This is such an easy recipe, and perfect for a weeknight at the end of Summer; especially when you have lots of zucchini left over! This Garlic Basil Parmesan Chicken and Zucchini Bake features chicken breasts seasoned with garlic, basil, Trader Joe’s Italian Soffrito, salt and pepper.
Then drizzled with melted butter (or ghee) and Basil Parmesan olive oil (I love Harry and David’s brand!) and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese over the top.
The chicken is roasted together in one pan with chunks of zucchini that get super tender and caramelized in the oven, especially with the baked crunchy Parmesan cheese on top. You guys… this recipe is soooo good…and it’s healthy, #lowcarb and gluten-free too…(bonus!)
To serve, I topped the chicken and zucchini with some fresh parsley, red pepper flakes (optional) and a squeeze of lemon juice to give the dish bright, tangy flavors with a little extra heat just before serving.
It’s perfect served with some crusty bread, mashed potatoes or cauliflower, or pasta to soak up the savory juices, (but just as good served alone!) and you’ve got a delicious end-of-Summer meal that’s fresh, full of flavor and super easy to make!
This is such an easy recipe, and perfect for a weeknight at the end of Summer; especially when you have lots of zucchini left over! This Garlic Basil Parmesan Chicken and Zucchini Bake features chicken breasts seasoned with garlic, basil, Italian soffrito and Parmesan cheese, drizzled with melted butter and Basil Parmesan olive oil and topped with Parmesan cheese; which are roasted with chunks of tender caramelized zucchini.
Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1-inch chunks
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon Trader Joe’s Italian Style Soffrito Seasoning
2 tablespoons Harry and David Basil Parmesan olive oil
2 tablespoons melted butter or ghee
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup torn fresh parsley, for serving
2 tablespoons lemon juice, for serving
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, for serving
Instructions
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Pat chicken dry with paper towels, and season all over with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Place zucchini on a rimmed baking pan, and season with a little more salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, combine garlic, dried basil and Italian Soffrito.
Place chicken on the baking pan with the zucchini pieces and brush the melted butter/ghee and olive oil over the top. Sprinkle evenly with garlic, basil, soffrito mixture then top with Parmesan cheese.
Roast in the oven until chicken is cooked through and zucchini is browned and caramelized, 30 to 40 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven, and drizzle lemon juice on top. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes.
Notes
You can substitute chicken thighs if you wish and also do bone-in chicken, adding an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.
This recipe serves four people, so justdouble the ingredients for a larger crowd (making it on two sheet trays instead of one). Feel free to use chicken thighs if you prefer, or bone-in chicken (just add a little extra cooking time to the recipe).
Whenever it’s cold outside, I crave a big pot of #soup or stew to warm my bones and forget that its Winter outside…I’m used to the NY Winters I grew up with, but down here in Florida it’s a little crazy for it to be so chilly right now!
So I made a big pot of this #delicious Sausage, Kale and Veggie Soup, which seemed perfect for a major binge-watching session of Bridgerton on Netflix. (Have you seen it yet!? #OMG I am in #love with that show! No time for a full review here but I’ll talk more about that later in my Winter #2021 Things I Love post coming up next week..A must see if you like historical dramas!)
Not only is this soup super comforting, but it’s #healthy, #lowcarb and #keto-friendly and quite filling too! I made it with some spicy ground Italian sausage (you can also use sweet sausage instead if you like less heat), a few big handfuls of fresh baby kale, and sautéed lots of fresh veggies too – carrots, celery, garlic, onions, parsley and zucchini. Then I simmered it all together with some beef broth, Everglades seasoning, Italian seasoning, olive oil + red pepper flakes into a big pot of goodness.
I topped it off with more fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese and went. to. TOWN. And of course served it with a glass of crisp white wine to go with.
Feel free to substitute #vegan sausage, white cannellini beans, sliced baby Bella mushrooms, a few halved baby potatoes or cauliflower florets / cauliflower rice instead of the Italian sausage if you want to make the soup #vegan or #vegetarian…but you might want to add more seasonings and a little more olive oil if not using sausage to amp up the flavors. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage if you prefer… (not vegetarian but a little healthier and less fat). And it’s just as delicious with chicken broth or veggie broth too.
Anyway you make it, I hope you enjoyand stay warm! What better way to spend a weekend afternoon than a good show and some comfy soup? 🙂
This is a super delicious and comforting soup for the Winter made with Italian Sausage, Baby Kale, and lots of veggies like carrots, celery, garlic, onions, and zucchini all simmered together into a big pot of goodness. Topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese - all you need is some crusty Italian bread and a glass of crisp white wine to make it a healthy meal. Enjoy!
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
Sauté 1 pound ground Italian sausage in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven for about 5 minutes until sausage was no longer pink; remove from pot with a slotted spoon into a mixing bowl.
Add the carrots, onion, celery, and garlic into the same pot with additional tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper (to taste), and cook for another 5 minutes until veggies are soft.
Add the cooked sausage back in to the pot and add the broth, sliced zucchini, Everglades seasoning (or seasoned salt), garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), tomato paste, Italian seasoning; bring soup to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer the soup over medium-low heat for 10-15 mins. Add two large handfuls of fresh baby kale (about 2-3 large cups), and chopped fresh parsley; simmer another 5-10 mins until the kale is wilted.
Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese at the end and serve hot with a little more cheese on top. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve with a glass of wine and crusty Italian bread, if desired.
Notes
You can sub vegan sausage, white cannellini beans, sliced baby Bella mushrooms, a few halved baby potatoes or cauliflower florets/rice instead of sausage to make it vegetarian...you might want to add more seasonings to taste, and add a little more olive oil if not using sausage for amped up flavors.
You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage if you prefer. (not vegetarian but a little healthier and less fat).
Well it’s already mid-Summer and it’s time again for my Things I Love list for July! What a strange year it has been so far – I can’t even believe it’s halfway over (thank goodness!) – BUT at least it’s sunny and my fav time of year so that’s a positive.
I’m always on the lookout for BOMB recipes, cool products, great reading, lively entertainment, some positive motivation and all-around fun, unique and amazing things to keep me happy.
Here’s a shortlist of goodies for you to try, taste, see, read, cook and do this month – I hope you’re all enjoying your Summer so far with lots of great food and wine, BBQ parties and cocktails, outdoor adventures, beaches, campfires, road trips, and some great reads and Netflix obsessions along the way.
Check out this delish Surf & Turf Burger I created for my #client Steakhouse Elite! A perfectly grilled Kobe beef #burger topped with #Shrimp and #Crab salad on a toasted potato bun. #yum!
Is there anything better than a homemade pizza? These are two of my favorites and they’re super easy to make. Feel free to sub toppings any way you like but I think these combinations are on the top of my list!
This is a great one-pot dish when you want a hearty and healthy breakfast. Filled with lots of cheese and herbs over shredded hash browns topped with eggs baked in the oven. Delish!
Have you tried these Terrific Trio Little Potatoes? They’re not only tiny and adorable but totally tasty too! They’re drizzled in olive oil, salt and pepper with a dash of Buffalo hot sauce..then grilled and topped with a creamy blue cheese yogurt dressing. What a fun idea for a backyard BBQ party!
This simple and tasty #Summer salad is made with shaved asparagus, squash, and radishes tossed in a light lemony vinaigrette dressing topped with toasted almonds. Light refreshing and healthy.
Remember these Lemon Bars from when you were a kid? Me too! But they’re normally full of sugar and carbs and a no-no on a low carb eating plan. These are #keto-fied and absolutely delicious and you’ll never know the difference.
I absolutely love ice cream but when you’re trying to cut out sugar, carbs and dairy, this is a great option to curb your sweet tooth. Made with almond milk, eggs, and Allulose sweetener for the ice cream custard and then chunks of #keto chocolate chip cookie dough folded in..OMG. heavenly 🙂
There’s nothing like grilling in the Summertime and this salad has all my favorites – grilled chicken thighs, peaches, green tomatoes served over couscous and drizzled with sour cream and fresh parsley. Summer on a plate!
This Pomelo Mojito by Simmer and Sauce is one tasty cocktail.. light and refreshing, with complex fruity flavors from the Mount Gay Black Barrel rum and freshly squeezed pomelo juice mixed with the club soda, mint, sugar, and fresh lime juice. Perfect Summer drink and a nice twist on a traditional mojito.
This easy and delicious salad is one of my fav Summer salads and is perfect for any backyard #BBQ, potluck or picnic – made with (you guessed it) – five types of beans: green beans, yellow wax beans, black beans, chickpeas and kidney beans mixed with green bell pepper and red onions, dressed in a light vinaigrette dressing. Light, refreshing and healthy! Make it #lowcarb or #sugar-free by substituting Stevia, Erithyritol or Allulose instead of white sugar. Delish!
One thing I miss most on a low carb diet is PASTA! I found this low carb, all natural pasta on Amazon – it’s loaded with fiber, non GMO and Kosher and only has 7g net carbs and 12g of protein in each serving. Comes in Elbows, Rotini, Fettucine and Penne. Now you can eat pasta without the guilt!
These CBD gummies are organically made, vegan supplements coated in organic cane sugar, and they come in three delicious flavors: lemon, peach and mixed berry. They also offer CBD oil and honey drops and organic hemp balm.
I love these tie dye masks made by 100% Human – an organization formed back in 2017 to bring people together to support the fight for human rights. For every 100% Human Face Mask 5-Pack sold, they’ll be donating 10% sales to the ACLU. To date, they’ve donated over $600K through this program. And hey, Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox got them too! #HumanTogether
This all-new #Atkins guidebook focuses on eating right—not less—for painless weight management and better overall health. With three plans to choose from – 20/40/100 net carbs a day it gives flexible options to follow a #keto, #low-carb and #low-sugar lifestyle. It includes over 100 low carb recipes with beautiful photos and easy meal plans to follow.
I love these photo backgrounds and surfaces! They come in all different sizes and patterns like wood, marble, slate, stone, concrete and more and the best part is they are printed on matte vinyl sheets (hello! no food stains on your set!) and run anywhere from $16.95 to $33.95 each. I used them for a recent photoshoot I did for a client and they looked amazing and were super easy to clean up and store (they roll up). LOVE LOVE LOVE!
I ordered this kit recently for some fun new beauty goodies this Summer and I love Mally cosmetics! The Fresh Glow Kit is only $39.95 and comes with a mascara, a stick blush, two eyeshadow sticks, a primer, eyebrow pencil, concealer and a bonus free full size sample of her infamous Evercolor Poreless Face Defender – the perfect weapon to keep your face smooth and oil-free in the sweltering heat of Summer and it keeps your makeup on all day long.
I absolutely love this place! Located right on Lake Ontario in Upstate NY (Webster) – this is the perfect spot to go in the Summer for fine dining, spirits and entertainment! I highly recommend the Lobster bisque, their signature Chicken French and the Sesame-Crusted Ahi Tuna seared to perfection and served with a teriyaki dipping sauce, garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed french green beans. The atmosphere is beautiful and elegant with a nautically-inspired interior design (with two levels and event spaces as well), an outdoor seated patio for dining, and a huge lawn with a gazebo and Adirondack chairs and picnic tables to simply sit and gaze at the gorgeous lake and watch the sunset while sipping on a cocktail or glass of wine. Must try!
Having lived in South Florida for awhile I have to say I’m a sucker for palm trees, sunshine and the beach. What is a Florida Room you may ask? According to Southern Living, they are sun-filled sanctuaries that were popularized in the 50s and 60s as a place homeowners could escape to the outdoors without really going outdoors. It’s basically a covered sunroom or conservatory with lots of light, plants, flowers and trees and all-weather or wicker furniture to lay back, cozy up with a good book, a cup of coffee or an iced tea or a frozen margarita and CHILLAX. Now that’s right up my alley!
Welcome to my June 2020 edition of Things I Love! A collection of my current obsessions and things I’m crushing on right now that are downright awesome and amazing and worth a shoutout. June is one of my favorite months and for good reason! Grilling season, fresh produce from the farmer’s markets, trips to the lake, beaches and parks, picnics, long walks, al fresco dining, seafood, fresh salads, outdoor concerts, sunsets and sunrises, and all around relaxation mode on the rise!
So with that said, here are the things I’m eating, watching, traveling to, reading, cooking, and listening to. Stay tuned for next month’s Summer Edition for July + August!
Andrew Scrivani, food photographer for the New York Times, is one of the most respected names in the business. He’s also a teacher of the craft, advising #foodporn obsessives, bloggers, photographers ready for the next step, and anyone who loves to shoot and eat.
After losing 140 pounds, bestselling author Stephanie Laska shares her unconventional weight loss secrets and 100 easy, accessible recipes so you too can experience the fun behind the keto lifestyle with lots of humor and zero judgement.
Rocco DiSpirito has made a career out of transforming people’s lives without sacrificing taste. Now, Rocco tackles the ketogenic diet with the most effective and delicious version of the diet to date. Using a four-tier program that can deliver up to a pound a day of weight loss, the diet incorporates meal plans and more than eighty of America’s favorite comfort food recipes made over to adhere to keto diet guidelines. You can lose the weight eating the foods you love.
Scottish Highlands, 1945. Claire Randall, a former British combat nurse, is just back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an “outlander”—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding clans in the year of Our Lord . . . 1743. Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of a world that threatens her life, and may shatter her heart. Marooned amid danger, passion, and violence, her only chance of safety lies in Jamie Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior. What begins in compulsion becomes urgent need, and Claire finds herself torn between two very different men, in two irreconcilable lives.
What I’m Watching/Listening to
Little Fires Everywhere, Hulu
Starring Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington, Little Fires Everywhere follows the intertwined fates of the picture-perfect Richardson family and an enigmatic mother and daughter who upend their lives. Based on Celeste Ng’s 2017 bestseller, the story explores the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity, the ferocious pull of motherhood – and the danger in believing that following the rules can avert disaster.
Based on the books mentioned above, this hit series on Starz is my new obsession! A gorgeous love story set in the Scottish Highlands between Jamie and Claire Fraser when she travels in time back to 1743 and they fall in love while fighting their way through Scotland against the British, then on to France, the Caribbean and finally the American colonies for a new life together. What an adventure! Beautiful scenery, music, visuals, action, romance and drama all bundled into the best show I’ve ever seen in my life. I have to admit I kinda have a slight *girlcrush* on Caitriona Balfe who plays Claire…and Sam Heughan!?? Need I say more? GORGEOUSNESS all around.
Set in the Middle Ages circa 900s, the great (and GORGEOUS HUNKY Alexander Dreymon starring as the lead warrior Uhtred (living and fighting the Vikings as both a Saxon and a Dane) trying to regain his born right title as King of Bebbanburg, England while under oath King Alfred. Full of action, history, amazing costumes, and drama.
Based on the bestselling novel by Wally Lamb, written and directed by Derek Cianfrance, and starring Mark Ruffalo, this limited series follows Dominick Birdsey as he struggles to care for his twin brother, Thomas, while discovering the truth about his own family history. Sad, touching and tense drama.
Written and produced by Vicky Jones, half-hour comedy series RUN follows a woman whose humdrum life is thrown upside down when she receives a text from her college sweetheart inviting her to drop everything and meet him in New York to fulfill the pact they made 17 years previously. Quirky, witty and fun.
A thrilling historical drama about King Louis XIV of France when he commissions his lavish palace of Versailles that becomes a fierce battleground for love and politics — and a gilded prison for nobility. Plenty of plot twists and drama, romance and scenery to keep you occupied through the quarantine wishing for a charmed and privileged court life lived during this opulent Renaissance period.
A lovely 1800s period drama set in England based on Jane Austen’s novel about a humble, poor Fanny Price who is shipped off to stay at her rich Aunt’s estate, Mansfield Park where she finds love and the secrets of the upper class.
Where I’ve Been / Where I’m Going / What I’m Eating
A beautiful park set south of Syracuse in Upstate NY Green Lakes is where I spent Memorial Day Weekend with my family and friends. The lake has stunning bright green aqua blue water surrounded by a 3 mile nature trail and a beach and park for chillin’ and grillin’. Amazing! Check out all my photos and videos from our fun day out here
Every year Rochester holds their famous Lilac Festival in Highland Park. The flowers are absolutely gorgeous and smell divine! Unfortunately they didn’t have the full on festival with arts, crafts, music and food due to COVID-19 but we definitely took the time to stop and smell the lilacs.
I discovered this lovely little beach and park last weekend while taking a drive along Lake Ontario with my niece. The park had super pretty blue water and crashing waves along the beach and it was the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Peaceful vibes all around.
Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes in Geneva NY lies this stunning and romantic castle surrounded by its wine vineyards. They have three hotels to stay for a short or long visit, a spa, two restaurants, wine, cider and craft beer tastings. I have not been to visit yet but this place is definitely on my bucket list of places to go and see this Summer! They’re also having some cool specials offers for Spring and Summer – 30% off on all 3 hotels and buy two get one free wines! Check them out here
A few more things I love – here, there, and everywhere
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
REDD Restaurant, Rochester NY – This stunning Wine Country based restaurant is the brainchild of Richard Reddington, a Rochester native and James Beard award winning Chef. They have a great wine list, signature cocktails and delicious farm to table food such as pizzas, salads, pastas, house-made baked goods and more.
New York Beer Project, Victor NY – Designed to recreate the most famous Beer Hall in NYC circa 1870 known as The Atlantic Garden, this glorious space celebrates American craftsmanship at its finest. They have a gastropub, craft cocktails, brunch, a rooftop terrace and loft, a beer garden and taproom all under one roof. Their menu is a celebration of food and drink from all over NY state from Buffalo, to Albany to Long Island to NYC..and they have special beer and food pairing menus created by their culinary team and master brewer Jason Crosset to sample the best flavors together while dining and drinking.
Parkleigh Pharmacy, Rochester NY – all the goods from soaps and candles to clothes, to food and coffee, jewelry, quirky gifts and more. Best store ever.
Botiki, Gulfport FL – another one of my fav gift shops in St Pete FL..stunning jewelry, clothes, gifts, soaps, candles etc.
These adorable Pizza Zucchini Boats are the perfect remedy for a #keto and #lowcarb diet when you’re craving some major comfort food but don’t want to get weighed down with carbs. Especially during this #coronavirus nightmare when all I want to do is eat a huge bag of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Salt and Vinegar potato chips in one sitting to calm my anxiety.
And they’re really easy to make! They’re basically a cross between #lasagna and #pizza and stuffed zucchini all in one lovely concoction. They have a cheesy, creamy filling made with ricotta (or cottage cheese), parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella and seasonings like sea salt and pepper, dried basil, minced onions and garlic, all baked into a bubbly tray of love in the oven.
First I washed and halved the zucchini (I used 4 medium-large ones), cut the ends off first then cut in half, and scooped out the flesh and chopped it up a bit.
Next I mixed in some dried onion flakes and garlic powder with some dried basil, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper and sautéed the mixture in some olive oil for a few minutes. You can also use fresh onion, garlic and basil here if you have it on hand. Red pepper flakes could be fun too for some heat.
Then I added the cooked zucchini mixture to a medium prep bowl with the cottage cheese (or ricotta if using), 1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded parmesan cheese and mixed it together with the marinara sauce for the filling.
I stuffed the zucchini shells with the mixture then topped them with additional 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
I topped them off with baby pepperoni slices and placed them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Baked at 425 degrees F for 20-30 mins until the cheese was melted, bubbly and golden.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving (they are super hot!), and garnish with more basil and a dash of sea salt and extra pepper or Parmesan cheese if you like. (the more cheese the better in my opinion!)
You guys! These are so good you’ll never miss the crust. I promise. Look at all the bubbly cheesy goodness.
And you can stuff your face during the #pandemic guilt-free. Grab a glass of wine to go with them while you’re at it to make the experience even more amazing….Whoo Hoo! Your life will seem somewhat normal again, at least for a moment.
This is a lovely #Spring #Italian pasta dish, Straw and Hay Pasta, featuring green peas, garlic, scallions, crispy pancetta, heavy cream and parmesan cheese over spinach linguine and egg linguine. The flavors are bright and fresh with a velvety cream sauce topped with freshly cracked black pepper and fresh parsley. And best of all, you can do it all in one pot mixing the cooked pasta in with the sauce in a large saucepan.
Easy pea-sy. (no pun intended 🙂
You can also substitute fettuccine for the linguine and you can try some crispy bacon or prosciutto in place of the pancetta….or throw in some asparagus spears and leeks if you wish, too. Any way you make it I guarantee it will be delicious and easy to make for a Spring weeknight dinner.
This is a lovely Spring Italian pasta dish featuring green peas, garlic, pancetta, cream and parmesan cheese over spinach linguine and egg linguine. The flavors are bright and fresh with a velvety cheese cream sauce topped with freshly cracked black pepper and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 scallions
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup frozen baby peas, defrosted
4 ounces (1/2 cup) diced pancetta
2/3 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half
1/2 pound dry egg fettuccine or linguine
1/2 pound dry spinach fettuccine or linguine
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Trim the scallions and slice into thin strips and then crosswise about 3 inches long. Add the scallions to the pan and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until wilted. Stir in the peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Add the diced pancetta, and cook for about 5 minutes or so until it gets crispy and browned.
Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the sauce to a simmer and cook until the liquid is reduced by half. Add the heavy cream and continue to simmer another 2-3 minutes.
Stir the pasta into the salted boiling water and let return to a boil, then cook for 9 minutes until al dente (slightly firm and chewy).
Remove the cooked pasta from the water with a slotted spoon and add to the sauce in the skillet, stirring to coat. Cook over high heat until liquid reduces to a creamy sauce.
Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Garnish with black pepper and freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
Who loves #brunch besides me? One of my favorite recipes around the holidays is a big egg casserole, quiche or frittata made with lots of delicious ingredients like ham or bacon, cheese, veggies all baked together into a hot, bubbling dish of goodness.
This Ham, Cheese, Broccoli + Mushroom Frittata is also #lowcarb, #keto and #Whole30 diet friendly – something we all are looking for to eat lighter and shed a few pounds after an indulgent holiday filled with rich, carb-laden, sugar-filled foods.
I made the frittata with some cooked smoked ham, broccoli, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, sautéed buttery mushrooms, eggs and a touch of light cream, dried leeks, a dash of onion salt and a little garlic. It’s all layered together in a casserole dish then baked in the oven for 40-45 minutes, then served at room temperature.
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and cheeses – some crumbled breakfast sausage or bacon instead of ham. Sub some halved cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers or asparagus, and use some creamy brie or swiss or gruyere cheese would all be equally delicious! Or leave out the meat altogether and make it a #vegetarian egg casserole instead.
The frittata can also be cooked in a cast iron pan on the stove for a few minutes and finished in the oven until cooked through. It can also be made ahead of time and reheated, or served room temperature. Great served with a side salad or fruit salad for brunch. Yum!
Preheat oven to 375 degrees, Spray a 9x13 or medium round baking dish with cooking spray.
Blanch the broccoli for a few minutes, drain and run under cool water, set aside.
Melt butter in a small sauté pan and cook mushrooms for 5-6 minutes until tender and browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Layer the broccoli, mushrooms and ham in the baking dish.
Beat the eggs in a large mixing bowl and add cream, dried leeks and season with onion salt and pepper.
Pour the egg mixture over the cooked veggies and ham and stir ingredients together.
Sprinkle the cheese over the top, mixing it through the casserole.
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until eggs are set and the top is lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool.
Serve warm, cut into squares.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and cheeses - some cooked sausage or bacon instead of ham, tomatoes, peppers or asparagus would also be equally delicious and nutritious.
The frittata can also be cooked in a cast iron pan on the stove for a few minutes and finished in the oven until cooked through.
Can be made ahead of time and reheated, or served room temperature.
Great with a side salad or fruit salad for brunch.
Happy Friday friends! I’ve found the perfect pairing for a delicious Sunday Supper – and I present to you my super delish Lasagna Bolognese and Lambrusco.
The Lasagna Bolognese takes a little bit of time to make and a bit of a labor of love, so make sure to set aside a few hours to make this lovely creation over the weekend or when you have some time and patience to make it… It’s totally worth the wait!
My secret ingredient to the bolognese is adding some Concerto Reggiano Lambrusco DOC 2017 (Medici Ermete) to the sauce and letting it cook down for a couple of hours to give a voluptuous flavor. Not only is it absolutely delicious in the sauce, but as a pairing to drink with the Lasagna Bolognese as well.
Concerto is a dry and flavorful red sparkling wine, made in the Emilia Romana region of Italy, and its lively bubbles are achieved through natural fermentation. Concerto is the world’s first single vineyard vintage Lambrusco, intensely brilliant and pure in both its ruby red color and aromatics, the wine shows a fresh strawberry, raspberry and cherry character.
On the palate, it is dry yet fruity, round, fresh and its lively notes are delectably harmonious. Acidity and tannins are perfectly balanced and the finish is clean. For food pairings, it is delicious with cured pork meats such as salami or mortadella or a variety of pasta dishes such as tortellini or lasagna.
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for garnish)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
Make the Bolognese sauce:
Chop the onion, carrot, celery and garlic and saute over medium high heat for a few minutes in the olive oil until soft and translucent.
Add the ground Italian sausage and beef and saute until cooked through, no longer pink.
Turn up the heat and pour in the Lambrusco wine and cook for about 5-8 minutes until the alcohol cooks off and reduces.
Add tomato puree and tomato paste, stir together.
Add italian seasoning, salt and pepper (to taste) and beef broth, reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least and hour, up to 2-3 hours until sauce thickens and flavors meld together in the sauce.
Keep the bolognese on low heat, covered, while making the lasagna.
Make the Lasagna:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
In a mixing bowl, mix egg and salt and pepper to taste with the ricotta cheese, set aside.
Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
Spread 1 cup of bolognese sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
Place four sheets of lasagna side by side, slightly overlapped.
Top the lasagna sheets with 1 cup of bolognese sauce, 1/4 of the mozzarella, 1/4 of the ricotta, and 1/4 of the Parmesan cheese.
Repeat for 3 more layers, making sure lasagna sheets are fully covered with sauce (they need this to cook properly).
Spread the remaining sauce on the top layer, sprinkle with any additional mozzarella, ricotta and parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes.
Let rest 15 minutes before cutting, garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serve the lasagna with a glass of Concerto Lambrusco, and maybe a simple arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and some toasted garlic bread for the perfect cozy weekend meal.
For more information on Concerto Lambrusco, check out their website and social media pages:
The holidays are approaching so quickly (yay!) and during this time of year I love staying indoors and making some serious comfort food. Especially anything #Italian, made with #pasta. And #cheese. And #veggies.
But that always comes with consequences, (note: stretchy pants, lol) and I’m trying to restrain myself a little bit by eating lighter and healthier until all the holiday parties start flooding in…(this weekend!)
I topped the pasta with some sautéed mushrooms, garlic, mire poix, zucchini, Italian sausage, roasted pecans and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The sauce is super light too – made with chicken broth, a splash of brandy and a few tablespoons of half and half and some dried Italian herbs for a light, gorgeous flavor.
Tresomega Quinoa Penna Pasta is made with a unique blend of organic Royal Bolivian Quinoa – a nutrient packed superfood, organic amaranth, an ancient grain rich in vitamins and minerals and #organic white rice. And, it’s gluten-free, corn-free and certified organic.
They only use the highest quality ingredients, sustainably sourced and environmentally-sensitive to help promote a #healthy lifestyle. They are also dedicated to supporting a viable economic livelihood for farmers and promoting a #sustainable agricultural environment for future generations.
Sausage, Zucchini + Mushroom Pasta {Gluten-Free, Organic}
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups pasta
A super delicious Italian pasta dish made with Tresomega Gluten-Free Quinoa Penne Pasta and their Organic Coconut Oil, topped with some sautéed mushrooms, garlic, mire poix, zucchini, italian sausage and toasted pecans and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. The sauce is super light too, made with chicken broth, a splash of brandy and a few tablespoons of half and half, sprinkled with some italian herbs for a light, gorgeous flavor.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons Tresomega Coconut Oil
6 ounces ground pork Italian sausage
1 (8 ounce) package sliced baby bella mushrooms
1 cup chopped mire poix (celery, carrots, onion)
1 zucchini, sliced into demi lunes
2 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced
1 (8 ounce) package Tresomega Penne Pasta
1/3 cup brandy or dry white wine
1 cup organic chicken broth
3 tablespoons half and half
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 tablespoon dried Italian herb seasoning
1/2 cup dry roasted pecans
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage, mushrooms, mire poix, zucchini, and garlic and saute together stirring often, until sausage is crumbly and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside. Toss with a tablespoon of coconut oil to prevent pasta from sticking together while cooking the rest of the ingredients.
Add the brandy (or wine) and let alcohol cook down until flavors are absorbed for about 2 minutes.
Add the chicken broth to the mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook for another minute or so.
Stir in half and half, season with salt and pepper, and red pepper flakes and italian seasoning.Cook for another few minutes on low heat.
Serve the Sausage, Mushroom Zucchini sauce over the pasta and top with fresh grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
You can also use any of the other Tresomega Quinoa pastas (fusilli, spaghetti, or elbows)
Thanks to Tresomega Nutrition for sponsoring this post! Please share the love and enjoy more of Tresomega Nutrition’s products by visiting their website and connecting via social media:
I’d love to hear your comments below on the recipe and be sure to tag your shared posts with #tresomega #organicsforlife and #artfulgourmet @artfulgourmet!
This is a sponsored post from Tresomega Nutrition written by me. All opinions, recipes and photos are my own, and I only support products I love and use myself. Also, if you share this post or any of my other posts, recipes or photos, please be nice and tag my content with @artfulgourmet and include a link to the original post on The Artful Gourmet.
So it’s National Pasta Day…and of course my favorite day of the year! Especially when there’s delightful Italian wine involved – which brings me to this recipe I created to celebrate the occasion: Red Wine Bolognese Pappardelle made and paired with Cataldi Madonna Malandrino 2016, a delicious, smooth Montepulciano D’Abruzzo from the plains near L’Aquila in Italy.
This wine has a deep ruby red color with an intense, clean bouquet and aromas of black cherry, blueberry, plum, carob and violet followed by aromas of walnut-husk. It’s well balanced, has good body and intense flavors and is perfect to pair with strong flavors and to savor throughout the meal.
We all know that Italy has perfected the art of fine winemaking, and each of it’s 20 different wine regions crafts special dishes that tell a story of the region’s history, people and most importantly, its wines. Here are a few more wine and pasta pairing ideas that are spectacular on this special day!
In Emilia-Romagna, part of Italy’s northern regions, the cuisine is heartier than its southern counterparts, serving its specialty Tortellini en brodo (in broth) with ruby-red, sparkling Lambrusco
Lazio, a region located in central Italy and known for its volcanic soils, serves its classic Bucatini with Amatriciana sauce, made from tomato and bacon, alongside a dry and full-flavored white wine
One of Lazio’s next door neighbors, Abruzzo, enjoys a bit of a kick with its classic Spaghetti alla Chitarra in Abruzzese ragu and spicy pepper paired with a smooth, full-bodied Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Forming the heel of Italy’s boot, Apulia boasts ancient winemaking methods and enjoys a classic Orecchiette with broccoli rabe, chili and garlic paired with its Primitivo wine
Enjoy this wonderful day and hope you enjoy the recipe and some delicious Italian wine to go with it! Mangia 🙂
A delicious hearty red wine bolognese sauce made with Montepulciano D'Abruzzo italian red wine, crushed tomatoes, ground beef and sausage, onions, garlic, milk and topped with shaved Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect for a weeknight dinner! Serve with a green salad and crusty bread.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon white truffle butter (Mardona Foods)
1 1/2 cups onion, chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground italian sausage
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Dash of red pepper flakes
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup dry red wine (Malandrino Montepulciano D'Abruzzo)
3 tablespoons red pepper balsamic glaze (Mardona Foods)
2 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes
1 pound dry tagliatelle pasta
Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for garnish
Fresh Italian parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Heat olive oil, butter and truffle butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until onions are soft and translucent.
Add ground beef and italian sausage and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper and red pepper flakes, to taste. Crumble and cook until beef and sausage are no longer pink, stirring together with onions and garlic until mixed well.
Add the milk and a dash of nutmeg to the pan and cook until it disappears, stirring often.
Pour in the red wine and let it simmer over medium-low until the wine evaporates, about 5 minutes.
Add the crushed tomatoes and bring to a light bubbling boil. Add the red pepper balsamic glaze and stir into the sauce.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours. Adjust thickness of sauce by adding a little water (about 1/4 cup) at a time, to thin it out if it gets too thick. Add additional salt and pepper to taste.
Toss sauce with the drained pasta and garnish with shaved parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.