Spring risotto

Today is the first day of Spring and loads of people on social media are pretty excited about it. In Miami, it’s just another warm, humid, sunny day. As a teacher what really excites me is that today is my last day of work for the next ten days. As a home cook what really […]

Pan-roasted cauliflower wedges with bagna cauda

Bagna cauda (pronounced bahn-yah cow-dah) hails from the northern region of Piedmont in Italy and translates to “hot bath” which is fitting since it is Italy’s version of a warm dip. Oil, butter, anchovies, garlic, and lemon are combined to create a smooth dipping sauce that is often used for cooked vegetables and crudites. It’s always […]

Gnocchi with a mushroom cream sauce

I’m on a carb kick. No, seriously. I’ve literally had pasta or gnocchi every day this week. Do I feel guilty? Nope, not one bit! And neither should you! I was raised in a pasta-focused household so I was never indoctrinated with this American mentality of “low-carb” this and “low-calorie” that. I was raised with […]

Spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams)

This is one of my favorite pasta dishes. It’s only got a few ingredients but it packs a lot of flavor (if done correctly) and is great for summer entertaining. I think some people might be intimidated about buying clams and cooking them, especially if it’s your first time, but it’s really quite easy and […]

Baked Rigatoni with an asparagus cream sauce

My spring break is over and school (well, work for me) started up again yesterday. I’m think I’m okay with that because that just means that we are getting closer to summer vacation and let’s not kid ourselves here–that’s the main perk of being a teacher! I’m back to going to sleep early, getting into […]

Orecchiette con broccoli

I am definitely on a pasta kick. This takes about 20-30 minutes to make, is healthy, is extremely flavorful due to the pungent garlic and sharp parmigiano cheese. And it uses De Cecco pasta! Sounds pretty perfect, if I must say so. If you don’t know about De Cecco, check out my last post where I talk […]

Racchette pasta with shrimp, red pepper, and broccolini in a white wine/lemon/garlic sauce

Now that I’ve recovered from the gorge fest, aka Thanksgiving, I am finally back in the kitchen! Thanksgiving was very different for me this year because this was the first year that I didn’t go home to see my parents. My boyfriend and his family graciously invited me to spend Thanksgiving with them and I […]