2/25/2011

Tonight, ricotta and spinach stuffed chicken breast with marinara, broccoli and toasted semolina bread.

prosciutto, next step

 Unable to find pure lard, we rendered the fat from pork fat back.

 Then we rinsed the salt from the ham and dried it thoroughly

 Next, we painted it with the lard to keep it moist.

 Covered it in black pepper to keep the bugs away.

Then, wrapped it in cheese cloth.  It is now hanging in our basement for at least 4-5 months, maybe a year.  We are crossing our fingers...

Panchetta

 Wrapping belly

 

Hanging with the laundry in the basement

Delicious!

porchetta dinner with friends

Beef in Sangiovese and turnip risotto

This turnip risotto was great!  Saute one diced onion in olive oil until lightly browned.  Add  1 1/2 pounds small diced turnips and cook a few minutes.  Slowly add 2 cups hot chicken stock, stirring continuously.  When tender, add 2 tbsp butter, 1/2 cup shredded parmesan and 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley.  Stir one minute until creamy.   (ala mario)

Prosciutto

Day 1 Prosciutto, 150 days to go

Spaghetti carbonnara, elk steaks with white beans

Sam making the pasta

And Jack making the pasta.

Finally a foccacia that is not like a cracker

Carbonnara

Elk Steak and white beans

Alberto Contador

So, Alberto Contador had his name cleared and the drugs and dope charges (from the tour de france) dropped stating that he ate "contaminated beef".  Just had to post that.

                                                                                                                            SAM

DINNER 2-13-11 FOOD

Almond biscotti

I'm not sure who to give credit to for this recipe, since we googled biscotti.  It's very easier and very delicious.  Jack has made it twice, unfortunately the second batch goes to his 4th grade class party!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Toast 1 cup slivered blanched almonds for 8-10 min.  Cool.
Reduce heat to 300 degrees.  Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

In electric mixer combine:  2 cups flower, 1/8 tsp salt, 1 tsp baking powder and 3/4 cup sugar.  In another bowel beat 3 eggs with 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/2 tsp almond extract.  Slowly add beaten egg mixture to flour mixture, adding almonds halfway though.  Roll out to about 14 inches long and 3-4 inches wide.  Bake for 30-40 min.  Let cool on wire rack 10 min.

Slice 1/2 inch thick slices on the diagonal.  Lay flat on baking sheet.  Bake 10 min.  Flip and bake another 10 min.  Melt chocolate and drizzle on top.

Trying to use up the leftovers in the fridge.  Tonight:  sauted chicken medallions with a mushroom, red pepper and spinach ragu with leftover butternut squash risotto.  yum.

Minestrone, bread, pizza

 minestrone

 country style bread

 tiny pizza

dinner pizzas

Saltimbocca, brussel sprouts, and biscotti

Saltimbocca.  Sam thinks it's a fancy chicken sandwich without the bread.

Roasted brussel sprouts with bacon and mustard seeds.

Too lemony for the boys.

Jack and Sam made almond biscotti, dipped in bittersweet chocolate

Sams View on Risotto

If I was aloud to eat risotto for every meal, I would, I  L O V E risotto.  Tonight we had butternut squash risotto, mine was gone in seconds!  I then had a large helping of seconds. ^.^

2-8-ll Antipasti then Leftover Chicken, Butternut Squash Risotto, and Shaved Asparagus Salad

Italy!

Italian Sausage.  (Needs a little work on stuffing technique!

First homemade pasta

Roast chicken, italian sausage, cauliflower with toasted bread crumbs and garlic, salad with gorgonzola