Cucina Della Mamma

Sauteed mischief | Karyn Thomas

[cucinadellamamma]

Monkey Bread

Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Serves: 6 people

Ingredients: 

3 12 ounce Pillsbury Grand biscuits

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 stick butter

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

Cut biscuit pieces into 1/4.  Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.  Roll each piece of dough into the sugar mixture. Put a layer of nuts into the bottom of the bundt pan.  Then  layer the dough and chopped nuts into a bundt pan.  

Melt butter and brown sugar together until sugar is completely dissolved.   Pour liquid over dough mixture.  Finish with another layer of nuts.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  

Invert onto plate.  Cut into wedges and serve for breakfast!!

We eat it each Christmas morning!!

[cucinadellamamma]

Spiced Pecans

Source: Mindy Weschler

Great mixed into salads,  but pretty tasty right out of the bag!

Ingredients

1 lb. pecan

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup orange juice

1/2 stick of unsalted butter

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/4  teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon cayenne

1/2 teaspoon mace

Directions Put rack in center of oven.  Preheat oven to 250 degrees.  Line cookie sheet with foil.

In a large skillet, melt butter over low heat.  Add orange juice and spices and mix well.  Increase heat to medium and add nuts and coat completely with the mixture.  Spread the nuts in a layer on the cookie sheet. 

Bake for 1 hours, stirring every 15 minutes.  

Transfer from cookie sheet to a large bowl, stirring occasionally so they do not stick together. 

[cucinadellamamma]

Marinated Eggplant

Source: Karyn Thomas

Ingredients

2 large eggplant:peeled and thinly sliced

6-8 cloves of garlic: thinly sliced

1 bunch fresh basil

1 cup balsamic vinegar

1 cup olive oil

Salt and pepper

Directions Steam or grill eggplant until slices are tender and soft. 

Put down a layer eggplant, garlic and basil.  Then splash with vinegar and olive oil.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Then put another layer of eggplant, basil land garlic. Again,  splash with vinegar and olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Build until all ingredients are used.  Let marinade for 1-2 hours before serving.

[cucinadellamamma]

Rosemary Garlic Scramble w/ Crispy Pork Belly

Source: Kathryn Thomas

Prep time: 5 minutes ( depends on how organized I am in the morning ) Cook time: 5 minutes Serves: 1 ( my belly )

Ingredients

4 slices pork belly (Trader Joe's pre-cooked pork belly is delish)

2 eggs 

1 handful of baby spinach

1/4 bermuda onion chopped

1 clove crushed garlic

1 tablespoon chopped basil

1/4 teaspoon rosemary ( a couple of dashes )

salt and pepper

Directions You will only need 1 pan for this extravagant operation. I like everything to get friendly, plus I like to reuse the fat from the pork belly to cook the scramble. 1. In a medium sized pan on medium heat, place your four slices of pork belly. They will cook in their own fat, so no need to oil the pan. Cook the pork belly about 2-3 minutes a side, or until it is golden brown.

2. While the pork belly is doing its thang, prep your scramble.

3. In a small mixing bowl whisk the eggs together. Whisk in the crushed garlic, basil, rosemary, and salt and pepper. 

4. At this point you should be good to flip the pork belly. It'll be cracklin. Be prepared for your clothes to smell like bacon for the rest of the day. Maybe cook/eat naked. It might help.  5. When the pork is done, shake off the excess fat and set aside. Leave all the fat in the pan!  6. Add the chopped bermuda onions to the pan, sauté until they start to soften, then add spinach. At this point it would be wise to crush in another clove of garlic... just to be safe.  7. Once the spinach has cooked down, pour in the eggs while stirring continuously. You know how to cook scrambled eggs, so at this point... do what you do, I won't get in your way. 

8. Plate and then obsessively photograph to satisfy your vainglorious Instagram obsession.

9. Nosh.

[cucinadellamamma]

Food is our common ground, a universal experience.

James Beard

[cucinadellamamma]

Chocolate Potato Doughnuts

Inspired by The Holy Donut in Portland, ME Source: Food.com

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 3 minutes Yield: 24 doughnuts

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/4 cup melted butter

1 cup cold mashed potatoes (no butter or milk added)

2 eggs, beaten

3 cups flour, sifted

2 tablespoons baking powder 

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 cup cocoa

1/2 cup buttermilk or 1/2 cup sweet milk

Directions

Stir sugar, butter and potatoes into eggs and beat until creamy

Sift flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and cocoa together

Alternately add milk and flour to egg mixture

Chill for 2+ hours

Roll 1/2 inch thick – (Roll small amounts at a time and keep dough chilled as much as possible. Or you can roll, cut and return doughnut to fridge to keep chilled before frying. It makes it easier to handle).

Cut out.

Fry in hot fat (365 F) 3 minutes turning once.

[cucinadellamamma]

Beer Burgers

Source: Roscoe Thomas

Sometimes, the need to make a ridiculous hamburger out weighs practicality. Sometimes, you don't even own a "grill". But, you make due, and that makes it all the more excellent. 

Ingredients

1.5 lbs of Ground Beef 

3/4 of a Dark Beer

2 Eggs

Heavy helping of rosemary/dill

3 Crushed Cloves of Garlic

1/2 of a Vadalia Onion - Diced

Enough Bread Crumbs to absord beer/egg

Salt/Pepper - Dash of each

Any McCormick brand seasoning that you want to add

6 Slices of Bacon - Finely Chopped

2 Whole Pieces of Bacon 

Directions Mix all together in a medium sized mixing bowl. Continue to add bread crumbs until the meat mixture is sticky and thick.  Take the two slices of bacon and pan fry until crispy. After these slices of bacon have been cooked and greased the pan, remove for later as toppings. 

Grab a handful of ground beef and form patty with hands (anywhere from 1/4lb to 1/2lb patties).

If cooking on a stove: Cook in the bacon grease on medium to medium low heat. Flip multiple times. Until cooked through.

If cooking on a grill: Medium heat and flip carryfully as burgers become fragile due to multiple ingredients. 

Eat and Enjoy.

Optional Toppings (Required… Who am I kidding…)

Fry and Egg in the bacon grease

Roasted Red Peppers

Slice of Pineapple

Avacado

More Bacon

Cheesy Goodness

Pesto Sauce

Sauteed Mushrooms

Grilled Onions 

Etc…

[cucinadellamamma]

Ham & Cheese Sliders

Source: Alana Franklin

Ingredients:

1 dozen Sweet Hawaiian rolls

1/2 lb - 3/4 lb. sliced ham 

Sliced Swiss cheese, enough to fit each sandwich. I usually use 1 package of Sargento Swiss cheese.

Sauce:

1/2 cup of butter

2 T brown sugar

1 T of mustard

1 T of Worcestershire sauce

1 T Poppy seeds

Directions:

1. Put sandwiches together and place in a 9 x 13 baking dish

2. Boil sauce until bubbly and pour over sandwiches

3. You can either bake immediately or let it sit overnight

4. Bake in a 350 degree preheated oven for 20 - 30 minutes, or until the tops are brown  and crispy. Serve hot and enjoy! 

[cucinadellamamma]

Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Source: Alana Franklin

Ingredients:

3 lbs. large potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks

5 large garlic cloves

10 ounces of garlic & herb goat cheese, at room temp. You can use less cheese depending on your preference, but I like mine really cheesy.

1 stick unsalted butter at room temp.

Salt & Pepper

1 1/2 cups sour cream

1/2 cup half & half or milk

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese to top

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 375. Place the potatoes, garlic, and 1 tablespoon of salt in a large pot with enough water to cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, until potatoes are very tender.

2. Drain the potatoes and garlic and mash them. I just use an old fashioned potato masher, however you can also use a food mill fitted with the coarsest blade set on top of a bowl. While the potatoes are still piping hot, stir in the butter. Wait until the butter has been fully incorporated and melted. Then add the goat cheese, sour cream, half & half, 4 teaspoons of salt, and 2 teaspoons of pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste test, because you won’t be able to resist!

3. Pour the mixture into a baking dish, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top and bake for 30-40 minutes, until lightly browned. I like to turn the broiler on lo for a couple of minutes before I take them out to get them golden, but make sure to watch closely so they don’t burn on top. Serve hot, and enjoy!

[cucinadellamamma]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[cucinadellamamma]

Hello!

We've started this blog, more rather, "recipe hub," to share our favorite recipes with friends and family. These recipes have come from family members, newspaper clippings, and our favorite cookbooks. The best part of this endeavor is that you can share your recipes with us! Follow the 'submit recipes' link in the menu to send us your favorite recipes, experiments & concoctions. 

Happy cooking! Karyn & Kate

[cucinadellamamma]

Sun Dried Tomato Torta

Ingredients

2 pk cream cheese 1 container Marscapone cheese ¾ c parm. Cheese 1 ½ c sundried tomato in oil 3 eggs 1 container pesto ¾ c roasted pine nuts

Directions In cuisinart, process cream cheese, marscapone, parm and eggs.  Set aside. Puree sundried tomatoes and set aside.  In a 7 inch spring form pan, layer ½ cheese mix, then pesto, then sprinkle nuts, then sundried tomatoes.  Finish with final layer of cheese mixture. 

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.  Check at 30 minutes and watch carefully so it doesn’t over cook. 

[cucinadellamamma]

Caesar Salad

Ingredients

3 heads of romaine

8 T Olive oil

1 can of anchovies fillets

2-3 large garlic pieces

1 egg

2-3 cups grated parmesan

3 T Lemon juice

1 – 2 cups Croutons

Directions Rinse the romaine, and cut into bite size pieces.  Put into large salad bowl.  Toss in 3 T of lemon juice onto the lettuce leaves. 

Heat 1 cup of water in a measuring cup until boiling.  Put egg into the water, and let sit for 4-5- minutes. Do not cook egg on stove, just let sit in hot water.

In a separate large measuring cup add 8 T of olive oil, 3-4 anchovy fillets, 2-3 T of grated parmesan, heated egg and garlic cloves.  Whip the ingredients until smooth - I use an immersion blender, but you can do this in a blender as well. 

Pour dressing over the lettuce leaves, toss well, and then add in grated parmesan and croutons. Toss again.

[cucinadellamamma]

Lynch Family Red Sauce

Delicious pasta sauce from a local Maine family. 

Yield: Serves 8-10

Ingredients

Meatballs:

2 lbs ground beef

2 eggs lightly beaten

1 1/2 cups Italian bread crumbs

1 cup Parmesan cheese

Sauce:

1-2 TB extra-virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, chopped

3 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomato

2 (28-ounce) cans water

1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste

1/4 bottle dry red wine

2-3 TB sugar

1 handful fresh basil, chopped

1 small bunch parsley, chopped

2 ts oregano

Crushed red pepper to taste

Salt & pepper

2 lbs hot Italian sausage

6 thin-cut, bone-in pork chops

Directions To make the meatballs, mix all the ingredients together gently (adding the bread crumbs in increments, using more or less until you’ve the right amount to bind the meat).

Form into meatballs a little larger than a golf ball; you’ll get about 20 total.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes and set aside until the sauce is ready for them.

To make the sauce, heat the oil until warm in a large pot, then add the garlic and sauté. Add the crushed tomato, water, tomato paste, wine and sugar.

Chop the basil and parsley and add them to the pot with the oregano and the crushed red pepper. Season with salt and pepper.

Brown the sausage and pork chops in a hot skillet and then add them to the sauce. Add the meatballs.

Let the sauce simmer 3-4 hours. Refrigerate overnight. Before serving, reheat and simmer another 2-3 hours.

[cucinadellamamma]

Banana Bread

Ingredients

3-4 over ripe bananas 1 1/4 c sugar 1 1/3 sticks unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled 2 large eggs, room temp. 1 1/2 c flour 1/2 t salt 1 t vanilla 1 1/2 t baking soda 1/2 c toasted walnuts (optional)

Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease an 8-9 inch loaf pan. Place the bananas and sugar in the bowl of a mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment and whip the bejesus out of them , about 2-3 minutes. Add the butter, eggs, and vanilla, beating well and scraping down the sides after each addition.  Add the flour, salt, baking soda and nuts: mix to combine and scrape down the sides. 

Place in the prepared pan and transfer to the oven.  Bake until golden brown and firm in the center, about 1 hour.  Set aside to cool for 10 - 15 minutes and then invert on a rack. 

[cucinadellamamma]

White Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce

This is the Thomas Family’s favorite Christmas dessert.  It goes perfectly with Roast Beef & Yorkshire Pudding.  

BANANA BREAD

Ingredients

2 c milk 

1 c heavy cream

3 large eggs

2 egg yolks

1/2 c plus T sugar

1/2 t salt

1 t vanilla

12 ounces white chocolate, melted

1 loaf banana bread

Directions Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Lightly grease an 8 inches - square cake pan.

Place the mild and 1/2 c of cream in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Place the eggs, egg yolks, 1/2 c of the sugar, salt, and vanilla in a bowl and gradually add the milk mixture, whisking all the while. Add the melted chocolate and mix until it is fully incorporated.  

Place the bread cubes in the prepared  pan and pour the custard over it, pressing down to dunk them.  Let rest 30- 60 minutes so the liquid is fully absorbed.

Pour the remaining 1/2 c cream over the top and sprinkle with the remaining 2 T of sugar. Place in a hot water-bath and transfer to the oven.  Bake until pudding is firm and a knife inserted comes out clean, about 1 hour.

CARAMEL SAUCE

Ingredients

2 c sugar

1/2 c water

1/2 t salt

1 c heavy cream

1 T vanilla

1 T bourbon (optional) 

Directions Place the sugar, water and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.  cook without stirring until the mixture begins to color, about 4 - 5 minutes,  when the mixture is tea-colored, stir lightly with a wooden spoon to even out the coloring.  continue cooking stirring occasionally, until it turns a dark mahogany color, about 3-5 minutes. 

Bubbles will rise and when they just start to break up, quickly and carefully drizzle in the cream.  It will sputter and splatter and come to a boil at first, but just continue adding the cream slowly and steadily, stirring all the while  Off heat, add the vanilla and bourbon.  Set aside to cool to room temperature.  cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Gently reheat when ready to serve. 

Serve  bread pudding warm or room temperature.  Top with Caramel Sauce.

[cucinadellamamma]

Maple Roasted Duck

Source: Roscoe Thomas

Ingredients

1 Whole Duck 1/2 Cup of Chicken Stock 1/3 Cup of Real Maple Syrup 1/4 Cup of Apple Cider Vinegar 2-3 Sweet Potatoes 2 Vadalia Onions 3 Apples (Fuji or Gala would work) A dash of Salt A dash of Rosemary

Directions Preheat the oven to 370 degrees. In a sauce pan, pour in the Chicken Stock, Maple Syrup, and Apple Cider Vinegar. Cook on medium low temp for 10-15 minutes to reduce. Take one of the apples and dice it into fairly small pieces and stir them into the sauce. Reduce for another 5 minutes.

Take the duck and lay it in a roasting pan. Remove gizzard and any small feathers. (Optional - Cut the excess neck skin off and cook separately.) Once the duck is clean of any small feathers take a knife and score the entire upper surface of the duck skin. (This helps to release the duck fat.) Rub the surface with a dash of sea salt and rosemary. 

Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into chunks and spead around the duck in the roasting pan. Cut the onions and apples in similar sized pieces and scatter around the duck. 

Take maple sauce and pour over the duck and place in oven. 

Baste duck every 30-45 minutes and cook for 2 hours and 45 minutes.