Sunday At the Giacomettis

  Good Morning everyone! Why don't I post an updated recipe?  Well, why not? When my husband forgot to pick up olive bread at Trader Joes, my initial reaction was "turn the car around." No worries, we can make Ciabatta style bread at home again. Supermarkets are enjoying the sales, and we are enjoying the convenience. Did you know this is easy to make at home?  This olive bread will have you making it several times a week. It requires minimal effort and about 1/3 of a jar of Greek olives. I tend to be heavy handed with my olives, so if you sneak in a few extra, it will only make it more inviting. Enjoy! Ingredients: 1package active dry yeast 3 cups flour 1-3/4 cup warm/hot water (enough to make the dough come together sticky) 1-1/2 teaspoons salt 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 cup pitted Kalmata olives in brine (drained) Method: Place the yeast into the bottom of a metal mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup water/ warm-hot to the touch. Give it a mix until bubbly. Then, add your flour, s...

Chocolate Mascarpone Tart   Anyone who knows me, knows that I don't spend alot of time worried about desserts.  Most of the time after several courses of food, there is hardly any room. But to entertain our special guest, who loves chocolate, I struggled with finding something that would satisfy my need to make this in under 30 minutes and fulfill his chocolate fix all at the same time. I must say it was quite an accomplishment.  I almost gave up. How did something so easy turn into such a mess in my kitchen? I have no idea except to say that it was well worth it!  Ingredients:  pie pan with removable insert 3 cups oreo cookie crumbs or your favorite chocolate shortbread (you are making the crust) 8 tablespoons melted butter 8 oz of dark chocolate 3/4 cup sugar 1 1/2 cups whipping cream 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 mascarpone cheese (8 ounces) sea salt sprinkle before serving (to taste) Prepare your crust:  Mix 8 tablespoons butter with your cookie crumbs ...