Cacio e Pepe

Friday, September 30, 2011
This is a Roman pasta dish cacio e pepe so easy to make as it is delicious and Grandma made this often being she was from Rome, Italy, and its the origin.

The meal is made using basic simple ingredients and she added a little twist to her dish with porcini mushrooms occasionally.

This dish is prepared with hot water from the pasta, sauteed freshly cracked black pepper in butter, and lots of Pecorino Romano Cheese.





What is Cacio e Pepe



This dish hails from the Rome, Italy surrounding region. It translates to "cheese and pepper" and those ingredients that are in this dish are just that!


Black pepper, Pecorino Romano, and pasta (and of course pasta water).


Freshly cracked black pepper is plentiful so you can taste the heat, but no overpowering.


The pasta, dried spaghetti, bucatini, and tonnarelli, a square-shaped spaghetti that also goes by the name of spaghetti alla chitarra all are the traditional choices.




Ingredients You Will Need

  1. spaghetti or bucatini 
  2. pasta water
  3. Pecorino Romano cheese grated
  4. black pepper
  5. salt




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Depression Food and Simplicity


This food comes from Roman sheepherders who had very little money and this was considered peasant food and very economical.

They used their sheep's cheese they would make from scratch and a bit of the pasta water from what the macaroni was cooked in to make this delectable easy creamy pasta.

The addition of black pepper gives this dish a spicy kick in flavor.

This authentic Italian meal is not only inexpensive, it was a staple growing up for my Grandmother in her Italian home in Rome, Italy, we make this often in her memory.



Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e Pepe

Yield: 6
Author: Claudia Lamascolo
Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 6 MinTotal time: 11 Min
This food comes from Roman sheepherders who had very little money and this was considered peasant food and very economical.They used their sheep's cheese they would make from scratch and a bit of the pasta water from what the macaroni was cooked in to make this delectable easy creamy pasta.The addition of black pepper gives this dish a spicy kick in flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pound cooked fresh spaghetti or bucatini pasta reserving the pasta water
  • 2 cups finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 1- 1/2 tablespoons freshly cracked black pepper or more to taste
  • cooking spray oil

Instructions

  1. In a small frying pan ( I spray with cooking spray.) saute the black pepper to toast it but don't burn it.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt.
  3. Cook the fresh pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 4 to 6 minutes.
  4. Place grated Pecorino Romano cheese into a large glass bowl and mix with a fork to make sure the cheese contains no lumps.
  5. Once the pasta is cooked reserve the past water. and add the cooked pasta to a bowl with the cheese.
  6. Add one ladle of pasta water to the bowl.
  7. Vigorously stir in the cheese until the creamy consistency has formed usually around 4 minutes and no lumps remain.
  8. Add more pasta water, little by little, until a creamy sauce has formed.
  9. Add the toasted black pepper.
  10. Serve immediately.

Notes:

Tips

  1. always steam and drain the broccoli
  2. always salt the water then drain but do not rinse pasta(the sauce will stick to the pasta better)
  3. never over saute the garlic or burn it will ruin this dish garlic should be light golden brown in color
  4. refer to package instructions to cook store-bought cavatelli
  5. broccoli gets stronger the next day in flavor if you have leftovers we try to eat this fresh the same day

Other Vegetables to Substitute for Broccoli

  • sauteed spinach
  • artichoke hearts
  • sundried tomatoes or chopped raw fresh tomatoes
  • sauteed escarole
  • sauteed broccoli rabe
  • sauteed peppers of any kind
  • sauteed squash zucchini or yellow
  • sauteed mushrooms
  • steamed green beans
  • sauteed asparagus
  • steamed cauliflower
  • vegetable medley


cacio e pepe recipe, Authetic Italian pasta recipe, pasta with black pepper, spaghetti with cheese , spaghetti with pasta water, peasant pasta recipes
pasta recipes, Authentic Italian pasta recipes
italian


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21

Baby Shower Edible Bassinet Food Art

Saturday, September 24, 2011
This is an easily carved loaf of whole bread shaped into a precious little baby bassinet for your new addition coming into the world for a baby shower.

Whether you have a gender reveal shower, a welcome home baby party, or anything to do with a new bundle of joy this is a delicious little appetizer and will be a conversation piece at any party.

The best part is it's super easy to make and I have brought these to many office baby surprise parties for work, and families baby showers (I even made them for two baby boys of my own baby shower).

The fillings can be anything from sweet to savory just go through our list of suggestions below and may your own favorite fillings, they can be anything you like.

Step-by-step instructions from the photos will give you a better idea of how to cut, frost, and design this bassinet plus you can tint it any color you desire from yellow, green, blue, or pink with food coloring or Natural Food Dyes.

This is a simple addition to that baby shower table and makes the perfect centerpiece to welcome your new addition to the family.


a whole loaf of bread shaped into baby bassinets


14

Cranberry Fluff Salad

Friday, September 23, 2011
This fluffy Cranberry side dish is such a delightful addition to any Thanksgiving holiday table it's a super easy Cranberry Salad made with whole canned cranberries, mini marshmallows pineapple, and whipped cream.

A bowl of delicious fluffy salad and a holiday side dish that can be a dessert also that everyone really enjoys and we have a list of mix-ins you may also like in our post below.

We also love the color for hosting baby showers, and fund raisers for Breast Cancer Awareness month, this dessert is always a big hit for those potlucks days.

This side dish ranks right up there in our home with Maple Glazed Carrots, Amaretto Sweet Potato Casserole, and let's not forget that Cinnamon Butternut Squash, we just love fall sweet side dishes!

It’s a deliciously tart and sweet side dish that's a great addition to any holiday meal and festive looking, but the best part is it's super fast and easy!.

Seasonal flavors like pumpkin and cranberry just shout Thanksgiving flavors and this cranberry fluff recipe will soon be a must-make every year because it's so addicting.

This can be served for so many events even for a gender baby girl reveal it's the perfect color food to add to that baby shower.

We love lots of cream dessert-style recipes like our Strawberry Cream Pie, it's made with jello and another fun refreshing pie or if you're a chocolate lover try our Classic Chocolate Cream Pie.

Scroll down to the recipe card to print off this easy recipe.


whole cranberries and cream fluffy side dish for the holiday in a glass bowl


19

Berry Lemon Scones

Thursday, September 22, 2011
These Berry Lemon Scones are tender and flaky, with fresh berries of your choice throughout a flaky buttery perfect breakfast of afternoon tea time delight!

If you’ve never made homemade scones before, this recipe is super easy to make and in no time you'll have a replica of that favorite coffee shop you've been over paying for them.

The lemon zest makes such a nice compliment to the berries and then with a light glaze that just makes these scones over the top in flavor.

Keep in mind you don't have to be a professional baker to make your own, they are really easy and you'll be in awe how simple pantry ingredients will transform into your favorite scone flavor.




Fruits or Other Additions to Use

  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries or Blackberries
  • Boysenberries
  • Sliced Peaches
  • Diced Mango
  • Diced Papaya
  • Crushed Pineapple
  • Dried Fruits like raisins, craisins, and current
  • Coconut
  • Chocolate chips




Tips

  1. for a flaky dough make sure the butter is cold
  2. use two forks or a pastry cutter for even distribution
  3. if you grate the butter first it's easier to combine with the dough
  4. blot the fruit dry and only fresh is best
  5. add a pinch of cinnamon for a fall taste 
  6. add almond extract to the glaze it also pairs well 




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Berry Lemon Scones

Berry Lemon Scones

Yield: 8
Author: Claudia Lamascolo
Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 19 MinTotal time: 29 Min
These are berry scones with lemon zest. A nice light combination of flavors. You can use any berries you like in this easy recipe.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter cut into small pieces (make sure it's cold)
  • 1/2 cup fresh berries
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat.
  3. In a bowl mix the flour sugar and baking powder with the salt to combine.
  4. Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients using two forks, or a pastry cutter and mix until it looks like sand (also can be done in a food processor).
  5. Place this mixture back into the larger bowl and add the lemon zest.
  6. In another smaller bowl add the cream and eggs and mix together.
  7. Add this liquid to the butter mixture just until combined.
  8. Add a little more cream if it's too dry.
  9. Gently fold in the berries you're using and roll the dough onto a floured board in a disk or round.
  10. The dough should be around an inch thick.
  11. Cut into triangles or rounds whatever you desire.
  12. Add to the baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes just until lightly browned.
  13. Cool completely, then drizzle the glaze or leave plain
  14. Scones can be served with jam, jelly, preserves, clotted cream or buttered.
  15. Glaze Recipe:
  16. 1 cup of powdered sugar
  17. 2 tablespoon lemon juice.
  18. Drizzle on cooled scones.
berry lemon scones, how to make scones, lemon scones, biscuit scones, cut scones,
scone recipes, scones with berry recipes, lemon scone recipes
English, French, American


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25

Milk Chocolate Coconut Toasted Almond Butter

Friday, September 16, 2011


1 1/2 cups unsweetened, shredded coconut (or sweetened if you have a problem finding it)
1 1/2 cups raw almonds
4 ounces milk chocolate  (I used symphony bars made by Hersheys)
pinch of kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon coconut oil, or coconut extract

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees.
Spread the almonds out on a parchment lined cookie sheet  bake for 15 minutes, stirring them every 5 minutes so they roast on both sides,  While almonds are toasting, add shredded coconut a food processor and pulse until fine texture,  about 5 minutes to 7 minutes.  After the coconut begins to become soft and fine in texture, add the coconut oil or coconut extract.  Add almonds to the coconut and  pulse in the processor while the almonds are still slightly warm.  Blend and pulse, till this all comes together.  Melt the milk chocolate (I use the microwave, melting it in 30 second increments and stirring until it’s melted) and add to the almond butter. Blend until fully incorporated.

Nut butters should be stored in the refrigerator.  I take them out about an hour or so before serving to soften, as they harden in cooler temperatures.
22

Danish Almond Puff Pastry

Thursday, September 15, 2011
Danish Almond Puff is a version of puff pastry baked with flaky layers, it's delicious but so easy to make.

These are 3 steps to make this simple dessert puff pastry, will be a great recipe to add to your pastry collection.

Once it's cooled we add a light drizzle of icing with slived almonds making this a very elegant dessert to serve when hosting a dinner party that will impress friends and family.

Mom made this often and I always thought it would be a difficult recipe by the taste and layers it made while baking but to my surprise it was a breeze to make and one of my all-time favorites.

Just scroll down and print off the recipe card for this easy version of a Danish Almond Puff Pastry dessert, it's even wonderful served around any holiday.


danish puff pastry ring with almonds


24

Memories, Farewell to Ed, R.I.P.

Monday, September 12, 2011
Farewell to Ed, this post is dedicated to my sons and to the loss of their dad.

Their dad passed away yesterday at 3pm, 9-11-2011

Their Dad's favorite tv series of all time was the original Star Trek.

Ed lost his battle with cancer.



.
50

Strawberry French Toast Waffles

Strawberry French Toast Waffles are made so easy you're going to wonder why you haven't thought to use your waffle iron before now for these fluffy thick egg battered slices of bread, they're so light and delicious.

The best part about making french toast in a waffle iron is not standing over a hot stove and it repurposes the waffle iron for a great-looking breakfast toast that browns it perfectly.

Eggs, milk, and flavoring along with our fresh strawberries pureed make this look and taste like a gourmet breakfast except no one will know it's not a waffle because it transforms into a waffle!

Seriously breakfast never tasted or looked so good!

Add a few side dishes and this will become the entire family favorite but don't take my word for it, give this one a try first to see.

You may also like to try our Cannoli Stuffed French Toast or Italian French Toast plus another easy breakfast recipe like our Homemade Sausage and Cheddar Biscuits, they're so yummy.

These can be dusted with powdered sugar when you're on the go, packed in lunches (we dip ours in cinnamon sugar after frying) as a snack, and perfect any time of the day.

Scroll down for this printable recipe and just check out our tips below for the best results if you still want an old-fashioned version try our Denny's Copycat French Toast recipe as an alternative.


24

Aggression Oatmeal Depression Cookies

Friday, September 9, 2011
This recipe for Aggression Oatmeal Cookies is the first one I ever made in our classroom in the school for home economics back in the 1970s

A recipe also called depression cookie is all made by hand (no mixers here) using very basic simple ingredients easily found, rolled by hand, and just an old-fashioned cookie jar oatmeal cookie.

Real made-from-scratch basic oatmeal cookies were very popular and found in many American homes back then.

If you looking to make a large number of cookies, this is the perfect recipe for oatmeal cookie lovers

It was always a treat for us all the mix the cookies as a family project and the results were always delicious and our favorite oatmeal cookie made with love.



4

Mahi Mahi Parmesan Appetizer Bites Recipe

Tuesday, September 6, 2011
These are bite-size batter dipped and fried Mahi Mahi. A delicious Florida appetizer we make often. Great anytime for snacks or just the perfect dinner appetizer.

This fried Mahi Mahi has a crispy golden beer coating on the outside while keeping the fish moist, tender, and flaky on the inside.

The fish is terrific with one of our 14 dipping sauces you can choose from or just use our delicious marinara sauce and mozzarella Parmesan topping suggestions the way we like it.

Easy fried fish that will taste like a five-star restaurant, and with some store-bought ingredients these delicious appetizer bites are ready in less than 20 minutes.




32

Pina Colada Pineapple Rum Poke Cake

Sunday, September 4, 2011
This is the perfect party cake for adults, however, our Pina Colada Pineapple Rum Poke Cake can have substitutions for alcohol that's in the cake.


The flavor of this cake takes on the popular cocktail you find all over the Caribbean and is a delicious addition to any pineapple coconut rum lover in flavor.


Over the years we adapted the cake using all pineapple juice and fresh pineapple, and also added rum extract instead of the alcohol, so adapt this recipe to your dietary needs.


This Pina Colada kind of a cocktail cake just may become one of your favorite desserts for all you tropical drink lovers out there!


For this delicious cake scroll all the way down to the bottom to print it off.




23