Sunday At the Giacomettis

What a wonderful surprise tonight.   I wanted something that would require minimal effort.  After all, my darling husband was taking up the floor space in the kitchen, trying to fix the trash disposal that he managed to break while I was away.  I needed something I could prepare in a hurry and get out of his way.  The last thing anyone wants is to climb over someone in the kitchen.   I sensed it would be a frustrating evening.      Thank goodness, I happen to come home with these Cornish Hens.    Came across them in the market and thought what a perfect meal requiring minimal effort.  I grabbed my glass of wine and spent the extra time going through the days mail, as far away from the kitchen as possible. There is something very comforting and inviting when the house smells of Lemon and Rosemary.  It was just what we all needed.   Ingredients:  2 Cornish hens (1lb,2oz ea...

I always hated Meatloaf growing up. I can't seem to remember my reasons.  My husband loves it.  He has been begging me for 21 years of our marriage to make him meatloaf.   I finally gave in.  I called my mom only to be told " why would you make something you never liked?"  I informed her I was turning over a new leaf.  I wanted to give it a try.   After careful thought, I gave in, followed her directions and added some extra pancetta.  To my surprise what transpired was something fabulous.  A fabulous connection between the Cook and food.   I am now convinced I was missing out on  21 years of goodness.   She reminded me you can never go wrong with a classic recipe.  Buon Appetito~! Ingredients: This recipe makes enough for 6 portions 1  pound of ground beef 1 pound of ground pork or veal 2 eggs slightly beaten 1 cup parmigiano Reggiano 2 teasp...

Risotto takes patience.  Be sure and take your time. One medium/large Butternut squash (about 1-2 pounds) Ingredients:  2 cups Arborio Rice 4 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzle) 2 tablespoons red or white onion (you may use yellow,  however it has a bitter, high water content and I dont' like to use it here). One cup of white wine 2 teaspoons salt (plus more to your liking) 2 teaspoons pepper (plus additional to your liking) A pinch of Nutmeg   Baking sheet one heavy duty knife (for preparing the Butternut Squash) 6 cups or so of good Homemade broth (vegetable or medley of meats), heated to a boil.  (You may keep your broth at a slow, steady simmer) Parmigiano Reggiano for grating (about 6 teaspoons) Method: Preheat your oven to 400F degrees Slice open your squash and clean out the seeds in a rounded motion( your Butternut squash will look like large spoon rests) Sprinkle and brush a little olive oil across your Bu...

I know what you are thinking.   Muffins in Italy?  Yes, it's a small world after all.  They are more like mini, chocolate chip cakes.   Whatever you call them, they were just what I needed on this cool morning.  The rolling thunder awakened me, so why not start cooking.  In no time at all, these muffins were out of the oven. INGREDIENTS:     1 cup self rising flour or 1 cup regular flour with 1/2 teaspoon baking powder sifted 1/2 cup Cocoa powder pinch of fine sea salt Sift together your dry ingredients and set aside   In a separate bowl,  cream 1 stick butter 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Splash (about one teaspoon), of Frangelico or any chocolate based liquor 3 eggs Add your eggs one at a time until creamy.      Add your dry ingredients to your wet ingredients 1/2 at a time.  Mix until creamy.  If your mixture does not incorporate, add a...

Leftover espresso makes any chocolate cookie legendary. Forget the processed powder.    You won't be able to eat just one. The wonderful thing about this recipe is that I like to make the dough the night before in the food processor so it makes up fast when you are pressed for time.   You will have to store your dough in the refrigerator overnight.  Remove your dough from the refrigerator 30 minutes before planning to bake so that the dough is easier to form and handle.  Ingredients: 3 tablespoons leftover espresso one egg 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup of Unsalted butter softened 3 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Pinch of salt (about 1/2 teaspoon) 1 cup plus 1/2 cup chocolate semisweet chips 3 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 cup plus 3/4 cup all purpose flour Method:  Preheat your oven to 375 degrees (F) Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Sift together your baking soda, powder, flour, salt and set aside....

Where there is an Italian, there is Amaretto.  I have been wanting to try an Amaretto cake for the longest time.  I came across a little bottle of Amaretto in the closet, so I thought what a perfect excuse to use it up.  Nothing like the smell of almonds throughout the house on a rainy day.  Don't be afraid to use alcohol.  I must say, I am rather heavy handed when it comes to flavor.  Not a big fan of overly sweet desserts, so I found this recipe particularly challenging.   Finding the right balance between liquor and sugar content is as individual as choosing a perfume.   I must say, it's quite delicious. Preheat your oven to 325 F.  Ingredients.  6 cakes (plus extra for a small, sheet pan about 12 inches square) Mini cake pan Sheet cake pan (12 inches square) 3 sticks butter (1 plus 1/2 cups) 3oz cream cheese 1/2 cup sour cream 2 tablespoons vanilla 4 tablespoons Amaretto (imported Italian, American versions are overly sweet...

I had a wonderful visit today from my youngest student.  Emily is 11 years old now and eager to learn all there is about cooking and the garden.  We had so much fun.   It's so important that we teach our children all there is to know about good, wholesome ingredients right out of our own backyard and how to apply their knowledge in the recipes they create.  Good practices in the kitchen are essential learning tools for so much that they will encounter in their lifetime.   I am so happy to share in this experience with all of my students.  To see the smile on her face from something so simple and so beautiful.  I hope this puts a smile on your face too.   Notice how there is no need for Pancetta.   However if you like, you can add some to the saute.  As they say in Italy "Lu bonu sopra lu bonu sempre bonu e' ."  Good, on top of good, is always good! Saluti! Barbara Ingredien...