Bone with a Hole

Apparently that is the direct translation of one of my favorite dishes… Osso Buco.

My Mother and Father in Law gave me a fabulous Le Creuset Dutch Oven for Christmas this year, and I’ve been absolutely itching to use it. We finally had a “cold front” come through and the temperature has been chilly… all they way down in the low 70’s at night! (Yeah, if you’re in Ohio, please don’t hate me!) I figured this was as good a time as any to break out the Le Creuset.

The recipe is adapted from The Joy of Cooking, which I love for its basic recipes. It was a very good recipe, but the only think I think it needed was a tablespoon or so of tomato paste to give the sauce more color and acidity. So I’ve taken the liberty to add it to the recipe, although I didn’t use it in my dish. You will thank me for it! :) I served the Osso Buco over soft polenta with a little Parmesan cheese stirred in.

Thank you Rolanda and Adrian (Mom and Dad) for the beautiful Le Creuset Dutch Oven! I wish you two were here to enjoy the Osso Buco with us. We toasted to you and your lovely gift!
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February 1, 2008 | Filed Under Beef, Dinner, Italian

13 Critiques 

Beans and Franks Anyone?

This here isn’t your usual Beenie Weenies! No sir! Instead, this is spicy Italian sausage sauteed with Broccoli Rabe (AKA Rapini) and Cannellini Beans and served over polenta. Yummmmm. Stephan isn’t a big fan of it, but its one of my absolute favorite things to order at an authentic Italian restaurant. Broccoli Rabe has a very distinctive, bitter flavor. Some find it too bitter, but I love the flavor of it and even like it sauteed with a little garlic as a side dish.

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October 30, 2007 | Filed Under Dinner, Italian

1 Critique 

Dreary Days = Soup

I’ve been up in North Florida at St George Island with the family for the past few days, just relaxing and fishing.  I just came home to rainy and dreary weather here in South Florida. Since it actually dipped below 80 degrees, I was in the mood for a bit o’ soup.  One of my most favorite soups is Pasta Fagioli.  It’s an incredibly easy and quick cooking soup, and is made from basic ingredients I usually have in my pantry.  There are many, many different recipes for this soup, some adding marinara, some adding Italian meatballs…  I don’t add either of those.  I’ve been tweaking it a bit each time I make it, and this last time was just perfect.  My secret (which is now no longer a secret) is to puree half of the white beans.
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September 27, 2007 | Filed Under Italian, Soup, Vegetarian

7 Critiques 

Got Mozz?

Insalata Caprese is my husband’s most favorite salad. I purchase the best possible tomatoes when I make this salad, and if I can’t find good, vine ripened tomatoes, I won’t make the salad. My favorite (other than out of someone’s garden… of course) are Campari Tomatoes. They always have great flavor, but sometimes are hard to find. Luckily, my local Costco usually carries them. The best part is the balsamic reduction…. its so delicious and really looks great on the plate.
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September 12, 2007 | Filed Under Italian, Salad, Vegetarian

7 Critiques 

Scampi that Keeps the Vampires away!

This is a very, very quick dinner that can be prepared in about 15 minutes. Start your pasta water first, and then chop the garlic and parsley. By the time you get all the ingredients together, the water is boiling. You will be eating in another 10 minutes.

One warning, this is quite heavy on the garlic. You can always use less, but I personally love the strong garlic flavor. However, if you’ve got a hot date later, I might save this recipe for a different night!
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August 30, 2007 | Filed Under Dinner, Italian, Seafood

5 Critiques