Tomatoes & Bread Salad
To prepare the Parmesan-glazed croutons: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Mix all the ingredients, using 1 tablespoon of the Parmesan for this step and reserving the remaining tablespoon. Be sure to coat the croutons well. Place the croutons on a baking tray
Strawberries in Marsala with Sweetened Ricotta
Mix the strawberries, sugar and Marsala or orange liqueur in a medium bowl and let sit for 30 minutes. Combine the ricotta, mascarpone or cream cheese, honey and vanilla in another bowl, using an electric mixer or sturdy spoon to mix
Parmesan Nut Rolls
Mix the sugar with 1/4 cup of the warm water in a glass measuring cup of bowl. Sprinkle in the yeast and set in a warm, draft-free place, for 10 minutes, until the yeast is foamy. Combine the flour, salt and
Pita Bread
Mix the yeast with 1 1/4 cups of the warm water and let sit to dissolve for a few minutes. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the flour, cover with a damp towel and place in a warm location for
Sardinian Cracker Bread
Mix the flour and salt together in a large bowl. Gradually stir in the water, until a firm dough that isn't sticky starts to form. Turn out onto a lightly floured board and knead for a few minutes, until the
Rice Pilaf with Currants and Pine Nuts
Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan set on medium-high heat until sizzling, about 2 minutes. Add the onion, garlic, bay leaf, currants, pine nuts, saffron or turmeric, cinnamon and cumin and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the
Couscous Spinach Pilaf
Heat the olive oil and garlic in a large saute pan set on high heat until sizzling, about 2-3 minutes. Add the lemon zest and coriander and stir. Add the spinach. It will look like a lot of spinach when
Chickpeas with Mint and Tomatoes
Combine the tomatoes, salt, pepper and sugar in a medium bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until the tomatoes have released some of their juices. Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan set on high heat until sizzling,
Braised Fennel
Preheat the oven to 400 F. Cut the leafty stalk s off the fennel bulbs. Trim the root ends - not too much, just enough to remove the brown from the end. You want enough of the root left to
Broiled Mushrooms and Onions
Preheat the broiler. Place the onions and mushrooms on a baking sheet in an even layer. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the top and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Place under the broiler, 4-6 inches from the heating