I’ve been trying to do much better at meal planning this month, including a variety of inexpensive meals that are also packed with nutrition. I like to include a pasta dish during the week, and I selected this one because it is packed with extra tomatoes. Since my kids won’t generally eat tomatoes on their own, I though this would be a great way of getting some of this healthy vegetable (fruit) in to their tummies. Normally when I make baked ziti, I use ricotta cheese. It is part of my Italian heritage, and it is hard to image it … Continue reading →

Stock the following five ingredient staples of Italian cooking, and you will be all set to go with cooking Italian or adding a bit of Italian flavor to any dish. I’ve listed them in the order of my favorite ingredients. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil I used extra virgin olive oil in almost everything, from sauteing to baking! It has a wonderfully fruity taste that makes even boxed brownies taste rich. It is the purest form of olive oil and the healthiest, full of good fat. Fresh Mozzarella There are very few Italian dishes that wouldn’t benefit from fresh mozzarella cheese. Put … Continue reading →

This past Easter, my husband wanted lasagna, not ham. I suppose my Italian heritage must be rubbing off on him. My youngest son asked for some of the leftovers for breakfast. When a picky five year old does that, you know you have a winner. This lasagna is straightforward and easy to make, so even if you have never made one before, go ahead and try it. It is pretty much full-proof. Plus, it is made with turkey sausage, making it cheaper and a bit healthier. Ingredients: I box of lasagna noodles (1 pound box) A few tablespoons of olive … Continue reading →

Have you tried the new Philadelphia Cooking Cream that came out a few months ago. It is a cream cheese blend that doesn’t break down in heat the way that regular cream cheese does. It is smoother and creamier, too. The problem is that is has been hard to find good recipes for cooking cream. I honestly didn’t care for any of the ones that the company offers on the box or its website. I got a bunch of cooking cream for pennies using coupons at the grocery store, but I really needed good recipes to use it up. So, … Continue reading →

Hail, hail the long Memorial Day weekend is finally here. Time to gather the family and celebrate the start of the summer season. If you are hosting a holiday potluck or have scored an invitation to one, then consider the following simple recipes that can be made ahead of time and are tailored to please large groups: BAKED ITALIAN FEAST Ingredients: 1 pound penne, cooked al dente 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, cooked, and crumbled 3 cups heavy cream 2 cups crushed canned tomatoes 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided 1/4 cup Gorgonzola, crumbled 1/2 cup ricotta cheese 4 … Continue reading →

In my previous blog I suggested employing a simple yet delicious pasta theme for your next gourmet get together. The following recipes are easy and affordable additions to the classic Italian dishes I featured in my last entry. BOWTIE PASTA AND CHICKEN Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 teaspoon garlic salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 3 boneless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch pieces 1/2 cup diced red and yellow pepper 1 garlic clove, minced 1 teaspoon dried marjoram 1/2 cup dry white wine 1 cup chicken broth 3/4 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup diced sun dried tomatoes 1 cup … Continue reading →