Pesto Pasta With Cherry Tomatoes

This is a great summer pasta and I even enjoy leftovers cold the next day for lunch!

To toast the almonds, spread them on a baking sheet and place in a preheated 350-degree oven. Bake for about 7 minutes, tossing the nuts as they bake, or until the nuts are a light golden brown.

Ingredients:

For The Pesto:

• 1 Bunch Fresh Basil, About 1 1/2 Cups Tightly Packed
• 1/4 Cup Lightly Toasted Blanched almonds
• 1/3 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1 Large Garlic Clove
• Juice of 1 Lemon
• 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

For The Pasta:

• 1 Pound Whole Grain Pasta
• 2 Cups Halved, Ripe Cherry Tomatoes
• 1 Garlic Clove Finely Minced
• 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• Salt & Pepper To Taste
• Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes
• Grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

• Place the pesto ingredients into a food processor and pulse until you reach your desired consistency.
• Toss the tomatoes with the olive oil, garlic, salt, red peeper flakes, and pepper and set aside.
• Heat a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil, then cook the pasta until it is “al dente”.
• Drain the pasta, then return to the pot.
• Add the pesto and cherry tomatoes and toss with the hot pasta over medium high heat until piping hot.
• Serve in individual bowls, passing the cheese at the table.

Checkout here for Traditional Italian food recipes.

Chocolate & Amaretto Panna Cotta

Enjoy our Traditional Italian Food or browse our  Grandma's files for the most Original, Traditional and Authentic Italian Food  and Cuisine. Here you will find  Pasta, Dessert, Cookies, Fish, Meat and all the Italian Holiday recipes... and for sure some of the most delicious and Authentic  Italian Recipes prepared by our Nonne, our Grandmothers, who are the keepers of the most treasured traditions. Remember, when it comes to Italian Food... there is no higher authority than Nonna! 

Chocolate & Amaretto Panna Cotta

Ingredients:

• 1/4 Cup Water

• 1 1/2 Teaspoons Unflavored Gelatin

• 1 Cup Heavy Cream

• 1 Cup Whole Milk

• 1/3 Cup Sugar

• 2 Cups Dark Chocolate Baking Chips

• 2/3 Cup Sour Cream

Amaretto Layer:

• 1 Cup Whole Milk

• 2 Teaspoons Unflavored Gelatin

• 2 Cups Heavy Cream

• 1/4 Cup Sugar

• 1/4 Cup Amaretto Liqueur

Topping:

• Lightly Sweetened Whipped Cream

• Chocolate Shavings

Directions:

• In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the water and set aside.

• For the chocolate layer, heat the cream, milk, and sugar over medium heat until the mixture almost but does not quite come to a boil, then remove from the heat.

• Stir in the softened gelatin, then the chocolate chips, stirring until smooth.

• Whisk in the sour cream until blended, then pour the mixture into 8 small clear glasses and refrigerate for 90 minutes, reserving about a half cup of the chocolate mixture to use later.

• For the Amaretto layer, sprinkle the gelatin over the milk in a small bowl and let soften for 5 minutes.

• In a small pot, heat the heavy cream and sugar until almost boiling, then remove from the heat.

• Stir in the softened gelatin, the Amaretto liqueur, and the reserved chocolate mixture and whisk until smooth.

• Pour this mixture over the refrigerated chocolate panna cotta creating a layer of an inch or two, then refrigerate again for at least 6 hours.

• To serve, add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream and sprinkle with chocolate shavings, then serve immediately.

Chocolate Layer:

Eggplant Parmesan With Buffalo Mozzarella

Italian food is one of the most delicious cuisines in the world and Italian dishes like pizza are famed all over the globe. In order to make the best Italian dishes, it is important to have some knowledge about typical ingredients.

This will help you to choose the right ingredients to make Italy's top dishes and it will also give you the ability to create your own dishes by combining these delicious ingredients like a seasoned chef.

Sun-dried tomatoes are one of the nicest ingredients for cooking with. The best ones are marinated in garlic, oil, spices, and herbs and you can use them in dressings, pasta dishes, pizza recipes, and salads. You can also get dry sun-dried tomatoes and you should slice these and keep them in olive oil for the best results. Canned artichokes are also great for pizza recipes. Fresh artichokes are nice if you add some oil to them, as well as salt and black pepper, and grill them over a charcoal fire for a smoky taste.

Eggplant Parmesan With Buffalo Mozzarella

Ingredients:

• 4 Medium Eggplants
• 4 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• I Recipe Quick Tomato Sauce
• 12 Ounces Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella, Thinly Sliced
• 3 Ounces Grated Parmesan Cheese

Crumb Topping: (Optional)

• 1 Cup Fresh Breadcrumbs
• Salt & Pepper
• 1/2 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 2 Teaspoons Olive Oil

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Cut the eggplants in half, and using a vegetable peeler, remove all of the skin except for a 1-inch strip along the cut edge.
• Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil, and spread the oil over the foil.
• Place the eggplants cut side down on the baking sheet, then roast until eggplants are soft, about 35 to 40 minutes.
• If using breadcrumbs, rub together the crumbs, seasonings and oil with your fingertips.
• Transfer the eggplants cut side up to a large shallow baking dish.
• Use a spatula to gently press the eggplants to flatten them to about 3/4-inch.
• Spoon the tomato sauce to cover each eggplant half.
• Place the sliced mozzarella over the sauce.
• Sprinkle the eggplants with the crumbs (if using), and the grated parmesan cheese.
• Bake in the preheated 400 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheeses are bubbly and lightly browned.
• Serve warm.

Pasta With Zucchini & Caldarello Sausage

Pasta With Zucchini & Caldarello Sausage

Ingredients:

• 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil, Divided
• 1 Pound Italian Sausage (I Recommend Caldarello!), Meat Removed From Casings
• 1 Pound Zucchini, Trimmed & Sliced
• 1 Medium Onion, Peeled & Diced
• 4 Cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1/3 Cup Fresh Parsley Leaves, Chopped
• Salt & Pepper
• 1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
• 3/4 Pound Pasta Of Choice

To Serve:

• Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese

Directions:

• In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of oil over medium heat, and cook the sausage meat, breaking it up with two forks as it cooks.
• Cook the meat until it is completely cooked and beginning to brown, about 10 minutes.
• Transfer the meat to a dish and empty out any fat.
• Add the remaining two tablespoons of oil to the skillet and add the zucchini and onions and cook over medium heat until the vegetables are golden brown and tender, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.
• Add the garlic and cook another minute or two.
• Return the meat to the skillet, and season with parsley, salt, pepper, and pepper flakes.
• While the vegetables are cooking, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
• Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it is “al dente”.
• Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water, then return the pasta to the pot.
• Over high heat, toss the pasta with the sausage and zucchini mixture, adding a little of the pasta water to loosen the “sauce”.
• Serve in individual bowls, topped with a spoonful of the grated cheese.

To learn more about how to cook Traditional Peranakan Food here.

Cook Delicious Chicken Pasta

Throughout the world, chicken pasta remains to be a favorite. Not only are chicken pasta recipes delicious, but they too are very simple and easy to prepare. There are also tons of recipes to choose from, and a variety of ingredients to make this dish better than ever.

Two of the most common chicken pasta recipes are chicken ravioli cacciatore and Cajun chicken pasta. To anyone who loves eating pasta, you have probably tasted these two dishes. To help you out in preparing these chicken pastas, here are the steps.

Chicken Ravioli Cacciatore

This is a famous Italian dish wherein the chicken is cooked with a tomato base and mixed with several herbs and spices to give the delectable flavor. For this, you will need a pound of chicken breasts that are cut into bite size pieces, one white onion and one green bell pepper that are both chopped, a table spoon of olive oil, a cup of water, a can of diced tomatoes, a can of tomato sauce and one package of cheese-filled ravioli that is refrigerated.

For the preparation, you start with the olive oil. Heat the oil using a skillet with medium heat then add the chicken, onion and the bell pepper. Stir this until the chicken has turned brown or when it is already cooked. Afterwards, add the water, the tomato sauce and the tomatoes and bring to a boil. You can now add the ravioli and cover it with the tomato mixture but making sure that it is carefully separated. It will take about 15 minutes for the chicken pasta to cook, when the sauce is already thick enough and when the chicken is no longer pink. You are now ready to serve your pasta recipe after only a few minutes of preparation.

Cajun Chicken Pasta

This is a chicken pasta recipe that is Southern inspired, and will surely be a delicious meal. You will need are

 4 ounces of linguine pasta, 

2 chicken breast halves that are sliced into thin strips,

 two teaspoons of Cajun seasoning and butter, 

one chopped green and red bell pepper,

 sliced four mushrooms,

 one minced green onion,

 1 1/2 cup of thick cream, 

1/4 teaspoon of dried basil,

 lemon pepper, salt,

 garlic powder and ground black pepper and two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.

Prepare

First of, you need to cook the pasta in salted water for about 10 minutes then drain the water. In a bowl, put the chicken and the Cajun seasoning and toss until the chicken is coated. Using a skillet under medium heat, heat the butter and sauté the chicken until the juices are clear. This will take about 5 minutes. You then add the bell pepper, mushrooms, green onion and cook for around three minutes. When it is already cooked, add the thick cream and make sure that the heat is only low. Add the other seasonings and stir occasionally until cooked. When serving, pour the sauce over the pasta and sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top.

These are but two of the several chicken pasta recipes that you can try. These will not take long for you to prepare so when you need to prepare dinner in a hurry, you can definitely make these chicken pasta dishes.

For more information on Italian dishes and recipes, please visit here.

Valentine Recipes - The Italian Way and Italian Seafood Recipes

Reflecting the country's diverse cultural history and traditional heritage, Italian cuisines are some of the most famous dishes appreciated all over the world today. From everyday preparations made in exotic Italian style to special recipes for special occasions, Italy offers the world a wide variety of cuisines. While a traditional Italian menu comprises of some main items like antipasto, primo, secondo, contomo, dolce, caffe and liquors, in celebration of special occasions and holidays, Italians have their exclusive range of culinary preparations. Events like La Festa di San Giuseppe, Christmas and Valentine's Day are celebrated in Italy with special preparations like Zeppelin (a Sicilian pastry), preparations made with fava bean and seafood preparations.

As in various other parts of the world, in Italy also Valentine's Day is celebrated with different types of cakes, pastries and special dessert preparations. The Italian Love Cake is today one of the most popular Valentine's Day preparations, popular not only in Italy but also in many other countries. Prepared with cake mix, ricotta cheese, eggs, sugar and vanilla essence, the Italian lovecake is one of the most special treats you can give your sweetheart on Valentine's Day. The topping of this delicious cake is usually prepared with chocolate pudding, milk and whipped cream.

Along with special Italian pastries, items like Italian wine and traditional Italian pizzas (prepared in shape of a heart) are some other preparations from this land that form some of the world's favorite Valentine's Day treat today. So try preparing some authentic Italian dishes this Valentine for your beloved or go for an Italian-styled celebration in a famous Italian restaurant. Once you try out some exclusive Italian preparations, you can rest assured the experience will be one that you will remember for a lifetime.

You would be hard pressed to find someone who does not have a favorite Italian dish. Italy is known for creating great food and wine that leaves everyone happy and of course, full. The rich flavors and ingredients make sure there is never a dull forkful in any meal. While Italian food may not be the lightest item on the menu, you never have to worry about whether or not it will be tasty. Fortunately most Italian recipes are fairly easy to follow and hard to mess up, even for the most novice of cooks. For lovers of the ocean's goods there are some wonderful Italian seafood recipes.

One great recipe is for crab and asparagus risotto that makes for a delicious, creamy meal that will please anyone at your dinner table. 

For this dish you will need 

two tablespoons of olive oil, 

½ cup chopped onions, 

½ cup dry white wine, 

one diced medium orange pepper,

 two cups of rice, 

six cups of chicken broth, 

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 

½ pound asparagus, and ½ pound crabmeat. 

When you have gathered these ingredients you can start preparing one of the best Italian seafood recipes around.

Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan, adding the onion and pepper and allowing them to cook for about three minutes in order to make the vegetables tender. You should then add the rice in, stirring the mixture and allowing it to cook for around two minutes until the rice turns a nice opaque color. Once the rice is opaque, add the white wine and continue to stir until the wine is absorbed and then add two cups of hot chicken broth in with the rice. Stir the rice mixture until the broth is absorbed and keep the rice at a simmer. At this point you are almost done mastering one of the tastiest Italian seafood recipes there is.

While the rice is simmering continue to slowly stir the mixture, adding the remaining chicken broth a ½ cup at a time making sure that the liquid is absorbed before adding more. With the last ½ cup of chicken broth be sure to also add the asparagus and crabmeat. Add the cheese and continue to stir for a few minutes. Turn off the heat and cover the pan, allowing it to stand for five minutes and then serve the risotto, adding a little extra cheese on top. At this point you have successfully completed one of the best Italian seafood recipes out there.

Looking for wonderful Italian Dishes? Please visit here.

Best Weight Loss Meal Plans

Having some weight loss meal plans up your sleeve can help you eat a healthy, balanced diet, and can assist you to stay within your ideal calorie intake limit per time.

Here are a few sample meals for those of you who wish to seriously lose weight:

Day 1: 

Breakfast: a single bowl of corn flakes and low-fat milk with 7 strawberries and a single sliced banana on top. 

Lunch: a smale plate of spaghetti and tomato sauce plus a salad with tomatoes and lettuce and carrots along with a glass of orange juice. 

Dinner: 1 slice of baked Halibut, a small serving of asparagus, one-half cup of brown rice, plus a glass of lemonade.

Day 2: 

Breakfast: single 8oz glass of hot chocolate and milk and also a small, cheese croissant.

 Lunch: a cup of sliced fruit including bananas, oranges, apples, orange cantalope melon, mango, kiwi, and strawberries, including a chicken sandwich with lettuce, including a glass of fruit juice. 

Dinner: two slices of pizza including a glass of orange juice.

Day3:

 Breakfast: a single hard-boiled egg and a cup of sliced fruit that includes oranges, apples, bananas, watermelon, grapes, and kiwis.

 Lunch: a plain, regular hamburger having a bun and a glass of milk. 

Dinner: a plate of green leafy vegetables, one-half cup of rice, and also a wedge of watermelon.

Day 4:

 Breakfast: one particular pancake with maple syrup along with a glass of orange juice. Lunch: a tiny plate of Chinese food that consists of chicken, rice, broccoli and also a fruit drink. Dinner: spinach, brown rice, chicken cut into bite-size pieces, plus a glass of milk.

Day 5:

 Breakfast: 1 bowl of Special-K cereal and low-fat milk with a peeled tangerine on the side. Lunch: Green beans, corn, and canned tuna that was in water. Dinner: Shrimp, rice, broccoli, and a glass of fruit juice.

Day 6: 

Breakfast: 1 waffle with maple syrup and a single peeled orange. 

Lunch: A single mango including a chicken sandwich. 

Dinner: Swiss chard, lentil soup, and green tea.

Day 7: 

Breakfast: a cup of sliced fruit that consists of mango, oranges, apples, bananas, strawberries, cherimoya, loquat, and cherries and a plate of scrambled eggs. 

Lunch: a vegetable salad with cheese on bread on the side. 

Dinner: Chicken, green leafy vegetable, a baked potato, and a glass of milk.

You will find many extra possible low-fat menus available, but the above ideas give an example of a healthy way to eat for one week.

Know more for best Home Style Cooking.