few hours it became very tender and was delicious served over fettuccine…next time I visit Eataly in NYC I’m going to pick up some pappardelle and save it for when I make it again…This ragu deserves a nice thick noodle that can soak up all that scrumptious sauce…I told ya before – WE LOVE PASTA!   Continue reading →

Grilled Salad Nicoise

| Heidi

Salad Nicoise

When we were growing up, we had a house boat on the Susquehanna River and our parents loved to entertain on the weekends. Mom was in charge of everyone being well fed and there were always plenty of weekenders to feed. One of my favorite dishes she made for the beautiful summer days on the river was her Salad Nicoise. I would call this a French version of an antipasto. I loved my mother’s 1980’s version of this classic salad, but I must admit I gave it a 2015 twist. Here grilled vegetables take on a whole new dimension. This is my version of her Salad Nicoise.   Continue reading →

First in the Herb Garden Marinated Lamb Chops

| Heidi

chivesthyme

I was beyond excited today when I visited my four gardens to see what I need to do. To my surprise in my #1 herb garden, spring had yielded thriving chives. They were all sprouting beautifully. Along with chives, the thyme had begun to climb back and curly parsley was peeping up its little sprouts… I have two herb gardens and yeah to that because boy do I use them. Today’s lamb chops are being marinated in what I have growing now. Why waste a minute, I say!   Continue reading →

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Mascarpone Icing

| Linda

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Mascarpone Icing

A few months ago we were invited to a wine & cheese party at a friend’s house. Everyone was to bring a wine and appetizer or dessert from a certain country or region. My husband and I chose the Lombardia/Piedmont regions in Northern Italy. We brought along some fabulous Nebbiolo, from the Piedmont region, which borders the Lombardia region on the west. And since I knew that Mascarpone cheese was made in the Lombardia region I wanted to find a dessert that complimented the wine. After searching for a while I found a chocolate cake that used mascarpone in its icing. The cake was flourless, and I had never made a flourless cake before, but I decided to give it a try. Boy am I glad I did…it was absolutely delightful!

When I made the cake back in February my boys could only take a peek – no bites for them! So last night I made it again so they could taste it too…they loved it…and so will you!   Continue reading →

Classic Shrimp Scampi made with Shrimp Stock

| Heidi

Shrimp Scampi 1

For those of you who love to eat shrimp scampi, but can never seem to replicate that perfect restaurant taste, this is the recipe for you. Years ago when I was making this with a chef friend of mine, I had forgotten an important ingredient… the clam juice from his ‘restaurant’ ingredients list. I didn’t know what to do, but not to worry, as we cleaned the shrimp shells off the shrimp, a light bulb went on and we quickly replicated what I had missed. To both our surprise, a star was born! The shrimp shells became the perfect substitute and the perfect broth… and what a difference it’s made to my Scampi. Some of the best dishes are born out of the excellent mistakes we make…What a flavor punch! It added depth and lightness to the dish at the same time!    Continue reading →

Creamy Roasted Tomato & Garlic Soup with Grilled Cheese on Rosemary Garlic Bread Stuffed with Fried Tomatoes

| Heidi

grilled cheese and T soup

When I was in kindergarten, (you know back when it was half a day), I just couldn’t wait to get home for lunch. My mom would tell you I loved my Campbell’s Tomato soup with an American grilled cheese sandwich Monday through Friday. Like clockwork she knew what I wanted. I still love grilled cheese and tomato soup, only now I like them a little more grown up.

Here is my amped up version of my childhood favorites!   Continue reading →