Baked Cod
2 servings
Ingredients
12 oz Cod fillet, cut into 2 equal pieces
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil
Lemon Sauce
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon melted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
Fish Coating
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon salt
1/4 teas[oon black pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
For the sauce
Mix together the lemon juice, olive oil, and melted butter in a shallow bowl. Set aside. Do not add the garlic yet.
In another shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, spices, salt, and pepper. Set next to the lemon sauce.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium oven-proof skillet over low heat.
Pat the fish dry. Dip the fish in the lemon sauce then dip it in the flour mixture. Shake off excess flour. Reserve the lemon sauce for later.
Place the fish in the skillet, turn up the heat to medium, and sear the cod on each side to give it some color, but do not fully cook (about 2 minutes on each side).
Remove the skillet from heat.
To the remaining lemon sauce, add the minced garlic and mix. Drizzle all over the fish fillets.
Bake in the preheated oven until the fish flakes easily with a fork (8 minutes). Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Fresh spaghetti with Artichokes and Zucchini
4 servings
Ingredients
1 medium zucchini, diced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup grape tomatoes, halved
½ cup jarred marinated artichoke hearts, drained and sliced
12 oz fresh spaghetti pasta
Salt
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, freshly grated
½ teaspoon coarse crushed black pepper
Directions
Season zucchini with salt. Drain in a colander for 30 minutes.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain. Add pasta to the skillet
Heat olive oil in an empty pasta pot.
Add zucchini and saute until tender, about 2 minutes.
Add artichokes and tomatoes and cook 2 minutes.
Add garlic and saute for 1 additional minute. Add cooked pasta and mix gently while heating pasta.
Add parsley and Parmigiano cheese and toss gently.. Serve.
Pepper-Crusted Filet Mignon
Serves 2
Ingredients
2 filet mignons, (5 to 6 ounces each, about 1 1/2 inches thick)
Coarse salt and very coarsely ground pepper
2 teaspoons olive oil
Wine Sauce, recipe bel0w
Directions
Season filets very generously on both sides with salt and pepper (especially pepper), patting it firmly.
Heat oil in a small skillet over medium-high. Cook filets until desired doneness, 3 to 5 minutes per side (depending on thickness) for medium-rare.
serve with Wine Sauce
Wine Sauce
Ingredients
½ cup sliced mushrooms
1 shallot, minced
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 cup red wine
2 tablespoons cold salted butter, cut up
Directions
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a saucepan and cook the mushrooms and shallots until tender. Remove to a bowl.
Place 1 cup red wine in the same saucepan; boil until reduced to ½ cup, 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove from heat; add the 2 tablespoons cold cut-up butter, and swirl pan until butter is melted and sauce is thickened about 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms mixture Derve over Pepper-Crusted Filet Mignon.
Twice-Baked Potato
This recipe can be prepared early in the day, refrigerated, and reheated at 400 degrees F. for 20-26 minutes.
2 servings
Ingredients
1 large russet potato (about 10 ounces}
Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Prick the potato all over with a fork. Brush lightly with the oil. Roast on a sheet tray until tender, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Cool for about 30 minutes.
While still hot, split the potatoes lengthwise and scoop the potato flesh into a medium bowl, leaving a 1/4-inch shell all around. Season the insides of the potato shells lightly with salt and pepper.
To the bowl with the potatoes, add the sour cream, cream, and butter. Use a potato masher and mix until almost smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in cheese, and the Mound into the potato shells. Place on a baking sheet and bake until heated through and the cheese is browned and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
Caesar Salad
2 servings
Ingredients
Salad
1/2 head Romaine lettuce, washed and finely chopped
1 cup croutons, see recipe below
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground black pepper for garnish
Dressing
1 anchovy, finely chopped or use anchovy paste
3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons mayonnaise made with olive oil, if available
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
Add the anchovy, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce to a bowl and whisk together.
Gradually whisk in the 1/4 cup of olive oil, whisking until the dressing is emulsified.
Place the chopped lettuce in a bowl and toss it with the dressing, and croutons. Top the salad with extra cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Croutons
Ingredients
2 cups cubed bread
1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
In a mixing bowl combine the bread cubes and olive oil. Toss well to coat.
Pour the bread cubes onto a baking sheet. Spread them into a single layer. Bake in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every five minutes to prevent burning. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container or ziplock bag.
Chicken Piccata With Gnocchi
Serves 2
Ingredients
2 – 6 to 8 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon Kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 shallot, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ cup white wine, or dry vermouth
2 lemons, each cut in half, 3 halves juiced and 1 half thinly sliced, crosswise
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and
drained
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Gnocchi
1 pkg shelf-stable potato gnocchi
Salt
1 tablespoon of butter
½ cup greeted Parmesan cheese.
Directions
Pound chicken breasts between plastic wrap to an even thickness.
Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Lightly coat in flour. Shake off excess.
Cook gnocchi and set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and the chicken. Turn the heat to high and saute the chicken 2 minutes per side. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Add butter to the pan and heat on medium until the butter melts. Add the shallot, garlic, and lemon slices. Saute until the shallots are tender and the lemon slices begin to brown. Remove the lemon slices and place them with the chicken. Add the wine and cook for 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook the sauce for 5 minutes at a simmer. Add the capers, chicken, and lemon slices to the pan. Heat and sprinkle with parsley.
Place chicken on serving plates. Top with lemon slices and a few tablespoons of Piccata Sauce.
Add the gnocchi and butter to the skillet and toss the cooked gnocchi in the sauce and add the Parmesan cheese. Serve with the chicken.
Roasted Carrots
Ingredients
8 large carrots, ends removed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into small pieces.
Salt and ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Directions
Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 425 degrees F. Cut carrots on the diagonal into two-inch pieces and place them in a large baking dish.
dot with butter, and sprinkle with thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and cook for 15 minutes. Remove foil and continue to cook, stirring twice, until carrots are well browned and tender, about 30 minutes.
4 servings
Ingredients
12 ounces fresh fettuccine pasta
2 tablespoons butter, divided
16 ounces bay scallops fresh or frozen
12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 fresh red chili pepper, seeded and minced
1 shallot, minced
3 garlic cloves minced
1 tablespoon anchovy paste
1 teaspoon fresh oregano or fresh basil
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup Meyer lemon juice
1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
½ cup jarred marinated artichoke hearts, drained and sliced
Salt and pepper
Directions
Boil water in a large pot for pasta and cook the pasta for two minutes less than the package instructions for al dente.
Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large, deep skillet and sear the shrimp for 2 minutes on each side. Remove to a bowl. Add the remaining butter, chili, shallots, and garlic, and saute for 2 minutes. Add the wine and cook for 2 minutes. Add the lemon juice and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the anchovy paste, oregano, articles hearts, and the tomatoes. Cook for 3 minutes. Add the bay scallops, reduce the heat to low, and cook at a simmer for 1 minute.
Add the shrimp back into the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss gently and heat the mixture for 2 minutes. serve in pasta bowels along with crusty Italian bread.
Greek Spinach & Feta Pie (Spanakopita)
Ingredients
For the Spinach and Feta Filling
Three 10 oz frozen chopped spinach packages, thawed and well-drained
1 cup flat-leaf parsley, stems trimmed, finely chopped
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 eggs
7 oz quality feta cheese, crumbled
2 teaspoons dried dill weed
Freshly-ground black pepper
For the Pastry
1 16 oz package Fillo Dough {pasty sheets}, thawed
1 cup extra virgin olive oil, more if needed
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Before you begin mixing the filling, be sure the spinach is very well drained, and squeeze out any excess liquid by hand.
To make the filling: In a mixing bowl, add the spinach and the remaining filling ingredients. Stir until all is well combined.
Unroll the phyllo (fillo) sheets and place them between two very lightly damp kitchen cloths.
Prepare a 9½” X 13″ baking dish by brushing the bottom and sides of the dish with olive oil.
To assemble the spanakopita: Line the baking dish with two sheets of phyllo (filo) letting them cover the sides of the dish as well as the bottom of the dish.
Brush with olive oil. Add two more sheets in the same manner, and brush them with olive oil. Repeat until half of the phyllo (fillo) is used.
Next, evenly spread the spinach and feta filling over the phyllo (fillo).
Top with two more sheets, and brush with olive oil. Continue to layer the phyllo (fillo) sheets, two at a time, brushing with olive oil, until you have used up all the sheets.
Brush the very top layer with olive oil.
Fold the sifted down on the top layer.
Brush well with olive oil.
Bake in the 325 degrees F heated oven for 1 hour, or until the phyllo (fillo) crust is crisp and golden brown.
Remove from the oven. Let rest while you cook the lamb. Cut into squares to serve.
Rack of Lamb
Ingredients
For the lamb marinade:
5 garlic cloves, grated
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive
1 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, chives, oregano, and rosemary
Juice and zest of one lemon
For the rack of lamb:
1 lamb rack, about 1 ½ lbs
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
½ cup Italian-flavored Panko crumbs
Tzatziki Sauce, recipe below
Directions
Combine the marinade ingredients in a large ziplock plastic bag.
Season the lamb all over with kosher salt and pepper.
Place the rack of lamb in the bag with the marinade. Seal the bag and move the lamb around in the bag to coat the lamb evenly. Let the lamb marinate for 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature (or overnight in the refrigerator if you have the time.
If you refrigerated the lamb, bring it to room temperature.
Heat the oven to 450 degrees F and place an oven rack on the top ⅓ of the oven.
Arrange the lamb rack (bone side pointing up) in a foil-lined baking pan. Place the pan on the oven rack for 15 minutes.
Carefully remove it from the oven and turn the rack of lamb to the other side. Sprinkle with panko crumbs.
Return to the oven and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes depending on how you like your rack of lamb (rack of lamb is typically served rare or medium-rare, but you can also serve it medium).
To avoid overcooking the lamb, use an instant-read thermometer to determine if the lamb is done to your liking. For rare, the internal temperature should reach 125 degrees F and for medium-rare, it should read around 135 degrees F. Check and take it out of the oven 5 degrees before it reaches the temperature you are looking for. As the lamb rack rests, the temperature will rise.
Remove from the oven and tent with foil. Allow the lamb about 10 minutes to rest (the temperature will rise and the lamb will continue to cook some more).
Cut the lamb chops in between the bones and arrange them on a platter and serve with the Tzatziki Sauce.
Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
1 medium cucumber, peeled and sliced
1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
2 garlic cloves, peeled, finely grated
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 cups plain Greek yogurt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
1 teaspoon dried dill
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Directions
Use a box grater to manually grate the cucumber.
Toss the grated cucumbers with ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Let drain in a colander for 10 minutes. Squeeze the salted cucumbers to extract any liquid.
In a mixing bowl, place the garlic with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. Mix to combine.
Add the grated cucumber to the bowl with the garlic mixture. Stir in the yogurt, and the remaining ingredients.
Cover and refrigerate for several hours for the flavors to develop.
Tomato Salad
Ingredients
2 cups grape tomatoes
¼ of a red onion sliced
¼ teaspoon Greek seasoning
2 tablespoons vinaigrette
Directions
Combine the ingredients in a serving bowl. Leave at room temperature until serving time.
2 servings
Ingredients
1 medium zucchini (about 9-10 oz}
Kosher salt
For the filling:
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
4 ounces lean ground beef
2 tablespoons minced onion
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped peeled and seeded tomatoes
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon freshly chopped basil leaves
1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme leaves
2 tablespoons fine dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
Directions
Lay the zucchini down on a flat work surface and, using a sharp knife, cut the zucchini in half lengthwise. Using a small melon baller or paring knife, remove the inner flesh from the zucchini to form a small boat shape, leaving a thin shell on the sides and bottom,.
Cut the trimmings into 1/4-inch dice and reserve. Lightly salt the inside of each zucchini and set aside, cut sides down, on paper towels to drain while you prepare the filling.
For the filling:
In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and, when hot, add the beef and saute until brown, using a spoon to break it into small pieces, about 6 minutes.
Add the onion and cook until soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the chopped zucchini and season lightly with salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until squash is soft and lightly caramelized about 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the basil, thyme, and bread crumbs. Season, to taste, with additional salt and pepper, if necessary, and set aside to cool.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
Pat the insides of the zucchini with paper towels. Spoon the mostly cooled filling into the zucchini. Sprinkle with the cheese. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on top.
Serve with a simple pasta, such as Linguini Pesto Sauce
Linguini with Pesto Sauce
2-3 servings
Ingredients
Sauce
2 cups washed basil leaves
1/4 cup pignoli nuts
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Pasta
1/2 lb linguini
Pesto sauce
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
For the pesto sauce
Place the nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper in a processor bowl. Process until the nuts and garlic are chopped. Add the basil leaves and process for a minute or two. In the opening spout at the top, pour the olive oil as you process. Keep processing until the mixture is smooth.
Cook the pasta al dente according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta in a colander.
In the same pot add the pesto, cooking water, and Parmesan cheese. Warm over low heat and then add the cooked linguine. Cook for a minute or two. Pour into a serving bowl and top with freshly ground black pepper.
Flounder Parmigiano
2 servings
Ingredients
2 large or 4 small flounder fillets
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoon mayonnaise
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup Italian-flavored panko crumbs
½ cup Marinara Sauce
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Oila large baking dish.
season the fish fillets with salt and pepper.
Mix the Parmesan with the panko crumbs. Lightly brush both sides of the fillets with mayonnaise. Dredge the fish in the prepared bread crumbs.
Press down on the breading to be sure it coats the fish.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked and the topping is golden.
Top each fillet with sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Return to the oven and bake until the sauce is hot and the cheese melts.
Baked Potato Wedges
Ingredients
2 medium Russet potatoes scrubbed and cut into eighths
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Cooking spray
Directions
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray.
Place the olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper and parsley in a ziplock plastic bag.
Place the potato wedges in the bag and seal the bag. Shake to coat the potatoes evenly with the seasoning.
Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes Turn the potatoes over and bake for 15- 20 minutes until golden brown.
Sautéed Leafy Greens
Ingredients
2 whole cloves of garlic
1/2 medium onion chopped
1/2 lb. leafy greens (kale, chard, or collard greens) I used Swiss chard grown by a friend in his garden
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Salt to taste
Directions
Remove and discard the stem portions of the greens. Chop the leaves into smaller pieces. Wash the greens well in several changes of water. Drain well.
Heat the oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the onion, whole garlic, black pepper, and greens. Heat, covered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until onions are translucent and the greens are tender. Discard the garlic. Add salt to taste.
Baked Cheese Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
18 Jumbo shells
Salt
2 cups Bolognese Sauce
Recipe
Filling
2 cups ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Mozzarella cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
4 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl and use to stuff pasta.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions for al dente. Drain and place the shells on a kitchen towel to cool.
Spoon the sauce over the bottom of a casserole dish large enough to hold the stuffed shells in one layer.
Fill each shell with equal portions of the ricotta cheese mixture. Arrange the shells stuffed side up in the casserole. Sprinkle the tops with grated cheese. Cover the dish with foil.
Bake for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with extra cheese and serve.
Pan Fried Parmesan Zucchini
2 servings
Ingredients
One medium zucchini about 9 oz
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon each of garlic powder, salt, and pepper
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cut zucchini into ¼-inch circles.
Heat oil in a medium skillet. Place zucchini slices in a single layer. Sprinkle with seasonings and cheese. Cover the pan and cook the zucchini over medium heat until lightly brown. Turn the slices over and cook until lightly brown on the second side. Serve with the shells.
For 2 servings
Ingredients
Eggplant
1 medium eggplant, about 1 lb, peeled and sliced
Salt
Olive oil
Filling
1 cup of ricotta cheese
1 ½ tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese,
1/4 cup of freshly shredded mozzarella 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 egg
Salt and pepper
Marinara Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
¼ cup finely chopped onion
28 oz. can whole tomatoes, crushed by hand
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Directions
For the sauce
Heat oil in a sautépan and cook the onion until soft. Add the remaining ingredients.
Let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes. Keep warm.
For the eggplant
Brush slices with olive oil and place on a baking sheet. Roast in a 400-degree F oven for 20 minutes, flipping eggplant halfway through cooking.
Combine the filling ingredients in a medium bowl.
When the eggplant has cooled for about 10 minutes, begin the rolling process. On each slice, put about 2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese mixture. Spread it on the eggplant and then roll. Repeat with all eggplant slices.
Coat the bottom of a deep baking dish with Marinara sauce. Start placing the rolled eggplants in the baking dish. Pour sauce on top of the eggplant. Sprinkle some more grated cheese on top.
Bake in a 400-degree oven for about 30 minutes.
Meatballs
1 lb lean ground beef {or any ground meat you prefer}
1 cup dried bread crumbs
2 eggs
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1/3 cup grated pecorino Romano
4 tablespoons shallots, minced
2 tablespoons dried Italian Seasoning
Directions
Working with your hands, combine all ingredients and let sit in the refrigerator for one hour.
Use a muffin scoop to form the meatballs. Roll until smooth. Place on a baking sheet and bake the meatballs in a 350-degree F oven until brown all over, about 30 minutes. Add the meatballs to the Marinara Sauce in the recipe above and heat over low for about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Pizza
1 lb whole milk mozzarella cheese, cut into thin slices
1 lb pizza dough, store-bout or homemade, at room temperature
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Olive oil
For Homemade Dough
1 teaspoon instant yeast
1 teaspoon honey
1 cup lukewarm water
3 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Roasted Sausage, Mushroom, Tomaro Sauce
2 cups roasted cherry tomatoes {see recipe}
3 Spicy Italian Sausage links, casing removed, and meat broken into small pieces
2 cups sliced mushrooms
Directions
For the dough
Combine all the ingredients for the dough in the large bowl of an electric mixer and with The paddle attachment mix until the ingredients come together around the paddle. Attach the dough hook and knead the dough for 5-6 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Oil a medium baking dish and combine the sauce ingredients, by mixing well. Roast the sauce until the sausage meat is fully cooked. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool down,
Raise the oven temperature to 500 degrees F and place the oven rack on the lowest shelf in the oven.
For the pizza
Prepare the crust: flour your hands lightly and pat the dough evenly into a lightly oiled 16″ pizza pan.
Brush the dough lightly with olive oil.
Cover the dough with the sliced mozzarella.
Spread the sauce over the cheese.
Bake the pizza on the bottom rack of the oven for 15 -18 minutes, until the crust is lightly brown.
Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing.
