njmauthor

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(via Tuna-Noodle Casserole)

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Tuna-Noodle Casserole

Back to the ’50s! The much derided Tuna-Noodle Casserole of that era can actually produce a quite delicious, easy-to-prepare, and affordable meal simply by making a few fresh additions of vegetables and herbs. Some of my foodie friends claim this Tuna-Noodle Casserole as one of their favorites among my recipes. It’s also nice because you can make a large quantity, then reheat as needed—saving you…

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(via Baked Ricotta With Peppers and Olives)

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Baked Ricotta With Peppers and Olives

If you’re looking for a quite easy first course or light luncheon dish that also makes a lovely presentation, you can’t do better than Baked Ricotta With Peppers and Olives. I first got the idea for this when staying in an apartment near Palermo’s famed Ballarò market. One stand featured various baked ricottas with a myriad of toppings, including eggplant and caponata. Although I didn’t see one…

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(via Zuccotto Fiorentino)

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Zuccotto Fiorentino

Zuccotto Fiorentino is an elaborate dessert of sponge cake and cream fillings that is popular in Florence. It is said to have been created during the Medici era by Bernardo Buontalenti. Here is a short history of the dessert. There are virtually hundreds of different recipes for Zuccotto Fiorentino, many of which use ricotta and candied fruits as a filling. My more contemporary version employs…

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(via Irish Soda Bread)

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Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread is a delicious and easy non-yeast bread to make—and, of course, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. When warm, it tastes similar to a scone. For a short history of Irish Soda Bread, click here. Lightly toast the caraway seeds in a 350° oven for about 5 minutes or until very fragrant. Plump the raisins in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain. Set a rack in the middle of the oven, and…

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(via Breakfast Sausage Patties)

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Breakfast Sausage Patties

There are all sorts of breakfast sausages—mostly in links—that are available in supermarkets. For a real taste treat, try these easy-to-prepare homemade Breakfast Sausage Patties to serve with eggs, pancakes, or waffles. Finely chop the fresh sage. Chop the sage. In a small bowl, mix together the sage, marjoram, brown sugar, cloves, allspice, black pepper, nutmeg, salt, cayenne, and pepper…

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(via Braised Fennel With Meyer Lemon)

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Braised Fennel With Meyer Lemon

If you’re looking for an unusual and appealing vegetable dish—one that can be prepared well before serving time—look no further: Braised Fennel With Meyer Lemon. In case your unfamiliar with fennel, here is some background on the vegetable. In your supermarket, you will often find it mislabeled as “anise.” Though they have a similar taste, anise is a completely different plant from fennel. In my…

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(via Spaghetti With Mussels)

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Spaghetti With Mussels

Several years ago my spouse and I dined at an Italian restaurant in Nova Scotia. We had the most delicious pasta with mussels I had ever tasted. I��ve no idea how they prepared it, but I was aware that it contained leek and fresh oregano in a rich tomato sauce, which gave it a singular taste. This Spaghetti With Mussels is my version of that recipe. Trim the tough green leaves from the leek, slice…

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(via Caramelized Apple Strudel)

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Caramelized Apple Strudel

I love the idea of the traditional recipe for Apple Strudel, which uses raw apple slices. However, in execution what you get are unevenly cooked apples that have exuded so much water they make a mess of the dough. As an alternative, I created this delicious Caramelized Apple Strudel version that solves these problems. For a brief history of Apple Strudel, click here. Defrost the frozen phyllo…

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(via Lamb Tagine)