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Spinach and pasta salad
Cuisine is influenced by the cooking of
Italy

Australia has a unique blend of culinary contributions and adaptations from various cultures around the world, including Indigenous Australians, Asians, Europeans and Pacific Islanders.

It’s the right climate to grow the ingredients of the Southeast Asian neighbors—lemongrass, ginger, mint, chile, basil, Makrut lime, galangal—ingredients that have simply become part of the Australian cooking. Virtually every Aussie pantry has fish sauce, shrimp paste, soy sauce, and rice as staples. Olive oil, couscous, and dried pasta, too.
Native ingredients are used at every level of dining to add exclamation to dishes. There’s finger lime, a lime shaped like a finger with tiny balls of citrus inside.
There’s lemon myrtle, a leaf with a lemon-meets-eucalyptus flavor. Wattleseed is an edible seed that speaks of chocolate, coffee, and hazelnut. Samphire, (sea asparagus) known in France as salicorne is a coastal succulent that you can think of as a tiny, salty asparagus. The list goes on and on, making Australia a culinary wonderland for professionals. Australia’s bush is full of incredible indigenous ingredients that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have consumed for milennia.
In the past decade, Australian chefs have begun celebrating their country's unique culinary heritage by presenting this bounty of wild food in delicious ways; now you might see native ingredients like salt weed, wattleseeds, Kakadu plums and finger limes in a number of top restaurants.

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
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.

Appetizer
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.

Appetizer
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.

Appetizer
Summer salad  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:12 minutes
1/2 pound green beans (1-inch length)
1 pound cooked asparagus
2 cooked artichoke bottoms
2 tablespoons snipped chives
1 tablespoon minced parsley
1 tablespoon minced chervil
1 tomato
1 avocado
sherry vinegar mayonnaise
Cut green beans into 1-inch lengths.
Cook in boiling salted water until tender. Drain.
Cut asparagus into 1-inch lengths.
Cut each artichoke bottom into 6 wedges.
Combine beans, asparagus, artichokes, chives, parsley and chervil with enough mayonnaise to coat.
Peel and thinly slice the tomato.
Peel, pit and thinly slice the avocado.
Arrange the salad on four lettuce lined plates and garnish with tomato and avocado.

Appetizer
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.

Appetizer
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.

Appetizer
Asparagus mimosa  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
3 pounds fresh green asparagus
2 hard-cooked eggs, peeled
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 cup herb-vinaigrette dressing
Peel and trim the asparagus.
Boil 4 quarts of water in a pot. Cook asparagus in boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes or until just tender.
Gently remove asparagus from boiling water and cool in ice cold water. Drain on paper towels, and set aside.
Separate egg yolks and whites. Wash egg whites in cold water. Drain on paper towel and set aside. Finely chop egg yolks; set aside in a small bowl. Chop egg whites and save in a bowl.
Arrange asparagus on a serving platter. Sprinkle egg yolk and egg white and parsley over asparagus.
Serve cold with the herb-vinaigrette.

Main
Australian meat pie  Print Recipe

In Australia, hand-sized meat pies are a party staple, and most sporting arenas will also have vendors selling meat pies to the spectators There are many different meat pie variants available, but most of them contain diced or minced beef in some sort of gravy. Popular additions are cheese, mushrooms or veggies. This recipe is for small Australian meat-pies that are perfect for parties. You make them in muffin tins, so you need enough holes for 16 pies.
Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients for filling
3 tablespoons of sunflower oil or similar
3 lbs of a beef cut suitable for slow cooking (e.g. chuck steak), cut into 2/5” cubes
2 medium onions, peeled and diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 1/2 cups beef broth
1 1/2 cup dry red wine
3 bay leaves
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
4 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons cornstarch
Ingredients for pastry
1 egg yolk
4 sheets of shortcrust pastry (10 inches by 10 inches). If you buy frozen, let it thaw before use.
4 sheets of puff pastry (10 inches by 10 inches). You might not need all of it, but it’s better to have too much than too little.
Butter to grease the muffin tins with (You need enough tins for 16 pies)

Pour 1 tablespoon of the oil into a Dutch oven or a heavy cooking pot together with half of the beef cubes. Lightly brown the meat. Remove to a bowl.
Pour 1 tablespoon into the pot again and brown the remaining beef cubes. Put in the bowl with the other beef cubes. Set aside.
Lower the heat under the pot to medium, and add the remaining oil to the pot together with onion and garlic. Fry until the onion is translucent.
Put the beef cubes into the pot with the onions. Add all the other filling ingredients to the pot, except for the water and the cornstarch. Stir around until its combined. There should be enough liquid to nearly cover the meat. If not, add some water (or wine / broth if you have some extra laying around).
Bring the stew to a simmer.
Lower the heat below the pot to low / medium low.
Put a lid on the pot and leave the stew to simmer until the beef is very tender about 45-60 minutes. Stir occasionally during this time, and check if there is enough liquid.
When the beef is very tender, pour cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of water into a cup with a lid and shake it well. Make sure there are no clumps.
Pour the cornstarch mixture into the pot and stir to mix it in.
Leave the stew cooking for 5 minutes more to allow the stew to thicken
Add salt to taste.
Remove the pot from the stove and leave to cool.
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees C / 350 degrees F.
Grease the muffin tins.
The pie crust pastry is used for making the “cup” part of the pie shell. Check the size of your muffin tins and cut the pastry accordingly to line the inside of muffin tins.
Place one pie crust pastry circle in each muffin tin hole. Press them gently to turn them into “cups”.
Fill each “cup” to the brim with beef stew from the pot.
The puff pastry will be used to make lids for the pies. Check which size would be best for your particular pies and cut accordingly.
Put a lid on each pie. Press or nip gently along the rim to join the lid with the “cup”.
With a small and sharp knife, make four little slices in each lid to allow steam a way to get out of the pies and reduce the risk of cracking.
Lightly beat the egg yolk in a small bowl.
Brush the pies with egg yolk.
Put the muffin tins in the oven. Bake until the pie lids are of a dark golden brown shade. This will take 20-25 minutes or so.
Take the tins out of the oven and leave in room temperature to allow the pies to rest for a few minutes.
Carefully transfer the pies to a wire rack. Serve!

Main
Fish and chips  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
2 pounds boned and skinned cod
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 recipe batter for fish (recipe below)
2 pounds baking potatoes
6 lemon wedges
oil for frying

BATTER FOR FISH

1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup pancake flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 egg
1 cup water

Cod can be substituted with other white firm skinless, and boneless fish.
Cut fish into 5 oz. (140 g) pieces. Wash under cold water and dry. Season with salt. Coat in the cold batter.
Deep fry at 360 F. (190 C) for 4 to 5 minutes. Arrange on a warm dish lined with a napkin.
Serve with chips and lemon pieces, or the traditional malt vinegar.
(The chips are actually large French fried potatoes, made with the baking potatoes, and deep fried.

BATTER FOR FISH

In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Beat egg and water. Blend in dry ingredients until smooth.

Main
Kale fritters  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time:20 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
5 large leave of kale, cored, washed, 2 cups of chopped kale leaves put through the food processor
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger root
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

For the fritters:
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic
Ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons water
2 large eggs (separate yolks from whites)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Oil for frying
1. Combine kale leaves, ginger, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and ground pepper in food processor. Pulse/process until all the kale is chopped up. Transfer to a medium bowl. If all the kale won’t fit in the processor at once, process in batches. Don’t over-process, you don’t want your kale to become a paste/puree. It should look like chopped leaves.
2. Add water, flour, baking powder and egg yolks. MIX WELL.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until they hold peaks but are not too stiff. They’ll first get bubbly and then turn to a light fluffy foam.
4. Fold egg whites (beaten) into the kale mixture.
5. In a pan, heat up a thin layer of oil on medium-high.
6. Drop the kale batter in spoonfuls onto the hot pan. Fry for about 3 minutes on each side. The fritters should be a golden brown color. You can turn the heat down a bit once they get frying. It’s a pretty quick process. Add more oil as needed.
7. When they’re done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
8. Serve with sour cream, a chutney or another dip of your choice.

Main
Spinach and pasta salad  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
6 cups Farfalle pasta
3/4 cup sliced red pepper
4 green onions, sliced
2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
2/3 cup shredded fresh basil
2 cups lightly packed fresh spinach
8 cherry tomatoes, quartered

Dressing:
1/3 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 large clove garlic, minced
Cook pasta until firm but tender. Drain and rinse under cold water; drain again very well.
Whisk together oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper and garlic. Add pasta, red pepper, onions, feta cheese and half of the shredded basil; toss gently. Stack spinach leaves and roll up tightly; cut crosswise into thin strips.
Add to salad along with tomatoes and remaining basil; toss gently.

Main
Tomato and Seafood Penne  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
7 oz (225 g) whole wheat penne or linguine
2 tsp olive oil
3 shallots, chopped
2 leeks, (white and light green parts only halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups (500 mL) no-salt-added canned diced tomatoes
1 tsp dried oregano
Pinch each hot pepper flakes, salt and pepper
6 oz (170 g) frozen scallops, (about 10) thawed and halved
6 oz (170 g) frozen jumbo shrimp, (about 8) thawed, peeled, deveined and cut in half lengthwise
6 cups (1.5 L) packed baby spinach
1/3 cup (75 mL) grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped fresh basil
In large pot of boiling water, cook penne according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid.

Meanwhile, in large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat; cook shallots, leeks and garlic, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, oregano, hot pepper flakes, salt and pepper; simmer for 5 minutes.

Add scallops and shrimp; cook, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are pink and scallops are opaque, about 3 minutes.

Stir in pasta and spinach; cook until spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in enough of the reserved cooking liquid to coat; transfer to serving platter. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and basil.

Main
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.

Main
Carrot gnocchi  Print Recipe


Serves: 2
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
1/2 pound carrots
1 teaspoon finely chopped onion
3 teaspoons butter
1 cup Parmigiano-reggiano cheese
3 teaspoons flour
1 large egg yolk
salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste
3 teaspoons chopped fresh chives
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Peel and slice carrots. Boil until tender. Drain.
In a medium skillet, cook the onion in 1 tablespoon butter, over moderate heat, stirring until pale gold.
Add carrots, and cook for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Transfer the carrots to a food processor, and puree until smooth. Transfer the puree to a bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of the cheese, the flour and egg yolk, and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg; mix well.
Bring a wide shallow saucepan of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon salt. Prepare a bowl of ice cold water. Shape the carrot mixture into ovals, using two soup spoons, scooping a portion between the spoons.
Slide 4 of the gnocchi at the time into the boiling water and cook just until they rise to the surface, about a minute or less.
When the gnocchi are done, transfer to the cold water.
Lightly butter a baking dish large enough to hold the gnocchi in a layer without crowding.
Drain the gnocchi and arrange them in the prepared baking baking dish.
Sprinkle with remaining cheese and butter. Bake for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with chives and serve at once.

Main
Parmesan and thyme crackers  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:25 minutes
1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 cup)
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter for 1 minute. With the mixer on low speed, add the Parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper and combine. With the mixer still on low, add the flour and combine until the mixture is in large crumbles, about 1 minute. If the dough is too dry, add 1 teaspoon water.

Dump the dough onto a floured board, press it into a ball, and roll into a 9-inch log. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or for up to 4 days.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cut the log into 3/8-inch-thick rounds with a small, sharp knife and place them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 22 minutes, until very lightly browned. Rotate the pan once during baking. Cool and serve at room temperature.

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
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
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
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.

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
Frittata  Print Recipe

A frittata is an Italian-style flat omelet that's baked in a skillet. This frittata recipe features spinach, mushrooms and Fontina cheese. It's perfect for holiday brunches or other special occasions. Many variations are made using bacon, asparagus, peas and other ingredients.
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
1 cup chopped leeks (white and pale green parts only)
½ lb fresh spinach, rinsed, dried and torn into roughly 1-inch pieces
1 cup sliced stemmed mushrooms
8 large eggs
1 cup diced Fontina cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat broiler.
Melt butter in heavy broilerproof 10-inch-diameter nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add leeks and sauté 4 minutes. Add spinach and mushrooms, sprinkle lightly with salt, and sauté until tender, about 6 minutes.
In a medium bowl, Whisk eggs, 3/4 cup Fontina cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add egg mixture to skillet; fold gently to combine. Cook until almost set. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup Fontina cheese and Parmesan cheese over. Broil until frittata is puffed and cheese begins to turn golden, about 3 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve.

Main
Parmesan sage polenta sticks  Print Recipe


Serves: 7
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
4 cups water
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon minced fresh sage leaves or 1 teaspoon dried, crumbled
1 1/3 cups yellow cornmeal
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 pound)
Butter a 13- by 9-inch glass baking dish. In a large heavy saucepan bring water to a boil and add salt. Add sage and 1/3 cup cornmeal., a little at a time, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and add remaining cup cornmeal in a slow stream, stirring constantly. Cook mixture over low heat, whisking, 1 minute and remove pan from heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 1/3 cup Parmesan and stir polenta until butter is incorporated.
Working quickly, spread polenta evenly in prepared dish and chill until firm, about 20 minutes. Polenta may be prepared up to this point 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.
Preheat broiler and line a baking sheet with foil. In a small saucepan melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over low heat. Invert polenta onto a work surface.
Halve polenta lengthwise and cut each half crosswise into 14 sticks. Arrange sticks on prepared baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
Broil sticks about 4 inches from heat until golden, about 4 to 6 minutes.
Turn sticks over and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan. Broil sticks until cheese is golden, about 2 to 3 minutes more.

Side Dish
Dried tomato and fennel stuffing  Print Recipe


Serves: 12
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:45 minutes
10 cups diced country style bread
11/2 pounds fennel bulbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup drained oil-packed dried tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch dice
3 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven at 325 degrees.
Toast bread cubes on a baking pan until just dry. Trim fennel bulbs, discarding stalks.
Dice stalks into 1/4-inch dice. In a large skillet, melt butter; cook fennel over moderate heat for about 15 minutes. Simmer tomatoes in chicken broth for 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, toss together all the ingredients. Cool. May be made a day ahead.

Side Dish
Summer salad  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:12 minutes
1/2 pound green beans (1-inch length)
1 pound cooked asparagus
2 cooked artichoke bottoms
2 tablespoons snipped chives
1 tablespoon minced parsley
1 tablespoon minced chervil
1 tomato
1 avocado
sherry vinegar mayonnaise
Cut green beans into 1-inch lengths.
Cook in boiling salted water until tender. Drain.
Cut asparagus into 1-inch lengths.
Cut each artichoke bottom into 6 wedges.
Combine beans, asparagus, artichokes, chives, parsley and chervil with enough mayonnaise to coat.
Peel and thinly slice the tomato.
Peel, pit and thinly slice the avocado.
Arrange the salad on four lettuce lined plates and garnish with tomato and avocado.

Side Dish
Pesto  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:None
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons pine nuts
2 cloves crushed garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup grated parmesan
2 teaspoons grated romano or pecorino
3 teaspoons butter, soft
In a blender, combine basil, oil, pine nuts, garlic and salt. Blend to a puree.
Scrape edges of bowl to push all ingredients down.
Pour into a bowl.
Beat in the cheeses and soft butter. Serve with pasta.
Add a tablespoon of hot water in which pasta has boiled to pesto to soften.

Side Dish
Asparagus mimosa  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
3 pounds fresh green asparagus
2 hard-cooked eggs, peeled
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 cup herb-vinaigrette dressing
Peel and trim the asparagus.
Boil 4 quarts of water in a pot. Cook asparagus in boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes or until just tender.
Gently remove asparagus from boiling water and cool in ice cold water. Drain on paper towels, and set aside.
Separate egg yolks and whites. Wash egg whites in cold water. Drain on paper towel and set aside. Finely chop egg yolks; set aside in a small bowl. Chop egg whites and save in a bowl.
Arrange asparagus on a serving platter. Sprinkle egg yolk and egg white and parsley over asparagus.
Serve cold with the herb-vinaigrette.

Side Dish
Broccoli au gratin  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
3 pounds broccoli, cleaned, cut into 2-inch florets
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
4 cups boiling milk
salt and pepper to taste
1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 cup grated Swiss cheese
1 teaspoon melted butter
In a kettle of salted boiling water, cook the broccoli flowerets for 3 to 4 minutes, or until tender.
Drain broccoli, and plunge into ice cold water to stop the cooking.
Drain broccoli. Pat dry, and transfer to a buttered 2-quart baking dish.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a saucepan, cook the onion in 3 tablespoons of butter over moderate low heat, stirring until it is softened.
Stir in the flour and cook the roux over low heat, stirring, for 3 minutes.
Add milk and whisk over moderate heat until the sauce thickens. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and grated nutmeg.
Pour the sauce over broccoli. Sprinkle the cheese over the sauce. Pour butter over cheese.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.

Broccoli with cheddar sauce:
A variation of this recipe uses the cream sauce with the addition of 2 cups grated cheddar cheese, and dry breadcrumbs sprinkled over the top of broccoli.

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
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
Italian stuffing with sausage  Print Recipe


Serves: 10
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium celery ribs with leaves, chopped
2 medium red bell peppers, cored, seeded, and chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. crushed hot red pepper
12 ounces day-old, crusty Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 7 cups)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 4 ounces)
8 tbsp unsalted butter(1 stick), melted
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 cups Homemade Turkey Stock or canned reduced-sodium chicken broth, or as needed
1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the sausage and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it loses its pink color, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the basil, oregano, salt, and crushed red pepper. Transfer to a large bowl.
2. Add the bread and cheese and mix well. Stir in the butter, wine, and enough of the stock to moisten the dressing, about 1 cup. Use to stuff the turkey, or place in a buttered baking dish, drizzle with an additional ½ cup stock, cover, and bake as a side dish.

Dessert
Cinnamon ice cream with satin cinnamon chocolate sauce  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time:10 minutes
Cinnamon Ice Cream
1 cup whole milk
1 cup whipping cream
two 6-inch cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces
4 egg yolks
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
pinch salt

SATIN CINNAMON CHOCOLATE SAUCE

8

8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons sweet butter
In a medium saucepan, bring the milk, cream and cinnamon sticks to a boil. Remove from heat and cover. Leave 30 minutes to infuse, then strain. Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, ground cinnamon and salt until thick and the sugar dissolves.
Whisk in the strained milk and cream mixture. Pour into a clean saucepan and cook over a low heat, stirring until slightly thickened or the mixture reaches 176°F (82°C). Do not boil. Strain immediately into a bowl set over ice and stir until cool. Refrigerate until cold.
Churn in an ice-cream machine.

SATIN CINNAMON CHOCOLATE SAUCE

Combine chocolate, corn syrup, milk and cinnamon in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat for a minute, while stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the butter.
Can be refrigerated for a week. Serve with ice cream.

Dessert
Meringue pavlova  Print Recipe

You can make the meringue a week ahead and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place (though not in the freezer or refrigerator). Any humidity or moisture will soften the meringue.
Serves: 8
Preparation time:20 minutes
Cooking time:3 hours
6 egg whites
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 pt heavy whipping cream
1 Tbsp sugar
strawberries, blueberries, kiwi or your choice of fresh fruit


FOR MERINGUE SHELL:
In the mixing bowl of an electric mixer, combine the egg whites with cream of tartar and lemon juice and beat at high speed until soft peaks form, about 1 minute.
Continue beating, and gradually add the sugar, vanilla and cornstarch. Beat until very stiff, about 2 minutes.
Spoon the meringue mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a star tube. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Pipe meringue onto the prepared baking sheet to form two 8-inch circles. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Place meringues in a 150 degree oven to dry, about 2 to 3 hours.
Store in a sealed container away from humidity. They keep for a week to 10 days.
Just before serving, beat the cream with the powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla until firm. Spread the whipped cream over the top of pavlova meringues and sprinkle cream with your choice of fruit. Sliced strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, raspberries, fresh pineapple, passionfruit or what you like. Do not add cream and fruit ahead of time as will make the meringue soggy.

Dessert
Pizzellis  Print Recipe

A Pizzelle is a traditional Italian sugar cookie served plain or rolled into a cone and filled with fruit or ice cream. They can be formed into cups by draping the freshly cooked hot pizzelli over the bottom of a small glass or a similar container. They can also be shaped into ice-cream cones. See also Sicilian cannoli recipe
Serves: 15
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoons vanilla
Beat eggs and sugar until light and creamy.
Stir in the remaining ingredients until smooth. Cook on an electric pizzelli machine to form wafers: Preheat pizzelli maker.
Spoon 2 tablespoons of batter onto the center of the baking surface.
Close iron and gently squeeze together.
Bake for about a minute.

Cookies are baked when golden brown.
Remove from the iron with a spatula and roll-up into a cone, using the wooden rolling cone tool included. Remove and allow to cool.
Serve them cut in wedges, or while wafer is hot, or shape into a cup over a glass or similar container. Store in an airtight container.
Spoon fruit, ice cream or chocolate mousse into cup.

Dessert
Wine jelly  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:none
2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup orange juice
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup red wine
1/2 cup Madeira wine

Mix the gelatin and sugar together in small bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water and let soften for 5 minutes. Pour 1 1/2 cups boiling water over and mix well to dissolve. Add orange juice, lemon juice and wines. Pour into a mold and chill until firm.

Dessert
Lemon cream tart  Print Recipe


Serves: 10
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:50 minutes
8 ounces soft cream cheese
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 egg
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons flour
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons melted margarine
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
2 eggs, beaten
1 10-inch pie crust
Preheat oven at 375 degrees.
Line the pie crust in a 10-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Press in bottom and sides of pan.
Combine cream cheese and sugar. Add lemon juice and egg. Beat until smooth. Spread over crust.
Combine sugar, flour, corn syrup, lemon juice, margarine, and lemon peel. Mix well. Add beaten eggs.
Carefully pour over cream cheese mixture. Bake 40 50 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Cool completely.
Remove from pan and refrigerate.

Dessert
Sicilian cannoli  Print Recipe

The recipe makes 30 to 32 wafers. Use 12 for this recipe and reserve the remaining in a closed container.
The cannoli are made using a pizelle maker. A Pizzelle is a traditional Italian sugar cookie served plain or rolled into ice-cream cones or in this recipe into cannoli shells.
Serves: 6
Preparation time:30 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoons vanilla Filling:
16 oz Mascarpone
1/3 cup whipping cream
1/2 powdered sugar, plus more for garnish
Garnish: chopped pistachio nuts
Beat eggs and sugar until light and creamy.
Stir in the remaining ingredients until smooth.
Preheat pizzelli maker.
Spoon 2 tablespoons of batter onto the center of the baking surface of the pizzelli maker. Close the cover. Bake for about a minute.
Cookies are baked when golden brown.
While wafer is hot, shape into cannoli shells. Store in an airtight container.
Filling:
Whip the chilled cream until stiff peaks form. Add the powdered sugar. Whisk the mascarpone and gently fold in the whipped cream.
Scoop filling into a piping bag fitted with a tip to fill each shell. Sprinkle chopped pistachios over each end of the filled cannoli and dust with powdered sugar.

Dessert
Lemon tart #2  Print Recipe

Same recipe can be used with lime juice, orange juice, or a combination of lemon and rum. For lemon tartlets, unfold paper cups flat. Line with thin pie crust. Bake in muffin tins.
Serves: 8
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
1 recipe
never fail pie crust
1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
3/4 cup lemon juice
3 large egg yolks
3 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Pie crust:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll the dough into a round 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface, drape it over a rolling pin, and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Press the dough firmly into the pan and cut off any excess with the floured rolling pin. Freeze any leftover dough for future use. Cover pie shell with foil and dry beans or rice, and bake for 10 minutes. Remove inside of pie shell and foil, and continue baking at 350 degrees until golden brown.
Filling:
In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin in cold water In a medium saucepan, boil sugar to 240 degrees. Whisk yolks in an electric mixer. Pour hot sugar over and beat until light, creamy and cool. Add lemon juice, gelatin and lemon rind. Cool until mixture is about to set. Beat whites with cream of tartar. Fold in egg-yolk-gelatin mixture. Pour in shell. Chill until set. Sprinkle with grated lemon rind

Dessert
Strawberry-topped lime mousse tart  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
For crust:
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup whole almonds, toasted
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
2 teaspoons cold water

For filling:
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
3/4 cup chilled whipped cream, (divided into 1/4 cup and 1/2 cup)
5 ounces white chocolate
1 teaspoon grated lime peel
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons sour cream

Topping:
3 12-ounce baskets strawberries, washed, hulled, sliced
1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam
Crust:
Preheat oven at 375 degrees.
Blend first 4 ingredients in processor until nuts are ground. Add butter cut into small pieces, and mix until dough has a fine texture. Blend in enough water until mixture forms a ball. Press dough evenly over bottom and up sides of tart pan. Freeze crust for 30 minutes. Bake until golden brown for about 30 minutes.
Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the lime juice and gelatin. Let stand for 10 minutes to soften. Bring 1/4 cup cream to simmer in medium saucepan. Stir in the white chocolate. Add gelatin mixture; stir to dissolve. Mix in peel. Chill until cold and beginning to thicken but not set, stirring often.
Whip sugar, sour cream and remaining 1/2 cup cream to medium-stiff peaks.
Fold whipped cream mixture into the white chocolate mixture. Spoon mousse into crust.
Chill until mousse sets, about 2 hours.
Arrange berries atop the mousse.
Melt jam in small saucepan over low heat. Brush jam over strawberries to glaze.

Dessert
Lemon meringue pie tart  Print Recipe

A towering lemon meringue pie to wow guests at the table.
Serves: 6
Preparation time:20 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
For the pastry

3 oz (90 g) unsalted butter
2 tbsp (20 g) ground almonds (almond meal)
1/2 cup (50 g) icing (confectioners’) sugar
2 large eggs
5 oz (150 g) plain (all-purpose) flour
1/2 tsp salt

For the lemon custard

1 leaf (sheet) gelatine
3 unwaxed lemons
3 eggs
70 g caster (superfine) sugar
4 oz (120 g) unsalted butter


For the Italian meringue
230 g caster (superfine) sugar
2 tbsp water
1 lemon, juice only
4 egg whites
First make the pastry. In a bowl, soften the butter with a spatula. In a mixer with a paddle (flat beater) attachment, beat the softened butter, ground almonds (almond meal) and icing (confectioners’) sugar until smooth.

Then add the eggs, one at a time, while beating. Incorporate the flour and salt. Mix the pastry dough until crumbly.

Form the dough into a ball, wrap in clingfilm (plastic wrap) and rest overnight in the refrigerator.

Make the lemon custard. Soften the gelatine in a bowl of cold water for 5 minutes. Zest two of the lemons and squeeze all three. In a bowl, beat the eggs with a fork.


Combine the lemon juice, sugar and butter in a pan and bring to the boil. Gradually add the eggs, incorporating with a whisk. Cook over a low heat until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.


Pour the mixture into a bowl. Squeeze the gelatine and incorporate. Add the lemon zest. Use an immersion blender to mix well. Put into an airtight container and rest overnight in the refrigerator.


Preheat the oven to 175°C/350°F/gas mark 4.

Roll out the pastry dough into a 6-mm/1/4-inch-thick disc. Grease a tart pan with butter and line with the pastry. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.


Make the Italian meringue. Dissolve the sugar into 2 tablespoons of water and the lemon juice in a pan over a low heat.


Bring to the boil and cook until the mixture reads 120°C/250°F on a cooking thermometer. If you don’t have a cooking thermometer, put a little of the syrup in a spoon and let one drop fall into a glass of cold water. If it forms a small, soft ball, the syrup is ready.


In a grease-free bowl, whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks. Pour the syrup in a thin stream into the meringue while whisking until the mixture cools.


Fill the pastry case (shell) with the lemon custard. Use a plastic spatula to cover the tart with meringue, creating a dome in the centre. Caramelise with a chef's blowtorch.


Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour before serving.


Dessert
Pear tart tatin  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:40 minutes
2 cans (1-lb, 14-oz size) pear halves
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon butter
1 9-inch puff pastry circle
1 cup whipping cream
2 teaspoons confectioners' sugar
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Drain pears. Caramelize sugar with ¼ cup water until golden brown.
Pour caramel into the bottom of an 8½-inch round baking dish. Arrange pears, rounded side down on caramelized sugar.
Top with a second layer. Dot with butter. Bake 25 minutes. Bake pastry circle for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Place circle over pears.
Place serving plate over the top of pastry circle. Invert; remove baking dish.
Whip cream with sugar until firm. Garnish pears with whipped cream rosettes.
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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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The {Page Turner} E-Cookbooks Library on a world cooking journey
41 Recipes

8 Appetizers

15 Main dishes

8 Side dishes

10 Desserts

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ecookbook 41 Recipes