Tag: italian

Sunday Supper with Chef John Tabone — Destination Sardinia!!

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If you haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing a meal prepared by Chef John Tabone @instinctivecook… what are you waiting for?!?!? The Sunday Supper event @barpazzo this past weekend was way more than just an #Italian meal; it was trip to #Sardinia without leaving Scranton. Each dish was so thoughtfully executed from the sourcing of ingredients to the wine or liqueur that was served with it. The tablescape was crafted from all things native to Sardinia; from the unique rocks to star anise to, my favorite, the juniper berry. There wasn’t a single detail Chef Tabone left out this one-of-a-kind dinner that has certainly left an impression in my memory.

It was a beautiful Sunday summer evening 😎to dine al fresco in #the570. One extra large table lined the sidewalk outside the restaurant and was set up with that beautiful tablescape so that everyone sat together. Outside of the five members of my family, I knew no one else at the start. Let me tell you though, it wasn’t long before we got to know so many others sitting along side of us. Another purposeful detail that left us feeling like we were eating a family dinner.

My two favorite dishes of the night were the #octopus salad 🐙 (I was so excited I forgot to take a picture!), which wasn’t even on the menu, and the stuffed #pasta course. The octopus was sliced thin with a light citrusy flavor that was very refreshing. The stuffed pasta with brigante cheese, potato and mint was served on top of a classic tomato sauce that paired so nicely with the wine, Vermentino “Costamolino” Argiolas…YUM!

Let’s not forget about the anti pasti and #Limoncello granita. If you’re wondering, he makes his own homemade Limoncello of course!

#Sardines…light, mild and prepared with the freshest radishes and fennel served family style. Another dish not on the menu. And left me pleasantly surprised and wanting more.

It was a first for me and #FregolaSarda; tiny little durum wheat pastas handmade with a gorgeous yellow saffron hue made with two different types of broth topped with shrimp, calamari, muscles and sausage. Delicious!

And how about that pig 😳🐽…it speaks for itself.

The dessert was made with Sardinian honey and cheese in a light fluffy pastry which balanced nicely with a creamy scoop of ice cream. The star of this course was the Tremontis Mirto Liqueur. My favorite drink of the evening because of how smooth and flavorful it was in relationship to the pastry.

Not all chefs come out of the kitchen to speak with guests…but Chef Tabone is no typical chef. With each course he provided a thorough explanation of the dish, its ingredients, where they came from, why he selected the ones he did and how it pairs with each wine. There is so much love that goes into his food and you can truly taste it!

#Cheers to you chef! Thank you for a fabulous experience! 🇮🇹🇮🇹

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Italian Breakfast Quiche

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So I woke up in the morning, starving, and hadn’t gone to the grocery store in almost a week. There wasn’t much to put together in the fridge but I pulled it off! I’m definitely going to make this quiche again but I would add a bit more parmesan cheese (because I ran out) and add some mozzarella (which of course I didn’t have at all). All in all, this is a keeper!

Full disclosure: I did not make the crust, it was store bought and left over from something else I made earlier in the week. There are some good quality pre-made crusts out there so if you don’t have the time, like a lot of people I know, save yourself some hassle and just buy one.

What you’ll need:

  • 1 pie crust
  • 14 eggs, divided
  • 1 red pepper, chopped
  • 2 cups baby kale
  • Small handful parsley, chopped
  • Small handful basil, sliced thin
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Spray olive oil
  • S & P
  • What to do:
      • Preheat the oven to 375, prep you vegetables and spray your pie dish on he bottom and sides.
      In a sauté pan on medium heat, spray the pan and add the red pepper and cook for 2 minutes.
      Next add the parsley and basil, then the kale and S & P. Cook another 2 minutes or until the kale is wilted. Set aside.
      Put the pie crust in your baking pan and layer the bottom with cheese.
      Whisk 8 eggs with S & P and garlic powder. Fold in the sautéed veggie mixture.
      Add the eggs to the dish.
      Gently crack the remaining eggs into the dish scattered throughout it.
      Add a little more salt to the top and place it in the oven to bake.
      I didn’t pay attention to how log this baked but it was at least 20 minutes. Make sure the middle of the dish is cooked and not loose. Also, the tips of the crust will be golden brown.
      Enjoy!

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    Bread Pizza topped with Meatballs and Sausage

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    What do you do with day old Italian bread, left over sauce, sausage and meatballs?? Make a pizza out of it!! It’s so easy.   

    Here’s what you’ll need:

    • Italian bread, sliced lengthwise 
    • Olive oil
    • garlic powder
    • dried oregano
    • S & P
    • Homemade tomato sauce
    • Italian sausage, precooked (preferably in the sauce) and sliced thin
    • Meatballs, precooked (again in the sauce) and sliced
    • Parmesan cheese, grated
    • Mozzarella cheese, shredded

      
     What to do:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
    2. spread olive oil over the bread along with garlic powder, oregano, S & P, and parm cheese. 
    3. Place on a sheet tray and toast in the oven for 5 minutes. 
    4. Remove and top with tomato sauce, sausage, and meatballs. Then top with more Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese.  
    5. Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and slightly browned. 

    I have to admit, I’m not ready to give up my family recipe for traditional Italian sauce (aka gravy). It is the first thing I learned to cook on my own and is close to my heart. So, I’ve found a great comp that you can use as a guide so that you can make your own! Click the link to find that along with a meatball recipe. You should know by now that I never buy pre-made 🤓

    Enjoy!