Posts in dinner
Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving 2020 is going to look a LITTLE different. But that doesn't mean we can't celebrate and enjoy! In this video I share three new recipes for a smaller crowd! Starting with my citrus and sage roast turkey breast. A simple Italian side dish of roasted fennel. And a unique and light dessert idea of cranberry granita! These recipes can help create a delicious dinner experience regardless of who is (or isn't) around the table this year! I hope you'll give them a shot and add them to your traditional fair. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

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Mom's Meatloaf

An American classic - done Cucina style! Leave it to my family! We don't do your typical meatloaf - nope! My Mom essentially makes a giant meatball and then glazes it with sweet marsala wine! I promise - you won't miss the ketchup! This was on heavy dinner rotation when I was a kid, it's easy and basically just feels like home! It's a great meal for these cool nights! Serve it up with some potatoes and greens and you've got yourself a delicious dinner!

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White Mac & Cheese

We are going ALL IN on this white mac and cheese recipe! It's been getting pretty chilly at night here in Jersey and I'm ready for Fall flavors and "stick to your ribs" dishes (not that I didn't eat my face off all Summer anyway!). This delicious baked macaroni and cheese is NOT just for the kiddos. Sharp white cheddar, fontina (or gruyere!) mix with Fall flavors like nutmeg and clove; then get topped with a generous helping of breadcrumbs and baked to browned, bubbling perfection!

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Ricotta Cavatelli

This classic Italian pasta shape is incredibly easy to make! Homemade ricotta cavatelli use the same dough as ricotta gnocchi, but the shape is even more simple! No special tools required, just your hands and a wooden board! Toss them with a Bolognese, marinara or of course, broccoli rabe!

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Limoncello

I can’t think of anything more quintessentially Italian Summer than limoncello. And what better way to hold on to these last few days than bottle it up!? My aunt’s been making limoncello for years now and it always turns out great. So I finally got around to asking her for the recipe - it’s amazingly simple, but like all things Italian, it takes time and quality to do right.

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Three Cheese Pesto Pizza

I tossed this pizza together on a Friday night when I had leftover pesto, prosciutto and ricotta in the house! Taking inspiration from some of our amazing local pizzerias I used the pesto as the sauce, dolloped on the last few spoons of fresh ricotta, tore up a bit of fresh mozzarella, sprinkled the whole thing with grated parmesan and topped it all with the last few pieces of prosciutto. The result was spectacular! We've been loving this pizza ALL Summer long and I hope you all enjoy it too! You can use my fresh pizza dough recipe and pesto recipes below, watch the video and give it a try at home!

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Corn & Tomato Risotto

I couldn't let Summer go by without doing a recipe using Jersey tomatoes and our sweet corn! I actually came up with this dish at the end of last Summer but we were already shooting for Fall, so I wrote it all down and tucked it away for this year! On top of the delicious flavors of fresh produce in this risotto, I like using a Summer beer instead of wine as the first splash of liquid. It's just another fun way to incorporate these late Summer flavors into a delicious dinner!

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Peach Caprese Salad

It has been SO HOT here in New Jersey, the thought of cooking anything at all is awful. This is the time of year when salads rein supreme in my house! But we don't sad, sorry salads. We do fun, delicious, this is totally a meal on its own salads! Including this delicious peach caprese! While most of the U.S. looks to Georgia for peaches, we grow some really nice ones here in Jersey too! And they've been gorgeous! So what better way to use 'em up than to add them to your favorite Summer side dish! Sliced tomatoes, peaches, fresh mozzarella cheese and fresh basil are all you need to make this perfect Summer plate.

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Lemon Ricotta Pasta

This pasta dish is the epitome of Summer! Fresh lemon brightens up creamy ricotta to make the perfect pasta sauce! Toss in peas for some green - OR - chopped zucchini or spinach - whatever you like! Best of all? It all comes together in the time it takes the pasta to boil so you're not standing over the stove!

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Salsa Verde

This quick and easy parsley based sauce is the perfect Summer condiment! Enjoy it with chicken, steak, fish or veggies! I make mine with shallot, red wine vinegar, LOTS of parsley, some fresh chives (cause they grow in the garden!) and some capers - but feel free to switch things up and swap them out to suit your tastes! Try adding in mint for a lamb dish, or some tarragon with fish - whatever is fresh and easy will work here!

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Pork Chops with Peppers & Onions

We're celebrating dads with one of MY father's favorite dinners! Pork chops with onions and peppers! This is a delicious one-pan dinner! Pork chops smothered with onions and peppers and finished in the oven! Drizzled with balsamic vinegar these chops have amazing flavor! Serve them with crusty bread, crispy potatoes (OR, toss the potatoes in the pot with the chops!) and a big fresh salad and I think YOUR dad will be as happy as mine is when he sees this come out of the oven!

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Spinach Pesto

Watch how quick and easy it is to make a healthy spinach pesto from scratch! Pestos are a great way to dress pasta, chicken, shrimp, anything really! And the best part is they're ready in minutes; the food processor handles it all for you! I make my spinach pesto with fresh baby spinach, toasted walnuts, garlic and some parmesan cheese! Rounded out with a quality olive oil and you've got a quick and easy sauce that's both healthy and delicious!

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Braised Ceci Beans

Possibly my new favorite quarantine activity is reading books ABOUT food, and then recreating dishes I've read about! While reading Andrew Cotto's "Cucina Tipica" I was left salivating by his scene around braised ceci beans. I had never heard of them! But it sounded delicious, and incredibly simple (as cucina tipica usually is!). So I did my best to recreate the dish for dinner that night - and it was SO good! I knew immediately I had to share it with all of you! Rich extra virgin olive oil bathes ceci beans and fresh herbs for a comforting dish that checks ALL the boxes! It's warming, and soothing, delicious and filling while also being INCREDIBLY healthy and immunity boosting (BONUS given the times!). I've been serving it with my focaccia bread and a big fresh salad.

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Garlicky Greens

Dark, leafy greens are the #1 thing Americans are missing in their diet! And I get it, not everyone likes their naturally bitter flavor. But this preparation helps soften and sweeten them, making a perfect side dish for rich, roasted meats (Hello Easter!). Sautéed garlic in oil helps reduce the bitter flavor and makes the tough leaves easier to chew and digest! Don't get me wrong, you can absolutely eat them raw, but it's not for everyone! Want more ways to layer in flavor? Try adding dried fruits like raisins or craisins, splash a little balsamic vinegar in with them, use a microplane to add in some lemon zest, and of course, a little grated parmesan doesn't hurt either!

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Gnocchi with Asparagus

While reading Lidia Bastianich’s memoir “My American Dream” her perfect description of a simple gnocchi dish that she would make with her grandmother as a child in northern Italy in Springtime got my tastebuds going! I HAD to recreate the dish! This is it! Gnocchi with asparagus, garlic, oil and pecorino cheese! WOW! Five simple ingredients create a flavorful dish that is PERFECT for this time of year!

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Penne Vodka

I love this dish. It always brings back great memories. It's one of those Italian-American classics that we all grew up on and have come to love. At this point, I'd call it comfort food. And since it comes together in 30 minutes with some pantry and fridge staples, it's a weeknight dinner lifesaver! Penne alla vodka was a trendy dish in the late 70's and early 80's. Italy got over it pretty quickly, but it's held its own here in the States! I don't think I've been to a family function, Italian or otherwise, that didn't have a tray of the stuff being served! This is how I make mine.

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Thai Red Curry with Duck & Chef Mike Carrino

My friend Chef Mike Carrino joins me in the Cucina this week to answer the question - what do Chefs eat at home? Turns out, it's Thai red curry with duck! At least for this Chef! This dish is actually incredibly easy - chopping the vegetables is the only time consuming part! Chef shows us how to perfectly render the fat from the duck breast. And then easily toss the dish together! LOADED with nutrients and anti-inflammatory elements - this dish will keep you healthy, clear through till Spring!

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Mussels in White Wine & Garlic

My family LOVES mussels in white wine sauce! While it's usually a staple appetizer for Friday pizza night; we love making it at home as well! Especially because then we can add all the garlic we want! You'll be amazed at how easy it is to steam mussels in white wine and garlic! Seven simple ingredients creates the perfect meal or appetizer. You could even toss these bad boys over pasta! But my personal favorite? Soaking up that amazing sauce with a good piece of bread! Yum!

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Pasta Al Forno

This easy pasta dinner is perfect for chilly winter nights. Pasta al forno (in the oven, or baked) can easily be tailored to fit your family! I show you a very simple recipe in this video, using marinara sauce that I already had made. While the dish is classically made with a meat sauce (ragu), there's a LOT of options here. Simply layer up the dish, similar to a lasagna with fresh ricotta, parmesan and mozzarella! Bake in the oven and serve with a salad or roasted vegetables!

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Pasta Aglio e Olio

This simple Italian dish is one the best dinner you'll make all week! Four simple ingredients create an amazingly flavorful dish! Pasta aglio e olio - pasta with garlic and oil - will take all of 15 minutes to get on the table - and 10 of those are waiting for the water to boil! Chopped garlic is lightly sauteéd in extra virgin olive oil, along with some peperoncino (red pepper flakes) and then tossed with spaghetti. Done and done!

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