Pesto Sauce with Potatoes and String Beans

Do we really need another recipe for pesto sauce?  By this time of year, I’ve had it up to here with pesto.  During the summer months, I always have large pots of basil growing on my deck, and I can’t resist whipping up some variation of a pesto sauce in a moment’s notice.  Doesn’t everyone … Continue reading

Ciambotta (Vegetable Stew)

Don’t know what to do with all the summer vegetables at the market right now?  Are you staring at all the zucchini, peppers, eggplant and tomatoes that you bought at the  farmer’s market and wondering what the heck you are going to do with it all?  Well let me tell you a little bit about … Continue reading

Pasta Alla Norma (A Variation)

Since we’re on the topic of eggplant these days, I’m hoping that by now, you’ve conquered your fears and realize that it’s an easy and delicious vegetable to cook.  So let me introduce to you “Pasta Alla Norma.”  Pasta Alla Norma is a traditional dish in Sicilian cuisine.  When I first was introduced to this … Continue reading

Eggplant Caponata ( a la Silvia)

If you are “afraid of eggplant,” which has been the lament of my very dear friend for the past 27 years, then be “afraid” no more!  I have a simple and absolutely delicious recipe for you to try.   I suppose eggplant can be an intimidating vegetable, especially if you’re not Italian.  Heck, the British … Continue reading

String (Green) Beans and Tomatoes

While I continually waited for my mom to make the famous “French’s Green Bean Casserole” that was so popular in the 60s and 70s, I knew that string beans ( we never called them “green beans” in my household, growing up) with tomatoes and garlic, was about as good as it was ever going to … Continue reading

Penne with Roasted Tomato Sauce

2001 was the year of the “cherry tomato.”  When I look through my folder of pasta recipes, I laugh at all the different recipes using cherry tomatoes that my friends and I shared during this period.  We were crazy for these red, juicy, flavorful little tomatoes.  Over the years, we have seen yellow ones, orange … Continue reading

Spaghetti with Cherry Tomato Sauce and Basil

When I think of the Amalfi Coast of Italy, with it’s dramatic coastline and picturesque seaside towns, I recall so many happy memories with family and friends.  My mind will forever hold on to my “mental snapshots” of the moments shared in this special place.  From the Isle of Capri, to the beautiful city of … Continue reading

Pan-fried Zucchini with Mint

Zucchini are abundant during the summer, so I am always looking for different ways to prepare them.  Pan-fried, with mint, vinegar and garlic is one of my favorite ways to enjoy this versatile vegetable.  The way in which these flavors mingle together produces a delicious and surprisingly light dish.  When you drain the fried zucchini on … Continue reading