I have to say that Rome has some pretty kick-butt classic pasta dishes to choose from. Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe and this delicious and simple Bucatini all’Amatriciana. I love simple and classic pasta dishes like these. When you have good ingredients, you don’t really need a whole lot of them in order to create great flavor. Pasta is simple, cheap, and one of my absolute favorites! What is Bucatini all’Amatriciana Traditionally the sauce for this pasta dish is made with guanciale, tomatoes, and pecorino romano cheese. Some variations include onions, white wine, hot pepper flakes, or garlic added in. Guanciale is a cured pork product that comes from the cheeks.…
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Cacio e Pepe with Arugula
Pasta, Peppercorns, and Pecorino Romano. Those are the three main ingredients you will need to make this Cacio e Pepe with Arugula. I’ve added in some arugula as I think the peppery green compliments the dish perfectly, but if you don’t have arugula, this dish is great without it. This dish comes together quickly and is a really simple dish once you know a few techniques. What is Cacio e Pepe Cacio e Pepe is a pasta dish that originated in Rome. It means Pepper and Cheese. It is a simple but delicious dish when prepared correctly. Ingredients Matter When you make a simple dish like this Cacio e Pepe…
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Fresh Pappardelle with Bolognese
This fresh pappardelle with bolognese is comfort food at it’s finest. Slow-cooked bolognese sauce pairs perfectly with the wide fresh pappardelle noodles. Some tips for a good Bolognese Sauce Use fattier ground beef – the sauce needs the fat for flavor here, and it will yield a much tastier result. Not all canned tomatoes are created equally – I like to use San Marzano, they have fewer seeds, a nice pulp and are superior to many other brands on the market. A little pricier, but worth the extra dollar. I buy them by the case as they are a little more affordable this way. You can find them at any…
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Chinese Pork ‘Bolognese’ Noodles
Chinese Pork ‘Bolognese’ Noodles. It sounds strange but it is yummy! This easy ‘Chinese style bolognese’ is a delicious and easy pork gravy slathered over noodles and topped with crunchy julienned veggies and fresh herbs. If you have ever heard of the Chinese noodle dish called Zha Jiang Mian, this dish is basically a spin on that dish with easier to find ingredients for us North American folks. Basically it is noodles slathered in pork gravy and topped with some crunchy julienned veggies. I named it Chinese Bolognese as it kind of reminds me of a bolognese and pasta dish, except with Chinese flavors and it is super simple and…
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Linguine with Tomatoes, Capers and Burrata
This simple and delicious linguine with tomatoes and burrata is so good. Linguine adorned with a simple sauce made with olive oil, fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced garlic, fresh arugula, and capers. Top it off with some creamy burrata and a sprinkling of toasted homemade breadcrumbs to finish. So simple and so good. Pasta is pretty much one of my favorite things to eat, I absolutely love it! Admittedly, I can be a bit of a ‘pasta snob’. There are a few tips to make sure that you have a great pasta dish. Tips for making perfect pasta Make sure that you cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling…
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Jared’s Cheesy Shells with Bacon and Broccoli
Cheesy Shells with Bacon and Broccoli with a rich sauce made with Gruyere, Cheddar, and Mozzarella. Baked to cheesy perfection, the ultimate family comfort food. Who doesn’t love cheesy pasta? My middle son Jared was requesting that I make homemade mac and cheese for supper tonight, so I decided to enlist him as the head chef in the kitchen. Firstly, I wanted a break from cooking. But I also really want to try to teach him to cook a few things so that he doesn’t live off cereal and toast when he gets his own place one day. I have to say he did an amazing job tonight. This dish…
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Orecchiette with Broccoli and Anchovies
It’s been a hectic week and I haven’t had much time for cooking. I needed something really quick to make today before heading out to meet clients and this Orecchiette with Broccoli and Anchovies is what I decided on. Maybe eating a bunch of pasta adorned with garlic and anchovies is not such a great idea for a meal right before you meet with clients but, of course, I can’t turn down pasta like EVER! Although, you can feel good about this Orecchiette with Broccoli and Anchovies as it does have a heck of a lot of broccoli in it. It will feel as though you are overcooking the broccoli…
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Pasta Salad with Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette
I absolutely love Pasta Salad and this Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette is one of my favorites! A great addition to a back yard BBQ as a side dish – or great on its own for lunch. It’s my youngest son’s birthday today! I seriously cannot believe that he is 14! My babies aren’t babies anymore. If you are a parent of little ones, I’m here to tell you – time really does go quickly, so even on the days they are driving you crazy – try to savor it – as before you know it they are all grown up! Before our afternoon birthday festivities, I thought I…
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Creamy Pappardelle with Basil and Pea Shoots
This Creamy Pappardelle with Basil and Pea Shoots is truly a 10-minute supper. Perfect for a busy weeknight. By the time your water is boiling and pasta cooked your sauce will be done and ready to toss in the sauce. Throw in some fresh basil and pea shoots for garnish and you will look all ‘fancy’ and impress your family or friends. Little do they know this recipe is dead simple I’m pretty sure an 8-year-old could manage to make it. But don’t tell them that – let them think you fussed, and maybe they will offer to do the dishes. This is more of a method than an exact…
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Linguini Puttanesca
I’ve decided to get back to food blogging. Stay tuned as I switch websites and update this with many tasty treats…..Here’s an oldie to tide you over until then: Rumor has it that this pasta was created long ago by the women of the night to lure clients in with the smell of garlic and anchovies and olives….it definitely lures me in – although I have a problem when it comes to pasta – a serious problem. Here’s what you need: – Anchovies or Anchovy Paste about 2 tbsp of paste or a 2-3 anchovies – 4 cloves Garlic – 1 large handful of Kalamata Olives (or another variety would…
