This is another one of my own inventions, though it’s in some ways similar to a carbonara. I normally get a fresh bunch of spinach, but you can also save some effort by getting a bag of pre-washed. If you’re starting with a fresh bunch, tear off the stems and soak the leaves in a […]
Primi
First courses–typically soup and pasta.
Escarole and beans
Escarole is a slightly bitter green related to endive and frisée. It’s pretty coarse when raw, but softens up with cooking. It can be hard to find in supermarkets, though you can sometimes find it in the farmer’s market in winter. I used to grow my own—it grows pretty well in SoCal. This is a […]
Rigatoni Bolognese
I could go on all day about Bologna. It’s an amazing city, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, and arguably the birthplace of modern medicine. The architecture is significant for its tall midieval towers, though only a few remain of the many that once dominated the town. The sidewalks are covered by […]
Spaghetti al’Amatriciana
Here’s another one you can make with stuff you’ve probably already got in the pantry. It’s great when you want to make something quick. It should have a little kick to it, but not too much. It’s very traditional, but so simple, you won’t find it on many menus. It reminds me of when your […]
Orecchiette with cauliflower
This is another sauce in the olive oil and garlic family. It’s similar to a dish made with broccoli rabe, which is sort of a wild cousin to broccoli, but cauliflower is a bit denser and harder to overcook. In fact, it’s even better when it’s a bit caramelized. Though orecchiette (little ears) is the […]