Friday, February 5, 2021

I wish I were there

Scopello is a lovely fishing village in the territory of Castellammare del Golfo. It's natural beauty is breath taking. This infernal pandemic is keeping me away so I can only wish, look at my photo and search my memory. What else can I do.



Have a great weekend. Stay safe and warm.


 

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Orecchiette with sausage and al dente broccoli

 This is a traditional recipe but in this version, the broccoli are crispy and in doing so avoid one avoids  the aroma that many find objectionable.

There are a few steps but they are easy. First cut the florets vertically into small slices. Take about half a pound of Italian style thin sausage and cut the casing to remove the meat. In my version added some cherry tomatoes for color but this is optional.

Keep a pot of hot salted water for the orecchiette. These are ear shaped pasta from Puglia.

Coat the bottom of a non stich skillet with good EVO. Put in two whole cloves of garlic and a few red pepper flakes. When the garlic releases its aroma, add the florets and cover for two minutes. Then remove the cover and cook for three more minutes and place them in a plate. Wipe the skillet, add more oil and the sausage meat; stir and cut it with a wooded spoon. When the meat is brown add half a glass of white wine.

The trick is to add the pasta when you start cooking the sausages. They take about 10 minutes each. Once the sausages are done add the broccoli. Check for salt. Now add the drained and al dente orecchiette but reserve a few cups of pasta water. Stir well and add a ladle or two of the pasta water. As soon as the pasta is done but still al dente, shut off the heat and add a few spoons of pecorino cheese. Stir well and make your plates. Add some raw EVO to the pasta. It's ready

Buon appetito.

 

 

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Get ready

Valentine Day is around the corner and although it's one of those made up holidays to spend money, I just want to issue a warning to the men. Do not fail to give your woman a gift.   If you don't you will never hear the end of it. Get with the program. Red roses will do fine, so get ready.



Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Showing off

 This is Charlie, my Louisiana Catahoula Leopard dog. You tell me that he isn't really a person. He is getting old but still possesses infinite love and tenderness.  I'm allowed to show off.



Sunday, January 31, 2021

Steak pizzaiola

 A great comfort food dish. It usually has no peas bot I like to add them

Use one or two thin marbled chuck steaks. Put good EVO in a skillet and place the meat. Cook in a glass of water for about 45 minutes- Make sure that the meat has enough liquid. drain, and add some more EVU. place the steaks in. Put slices of garlic atop the meat, Not too much. Slice an onion and cut it in rings,  Place atop the steaks. Now add some crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook in medium heat for about 15 minutes. Slice one or two potatoes and add them. Make sure that they are basted with the tomatoes. ADD half a cup or dry red wine and sprinkle in oregano. When the potatoes are half done add a cup of peas. Frozen peas are ok. Add a little more salt and cover. Move the meat back and forth to make sure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the skillet. When the potatoes are done shut the heat and serve. Some prefer a little red pepper flakes in this recipe, A great winter meal.

Buon Appetito



The dawn of a new week.


 

Fall splendor