Italian

Crostini topping ideas

Fresh Mozzarella, tomato and basil crostini

In some ways, Italy’s Crostini is similar to Denmark’s Smørrebrød in that they are both open sandwiches. Though smørrebrød tends to be eaten as lunch, crostini tend to be appetizers or antipasti. Crostini are small pieces of toasted bread, usually Italian or French, topped with a variety of meats, cheeses, vegetables or even just herbs or olive …

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God’s Butter – Marrow bones

God's Butter on bread

Once a month I go to a wine dinner at Latin American Restaurant, where they pair wines with five different courses. One of my favourite dishes is ossobuco, a section of veal shank braised with vegetables, wine and broth, originally from Milan, Italy. Ossobucco literately means ‘Bone with a hole’ or marrowbone, but I’ll get …

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Pasta alla Puttanesca – Retherfordroni Style

I wonder at times if all the potential combinations of ingredients have been tried at one time or another and then in turn available for viewing on the internet? Likewise, how many possible combinations of pasta sauces are there using traditional Mediterranean ingredients? A few years ago when rummaging through the pantry and refrigerator, I …

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Risotto with Portabellas & Asiago

Risotto with Portabellas & Asiago

It never ceases to amaze me that rice is one of the most versatile vehicles in which to convey flavor, texture and even aroma, yet it is so simple to prepare. If one can evolve from “one-minute cooked rice” or even the pre-cooked rice that is frozen and only requires to be steamed in a …

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Italian Meatballs – Santelli Family Style

Italian Meatballs

As a child I remember going to my great grandmother’s house in New Jersey and sitting down for an afternoon of eating. The afternoon would start with this special round Italian bread, butter and strong stove top brewed coffee. Then the pan fried meatballs would be served, with the chicken soup with small pasta coming …

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