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Gnocchi alla romana
Cuisine is influenced by the cooking of
Italy
Mediterranean


The Holy See is the central governing body of the entire Roman Catholic Church located within the Vatican City, an independent state located on the Vatican hill.
Vatican City's culinary history is essentially identical to that of Italy, with the exception that the foreigners living in the Vatican change regularly and with each new group comes new foods.
The city is too small to truly have a distinct culinary history so to understand the big picture, one must understand the historic diet and culinary influences of Italy.

Appetizer
Cheese tart with artichoke hearts   Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time:15 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
1 puff pastry sheet, store-bought
1 egg, whisked
A handful of finely chopped parsley
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
A heaping tablespoon crème fraiche or sour cream, or cream cheese
A dozen artichoke hearts, jarred ones
1 to 2 tablespoons capers
1 Serrano pepper, thinly sliced
Lemon zest
Basil or cilantro
Salt and pepper
Shaved Parmesan
1. Preheat the oven at 400°F or 205°C.
2. Roll the pastry sheet to 0.5 cm or 1/4 inches. Trim the pastry into a 12 x 9 inch rectangle (or 30 x 23 cm). Sketch a border around the pastry using your knife. You can layer the excess dough over the borders and create a rim for the dough.
3. Brush the edges of the pastry with egg. Combine the mozzarella, ricotta, parsley, crème fraiche, remaining egg (from brushing the pastry), salt and pepper in a bowl.
4. Spread the cheese filling all over the pastry. Arrange the artichoke hearts, Serrano peppers, and capers on top, and bake for 25-30 minutes. You can broil the tart for 2 mins at the end.
5. Finish off the tart with shaved Parmesan, cilantro, and lemon zest on top.

Appetizer
Goat cheese and sun-dried tomato toasts  Print Recipe

These simple, colorful little cheese toasts can be served as an appetizer or alongside a green salad.
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
5 ounces goat cheese
1 teaspoon cream
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
1teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
12 long slices of baguette, cut diagonally about 1/4 inch thick
3 to 4 sun-dried tomatoes
freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. In a mixing bowl, combine the cheese and cream together.
Mix in half of the herbs and set it aside. Brush one side of the bread slices with olive oil, and toast them in the oven or under the broiler so that both sides are lightly colored.
Remove them from the oven and spread the cheese over the oiled sides. Drain the sun-dried tomatoes, and slice into narrow strips.
Lay the strips of tomato in a crisscross or diagonal pattern over the top and return the bread to the oven.
Bake until the cheese is warm and soft, about 3 minutes. Garnish with the remaining herbs and a grinding of black pepper over the top.

Appetizer
Stuffed tomatoes with mussels  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
6 medium ripe tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1 pound cooked mussels without shells
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
6 lemon wedges
Wash tomatoes. Cut off the tops. scoop out insides, and sprinkle cavities with salt and pepper.
Combine mussels with mayonnaise and fill tomatoes.
Sprinkle with dill. Arrange tomatoes on a serving platter. Garnish with lemon wedges.

Appetizer
Cold broccoli soup  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
4 medium potatoes
4 medium chopped onions
1 1/2 quarts chicken stock
2 cups chopped broccoli
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

In a soup pot, combine potatoes and onions with the stock. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Add the broccoli and continue cooking for 10 minutes. Puree soup in a blender.
Refrigerate for several hours until thoroughly chilled.
At serving time stir in the cream, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Garnish soup with lemon slices

Appetizer
Tomato-feta phyllo kisses  Print Recipe


Serves: 12
Preparation time:25 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
3/4 cup crumbled feta
4 ounce pkg creamy goat cheese, about 3/4 cup crumbled
3 oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves
1/4 cup finely chopped chives or 2 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh oregano or 2 teaspoons dried leaf oregano
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
8 sheets phyllo dough
1/2 cup melted butter
Preheat oven to 375F. If feta is packed in liquid, rinse with cold water. Pat dry. Crumble into a measuring cup. Place in a medium-size bowl along with goat cheese. Finely chop tomatoes. They should measure 1/2 cup . Add to cheeses. Stir in chives, oregano, salt, pepper and cayenne, if using, just until evenly distributed.
Place a sheet of phyllo in front of you on a flat dry surface. Keep remainder of phyllo covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out. Lightly brush phyllo with butter. Place another sheet on top. Brush lightly with butter. With a sharp knife, divide sheets into 12 squares by making 2 cuts lengthwise and 3 cuts crosswise. Place a rounded teaspoon of filling on each square. Gather up sides and pinch together above filling. Repeat until phyllo and filling are used up.
Place kisses on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake in centre of 375F oven until golden and crispy, about 10 minutes. Serve warm.

Appetizer
Polenta fries  Print Recipe

polenta or cornmeal They're used interchangeably. Yet polenta is a dish, and cornmeal is an ingredient — often the main ingredient in that dish. Hailing from northern Italy, polenta was originally a meal of any grain, coarsely ground and slow-cooked in liquid until softened.
Serves: 4
Preparation time:10 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
1 cup quick-cook polenta (190g)
3 ⅓ cups chicken or vegetable stock (800ml)
4 tbsp butter (60g)
½ cup freshly grated parmesan (30g)
2 sprigs fresh rosemary finely chopped
2 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
Pinch of pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
Add the stock to a medium sized pot and bring to a boil.
Once boiling turn the heat down to a simmer and slowly add the polenta whilst stirring until all the polenta is fully incorporated.
Next, add the butter, parmesan, herbs and salt and stir until the butter has melted and the polenta has thickened slightly (2-3 minutes).
Pour the cooked polenta into a lined baking dish (10x8 inch) and spread it out evenly. Let the polenta cool completely then chill in the fridge covered with plastic wrap for 1-2 hours or overnight.
Pre-heat the oven to 430F/220C.
Once chilled and completely set, remove the polenta from the tray and cut into fries.
Place the fries on a baking tray and brush with olive oil. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Serve as a side or appetizer.

Appetizer
Bruschetta orzo salad  Print Recipe


Serves: 2
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:None
3/4 cup orzo, freshly cooked, rinsed and drained
2 medium Italian tomatoes, cored, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons chopped black olives
1/2 cup red onion finely diced
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
Combine all ingredients in bowl. Cover and chill at least 1 hour. Serve with toasted garlic bread

Appetizer
Caprese salad  Print Recipe

Insalata Caprese, also known as Caprese Salad is a traditional Italian appetizer. Fresh summer tomatoes, fresh basil, and soft mozzarella cheese (not the rubbery and dry version) make this salad a summer favorite. The salad has its origins from the island of Capri in Italy, south of the coast of Naples.
The creamy mozzarella in this salad is arguably the perfect counterbalance to the humble tomato, thanks to its rich yet subtle taste and mellow dairy notes.
Serves: 4
Preparation time:15 minutes
Cooking time:None
4 large vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes sliced into 1/4 inch slices
1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese sliced into 1/4 inch slices
15-20 basil leaves sliced into ribbons
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
kosher/sea salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon balsamic reduction (optional)
More presentations




Sprinkle sliced tomatoes with salt.
Arrange tomatoes and mozzarella on platter in alternating and overlapping pattern, or stacked as shown on the image above.
Either tuck whole leaves of basil in between layers of tomatoes or sprinkle salad with the ribbons of basil.
Drizzle the salad evenly with extra virgin olive oil.
Sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze if using.
Serve immediately or within one hour of preparation.

There is really no “dressing” for Caprese Salad. Instead a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and salt is all that is needed.
A drizzle of balsamic reduction enhances the taste of this simple salad, but that is optional.


Notes

Beefsteak, vine-ripened, or heirloom tomatoes are all great for this Tomato and Mozzarella Salad.

Balsamic Reduction

You can easily purchase a balsamic reduction or glaze or you can make it at home.

Place 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar into heavy bottomed saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer.
Allow to reduce, stirring occasionally, until the balsamic is reduced by half and coats the back of a spoon. This takes about 10 minutes.

Main
Calzones  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 35 minutes
Cooking time:50 minutes
1/3 cup diced peeled eggplant
2 cups chopped onions
1 1/2 cups diced mushrooms
1 1/2 cups diced zucchini
1 cup diced red peppers
to taste salt and pepper
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup feta cheese or chèvre
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1 batch bread dough for calzones
1 egg white
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine in a large bowl, diced peeled eggplant, chopped onion, diced mushrooms, diced zucchini, diced red pepper, salt and pepper. Toss together with olive oil.
Bake at 425 degree F. on baking sheet for 45 minutes stirring every 15 minutes or till soft. Spoon back in bowl.
Mix in crumbled feta cheese or chèvre, and chopped fresh basil. Roll out bread dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Cut into 7-inch circles. Spoon 1/2 cup of the vegetable mixture over circles.
Brush edges of dough with egg white. Fold dough into turnovers. Seal and brush with egg white.
Bake till golden. Mixture can also be used for pizza or for pasta.

Main
Cannellonis  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:40 minutes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
10 ounces spinach, cooked
2 tablespoons butter
1 pound ground beef, lean
2 tablespoons parmesan, grated
2 eggs
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, ground
12 crêpes (see recipe)
2 cups cream sauce (see recipe)
1 cup marinara sauce
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a sauté pan. Add onion, garlic and parsley and cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Do not brown. Add chopped cooked spinach.
In a skillet, brown ground beef in remaining olive oil. Chop in a processor. Add grated Parmesan, eggs, oregano, salt and pepper to taste. Blend in the spinach mixture.
Divide filling in crêpes. Roll to enclose filling.
Coat the bottom of a baking dish with marinara sauce. Arrange stuffed crêpes in baking dish.
Spoon the cream sauce and tomato sauce over crêpes.
Sprinkle with parmesan.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until brown.

Main
Gnocchi alla romana  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
3 cups whole or low fat milk
3/4 cup semolina flour or yellow polenta
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 oz finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (1 1/2 cups)
2 large eggs
2 cups of pasta or Marinara sauce (optional)
Whisk together milk, semolina, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a 2-quart heavy saucepan and bring to a boil over moderate heat, whisking. Simmer, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until very stiff, 5 to 8 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons butter and 3/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano. Beat in eggs.
Spread gnocchi mixture 1 inch thick on an oiled baking sheet or a 9-inch square baking pan and chill, uncovered, until very firm, about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Cut out squares, or other shapes from gnocchi mixture and arrange, slightly overlapping, in a well-buttered 13- by 9-inch baking dish. Brush gnocchi with remaining 1/4 cup melted butter and sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Bake in middle of oven until gnocchi are beginning to brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with hot pasta or Marinara sauce (optional).

Main
Caprese salad  Print Recipe

Insalata Caprese, also known as Caprese Salad is a traditional Italian appetizer. Fresh summer tomatoes, fresh basil, and soft mozzarella cheese (not the rubbery and dry version) make this salad a summer favorite. The salad has its origins from the island of Capri in Italy, south of the coast of Naples.
The creamy mozzarella in this salad is arguably the perfect counterbalance to the humble tomato, thanks to its rich yet subtle taste and mellow dairy notes.
Serves: 4
Preparation time:15 minutes
Cooking time:None
4 large vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes sliced into 1/4 inch slices
1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese sliced into 1/4 inch slices
15-20 basil leaves sliced into ribbons
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
kosher/sea salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon balsamic reduction (optional)
More presentations




Sprinkle sliced tomatoes with salt.
Arrange tomatoes and mozzarella on platter in alternating and overlapping pattern, or stacked as shown on the image above.
Either tuck whole leaves of basil in between layers of tomatoes or sprinkle salad with the ribbons of basil.
Drizzle the salad evenly with extra virgin olive oil.
Sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze if using.
Serve immediately or within one hour of preparation.

There is really no “dressing” for Caprese Salad. Instead a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and salt is all that is needed.
A drizzle of balsamic reduction enhances the taste of this simple salad, but that is optional.


Notes

Beefsteak, vine-ripened, or heirloom tomatoes are all great for this Tomato and Mozzarella Salad.

Balsamic Reduction

You can easily purchase a balsamic reduction or glaze or you can make it at home.

Place 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar into heavy bottomed saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer.
Allow to reduce, stirring occasionally, until the balsamic is reduced by half and coats the back of a spoon. This takes about 10 minutes.

Main
Cold broccoli soup  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
4 medium potatoes
4 medium chopped onions
1 1/2 quarts chicken stock
2 cups chopped broccoli
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

In a soup pot, combine potatoes and onions with the stock. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Add the broccoli and continue cooking for 10 minutes. Puree soup in a blender.
Refrigerate for several hours until thoroughly chilled.
At serving time stir in the cream, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Garnish soup with lemon slices

Main
Goat cheese and sun-dried tomato toasts  Print Recipe

These simple, colorful little cheese toasts can be served as an appetizer or alongside a green salad.
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
5 ounces goat cheese
1 teaspoon cream
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
1teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
12 long slices of baguette, cut diagonally about 1/4 inch thick
3 to 4 sun-dried tomatoes
freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. In a mixing bowl, combine the cheese and cream together.
Mix in half of the herbs and set it aside. Brush one side of the bread slices with olive oil, and toast them in the oven or under the broiler so that both sides are lightly colored.
Remove them from the oven and spread the cheese over the oiled sides. Drain the sun-dried tomatoes, and slice into narrow strips.
Lay the strips of tomato in a crisscross or diagonal pattern over the top and return the bread to the oven.
Bake until the cheese is warm and soft, about 3 minutes. Garnish with the remaining herbs and a grinding of black pepper over the top.

Main
Grilled tomatoes kebabs  Print Recipe

Small tomatoes such as cherry, current or pear tomatoes are best eaten raw or briefly cooked. They are perfect for skewering and grilling because they do not fall apart, unless overcooked. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them for 30 minutes in cold water before using.
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:4 minutes
36 small tomatoes, such as Cherry, Ping Pong, or Yellow Pear
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
salt and black pepper to taste
Six wooden or metal skewers
Wash and drain tomatoes. Using a paper towel, dry each or spread on towels and allow to air dry so the oil will stick to the skins.
Place the dry tomatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with oregano and pepper.
Toss to coat tomatoes. Thread 6 tomatoes, spaced at least an inch apart, on each of the 6 skewers.
Brush hot grill grate with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange skewers on grate.
Grill 2 to 4 minutes. Turn and grill the other side for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove skewers and sprinkle with salt, if desired.

Main
Eggplant and tomato with chevre  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time:40 minutes
1 small eggplant (3/4 lb)
2 teaspoons coarse salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper flakes
salt and pepper
3 tomatoes, thickly sliced
1 tablespoon fresh snipped chives or green onion tops
2 ounces creamy chevre
1/4 cup whipping cream
Trim eggplant; peel if desired. Cut crosswise into 1/4-in slices. Sprinkle slices with coarse salt; place in colander to drain for 30 minutes.
Rinse eggplant well under cool running eater; pat dry and set aside.
In skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium high heat; cook onion, garlic and hot pepper flakes, stirring often, 3 to 5 minutes or until onion is softened. Spoon half of onion mixture into greased 13-by-9-in baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Overlap slices of eggplant and tomato over onion mixture finishing with remaining onion mixture. sprinkle with chives and drizzle 2 tablespoons oil over top.
Cover with a piece of waxed or parchment paper cut to fit the dish, and applied directly to surface; bake in 400F oven 10 minutes. Remove paper; drizzle with remaining oil.
Replace paper; bake 20 minutes longer, basting occasionally with juices that collect in baking dish, until eggplant is tender.
Remove dish from oven; let stand 1 to 2 hours for flavors to develop.
About 10 minutes before serving, heat broiler and remove paper from baking dish.
In small bowl, combine goat cheese and cream until smooth. Dot teaspoonfuls of the mixture evenly over top of eggplant dish.
Broil about 2 minutes or until cheese is melted and lightly browned. Serve at once or at room temperature.

Main
Eggplant caponata  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
2 medium-large eggplants (about 3 pounds)
1/4 cup coarse salt
1 cup olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
6 ribs celery, cut into 1/2 inch lengths, blanched for 1 minute
1 cup Sicilian green olives, pitted and sliced
1/2 cup capers, rinsed and drained
1cup fresh plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste diluted with a little water
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
Peel the eggplants and cut into 3/4-inch cubes. Sprinkle with coarse salt and drain in a colander, weighted, for one hour. Rinse well, and dry in a kitchen towel.
Heat 1/2 cup olive oil in a large sauté pan and fry the eggplant in batches until golden on all sides, adding more oil if necessary.
Drain on paper towels.
Sauté the onion in a 1/2 cup olive oil, stirring to coat, cover and cook until just tender but not brown. Remove cover, add the blanched celery, and cook a minute longer. Add the olives, capers, tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, and sugar.
Stir in the eggplant and simmer for another 10 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
Cool and refrigerate for 24 hours. Serve chilled or at room temperature, sprinkled with the toasted, slivered almonds.

Main
Sicilian arancini  Print Recipe

Classic Sicilian Arancini Rice Balls Arancini, rice balls stuffed with sauce peas or corn, are one of the best-loved Sicilian snacks and street foods, and they have become increasingly popular throughout Italy and worldwide. The filling in this recipe is a meat ragù, green peas, and melty mozzarella, but there are endless other types of fillings including pistachios, mushrooms, prosciutto and mozzarella, ham, spinach, and more. The rice is scented with saffron and the rice balls are rolled in breadcrumbs before frying them into balls. Usually, they're made with caciocavallo cheese, but since that can be difficult to find outside of Southern Italy, Parmigiano-Reggiano is used in this recipe. They can be eaten as an antipasto or snack, or even as a meal when coupled with perhaps a salad or soup.
Serves: 6
Preparation time:40 minutes
Cooking time:5 minutes
For the Rice
10 1/2 ounces short-grain rice (Vialone Nano, Carnaroli, or Arborio)
1/4 teaspoon crushed saffron
1 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
3 oz unsalted butter
Fine sea salt (to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

For the Meat Sauce and Filling
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/3 cup yellow onion (about 1/2 small, finely chopped)
3 tablespoons carrot (finely chopped )
3 tablespoons celery (finely chopped)
3 ounces ground beef
3 ounces ground pork
2 tablespoons dry red wine
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1 cup tomato purée (passata di pomodoro)
1/3 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)

For the Rice Balls
Optional: 4.4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (diced)
1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/2 cup water
Pinch salt
2 cups breadcrumbs
2 inches vegetable oil (for frying)
Steps to Make It
Make the Rice
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, place the rice, saffron, and 1 1/2 cups water and bring to a boil.
Cover, reduce heat to low, and let simmer about 15 to 20 minutes or until all of the water has been absorbed.
Remove lid, stir in grated Parmigiano, butter, salt, and pepper, to taste.
Spread the rice out on a large plate or baking dish to cool completely to room temperature.


Make the Meat Sauce and Filling
Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery and sauté, stirring often, until softened and the onions are translucent - about 8 to 10 minutes.
Add the ground beef and pork and fry, stirring often, until browned - about 5 to 8 minutes.
Add the wine and let cook until the alcohol aroma has reduced - about 1 minute.
Stir in the tomato paste and tomato purée, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook, stirring occasionally - about 10 minutes.
Stir in meat sauce.
Add the peas and continue to simmer the sauce for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the peas are tender and the sauce is thickened. It should not be too liquidy.
Transfer the filling to a bowl and set aside to let it cool.

Once the rice and filling are completely cooled, start shaping your rice balls.
Place 1 heaping tablespoon of rice in the palm of one hand, then use your fingers and thumb to shape it into a hollow bowl shape.
Place about 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center and 1 to 2 small cubes of diced fresh mozzarella (if using).
Then gently close the rice around the filling to form either a round ball shape or a cone/pear shape.

When all of your arancini have been formed, whisk together the flour, eggs, 1/2 cup of water, and a pinch of salt in a shallow bowl until smooth.
Spread the bread crumbs in a plate or baking dish.
Gently roll each ball first in the egg-flour-water-salt mixture, letting any excess drip off.
Then roll them in the breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
At this point, you can refrigerate your arancini for 20 to 30 minutes to let them firm up if they seem a bit too loose or liquidy. If not, you can go directly to frying.
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable frying oil to 360F.
Fry your arancini in batches of just 2 to 3 at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot until they are evenly golden-brown - about 3 minutes.
Transfer them to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.
Serve hot.

Main
Roasted tomatoes  Print Recipe


Serves: 10
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:2 hours
4 pounds ripe plum tomatoes (20 whole)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Trim stem ends of tomatoes; cut in half lengthwise.
Arrange, cut side up and without crowding, on large foil-lined rimmed baking sheet.
Stir together garlic, basil and oil; brush over tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake in 250 degree oven for 2 hours or until tomatoes are softened and shrivelled, and edges begin to darken.

Tip:
To make Roasted Tomato Crostini,
1 french baguette
4 ounces soft goat cheese Cut French baguette into 20 slices;
place on baking sheet and broil until toasted.
Evenly spread with goat cheese; top each with 2 tomato halves and 1 basil leaf.

Main
Eggplant caviar  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:8 minutes
2 medium eggplants
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 medium sliced onion
5 medium garlic cloves, sliced
1 teaspoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
Tabasco jalapeño
Aromat seasoning
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1 envelop unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water

tomato coulis or roasted red pepper coulis .
Peel eggplants. Cut into halves lengthwise. Slice across and sprinkle with lemon juice.
In a microwavable dish, combine eggplants, onion, garlic and olive oil.
Microwave on high for 6 to 8 min. or until eggplants are tender. Season with salt and pepper, Tabasco jalapeño and Aromat seasoning. Mix in the basil.
Dissolve gelatin in water. Let set for 5 minutes. Melt over low heat, and stir into the warm eggplant mixture.
Spoon mixture in small ramekin dishes or molds. Refrigerate until set.
Unmold on cold plate. Serve with cold tomato coulis or red red pepper coulis

Main
Flatbread pizzas  Print Recipe


Serves: 2
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
2 6-inch diameter whole wheat pita breads
1 6.5 ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts
1 1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese
1 14.5- ounce can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs, drained well
1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
2 teaspoons dried oregano
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Cut pita bread in half horizontally. Drain artichokes, reserve marinade, and cut any large pieces in halves. Place breads on large baking sheet.
Brush breads with some of artichoke marinade. Bake until just beginning to color. Cool on sheets. Sprinkle breads almost to edges with crumbled feta cheese.
Top with tomatoes, olives, oregano and artichokes. Drizzle with remaining artichoke marinade.
Bake pizzas until heated through, about 4 minutes. Cut into wedges.

Side Dish
Sweet potato gnocchi with sage and brown butter  Print Recipe

Make-ahead: the gnocchi can be boiled up to 4 hours ahead, and kept at room temperature.
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour
1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, red skin variety
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted, plus up to 1/2 cup for kneading
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons minced fresh sage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1. Preheat the oven to 350F/175C. Poke a few holes in each sweet potato to let steam escape, then place them on a baking sheet. Bake them until they're tender, about 45 minutes.
2. When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel them and pass them through a ricer, or a food mill with a fine grate.
3. Place the puree in a large bowl and add the flour, 2 tablespoons of the sage, the salt and pepper, nutmeg and the cheese. Mix gently until just combined.
4. Flour a work surface and scoop the dough out onto it. Dust the top and sides of the dough lightly with flour, and perhaps rub some flour between your hands so that they don't stick to the dough.
5. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece under your palms so that it forms a long rope. [The original recipe says that the ropes should be about 1 inch wide and 20 inches long, but your mileage might vary.] Go ahead and sprinkle the dough with a bit of extra flour if it's sticking. Cut the rope into 1-inch segments, and roll each segment over the tines of a fork to form the characteristic indentations. (Use a gnocchi board if you're lucky enough to have one.) Collect the formed gnocchi on a baking sheet.
6. When you've finished forming the gnocchi, bring a large pot of water to boiling and salt it generously. Drop several gnocchi into the boiling water (you'll need to work in batches so that you don't crowd the pot). Cook them for about 10 seconds after they rise to the surface. This could be only a couple of minutes, or up to five minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked gnocchi to a clean baking sheet, and cool completely.
7. Place a large, heavy saucepan over medium-high heat and add the butter. Melt the butter and cook it, swirling occasionally, until the milk solids have turned a lovely chestnut color and smell nutty, about 5 minutes. If you plan to add fried sage leaves as a garnish, go ahead and fry them.
8. Once the butter has browned, add the remaining chopped sage and turn off the heat. The mixture will bubble up, so don't be alarmed.
9. Add the gnocchi to the sage butter, place over medium-high heat, and cook until the gnocchi are heated through, about 5-6 minutes. You might have to do this in batches, in which case it's useful to have the oven preheated to 300F/150C so that your earlier batches don't get cold. Divide the gnocchi and sauce among bowls, garnish with sage leaves (if desired), and serve.

Side Dish
Broccoli rabe with parmesan cheese  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
2 pounds broccoli rabe
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
5 garlic cloves, peeled and coarsely chopped
5 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Asiago cheese

Wash and drain broccoli, discarding tough stems. Cook broccoli rabe in large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes.
Drain and immerse in a bowl of ice water to cool. Drain again;
Heat olive oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté about 2 minute. Add broccoli rabe and sauté until heated through. Remove from heat. Sprinkle 4 tablespoons cheese over and toss to combine.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to warm platter. Sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons cheese over.

Side Dish
Tomato aspic  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:5 minutes
4 cups tomato juice
2 cups chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon lemon rind
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
3 envelops unflavored gelatin
3/4 cup water
1 cup diced celery
In a large saucepan, heat tomato juice and chicken stock until hot. Stir in lemon rind, Worcestershire sauce and salt.
In a small bowl, combine gelatin with water. Set for 5 minutes. Stir in hot tomato mixture. Add celery.
Pour into ring mold or individual decorative molds.
Refrigerate to set. Dip mold in hot water for a few seconds. Unmold on platter or plates.

Side Dish
Orzo salad with lemon and herb  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons chopped dill
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 2 tablespoon lemon juice
salt and pepper
In large pot of boiling salted water, cook orzo until tender but firm; drain well.
Toss with dill, parsley, onions, oil, lemon rind and juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Side Dish
Creamy polenta with gorgonzola  Print Recipe

Instead of cooking the polenta in the the usual water or broth this rich polenta is cooked in a milk and cream mixture.
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
4 cups milk
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 cup polenta *
1 1/2 cups crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
1/2 cup coarsely chopped, lightly toasted walnuts
Bring milk and whipping cream to boil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat.
Reduce heat to medium-low and gradually whisk polenta into milk mixture in slow steady stream.
Cook polenta until creamy and tender, stirring frequently, about 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Preheat broiler.
Transfer cooked polenta to 9-inch-diameter pie dish. Sprinkle Gorgonzola cheese over polenta.
Broil until cheese melts. Sprinkle with chopped toasted walnuts and serve immediately.

* If polenta is not available, substitute 1 cup regular yellow cornmeal, and cook mixture for about 10 minutes rather than 20 minutes.

Side Dish
Beet with frizzled leek and gorgonzola crostini  Print Recipe

Serve as appetizers or as first course
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:50 minutes
3 medium beets, (3/4 lb), trimmed and scrubbed
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
To taste salt and ground black pepper
1 leek, white part only
1 cup canola oil
4 slices Italian bread, cut diagonally
2 ounces Gorgonzola cheese
Wash beets. Place in a saucepan, cover with water and cook over medium heat for 30 to 40 minutesor until tender. Drain. When cool enough to handle, slide the peel off by hand, and slice into small wedges. Place in a medium bowl. Season with oil, vinegar, parsley, salt and pepper. Set aside and cover.
Cut leek crosswise about 3-inch long. Slice lengthwise into thin strips. Wash in cold water and dry. Heat the oil in a cast iron pan over moderate heat. The oil should not be too hot. Fry the leeks until golden brown. Drain on paper towel. Set aside. Can be made a day ahead, and kept in an air tight container.
Toast the bread until golden. Spread each toast with Gorgonzola. Top with 2 to 3 slices of beet mixture, and a few more on the plate. Sprinkle leeks on top, and serve at once.

Side Dish
Onion parmesan gratin  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:12 minutes
2 pounds yellow onions, peeled
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon ground whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
fine sea salt to taste
2 large egg yolks
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Slice the onions in half, lengthwise. Place, cut side down, on a cutting board and slice crosswise into very thin slices.
In large non-stick skillet, combine butter, cloves, onions, thyme and salt. Cover and cook over low heat until onions are very soft, about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Transfer onion mixture to a gratin dish and smooth it. The recipe can be prepared several hours up to this point. Cover and store at room temperature.
Preheat the broiler. In a small bowl, combine egg yolks and cream and whisk well. Stir in the cheese.
Pour the mixture over the onions in the baking dish. Place dish under broiler about 2 inches from the heat.
Broil until the top is sizzling and golden. Serve immediately as a vegetable course or as an accompaniment to meat dishes.

Side Dish
Roasted tomato caprese salad  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time:10 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour
1 1/2 pounds cherry tomatoes
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon sugar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
1/4 cup basil leaves, finely sliced
1 teaspoon grated zest from 1 lemon
Heat oven to 375F. Add cherry tomatoes, olive oil, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and sugar to 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Toss to combine. Roast until just starting to char, about 40 minutes, tossing occasionally to cook evenly.
Remove from oven and cool 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer tomatoes along with any any accumulated juices to large bowl. Add mozzarella and basil. Gently toss to combine. Add lemon zest then season with salt and pepper. Toss again and serve.

Dessert
Panna cotta with berry compote  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
1envelope unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons cold water
1 cup each sour cream, whipping cream and light cream
1/3 cup sugar
1 vanilla bean
Lightly oil six 5-ounce ramekins; set aside.
In small bowl sprinkle gelatin over water; set aside.
In saucepan, combine sour cream, whipping cream, light cream and sugar. Halve vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out seeds to cream mixture (add vanilla bean halves, if desired, for additional flavor).
Place over medium heat, stirring often, until very hot; do not let boil.
Stir in gelatin mixture until dissolved. Remove vanilla bean halves.
Pour into ramekins. Chill for 4 hours or until set. To serve, run sharp knife around edges and turn out onto serving plates.
Spoon Reisling Summer Berry Compote around panna cottas. Garnish with lemon balm or mint.

Dessert
Lemon mousse  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
1 envelop unflavored gelatin
1 tablespoon cold water
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 cup lemon or lime juice, freshly squeezed, and strained
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream or 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip
1 tablespoon sugar
Soften gelatin in water. Set aside for 5 minutes. Heat over low heat to dissolve. In a mixing bowl, combine the lime rind, juice and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Add gelatin. Cool mixture but do not set. Beat the cream with the sugar until stiff. Fold into the lime mixture. Spoon into crystal glasses or molds.

Dessert
Lemon custard   Print Recipe

This is a light version.
Serves: 8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:7 minutes
1/2 cup sugar
4 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons cornstarch
grated rind of 2 lemons
½ cup lemon juice
3 cups 2% milk
1 teaspoon lemon extract
whipped cream (optional)
In medium bowl, whisk sugar and eggs. Mix in cornstarch and lemon juice. Set aside.
In large saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until tiny bubbles appear around edges of pan.
Stir into egg mixture. Strain through a fine strainer and add lemon rind. Return mixture to clean saucepan.
Cook over medium heat while whisking 5 to 7 minutes or until thickened.
Divide lemon custard evenly among eight 1/2-cup ramekins or custard cups.
Allow to cool slightly. Cover each custard with plastic wrap. Chill until ready to serve.
As an option, garnish with whipped cream before serving.

Dessert
Pears vigneronne  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
6 ripe pears
2 cups dry white wine
1/2 cup sugar
1 lemon
1 stick cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup orange marmalade
1/4 cup apricot jam
Peel and core the pears.
Cut them into quarters. Place the pears in a saucepan and add the wine and sugar.
Peel the lemon and cut the peel into very fine julienne strips. Reserve the lemon for another use. Add the peel to the saucepan.
Bring to the boil and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, or until pears are tender.
Transfer the pears and the lemon peel to a serving dish. Bring the liquid in the saucepan to the boil and add the remaining ingredients.
Bring to the boil and cook for about 10 minutes or until liquid is reduced to half.
Pour the sauce over the pears. Let cool and chill.

Dessert
Lemon krumkake  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
3 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon lemon extract
Beat eggs and sugar until light and creamy. Stir in the remaining ingredients until smooth.
Cook on pizzelli machine to form wafers, or while wafer is hot, shape into cup over a glass or similar container.

Dessert
Fruit sorbet  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time:10 minutes
2 cups water
10 ounces sugar
1 ounce lemon juice
2 cups fruit pulp and juice (apricot, kumquat, lemon, orange, peaches, pears, pineapple, raspberry, strawberries, tangerine)

In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a boil. Add lemon juice and fruit pulp.
Refrigerate until cold. Churn in an ice-cream machine.

Dessert
Strawberries with zabaglione sauce  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:8 minutes
2 pints fresh strawberries
3 egg yolks
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup dry white wine
2 teaspoons Grand Marnier
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/2 cup Cool whip

Cut the strawberries into quarters or slices. Place in individual crystal compote dishes or other bowl.
Combine the egg yolks, sugar, and wine in a metal mixing bowl. Set over a pot with boiling water.
Whisk egg yolks until thick and creamy, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the Grand Marnier. Add Cool whip. Spoon zabaglione sauce over strawberries, and top with sliced almonds.

Dessert
Rose shaped apple dessert  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:45 minutes
1 frozen puff pastry sheet, thawed
2 red organic apples (like red delicious, Rome)
Juice of half lemon
1 tablespoon of flour, to sprinkle the counter
3 tablespoons of apricot preserve
cinnamon
powder sugar for decorating
1. Thaw the puff pastry.

2. Prepare a bowl with some water and the lemon juice. Cut the apples in half, remove the core and cut the apples in paper thin slices, leaving the peel so it will give the red color to your roses. place the sliced apples in the bowl with lemon and water.

3. Microwave the apples in the bowl, for about 3 minutes just to soften them. Or you can also simmer the apple slices in the water in a small pan.

4. Unwrap the puff pastry over a clean and lightly floured counter. Using a rolling pin stretch the dough a little, trying to keep it in a rectangular shape. Cut the dough in 6 strips. These are about 2 in x 9 in (5 cm x 22 cm).

5. In a bowl, place three tablespoons of apricot preserve with two tablespoons of water. Microwave for about one minute, so that the preserve will be easier to spread. Spread the preserve on the dough.

6. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Drain the apples.

7. Place the apples on the edge of dough, with the unpeeled edges extending over the dough Sprinkle with cinnamon.

8. Fold up the bottom part of the dough.

9. Carefully roll, seal the edge, and place in a greased muffin cup.

10. Do the same for all 6 roses. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 40-45 minutes, until fully cooked.
NOTE: make sure the pastry is fully cooked on the inside before removing the roses from the oven! If after 30 minutes the apples on top look fully cooked, move the pan to a lower rack in the oven, and wait for 10-15 more minutes to avoid undercooking the puff pastry.

Sprinkle with powder sugar and enjoy!

Dessert
Apricot tart  Print Recipe

For best results, use tart pans that have removable bottoms
Serves: 8
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:35 minutes
All-purpose flour, for dusting
1 recipe never fail pie crust
8 firm but ripe apricots(about 1 1/2 pounds), pitted and cut into sixths
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, plus more for sprinkling
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Zest of 1/2 lemon
1 tablespoon heavy cream
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Roll dough out into one 12-inch circle, and drape over tart pan that has removable bottoms.
In a medium bowl, toss apricots together with sugar, cornstarch, salt, lemon juice, zest and cream. Spoon apricot mixture in tart pans. Spread out evenly. sprinkle with sugar.
Place tart on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes; lower oven temperature to 375°.
Continue to bake until tart is evenly browned and apricots are bubbling, about 25 minutes more. Transfer tart from baking sheet to a cooling rack, and cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
conversion of liquids
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Measures of non liquid ingredients



Non-liquid ingredients in volume converted
into weight using the table below.
For products not included, use a metric scale
Weight of specific 'ingredients in grams

Ingredient

1 cup

3/4 cup

2/3 cup

1/2 cup

1/3 cup

1/4 cup

2 tablespoons

All-purpose wheat flour 120 g 90 g 80 g 60 g 40 g 30 g 15 g
All-purpose sifted wheat flour 110 g 80 g 70 g 55 g 35 g 27 g 13 g
White sugar 200 g 150 g 130 g 100 g 65 g 50 g 25 g
Powdered sugar/Icing sugar 100 g 75 g 70 g 50 g 35 g 25 g 13 g
Brown sugar normally packed 180 g 135 g 120 g 90 g 60 g 45 g 23 g
Corn flour 160 g 120 g 100 g 80 g 50 g 40 g 20 g
Cornstarch 120 g 90 g 80 g 60 g 40 g 30 g 15 g
Rice (not-cooked) 190 g 140 g 125 g 95 g 65 g 48 g 24 g
Macaroni (uncooked) 140 g 100 g 90 g 70 g 45 g 35 g 17 g
Couscous (uncooked) 180 g 135 g 120 g 90 g 60 g 45 g 22 g
Quick oatmeal (uncooked) 90 g 65 g 60 g 45 g 30 g 22 g 11 g
Table salt 300 g 230 g 200 g 150 g 100 g 75 g 40 g
Butter / Margarine 240 g 180 g 160 g 120 g 80 g 60 g 30 g
Shortening 190 g 140 g 125 g 95 g 65 g 48 g 24 g
Fruits and légumes chopped 150 g 110 g 100 g 75 g 50 g 40 g 20 g
chopped walnuts 150 g 110 g 100 g 75 g 50 g 40 g 20 g
Nuts /ground almonds 120 g 90 g 80 g 60 g 40 g 30 g 15 g
Fresh bread crumbs (not packed) 60 g 45 g 40 g 30 g 20 g 15 g 8 g
Dry bread crumbs 150 g 110 g 100 g 75 g 50 g 40 g 20 g
Parmesan grated 90 g 65 g 60 g 45 g 30 g 22 g 11 g
Chocolate chips 150 g 110 g 100 g 75 g 50 g 38 g  19 g
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As the sun rises or sets in Vatican-City

"May every sunrise hold more promise, and every sunset hold more peace."

The {Page Turner} E-Cookbooks Library on a world cooking journey
38 Recipes

8 Appetizers

13 Main dishes

8 Side dishes

9 Desserts