appetizers

Broccoli Rabe Arancini with Marinara Sauce

Broccoli Rabe Arancini with Marinara Sauce

Since that evening in Milan, I vowed to learn how to make a risotto as good as the one we shared. In the beginning, I started off by making small servings. Not confident in my ability to pull it off, I figured that I wouldn't feel as bad if it didn't turn out and I only made enough for two. Now when I'm making risotto, I'll make enough for a family of 8 - I can't help myself.

Tangy Beets with Fennel, Walnuts, and Chevre

Tangy Beets with Fennel, Walnuts, and Chevre

Honestly, I'd love to say that I made this recipe through trial and error. That I had been slaving over the stove, testing and re-testing beets forever, but the truth is, I bought some beets, boiled, removed the peels, cut into wedges, added a few ingredients to a pot: vinegar, sugar, cloves, cinnamon, and salt. The whole thing just seemed to work out. The only comparison I have to anything better than good is my grandmothers pickled beets, and I wouldn't want to say that they are better, but they do come pretty close.

Goat Cheese Crostini Three Ways

Goat Cheese Crostini Three Ways

We had a few friends over for drinks last week, and I thought it appropriate to provide some delicious snacks. This is what I like to do. The great thing about crostini is the versatility you have when preparing. I chose a soft and creamy goat cheese base and added a few of my favorite ingredients for toppings. A little fancy, a bit of color, and we can now call it a party. 

Whole Wheat Pita Bread and Tzatziki

Whole Wheat Pita Bread and Tzatziki

I love the smell of yeast and fresh bread baking in the oven. I love watching it puff and rise. What a magical thing to witness. I'd always thought of pit bread as something difficult to make, but this recipe is fairly easy. It involves adding ingredients to a stand mixer and then letting the stand mixer do all the hard work for you. All you really need is some time to kill. This recipe produces the most wonderful soft pockets of goodness.