Italy was an incredible experience.
The culture, the people, the traveling, but hands down, the food changed my life the most.
At first I was angered by the crappiness of American food compared to Italian- the preservatives, high frutose corn syrup, fast food. The quality just does not compare.
Then I was inspired. Because who's to stop me from making my own little Italy in my kitchen?
This inspiration has been the cause of many trips to Whole Foods and Trader Joes and has resulted in these little beauties:
Okay, not exactly from Italy, but Justin and I saw it on the BBC food network in London.
Ham, (soft) cheese, and green beans make for an excellent and very comforting meal.
(Best when shared with someone you love :)
I recreated this salad from one I had in Greve, Italy. It's greens with walnuts (not shown), sliced pears, fresh parmasean, dressed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Really good!
I don't have a complete picture of this one, but it's inspired by a sandwich my brother had in Paris.
I start with this bake-at-home baguette from Trader Joes. Bake it.
Then cut it in half, and place slices of your favorite (fancy) cheese.
I've been using Italian truffle cheese from Trader Joes, and slices of fresh tomato.
Top with olive oil, and place in the oven for about 5 minutes.
It's delicious!
Italian Truffle Pasta
This one took twice to perfect.
Cook chopped shallots in butter/oil. Add heavy cream. And heat in a skillet until it's real thick.
Boil pasta, then add the cream/shallot sauce, along with truffle butter.
Top with fresh parmasean cheese.
The best part about cooking is doing it with someone you love. I have sort of dragged Nate into my cooking frenzy. Now every Saturday night, the oven is hot, the cutting boards are out, and the oldies music is blasting.
Oh and must I add. All recipes are enhanced greatly with a little vino...
