From the Hearth

Simple Italian Cooking

kaylee’s always considered Italian cuisine to be one of the most romantic around. Perhaps it was when she first saw “Lady and the Tramp” sharing spaghetti in the moonlight, or the intimate setting and soft candlelight of her favorite restaurants that somehow equated Italian cooking with passion and romance. She was so surprised how easy it was to cook delicious Italian meals. The trick- fresh herbs when possible, freshly grated parmesan, freshly baked crusty bread, a quality sauce. Add some soft music in the background, candles, and a well selected bottle of wine and let the evening lead where it may!

Spicy Dipping Oil (for bread)

Pick up the Italian style bread as late as possible to ensure the freshest bread served that evening. When possible, use fresh herbs but the dry ones will do.

• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 large clove of garlic, minced
• Freshly ground pepper
• Salt to taste

Green salad with Italian Dressing

This dressing is super easy to make, the flavors are well balanced but not too overpowering. Fresh basil can be a delicious touch.

• ¾ Cup olive oil
• ¼ Cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons fresh chopped basil (half this amount if it is dried)
• pinch of salt
• pinch of freshly ground pepper

Roasted Mushrooms

Wonderful side dish for pasta dishes as well as grilled meats. kaylee likes to use a mix of white domestic, crimini, and shiitake mushrooms.

• 2 pounds of mixed mushrooms, coarsely chopped into bite size pieces
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary
• 1 teaspoon chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon chopped basil
• splash of balsamic vinegar
• Salt, pepper to taste
• freshly grated parmesan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 400° F.
2. In baking dish, lay out the mushroom pieces.
3. In bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, parsley, basil. Drizzle over mushroom pieces and toss until coated.
4. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Top with a splash of balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to taste, and freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Chicken Parmigiana

One of our favorites- even the leftovers taste wonderful the next day! Using freshly grated parmesan and a high quality sauce does make a difference in the taste. Perfect on top of angel hair pasta.

• 3 eggs, beaten
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• plate of dry bread crumbs (kaylee loves to season it with dried basil, oregano, black pepper and garlic powder.)
• Splash of vegetable oil
• 16 ounce jar spaghetti or marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 400° F.
2. Set up a ‘dipping line’ - one bowl filled with beaten eggs, then a shallow plate of breadcrumbs, then one plate to set the chicken breasts on before you cook them.
3. Dip each chicken breast into the egg bath, then the seasoned bread crumbs. Repeat so there’s a double layer of coating on each chicken breast. Set onto plate.
4. Pour oil into a nonstick pan. When the oil is hot, lay each chicken breast carefully into the pan and let brown on each side. Remove from heat and drain on a paper towel.
5. In a baking dish, spread a third of the tomato sauce across the bottom of the dish. This will prevent the chicken from sticking so coat it well.
6. Set each chicken breast into the pan, and cover with remaining sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Links to some previously featured Italian Recipes

Comforting Foods particularly:

• Italian Soup with Tortellini

Foods for Love: Aphrodisiacs particularly:

• Tomato Salad with Feta and Basil
• Tiramisu for Two

Fresh Fare particularly:

• Broiled Tomatoes with Cheese (Feta and Basil option)
• Sauteed Spinach with Garlic

Time Savers for Busy Cooks particularly:

• Vegetarian Lasagna
• Herbed Pizza Dough
• Calzones (various fillings)

If anyone would care to submit one of their favorite recipes, this one can be reached at kaylee{G}