Sunday At the Giacomettis

INSALATA DI RISO (RICE SALAD) by Sunday At the Giacometti's on Monday, July 4, 2011 at 12:01pm This wonderful Summertime salad is good anytime~It's perfect for your indoor- outdoor picnic. My husbands mother made it for me for the first time on a picnic near San Benedetto, Italy. Her version included meat . I like to make my seafood version, every chance I get.~  When it comes to Summertime, the possibilities are endless! For 8-10 people 2 cups uncooked long grain rice/ cooked until al dente, about 11 minutes from the time the water begins to boil~drain and rinse under cool water and pat dry and fluff with fork/ set aside 2 stalks celery/peel the strings away and chop fine 2  -8 oz jars marinated artichokes (if you can get freshly marinated  in vinegar even better, we can not in my area) Drained. 1 can of black olives pitted/drained 1 pound calamari rings freshly cut and  blanched for 3-4 minutes 1 pund...

Eggplant Parmigiana (Version 1) I am not sure why this dish always stirs excitement.  Maybe it's those childhood memories of mom frying in the kitchen and coming downstairs and sneaking a piece as she was frying. The intense smell could melt the wallpaper off the walls.  I have fond memories of my younger brother and I getting into quite a bit of trouble sneaking some as mom was frying. My mom would always say "Stop eating, or there won't be enough for the Parmigiana!"  There was always enough.  I think she would secretly hide some in the oven to be sure there was enough.  The smell of this cooking in the oven makes me a child again.  Thank goodness, since I am having a milestone birthday this year so it's good to feel young!  For this recipe you will need: 2 firm eggplant salt several flat plates 2 plates for dredging your eggplants 3 cups of sauce (meat or vegetarian, made ahead) 2 cups of mozzarella 1 cup Parmigiana Reggiano A deep baking dish 11x13...