Recipe by Silvia Baldini — Indulge in this Italian classic, perfect for a midafternoon snack or breakfast. This Soft Almond and Lemon Ricotta Cake marries the rich, soft creaminess of ricotta cheese with the irresistible flavors of almond and lemon. Best part, it's naturally gluten-free, thanks to the exclusive use of almond flour. Enjoy.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — Indulge in this Italian classic, perfect for a midafternoon snack or breakfast. This Soft Almond and Lemon Ricotta Cake marries the rich, soft creaminess of ricotta cheese with the irresistible flavors of almond and lemon. Best part, it's naturally gluten-free, thanks to the exclusive use of almond flour. Enjoy.
Preheat your oven to 350°F Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well.
Separate the egg yolks from the whites. Add the egg yolks to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next
Gently fold in the whole milk ricotta and lemon zest into the mixture until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
Gradually fold the almond flour and the baking powder into the ricotta mixture, ensuring it is well incorporated.
Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in two or three additions. Be gentle to maintain the light and fluffy texture.
Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powder sugar.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — There's something magical about strolling through the festive holiday markets in Italy during Christmas, especially when the air is filled with the aroma of roasted nuts, vanilla, and spices wafting from the croccante stands. Croccante is similar to almond brittle and is a cherished traditional Christmas favorite. Making this treat at home is easy, and it’s an ideal hostess gift that is both thoughtful and delicious.
I've adapted the original classic Italian recipe for my brittle, using a mix of different nuts and infusing it with spices. Don’t be intimidated by the caramel; just pay attention to the color and stick to my timing. Prep your lined baking sheet and equipment beforehand to ensure a smooth process. While Italians prefer the brittle in sizable chunks, I like breaking it into smaller clusters for versatile serving options – as a standalone treat, a salad sprinkle, or an ice cream topping. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its irresistible crunch or portion it into mason jars or small bags for fun holiday gifting.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — There's something magical about strolling through the festive holiday markets in Italy during Christmas, especially when the air is filled with the aroma of roasted nuts, vanilla, and spices wafting from the croccante stands. Croccante is similar to almond brittle and is a cherished traditional Christmas favorite. Making this treat at home is easy, and it’s an ideal hostess gift that is both thoughtful and delicious.
I've adapted the original classic Italian recipe for my brittle, using a mix of different nuts and infusing it with spices. Don’t be intimidated by the caramel; just pay attention to the color and stick to my timing. Prep your lined baking sheet and equipment beforehand to ensure a smooth process. While Italians prefer the brittle in sizable chunks, I like breaking it into smaller clusters for versatile serving options – as a standalone treat, a salad sprinkle, or an ice cream topping. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its irresistible crunch or portion it into mason jars or small bags for fun holiday gifting.
1cupunsalted pistachiosor whole cashews, or whole hazelnuts
6tablespoonswater
1 ½ cupsgranulated sugar
2teaspoonsbourbon or vanilla extract
1teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1teaspoonground cinnamon
2teaspoonsfine sea salt
1 ½ teaspoonflaky salt
Servings: cups
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Toast the nuts:
Combine the nuts on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast them for 10 minutes, being careful not to burn them. Set aside.
Line one large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Make the caramel:
Place the sugar and the water in a large, nonstick sauté pan (16 inches), mix to combine with a metal fork.
Cook over medium-high heat until the sugar melts, turning into a transparent syrup. Don’t stir. Use a cooking brush to swipe the sugar sticking to the sides of the pan. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes a clear golden brown, swirling the pan constantly at the end. Pay attention and be careful; the caramel is very hot and can burn quickly.
Add the nuts:
Take the pan off the heat, promptly add the bourbon or the vanilla; it will bubble up, but don’t worry, swirl the pan to combine. Work quickly because the caramel continues to cook and darken. Add the roasted nuts, the sea salt, the cayenne pepper, and the cinnamon, and toss with a large metal spoon until all the nuts are completely coated.
Cool and break the nuts:
Quickly spread the caramelized nuts onto the prepped baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the nuts out in one layer, separating them with two large metal spoons. Sprinkle with the Flaky Salt and set aside to cool. Once they’re completely cooled, break the large chunks of caramelized nuts into small clusters with your hands. Try not to break the actual nuts. Store in an airtight container for up to a month.
Recipe Notes
Note: Feel free to experiment with various spice combinations, creating sweet and salty versions. Consider combinations such as Cumin and Vanilla or Curry and Cumin. Or make a sweet and salty version by adding only vanilla and salt, a perfect topping for gelato.
For an extra touch, try finishing with a sprinkle of smoked flaky salt. Also, feel free to experiment with different kinds of nuts and substitutes; cashews and hazelnuts work well.
Cleaning: Put the used utensils in the pan and fill with water. Bring to a boil and high heat. Boil for a few minutes until all the harden caramel is melted. Pour water off and dry.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — The Italian version of eggnog liqueur is known as VOV, derived from the Venetian-dialect term 'vovi,' meaning 'eggs.' This energetic and boozy bomb will warm you up and invigorate you. VOV was invented in 1845 by Gian Battista Pezziol, a confectioner from Padua specializing in nougat production, which required only egg whites. Pezziol decided to use the remaining egg yolks with Marsala wine, alcohol, and sugar, creating a zabajone liqueur and energy drink tonic. Drinks made with eggs have long been considered rejuvenating; many ancient recipes attest to their special power to 'awaken' love, revive the sick, and boost energy in general.
Ideally, you should sip it on the rocks by a fireplace after a day on the slopes, but it’s great anytime at room temperature as a garnish for ice cream or for dipping dry biscuits when you need a pick-me-up. Take your VOV to the next level and transform it into a 'Bombardino,' the original Après-Ski cocktail of any Italian mountain holiday. Just add a splash of brandy, a dollop of whipped cream, and a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — The Italian version of eggnog liqueur is known as VOV, derived from the Venetian-dialect term 'vovi,' meaning 'eggs.' This energetic and boozy bomb will warm you up and invigorate you. VOV was invented in 1845 by Gian Battista Pezziol, a confectioner from Padua specializing in nougat production, which required only egg whites. Pezziol decided to use the remaining egg yolks with Marsala wine, alcohol, and sugar, creating a zabajone liqueur and energy drink tonic. Drinks made with eggs have long been considered rejuvenating; many ancient recipes attest to their special power to 'awaken' love, revive the sick, and boost energy in general.
Ideally, you should sip it on the rocks by a fireplace after a day on the slopes, but it’s great anytime at room temperature as a garnish for ice cream or for dipping dry biscuits when you need a pick-me-up. Take your VOV to the next level and transform it into a 'Bombardino,' the original Après-Ski cocktail of any Italian mountain holiday. Just add a splash of brandy, a dollop of whipped cream, and a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder.
2cups grain alcohol, EverClear or unflavored vodka
1/2 cupcognac
Servings: quarts, 1 gallon
Instructions
Pour the milk into a large saucepan. Split the vanilla bean and scrape the seeds in to the milk, add the vanilla pod, the lemon zest. Bring the milk to a bare simmer over medium heat, without letting it boil. Remove from the heat and set aside. Discard the vanilla pod
Whisk together the egg yolks and the sugar until thick and light in color. Add a couple of tablespoons of the scalded milk to the egg yolks, whisking vigorously to prevent the yolks from curdling. Continue to whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until you have added it all. Gently whisk in the Marsala, the grain alcohol and the Cognac.
Pour the liqueur through a funnel into clean 750 ml glass bottles with a metal closure hinge. Refrigerate and rest for at least 3 days before serving the Vov. It will last for a month in the refrigerator. Remember to shake well before serving.
Recipe Notes
This recipe makes 4 quarts of Vov and it will fill at least five 750 ml bottles. A Vov bottle is a great present or stocking stuffer. You can halve the recipe for a smaller batch.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — "MILK AND VINEGAR WHOLE TURKEY BREAST ROAST is a variation on a classic, inspired by Maiale al Latte, a dish from Emilia Romagna featuring pork and milk. Traditionally, the milk is curdled with lemon and spiked with herbs. As the milk caramelizes, it tenderizes the pork, imparting a deep, nutty flavor to the meat. It is a dish that represents comfort and economic sensibility, making it a perfect choice for a Sunday family meal.
My mom adapted the recipe and used a whole turkey breast. It was one of our favorite roasts growing up. She used white vinegar instead of lemon for a less acidic taste. As the caramelized milk reduces, it separates into extremely delicious curds and the sauce it's infused with the vinegar and the herbs. The luscious curds add a delightful texture to the sauce. Each spoonful tells a story of the slow-cooked love. It’s sweet and sour and tender, and what I make at thanksgiving almost every year. We serve it with sautéed mushrooms and lot’s of fresh chopped parsley.
It's a dish that transcends generations, a culinary journey that started in my mom’s kitchen and found a special place on our American Thanksgiving table, reminding us that traditions, when embraced with love, can evolve into something truly extraordinary.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — "MILK AND VINEGAR WHOLE TURKEY BREAST ROAST is a variation on a classic, inspired by Maiale al Latte, a dish from Emilia Romagna featuring pork and milk. Traditionally, the milk is curdled with lemon and spiked with herbs. As the milk caramelizes, it tenderizes the pork, imparting a deep, nutty flavor to the meat. It is a dish that represents comfort and economic sensibility, making it a perfect choice for a Sunday family meal.
My mom adapted the recipe and used a whole turkey breast. It was one of our favorite roasts growing up. She used white vinegar instead of lemon for a less acidic taste. As the caramelized milk reduces, it separates into extremely delicious curds and the sauce it's infused with the vinegar and the herbs. The luscious curds add a delightful texture to the sauce. Each spoonful tells a story of the slow-cooked love. It’s sweet and sour and tender, and what I make at thanksgiving almost every year. We serve it with sautéed mushrooms and lot’s of fresh chopped parsley.
It's a dish that transcends generations, a culinary journey that started in my mom’s kitchen and found a special place on our American Thanksgiving table, reminding us that traditions, when embraced with love, can evolve into something truly extraordinary.
Extra fine sea salt and freshly ground pepper to season, plus one teaspoon white vinegar
chopped italian parsley to garnish
Servings: people
Instructions
Season the boneless turkey breast. Rub the salt and pepper evenly all over the roast. Set it aside. Heat the olive oil in a 10 - x 4-inch-deep Dutch oven or similar pot, large enough to hold the roast. Brown the meat on all sides over medium-low heat; this will take about 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside.
In the same pot add the onion and scrape the bottom of the pot. Lower the heat and cook until translucent. Add the garlic and stir. Meanwhile tie all the herbs together with kitchen twine. Place the herb bundle with the onions and stir.
Add the vinegar and cook for a few minutes scraping the bottom and making sure not to burn the onions. Add the Turkey breast back in to the pot.
Slowly pour in the milk and the stock almost to cover the roast. Cover the pot and cook over low heat for about 1 hour and half to two hours. As the roast cooks the milk will start to coagulate.
When the meat is cooked, remove it to a board and let it cool. Remove the twine, wrap the roast in aluminum foil and place it aside.
Return the pot on the stove to a medium heat. Cook until the liquid is reduced by half and thickened. Discard the herb.
Taste and add seasoning if needed and one teaspoon vinegar. Reduce for a few extra minutes.
Cut the breast into 1/4-inch slices and return them to the pot. Slowly heat the meat in the sauce until hot and serve immediately with a lot of chopped parsley.
Recipe Notes
Note: You can make the roast in a Instapot. Follow the recipe until the resting step. Set the Instapot to an hour. Turn off the pressure cooker. Quick-release pressure and proceed with the sauce reduction.
Using tongs, remove the pork to a serving platter. Remove and discard the herb sprigs. Turn on the sauté setting (on the “more” or hot setting, if you have it), and bring the milk to a rolling boil. Let the milk boil until it is reduced by about half and has darkened to a golden caramel color, about 20 minutes.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — If you're searching for a side dish that steals the spotlight, look no further. Allow me to introduce you to my Pear and Brioche Stuffing. It sparks an annual battle for seconds at my Thanksgiving table. This stuffing isn't just ordinary; it's a a perrect blend of flavors and textures. Imagine luscious pears, buttery brioche, sweet sausage, and the rich, nutty essence of chestnuts blending harmoniously. As they bake, these ingredients transform into a savory, eggy bread pudding that elevates your Thanksgiving feast to new heights. Trust me, one batch is never enough. The first time I served this stuffing, it disappeared in the blink of an eye. Since then, I've learned my lesson. Now, I triple the recipe every year.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — If you're searching for a side dish that steals the spotlight, look no further. Allow me to introduce you to my Pear and Brioche Stuffing. It sparks an annual battle for seconds at my Thanksgiving table. This stuffing isn't just ordinary; it's a a perrect blend of flavors and textures. Imagine luscious pears, buttery brioche, sweet sausage, and the rich, nutty essence of chestnuts blending harmoniously. As they bake, these ingredients transform into a savory, eggy bread pudding that elevates your Thanksgiving feast to new heights. Trust me, one batch is never enough. The first time I served this stuffing, it disappeared in the blink of an eye. Since then, I've learned my lesson. Now, I triple the recipe every year.
4tablespoons(½ stick) unsalted butter, plus more for pan
1cupcup yellow onions, finely chopped
1cupcup celery, chopped finely
3mediumripe pears, each peeled, cored and sectioned in 8 pieces
1 lbsweet Italian sausage meat
1 tbspcognac
1cupchestnuts, cooked and peeled
2cupsroom temperature stock (such as vegetable, turkey, or chicken)
2largeeggs, lightly beaten
4tbspfinely chopped mixed herbs, such as fresh sage, thyme and rosemary
Fine sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Servings: people
Instructions
Cut brioche loaf into ¾-inch cubes and place on a lined baking sheet. Allow to dry in a low oven at 220°F or overnight at room temperature. Once dry, you will have about 2 cups total. Transfer bread to very large mixing bowl and raise oven temperature to 350°F.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan. Add the onion, celery and pears and cook until soft, about 8 minutes.
In a medium pan, melt the remaining butter and add the sausage, cooking gently until browned, about 6 minutes. Add the cognac and cook for a few minutes. Combine the contents of both pans into the bowl with the diced brioche and add in the chestnuts and stock. It’s very important to try not to break the pears and brioche. Season with salt to taste and then gently fold in the eggs. Add the herbs, spices and pepper and mix one final time.
Place evenly in a 9-by-13-inch greased baking dish and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up and hot throughout.
Recipe Notes
Can be made 2 days ahead and reheated before serving.
Recipe By Silvia Baldini — Elevate your comfort food game with this vibrant sweet potato soup. This delightful blend of wholesome ingredients makes it a breeze to prepare. Loaded with sweet potatoes, this soup brings a wealth of vitamins and nutrients. Not only does it taste fantastic, but it also nourishes your body with every spoonful. Infused with the perfect blend of red curry and ginger, this soup adds a delightful touch of warmth to keep you cozy and satisfied. To tie it all together, I have incorporated coconut milk, giving the soup a luxurious and velvety texture. It's the secret ingredient that elevates this dish to a whole new level of comfort. Warm your soul and treat your taste buds to the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Recipe By Silvia Baldini — Elevate your comfort food game with this vibrant sweet potato soup. This delightful blend of wholesome ingredients makes it a breeze to prepare. Loaded with sweet potatoes, this soup brings a wealth of vitamins and nutrients. Not only does it taste fantastic, but it also nourishes your body with every spoonful. Infused with the perfect blend of red curry and ginger, this soup adds a delightful touch of warmth to keep you cozy and satisfied. To tie it all together, I have incorporated coconut milk, giving the soup a luxurious and velvety texture. It's the secret ingredient that elevates this dish to a whole new level of comfort. Warm your soul and treat your taste buds to the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Heat the oil in a large lidded saucepan, add the onion, the leek and garlic, cover and sweat for 10 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally.
Stir in the ginger and curry paste and cook for 1 minute.
Add the sweet potatoes, stock and coconut milk. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potato is soft.
Cool sightly before blending until smooth and creamy. You may need to add a little more stock to achieve the right consistently. Season to taste and re-heat gently.
Serve in warmed bowls with a dash of fresh ginger and lime zest on top.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — I have baked hundreds of wheat pies in search of the perfect one. This recipe is the one. I make a quick pasta frolla (crostata dough) by combining crumbly butter, flour and one egg. I cook the wheat berries in milk until creamy then blend half for a smooth but textured consistency. I mix the wheat with the drained ricotta, sugar, eggs, candied fruit and real orange blossom essence for the creamy filling. I wouldn't be honest if I didn't warn you— this pie is laborious and steps intensive. But the results are intoxicating.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — I have baked hundreds of wheat pies in search of the perfect one. This recipe is the one. I make a quick pasta frolla (crostata dough) by combining crumbly butter, flour and one egg. I cook the wheat berries in milk until creamy then blend half for a smooth but textured consistency. I mix the wheat with the drained ricotta, sugar, eggs, candied fruit and real orange blossom essence for the creamy filling. I wouldn't be honest if I didn't warn you— this pie is laborious and steps intensive. But the results are intoxicating.
Place the butter, flour, sugar, lemon zest, egg and baking powder in the workbowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade and pulse until all ingredients are blended, then process just until you have a smooth dough. Stop once or twice to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Wrap the dough in plastic film and chill for at least an hour, or up to 1 day.
Wheat Filling
Put the wheat grain in a heavy bottom medium sized pot. Mix in the milk add the butter and the lemon zest. Bring to a gentle simmer on a low flame and cook, stirring occasionally, until the wheat kernels are tender, and the milk is absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir and scrape the bottom occasionally to avoid burning.
Place half of the cooked wheat filling in to a blender and blend until creamy and smooth. Scrape back in to the cooked wheat, mix well and set aside to cool off.
Ricotta Filling
Drain the ricotta in a sieve over a bowl until all the liquid is gone. You can drain the ricotta overnight or at least an hour before making the filling.
Place the drained ricotta in a large bowl. Add the eggs, sugar and mix with a wooden spoon then beat until light and fluffy. Add the orange zest, the orange blossom water, vanilla, salt and cinnamon if using. Mix. Scatter the candied fruit, if using and fold together with a rubber spatula until blended.
Fold the cooled wheat filling in to the ricotta cream and mix gently until incorporated.
Pie Assembly and Cooking
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Butter a 9-inch springform pan. Roll out two-thirds of the dough into a 14-inch circle. Fold the circle in quarters, place one of the points in the center of the buttered pan and unfold the dough, pressing it gently against the bottoms and sides and into the corners of the pan.
Scrape the filling into the dough-lined pan. Make a lattice top by alternating strips of the pre-cut dough in alternating directions. Join the strips of dough to dough along the sides of the pan by pressing gently.
Traditionally in Italy we use 7 stripes of dough to make the lattice. Place 4 strips diagonally at the bottom and 3 on the top.
Bake until golden brown and the center feels springy, about 1 ½ hours. Remove and cool completely before serving. It will be better a day or two after baking. Once the pie is cooled off rest in a cool place wrapped with foil. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Recipe Notes
Use fresh sheep ricotta if available or a good quality artisanal cow milk ricotta
Drain the ricotta overnight. Place in a sieve over a bowl and rest covered in the refrigerator
You can buy canned or jarred cooked wheat on Amazon or in any good Italian deli
Use good quality orange blossom flower essence to avoid soapy taste
Recipe by Silvia Baldini – Pay attention on your next walk. You will spot the yellow flowers and bright green leaves everywhere. It's not a weed it is Tarassico or Dandelion in italian. Pick a generous handful, maybe fill one bag, if you have the patience. Wash it. Wash it. And then wash it again. Toss the leaves with a few slices of radishes, a few teaspoons of good olive oil and sherry vinegar. Scatter wedges of 8 minutes boiled eggs on top. Reward yourself with a bitter, crunchy salad.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini – Pay attention on your next walk. You will spot the yellow flowers and bright green leaves everywhere. It's not a weed it is Tarassico or Dandelion in italian. Pick a generous handful, maybe fill one bag, if you have the patience. Wash it. Wash it. And then wash it again. Toss the leaves with a few slices of radishes, a few teaspoons of good olive oil and sherry vinegar. Scatter wedges of 8 minutes boiled eggs on top. Reward yourself with a bitter, crunchy salad.
Triple wash the dandelion leaves, trim the roots and dry. Place in a large bowl. Slice the radishes thin. I use a mandolin or a sharp pairing knife. Scatter the radishes on top of the dandelion.
Make the dressing. In a small bowl or a mason jar. Whisk the sherry vinegar with the shallot and Dijon mustard.
In a thin, steady stream, whisk in the olive oil until emulsified. Stir in the honey, if using. Season with salt and pepper and stir.
Drizzle a few generous tablespoons of the dressing on the salad and toss gently. You can preserve the remaining vinaigrette covered in the fridge for a few weeks.
Add the sliced eggs on top of the dressed dandelion leaves and serve.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — On New Years Eve Italians eat lentils for good luck and prosperity. This lentils pasta dish is a hearty classic meal that comes together quickly and satisfies everyone. You can dress it up with a handful of crispy pancetta, a drizzle of olive oil and few tablespoons of grated Parmesan.
The sauce is mildly spicy, bold, and packed with lentils. The consistency is very creamy and comforting. The creaminess comes from the lentils, the starches in the pasta and the slow gentle cooking of all the ingredients. I like to use pre-steamed lentils or dry Puy lentils because they keep the shape once cooked. This is not soup. It is very thick and it is eaten with a fork. Spaghetti or small tubular pasta work well, or you can mix the broken bits and small leftovers that have been collecting at the bottom of boxes of dried pasta. It's a great way to clean up the pantry and start the new year fresh.
Buon Anno.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — On New Years Eve Italians eat lentils for good luck and prosperity. This lentils pasta dish is a hearty classic meal that comes together quickly and satisfies everyone. You can dress it up with a handful of crispy pancetta, a drizzle of olive oil and few tablespoons of grated Parmesan.
The sauce is mildly spicy, bold, and packed with lentils. The consistency is very creamy and comforting. The creaminess comes from the lentils, the starches in the pasta and the slow gentle cooking of all the ingredients. I like to use pre-steamed lentils or dry Puy lentils because they keep the shape once cooked. This is not soup. It is very thick and it is eaten with a fork. Spaghetti or small tubular pasta work well, or you can mix the broken bits and small leftovers that have been collecting at the bottom of boxes of dried pasta. It's a great way to clean up the pantry and start the new year fresh.
Buon Anno.
1cup chopped canned plum tomatoes, with some juice
1sprig fresh rosemary
1/2 poundsmall tubular pasta, spaghetti or mixed shapes
1/2cupfresh parsley, chopped
Extra-virgin olive oil and hot red pepper flakes or hot pepper oil for garnish
freshly grated parmesan
Servings: people
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add onion, carrots and celery, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until softened but not colored. Add the pancetta, stir and cook for a couple of minutes until the pancetta starts rendering the fat. Add tomato paste, garlic clove, thyme and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for a couple of minutes.
Remove the garlic. Stir in lentils and season with salt. Add 2 cups of stock, chopped canned plum tomatoes, rosemary, stir and cook for a about 15 minutes.
Stir in the pasta and add more stock if necessary. Cook stirring occasionally until pasta is cooked trough but al dente. Remove the rosemary and thyme sprigs. Finish with fresh chopped parsley, a splash of olive oil and Parmesan. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat. Rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes
Substitute the pre-steamed lentils with uncooked dry Puy lentils. Cook for 20 minutes longer adding stock as necessary.
You can cook ahead and re-heat.
Use all the broken bits and small leftovers that have been collected from the bottom of boxes of dried pasta. It's a great way to clean up the pantry and start the new year fresh.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini— I tasted my first almond and citrus cake in Sicily. I’ll never forget how my first forkful exploded in my mouth with the concentrated flavor of oranges and almonds.
“Pan d’Arancio”, which literally translates from italian as orange bread, is baked by using only almond flour and the whole orange; juice, peel and pulp. This is the reason why this cake has a very moist and soft texture with a slight bitter taste and it is completely gluten free. The cake takes some time to prep but once you boil and crush the tangerines, or oranges in a food processor or a blender you are home-free.
I have made this cake with oranges, lemons and even kumquats, but tangerines are by far the family favorites. When I make it with lemons I increase the sugar amount by about 2 teaspoons to balance the bitterness. I dust the top of the cake with powder sugar right before serving it or on special occasions, I drizzle it with a thick sugar and citrus glaze. Blood oranges give a gorgeous festive pink/red tint to the cake and to the glaze.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini— I tasted my first almond and citrus cake in Sicily. I’ll never forget how my first forkful exploded in my mouth with the concentrated flavor of oranges and almonds.
“Pan d’Arancio”, which literally translates from italian as orange bread, is baked by using only almond flour and the whole orange; juice, peel and pulp. This is the reason why this cake has a very moist and soft texture with a slight bitter taste and it is completely gluten free. The cake takes some time to prep but once you boil and crush the tangerines, or oranges in a food processor or a blender you are home-free.
I have made this cake with oranges, lemons and even kumquats, but tangerines are by far the family favorites. When I make it with lemons I increase the sugar amount by about 2 teaspoons to balance the bitterness. I dust the top of the cake with powder sugar right before serving it or on special occasions, I drizzle it with a thick sugar and citrus glaze. Blood oranges give a gorgeous festive pink/red tint to the cake and to the glaze.
4-5mediumtangerinesor 3 oranges, or 3 lemons, or 1 cup of kumquats
6largeeggs
1 ¼cup superfine (caster) granulated sugaradd 2 extra teaspoons of sugar if using lemons
2 1/3cupsground almonds
1 full tespoonbaking powder
Servings:
Instructions
Put the tangerines in a pot with enough water to cover them, bring to a boil and cook for 2 hours. Drain and cool. Cut the tangerines in half and remove the seeds. Chop the skins, pulp, pith and fruit in a processor or by hand.
Preheat the oven at 375F/190C
Butter and line an 8-ich springform cake pan.
Beat the eggs. Add the sugar, almonds and baking powder. Mix well and add the crushed tangerine, folding them in by hand.
Pour the cake mixture in to the lined springform and bake for one hour, until a skewer comes out clean. Cover the cake with foil after about 40 minutes of baking to stop from burning.
Cool cake in the spring-form on a rack. When cold take it out. You can glaze it, or cover with powder sugar.
Recipe Notes
To make a simple cake glaze mix 2 cups of powder sugar with a few drops of your favorite citrus juice. I put the sugar in a metal bowl and I add a few drops of juice at the time while whisking. I keep adding drops and whisking until the glaze is smooth but thick.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — The only way to cook a large turkey to perfection is to break it down and braise it slowly, until the meat is juicy and flavorful. A long and slow braise leaves the turkey legs moist and tender. The wine, vegetables and herbs cook down with the stock and the turkey juices leaving you with the perfect gravy foundation. Braising is a foolproof, hands-off and simple cooking method. You save time and you will not run the danger of overcooking or undercooking the turkey legs.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — The only way to cook a large turkey to perfection is to break it down and braise it slowly, until the meat is juicy and flavorful. A long and slow braise leaves the turkey legs moist and tender. The wine, vegetables and herbs cook down with the stock and the turkey juices leaving you with the perfect gravy foundation. Braising is a foolproof, hands-off and simple cooking method. You save time and you will not run the danger of overcooking or undercooking the turkey legs.
Preheat the oven at 325°F
Season the turkey legs and wings generously with salt and pepper.
Heat the oil in a large casserole (4 quarts works well). Brown the legs and wings evenly on all sides. Start the legs skin side down and work your way around. Transfer to a plate.
Add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic to the casserole. Cook on medium heat stirring, until evenly browned and caramelized. 8 to 10 minutes.
Add the wine and scrape the brown bits and pieces from bottom of the pan. Add the thyme, rosemary, bay leaves and stir. Add the stock and stir.
Place the legs and wings back in casserole into the wine, stock and vegetable mixture. The liquid should cover ¾ of the legs leaving the top skin exposed.
Cover with a lid and transfer into the hot oven. Cook for about 2 hours or until the meat is fork tender and the skin is a deep even brown color.
Remove the legs and wings with a slotted spoon and set aside, keep warm covered with foil.
Strain the liquid into a large bowl. Discard the solids, skim the fat from the liquid. In a medium saucepan melt the butter, add the flour and mix on slow/medium heat until lightly brown.
Slowly add the strained liquid from the braise, whisking constantly until it’s all incorporated. Add a few sprigs of thyme. Bring to a boil, add a splash of red wine then lower to a simmer stirring occasionally and reduce until the gravy is thick and smooth. Adjust for seasoning and discard the thyme.
When ready to serve carve the legs on a board. Place on a serving platter. Warm the gravy and place in a serving bowl, sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with the turkey legs and wings.
Recipe Notes
Notes: You can braise the legs and make the gravy a day or two before your meal.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — I roast butternut squash and then purée it with a little stock to make the base of this gorgeous fall dish. I drizzle the ravioli with brown butter and sage. I add abundant Parmesan and I top it with a few crumbled amaretto cookies, then I finish it with crispy sage leaves. This pasta recipe is drop dead gorgeous and it starts a meal with a bang. It’s creamy, nutty with a lovely crunch and a sweet bite from the Amaretto cookies. Butternut is always dependable; it’s tempting to use it exclusively. But you would be missing out on the Fall bounty. Try Kabocha, Crown Prince or even the humble Acorn for a change. Also, no shame here, consider using a package of cubed precut squash to save time.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — I roast butternut squash and then purée it with a little stock to make the base of this gorgeous fall dish. I drizzle the ravioli with brown butter and sage. I add abundant Parmesan and I top it with a few crumbled amaretto cookies, then I finish it with crispy sage leaves. This pasta recipe is drop dead gorgeous and it starts a meal with a bang. It’s creamy, nutty with a lovely crunch and a sweet bite from the Amaretto cookies. Butternut is always dependable; it’s tempting to use it exclusively. But you would be missing out on the Fall bounty. Try Kabocha, Crown Prince or even the humble Acorn for a change. Also, no shame here, consider using a package of cubed precut squash to save time.
2½poundsbutternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into ¾-inch pieces
4mediumshallots, peeled and roughly chopped
4tablespoonsvirgin olive oil
Fine sea salt and black pepper
1bunchthyme springs
1cuplow-sodium chicken or vegetable stock, plus more as needed
½packed cupfresh sage leaves
1stick(8 teaspoons), unsalted butter
coarse sea salt
1poundartisanal store-bought ricotta filled ravioli, squash or sweet sausage ravioli can be used
4smallAmaretto cookies crumbled
½cupfreshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
Servings: people
Instructions
Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Place the squash and shallots on a lined sheet pan. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper then top with thyme sprigs. Toss well and roast until the squash is very tender, 40 to 45 minutes, tossing a few times throughout. While the squash roasts, bring a large pot of water to boil.
Cut the unsalted butter into 8 pieces. Place in a medium light-colored pan over medium heat. Swirl the pan occasionally to be sure the butter is cooking evenly. As the butter melts, it will begin to foam. Add the sage leaves. Continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the color goes from yellow to golden-caramel to, a toasty-brown and the sage leaves turn crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes total. Be careful not to burn the butter. I usually remove the pan from the heat a minute before it turns a dark color, and I let the browning process finish on its own. Remove the crispy sage leaves, drain them on a paper towel and set aside.
Discard the thyme sprigs from the roasted squash and shallots and transfer to a blender or food processor, along with 1 cup stock, and blend until smooth and thick. Work in batches if necessary. The consistency should be between a purée and a thick soup. Add more stock as needed if it seems too thick. Set aside.
Add the ravioli to the boiling water, along with a generous tablespoon of coarse sea salt. The water should taste like the ocean. Cook until al dente. About four minutes.
Drain the ravioli, gently with a large, slotted spoon and place in a shallow large bowl. Drizzle with ¾ of the browned butter and the parmesan. Reserve the rest of the brown butter for finishing.
Spoon a generous amount of the puréed squash at the bottom of four shallow pasta bowls then spread nicely with the back of the spoon. Portion off the cooked ravioli and lay gently over the squash. Sprinkle them with extra grated Parmesan, drizzle with the remaining brown butter. Add a few crumbs of the Amaretto cookies on each plate and finish with the crispy sage leaves. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Amaretto cookies add a nutty and sweet note to this lovely fall pasta. They are often mixed into the filling of squash ravioli in the northern of Italy. If the idea of adding cookies to your pasta is too daring, just omit them and substitute with crispy pancetta or caramelized and crumbled sweet Italian sausage.
This dish works great also with a short pasta like penne or gemelli for a less formal weeknight dinner.
Ravioli take time and dexterity to make from scratch. Don’t agonize, these days you can find great artisanal options at your local grocery store.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini – This is a simple but stunning recipe, and is a hybrid of a popular fall Italian dish often prepared during grape harvesting season and the French vinegar roasted chicken. I nestle whole clusters of stem-on sweet Thompson grapes around my chicken to roast in the savory pan juices. A sprinkle of sugar on the grapes and a splash of sherry or high-quality balsamic vinegar give it a crisp acidity to balance the bright and deep flavors.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini – This is a simple but stunning recipe, and is a hybrid of a popular fall Italian dish often prepared during grape harvesting season and the French vinegar roasted chicken. I nestle whole clusters of stem-on sweet Thompson grapes around my chicken to roast in the savory pan juices. A sprinkle of sugar on the grapes and a splash of sherry or high-quality balsamic vinegar give it a crisp acidity to balance the bright and deep flavors.
1teaspoonfresh ground black pepper, plus more as needed
2teaspoonslemon zest
2teaspoonsfresh lemon juice
½cupextra virgin olive oil
1(3 ½ to 4 lb)whole chicken, spatchcocked (see notes)
1lbstem-on Thompson grapes, or sweet seedless black grapes, trimmed into small clusters
1teaspoongranulated white sugar
½cupsherry vinegar or aged dark balsamic, plus 2 tablespoons for finishing
1 ½teaspoonsunsalted butter
Servings: people
Instructions
Rub 1 tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil generously over both sides of the chicken.
Preheat the oven to 450°F.
Set a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. When the pan and oil are hot, place chicken in the skillet skin side down. Cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes, or until the skin is nicely browned. Turn chicken skin-side up and cook for 3 minutes on the other side.
Transfer the chicken to the oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes.
In a medium bowl, toss the grapes with 2 teaspoons olive oil, sugar, ½ cup sherry vinegar, salt and pepper. Scatter the grapes with their vinegar sauce over and around the chicken and roast until the chicken is cooked through and the grapes are lightly caramelized, 20 to 25 minutes.
Transfer the chicken to a serving platter to rest. Use the stems to lift out the grapes to rest alongside the chicken.. Place the skillet over medium- high heat. Swirl 2 tablespoons of vinegar into the pan juices and whisk in the butter , reduce for 4 to 5 minutes, until dense and slightly caramelized. Return the grapes to the thickened sauce and gently swirl around for a minute to coat.
Scatter the glossy grape bunches around the chicken and pour the sauce over the chicken. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Spatchcocking chicken, or butterflying, means cutting the chicken along its backbone, then opening it up so that it can lie flat in a pan or on a grill. Spatchcocked chickens cook quickly and evenly, turning uniformly brown and with a perfect crispy skin. You can ask your butcher to spatchcock the chicken for you, but it’s not a hard thing to do yourself. I use my sharp kitchen shears and I cut alongside the backbone, from one end of the bird to the other. Then I cut along the other side of the backbone to remove it completely and then I flatten the whole bird evenly with the palm of my hands.
You can roast 8 to 10 chicken parts (mix of bone-in breasts, thighs and drumsticks) instead of one spatchcocked chicken. Check the temperature with a digital thermometer at the 30 minute mark, removing and keeping warm any pieces that cook through early.
Thompson grapes are very sweet and appear at the end of the summer and beginning of fall. You can substitute with any kind of sweet and seedless black grape or plums to make this lovely recipe all year around.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — I adapted this recipe from an original version by Claudia Roden. I enjoy making this delicious and creamy soup often and my whole family loves it.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — I adapted this recipe from an original version by Claudia Roden. I enjoy making this delicious and creamy soup often and my whole family loves it.
1largeorange pumpkin, such as Cherokee Bush or Cinderella (about 3 to 3 ½ lb)
2lbYukon Gold potatoes, peeled and roughly cubed
12cups(3 quarts) milk, stock, or water
2tablespoonsgranulated sugaroptional
1/2cupapple cideror apple juice
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
Fine sea salt and fresh ground black pepper
1cupsour cream (optional)
Servings: people
Instructions
Peel the pumpkin and roughly cut into 1 ½-inch chunks. Toss the cubes in a large pot with the potatoes, milk and sugar. Season to taste with salt and pepper, keeping the right balance of salt and sugar. Each pumpkin is different and the taste varies. I like to start with a little of each, taste, and then add more later if necessary.
Bring to a boil then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Add the the apple cider and the nutmeg. Cook, partially covered over low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the pumpkin and potatoes are very soft. Stir from time to time to make sure the milk is not burning at the bottom of the pot.
Remove the pot from the heat and use a potato masher to mash the potato and pumpkin chunks until smooth. Taste and add salt, pepper, and sugar if necessary. Return the pot to low heat until warmed through.
Ladle the soup into bowls. Pass the sour cream around and let guest help themselves to a dollop.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini— Gazpacho is my favorite summer no-cook soup/meal. It's is like a trip to the farmer market in a bowl. Super easy to make = less time in the hot kitchen. It's packed with loads of vitamins and antioxidants and bursting with flavors. Tomatoes are the star here, so be sure to select perfectly ripe tomatoes. I buy the best tomatoes I can find and I store them on the counter not in the fridge to preserve their flavor. Then by mid August (chipmunks willing) I use my own. For a more developed flavor, I chill the tomato gazpacho for a couple of hours or so before serving. You can make it ahead of time and chill it overnight. Top with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a few fresh herbs, lemon wedges and and hot chili oil or Tobasco on the side.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini— Gazpacho is my favorite summer no-cook soup/meal. It's is like a trip to the farmer market in a bowl. Super easy to make = less time in the hot kitchen. It's packed with loads of vitamins and antioxidants and bursting with flavors. Tomatoes are the star here, so be sure to select perfectly ripe tomatoes. I buy the best tomatoes I can find and I store them on the counter not in the fridge to preserve their flavor. Then by mid August (chipmunks willing) I use my own. For a more developed flavor, I chill the tomato gazpacho for a couple of hours or so before serving. You can make it ahead of time and chill it overnight. Top with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a few fresh herbs, lemon wedges and and hot chili oil or Tobasco on the side.
2oz ripe tomatoes, peeled, deseeded and roughly chopped
1medium red onion, peeled and roughly chopped
1medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and roughly chopped
1medium red or yellow pepper, seeded and chopped
2tablespoons fresh Italian parsley leaves
1smallgarlic clove, peeled
2cupstomato juice
3teaspoonssherry vinegar, more to taste
½cup extra virgin olive oil, more to taste, plus more for drizzling
1tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Tabasco sauce, to taste
Servings: cups
Instructions
Place all ingredients in a large bowl. Use an immersion blender or blend in batches, to desired smoothness. Blend pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula.
Place in a container. Chill several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to blend.
Before serving, adjust the seasonings to taste with more salt, vinegar, pepper, lemon or Tabasco. Serve in glasses, over ice if desired, or in a bowl. I like to add a few drops of olive oil on top and chopped tomatoes and cucumbers.
Recipe Notes
You can freeze gazpacho soup for a good 6 months. Add a dollop of crab meat, avocados or grilled shrimps for a heftier meal.
I like my gazpacho somewhat chunky, so I only pulse a few times in the blender. But feel free to blend more and strain it if you prefer a smooth consistency.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini—Zucchini and speck are the stars of the show in this easy to put together pasta. The original recipe was passed down to me by my Mother in Law and it's very dear to me. Speck is a type of cured lightly smoked ham made in South Tyrol, a province in northeast Italy known for its snow-capped Dolomite. It’s a relative to prosciutto but leaner and more flavorful. A dollop of fresh Robiola adds creaminess and a mild tang, but if you cannot find fresh Robiola at your local store use cream cheese or a table spoon of heavy cream.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini—Zucchini and speck are the stars of the show in this easy to put together pasta. The original recipe was passed down to me by my Mother in Law and it's very dear to me. Speck is a type of cured lightly smoked ham made in South Tyrol, a province in northeast Italy known for its snow-capped Dolomite. It’s a relative to prosciutto but leaner and more flavorful. A dollop of fresh Robiola adds creaminess and a mild tang, but if you cannot find fresh Robiola at your local store use cream cheese or a table spoon of heavy cream.
4tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil, plus 3 tablespoons (or more) for finishing
1largegarlic clove, peeled
¾cupspeck, cut into small ¼-inch cubes
4mediumzucchinis, cut into small about ¼-inch`
2teaspoonslemon zest
½cupfresh mint leaves, thorned
½cupcreamy robiola cheese or cream cheese
12ozshort pasta penne or any spiral shape
½cupgrated parmesan
Servings: people
Instructions
Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Add the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until golden, then add the speck, cooking for several more minutes until the fat starts to render. Add zucchini and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until cooked but still a little crunchy in the center. Remove the garlic and set aside.
Add the lemon zest and mint to a large serving bowl.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente, following package directions for cooking times.
Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.. Return the pasta to the cooking pot and dress with olive oil and a several generous grindings of black pepper.
Add the Robiola cheese and melt it by mixing with the pasta on a very low flame for a few minutes. You may need to add some or all of the reserved cooking liquid, a little bit at the time, to get a creamy consistency.
Transfer the pasta to the serving bowl on top of the lemon zest and mint, adding the speck and zucchini, and toss. Add parmesan and serve.
Recipe Notes
Ask your your deli person to cut you a ¼ inch thick slice of Speck and then dice it before cooking the pasta. You can also use pre-sliced and packaged Speck and slice it into thin ribbons.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini—This is one of my favorite potato salads. The potatoes are dressed with good olive oil not with mayonnaise, so the salad is fresh, and light. When I was a kid, we used to make it each summer with the most tender string beans from our garden. Make sure to dress the salad when the potatoes are still warm to ensure they absorb all of the tanginess of the vinegar and the richness of the olive oil. The potatoes are at their creamiest when served at room temperature, which makes this a great dish for picnics, barbecues and potlucks.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini—This is one of my favorite potato salads. The potatoes are dressed with good olive oil not with mayonnaise, so the salad is fresh, and light. When I was a kid, we used to make it each summer with the most tender string beans from our garden. Make sure to dress the salad when the potatoes are still warm to ensure they absorb all of the tanginess of the vinegar and the richness of the olive oil. The potatoes are at their creamiest when served at room temperature, which makes this a great dish for picnics, barbecues and potlucks.
¼cupextra-virgin olive oil, plus more for finishing
3tablespoonswhite wine vinegar
¼teaspoonfine sea salt
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
¾cupfresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
1cupspring onions or chives, finely chopped
Servings: people
Instructions
Put potatoes in a large pot and add water to cover potatoes. Add salt and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cook for 20 minutes. Add the beans and cook for 7 more minutes, or until the potatoes and beans are just tender.
Turn the potatoes and beans into a colander, separating out the potatoes. Refresh the beans under cold running water until no longer warm and drain well.
When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel and chop into ⅓-inch chunks. If the beans are long, halve them crosswise.
In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar and salt and pepper. Add the potatoes and beans and very gently toss to coat without breaking up the potatoes.
Cover and let stand on the counter for at least 30 minutes.
Just before serving, sprinkle with parsley and a drizzle with oil. Top with chopped spring onions or chives.
Recipe Notes
Feel free to add a handful of black olives or a chopped tomato to add color and depth to this lovely summer salad.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini—Burrata is the sexier and creamier cousin of buffalo mozzarella that’s now easily found in many markets. It has a sweet softness that's perfect for spreading on bread...particularly with a drizzle of good olive oil and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini—Burrata is the sexier and creamier cousin of buffalo mozzarella that’s now easily found in many markets. It has a sweet softness that's perfect for spreading on bread...particularly with a drizzle of good olive oil and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini:
Clafoutis is a simple, delicate and sweet dessert. It can be made quickly while the rest of dinner is in the oven. All sorts of berries and even apricots can be used but I prefer the original version with cherries. I leave the pits in the dish because I like the almond, bitter flavor I get when I bake this soft treat with the cherries whole.
The pits contain amygdalin, the chemical that makes almond extract taste like almonds.
Clafoutis is fantastic warm out of the oven, or cold the day after with a dollop of cream, ice cream or yogurt.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini:
Clafoutis is a simple, delicate and sweet dessert. It can be made quickly while the rest of dinner is in the oven. All sorts of berries and even apricots can be used but I prefer the original version with cherries. I leave the pits in the dish because I like the almond, bitter flavor I get when I bake this soft treat with the cherries whole.
The pits contain amygdalin, the chemical that makes almond extract taste like almonds.
Clafoutis is fantastic warm out of the oven, or cold the day after with a dollop of cream, ice cream or yogurt.
1/4 teaspoonalmond extractto be used if cherries are pitted
3 cupsfresh cherriespits on preferred
2tablespoonsconfectioner sugarfor garnishing
Servings: people
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9" x 2" round cake pan, or a 9" pie pan at least 1 1/2" deep or a medium-size flameproof baking dish at least 1 1/2 inches deep.
In a medium bowl, whisk together cream, flour, the 1/3 of a cup of granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, salt and almond extract if using (use if you prefer to pit the cherries). Let is stand for 10 minutes.
Pour a 1/4-inch layer of batter in the baking dish. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes until a film of batter has set in the bottom of the dish.
Spread cherries over the batter and sprinkle on the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Pour on the rest of the batter and smooth with the back of a spoon. Place in the center of the oven and bake about 45 minutes, until top is puffed and browned and a tester plunged into its center comes out clean.
Remove the clafoutis from the oven, garnish with the confectioners' sugar and serve it in wedges, warm or at room temperature. A dab of whipped cream or ice cream is entirely appropriate and delicious.
Store refrigerated for 2 to 3 days.
Store refrigerated for 2 to 3 days.
Recipe Notes
Don't over whisk the batter, because it forms bubbles on top of the custard when baking.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — Fresh and pungent with a hint of garlic and loads of walnuts, this is the must-do pesto for the brief window in spring when wild ramps are abundant. I make it as soon as I spot the ramps, then I place it in an ice cube tray and I store it in my freezer. I toss it on pasta, spread it on sandwiches, spoon it on soups, and I serve it with lamb chops.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — Fresh and pungent with a hint of garlic and loads of walnuts, this is the must-do pesto for the brief window in spring when wild ramps are abundant. I make it as soon as I spot the ramps, then I place it in an ice cube tray and I store it in my freezer. I toss it on pasta, spread it on sandwiches, spoon it on soups, and I serve it with lamb chops.
Clean ramps and separate the greens from the stalks and bulbs.
Prepare a large bowl of ice water. Blanch the greens in a large pot of boiling salted water until wilted, about 10 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer greens to the ice water to stop the cooking, then drain and squeeze out any extra liquid.
In a large food processor, coarsely chop ramp bulbs, stalks and walnuts. Add the drained greens, olive oil, pecorino, parmesan and lemon zest , sherry vinegar and process to a coarse paste. Season with salt and pepper.
Recipe Notes
Serve tossed with spaghetti. Toss spaghetti and ½ cup cooking liquid with pesto, adding more cooking liquid as needed until pesto coats pasta. Serve topped with more Pecorino.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — Fresh fried sage leaves are a lovely light starter or snack. They’re crunchy, salty and imbued with the milky, buttery and slightly tangy flavor of farm cheese.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — Fresh fried sage leaves are a lovely light starter or snack. They’re crunchy, salty and imbued with the milky, buttery and slightly tangy flavor of farm cheese.
Choose sage leaves that are as similar to one another in size as possible. Rinse and pat them dry.
In a bowl, mix
In a bowl, mix together the stracchino or fresh farm cheese, pecorino cheese, pepper, and chives.
Place the cheese mixture in a pastry bag or a large resealable plastic bag. If using a plastic bag, snip off one of the bottom corners with scissors. Squeeze all of the cheese mixture onto half of the sage leaves.Place the remaining sage leaves on top to create stacks.
Place the flour in a shallow bowl. In a separate shallow bowl, lightly beat the eggs.
Dredge the sage stacks in the flour, turning to coat all sides. Dip the floured leaves in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and then dip them in the bread crumbs, then again in the eggs and once more in the bread crumbs.
In a wide, deep-sided saucepan or a pot over medium heat, add enough oil to measure 2 inches and heat it to 350°F. Line a plate or baking sheet with paper towels.
Fry a few of the sage parcels at a time in very hot oil until golden. Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with salt and serve immediately.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — I'm a big fan of thick and crunchy rhubarb stalks. I especially appreciate the sourness of the field-grown plants, which are pronounced in flavor and have cherry red stalks and deep green leaves. Rhubarb season starts now, in March and it peaks in June-July. I recently found a good looking bunch at my local store and I couldn't resit baking a few tartlets. I prefer to free form my tartlets and bake them on rimmed baking sheets, always lined with baking paper, to catch the inevitable cooking juices. You can also make a large tart in a removable bottom pan, however I personally enjoy a little chaos in my kitchen. I brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle it with sugar to make a crispy crust. I cover the bottom of the tartlets with a couple of spoons of almond flour to absorb the cooking juices. Even if it's not season yet, I decided to threw in a handful of sliced strawberries to help balance the rhubarb tartness, (blueberries, cherries or pineapple chunks would work as well).
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — I'm a big fan of thick and crunchy rhubarb stalks. I especially appreciate the sourness of the field-grown plants, which are pronounced in flavor and have cherry red stalks and deep green leaves. Rhubarb season starts now, in March and it peaks in June-July. I recently found a good looking bunch at my local store and I couldn't resit baking a few tartlets. I prefer to free form my tartlets and bake them on rimmed baking sheets, always lined with baking paper, to catch the inevitable cooking juices. You can also make a large tart in a removable bottom pan, however I personally enjoy a little chaos in my kitchen. I brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle it with sugar to make a crispy crust. I cover the bottom of the tartlets with a couple of spoons of almond flour to absorb the cooking juices. Even if it's not season yet, I decided to threw in a handful of sliced strawberries to help balance the rhubarb tartness, (blueberries, cherries or pineapple chunks would work as well).
10mediumstalks rhubarb, (trimmed and cut into 4-inches pieces)
½mediumorange zested, organic
½cupfresh orange juice
2tabelspoonsHoney
⅔ cup granulated sugar
1 ½tablespoons corn starch
4tabelspoonsalmond flour
1 ½ tabelspoonsmelted unsalted butter
granulated sugar, for finishing the tart
Servings: individual tartlets
Instructions
Make the dough
In a food processor, pulse the flour, orange zest and salt. Add the butter and process briefly. Sprinkle over the ice-cold water and pulse for about 5 seconds, until just moistened.
Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead it 2 or 3 times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a disc. Lay a sheet of baking parchment on your work surface and dust it with flour. Roll out the dough and shape in 4 individual circles, about 5 inches in diameter or make an individual 13 inches circle, 1/4 of an inch thick to use in a tart pan. Transfer the parchment to a rimmed baking sheet and chill the pastry in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Make the filling
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Toss the rhubarb in a bowl with the orange zest, juice, honey, sugar, salt, corn starch and mix well.
Assemble the tartlets
Sprinkle the almond flower at the bottom of the rolled out tart or divide between the individual tartlets.
Arrange the rhubarb on top of the pastry and sprinkle over any remaining sugary mixture. Leave a border of 2 inches around the edge of the pastry, fold in and crimp with a fork. Brush the fruit with melted butter and sprinkle with caster sugar.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to 375°F and then bake for a further 30–35 minutes.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini— A couple of days after I got married in Tulum, Mexico, my new husband and I ate a late lunch on the beach with our families. We sat right by the ocean at a tiny restaurant called Hemingway. The owner, a lovely woman of Roman descent, fed us gorgeous creamy pasta, infused with curry and topped with fresh lobster and shrimp. It was a completely new dish to us and we became forever devoted to it. Once back in my own kitchen I recreated the recipe. This pasta is not only dear to me for sentimental reasons, but it’s also a truly magnificent and no-fail recipe, loved by everyone that tries it. The shrimp and lobster meat make the dish luxurious, but feel free to omit the seafood completely and enjoy the bright and spicy curry noodles as a weeknight quick-wander pantry meal.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini— A couple of days after I got married in Tulum, Mexico, my new husband and I ate a late lunch on the beach with our families. We sat right by the ocean at a tiny restaurant called Hemingway. The owner, a lovely woman of Roman descent, fed us gorgeous creamy pasta, infused with curry and topped with fresh lobster and shrimp. It was a completely new dish to us and we became forever devoted to it. Once back in my own kitchen I recreated the recipe. This pasta is not only dear to me for sentimental reasons, but it’s also a truly magnificent and no-fail recipe, loved by everyone that tries it. The shrimp and lobster meat make the dish luxurious, but feel free to omit the seafood completely and enjoy the bright and spicy curry noodles as a weeknight quick-wander pantry meal.
Fill a large pot of water and put over high heat to bring to a boil.
Meanwhile, warm the olive oil and butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. When the butter is melted and begins to sizzle, stir in the onion. Cook, stirring often, for about 7 minutes or until the onion is softened but not browned. Stir in the curry powder, salt, and a generous grinding of pepper. Add the lemon juice, raise the heat to medium-high. Let the sauce simmer for about 3 minutes, until slightly thickened. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the cream. Bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer. Set aside.
Generously salt the boiling water. Cook the spaghetti in the salted water, stirring occasionally, until very al dente, even slightly underdone. Once the pasta is in the water, proceed with finishing the sauce.
Add the shrimp to the sauce, cover, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until pink but still translucent. Add the lobster meat and cook for an extra couple of minutes. Do not overcook.
Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta, and transfer it to the frying pan with the sauce. Toss to combine thoroughly, and add a splash of pasta water, if necessary, to loosen the sauce. Cook for a minute or so to allow the pasta to absorb the sauce. Transfer to a serving bowl or individual bowls and serve, portioning out the seafood along with the sauce. Sprinkle generously with parsley.
Recipe Notes
Frozen and defrosted lobster meat can be used
Omit the lobster and shrimps for a vegan option
I use Madras curry powder, but any curry powder you have in you pantry will work well
This one pot vegan meal is the ultimate immunity buster. It’s packed with a balanced mix of plant based ingredients and natural anti-inflammatories like turmeric and ginger. It’s a pure and simple braise with complex flavors from the fennel and a toothsome touch form the chickpeas.
Vegan Chickpea Stew with Fennel, Ginger and Turmeric
4cupsshredded kale or Swiss chard, or cabbage cabbage or Swiss chard
½lemon
3tablespoonsfresh parsley leaves, roughly chopped
Servings: people
Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy bottom pot. Add the onion, celery, garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook over moderate heat until the vegetables are softened, 10 minutes. Stir in the ginger, turmeric and cumin powder.
Add chickpeas, fennel and vegetable stock, then bring to a boil over medium high heat. Stir in the tomatoes, parsley and the bay leaf. Lower the temperature to a simmer, cover the pot and cook for about 25 minutes.
Stir in the kale, making sure it’s mostly submerged, and cook until tender, 5 additional minutes. Discard the bay leaves. Squeeze the lemon half into the stew and double check the seasoning, adjusting with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve in bowls garnished with the chopped parsley.
Recipe Notes
Finish with olive oil. You can add some cooked small pasta or rice to the finished dish. Freezes well.
You can add 2 cups of cubed chicken or lean ground beef with the chickpeas and braise for 10 to 15 minutes longer if you desire a heartier dish.
Roasted salmon (oven 14 minute at 350 degrees) would be delicious as well.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — With sharp Pecorino melted on crispy, bitter florets with tender stalks, this is broccolini heaven. It’s a great everyday dish but it’s also worthy of any dinner party.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — With sharp Pecorino melted on crispy, bitter florets with tender stalks, this is broccolini heaven. It’s a great everyday dish but it’s also worthy of any dinner party.
Special Equipment: Parchment paper.
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Cut the trimmed broccolini stems in half lengthwise. Don’t cut the florets. Place the broccolini on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the olive oil on the broccolini and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Toss well, making sure the broccolini is lightly coated with oil. Spread the broccolini in one layer and roast for 10 minutes, turning once, until crisp-tender\ and slightly browned at the edges.
Sprinkle the Pecorino over the roasted broccolini and return to the oven for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the cheese melts. Squeeze ½ a lemon over the baking sheet, taste for seasonings, and serve hot.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — My aunt Antonella, an accomplished cook, made lasagne with basil pesto on Sunday family dinners. She would layer pasta sheets, homemade pesto and creamy béchamel in a large ovenproof baking dish the night before our meal. We would top the lasagne with abundant Parmesan and toasted pine nuts before warming them up for 20 minutes, right before sitting down to eat. Zia Antonella taught me to never cook pesto, but to only gently warm it up, because if you cook pesto, you kill the basil and destroy the aroma.
I make my lasagne following her teachings. I layer no boil, flat lasagne noodle (they work great) with small chunks of precooked potatoes and chopped green beans with spoonful’s of béchamel sauce and pesto. I warm the lasagne for 20 minutes, then I broil the top for 3 or 4 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — My aunt Antonella, an accomplished cook, made lasagne with basil pesto on Sunday family dinners. She would layer pasta sheets, homemade pesto and creamy béchamel in a large ovenproof baking dish the night before our meal. We would top the lasagne with abundant Parmesan and toasted pine nuts before warming them up for 20 minutes, right before sitting down to eat. Zia Antonella taught me to never cook pesto, but to only gently warm it up, because if you cook pesto, you kill the basil and destroy the aroma.
I make my lasagne following her teachings. I layer no boil, flat lasagne noodle (they work great) with small chunks of precooked potatoes and chopped green beans with spoonful’s of béchamel sauce and pesto. I warm the lasagne for 20 minutes, then I broil the top for 3 or 4 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
2largeYukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut in 2 inches cubes
2cupsgreen beans, stemmed and chopped in 2 inches sections
2tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
1boxno boil flat lasagna noodles(about 16 sheets)
½ cuppine nuts, toasted
1 ½cupsfreshly grated parmesan
Servings: people
Instructions
Make the pesto:
Put the basil, the parsley, and the Parmesan in a blender. Add half of the olive oil. Pulse until blended in a paste. With the motor going slowly add the remaining oil, the pine nuts, and the vinegar. Blend for 30 to 50 seconds or until combined. The Pesto should be bright green Taste and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.pepper. Set aside.
Make the Béchamel sauce:
Warm the milk with the nutmeg and the bay leaf in a heavy bottom saucepan. Remove from heat right before the milk comes to a boil. Discard the bay leaf and set aside.
In a medium size heavy bottom pan melt the butter on medium low heat, then add the flour. Mix quickly until a paste form.
Add the warm milk to the butter mixture and constantly cook, stirring with a wooden spoon on low heat until the sauce thickens, about 15 minutes. It should resemble sour cream. Add salt and pepper. Set aside. I place kitchen film right on the top to avoid a skin to develop.
Make the lasagne:
Preheat the oven at 350 ° F. Lightly oil the oven proof dish.
Boil 2 cups of salted water in a medium pot. Parboil the cubed potato for 5 to 7 minutes, until soft but al dente. Scoop the potato out with a slotted large spoon and place in medium bowl. Toss with a teaspoon of olive oil to avoid sticking.
Add the green beans to the boiling water and blanche for 4 to 5 minutes until bright green and cooked al dente. Scoop the beans with the slotted spoon and toss with the potatoes. Set Aside.
Assemble the lasagne:
Cover the base of the oven proof dish with a scoop of pesto and a scoop béchamel. Place 3 sheets of the lasagna noodle and cover the whole bottom of the pan.
Scoop 2 tablespoons of pesto and two tablespoons of béchamel sauce on the noodles. Flatten with a rubber spatula and cover the whole surface. Add 3 tablespoons of the cooked potatoes and green beans, then sprinkle a handful of pine nuts and 2 or 3 tablespoons of the grated Parmesan. Flatten the mixture with the rubber spatula making sure to distribute evenly. Season with salt and pepper. Reserve a couple of tablespoons of pesto to decorate the baked lasagne
Repeat this pattern until everything is used up and there is a layer of bechamel on the top. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and some pine nuts.
Transfer to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly on top. You can use the broiler for the last 3 minutes but be careful not to burn the béchamel.
Remove from the oven, swirl the reserved pesto on the top. Rest for at least 10 minutes and serve.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — This beloved Italian dish appears often at my dinner table. The veal is thin and tender and coated in bread crumbs before being cooked until golden and crunchy. I love a good cotoletta with lots of lemon squeezed over the top at the last moment to brighten each bite.
It’s also my children’s favorite meal, often accompanied by a heap of roasted potatoes and a peppery arugula salad.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — This beloved Italian dish appears often at my dinner table. The veal is thin and tender and coated in bread crumbs before being cooked until golden and crunchy. I love a good cotoletta with lots of lemon squeezed over the top at the last moment to brighten each bite.
It’s also my children’s favorite meal, often accompanied by a heap of roasted potatoes and a peppery arugula salad.
2veal cutlet steaks (sliced shoulder or top round), about ½-inch thick
1Largeegg, lightly beaten
3cupsall-purpose flour
4cupsplain dried bread crumbs
1Vegetable oil, for frying
1mediumlemon, quartered lengthwise
Servings:
Instructions
With a sharp knife, trim the veal cutlets. Put the cutlets between two pieces of waxed paper and flatten with a mallet. Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to make a small snip along the edges of each cutlet to prevent the meat from curling when cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Line up 3 shallow dishes, adding the flour to the first bowl, the beaten egg to the second and the bread crumbs to the third. Working in batches, dip each cutlet first in the flour, then in the beaten egg and finally in the bread crumbs, ensuring both sides are fully coated before moving on to the next. Press the bread crumbs firmly into the cutlet and gently shake off any loose extra crumbs.
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed frying pan and heat on medium-high until small bubbles come up when a small pinch of bread crumbs is dropped in. Working in batches if necessary, fry the cutlets, turning once halfway through, until golden brown on both sides, for 3-5 minutes total.
Transfer the fried cutlets to a platter lined with paper towels and let any excess oil drain off. Serve hot with an extra sprinkle of salt and the lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
Recipe Notes
Double the recipe and use the leftovers to make a killer sandwich. Add a dollop of mayonnaise or tartar sauce and use toasted sesame buns.
You can simmer the fried cutlets in Marsala wine or balsamic vinegar as a variation.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini—Spatchcocking, or butterflying, a chicken means cutting out its backbone and opening it like a book so that it lies flat while cooking. It ensures that the chicken will cook quickly and evenly and turn a uniform brown with perfectly crispy skin.
When smothered in mustard and marinated overnight with garlic, lemon and a large bunch of parsley, this chicken grills to perfection and tastes superlative without doing too much work. You can splash the cooked chicken with a quick balsamic vinaigrette like I do or serve it just the way it is. Either way, it’s delicious.
Ask your butcher to spatchcock the chicken for you, but it’s not a hard thing to do yourself. I use my sharp kitchen shears and I cut alongside the backbone, from one end of the bird to the other. Then I cut along the other side of the backbone to remove it completely and then I flatten the whole bird evenly with the palm of my hands.
Happy BBQ season!
Recipe by Silvia Baldini—Spatchcocking, or butterflying, a chicken means cutting out its backbone and opening it like a book so that it lies flat while cooking. It ensures that the chicken will cook quickly and evenly and turn a uniform brown with perfectly crispy skin.
When smothered in mustard and marinated overnight with garlic, lemon and a large bunch of parsley, this chicken grills to perfection and tastes superlative without doing too much work. You can splash the cooked chicken with a quick balsamic vinaigrette like I do or serve it just the way it is. Either way, it’s delicious.
Ask your butcher to spatchcock the chicken for you, but it’s not a hard thing to do yourself. I use my sharp kitchen shears and I cut alongside the backbone, from one end of the bird to the other. Then I cut along the other side of the backbone to remove it completely and then I flatten the whole bird evenly with the palm of my hands.
Happy BBQ season!
2large lemons (1 lemon for 1 teaspoon grated zest and 2 tablespoons of juice; and 1 lemon for slicing)
2mediumgarlic cloves, minced
2tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
1bunch fresh flat Italian parsley
14 ½- to 5-lbwhole chicken, spatchcocked
Balsamic Vinaigrette
½cupwater
½cupfreshly squeezed lemon juice
1teaspoongranulated sugar
¼cupdark aged balsamic vinegar
2tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
1bunchbunch fresh flat Italian parsley, finely chopped
¼teaspoonfine sea salt
¼teaspoonfresh ground black pepper
Servings: people
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Rub this mixture generously all over both sides of the chicken. Place the chicken skin-side up in a rimmed and lined baking sheet and top with parsley and lemon slices Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the fridge and let it stand on the counter for 30 minutes. Preheat the grill or oven to 475°F.
Uncover the chicken, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and cook, skin side up, for 20 to 25 minutes.
While the chicken is cooking make the vinaigrette. In a small pan, combine the the water, lemon and sugar, then bring to a boil. Turn down the heat and add the balsamic vinegar. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until thick and slightly reduced.
Turn off the heat and whisk in olive oil, parsley, salt and pepper and set aside.
Flip the chicken skin side down and cook for another 20 to 25 minutes, until the meat is cooked through and the skin is very crispy and brown all over but not burned.
Transfer the chicken to a cutting board to rest. Drizzle the chicken with a couple of tablespoons of the vinaigrette. Carve and serve with the remaining vinaigrette.
Recipe Notes
If you like, you can skip the vinaigrette and just serve the chicken as is or with a generous splash of balsamic vinegar.
Grilled fresh figs or halved peaches make a lovely addition
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — A slow-cooked pot roast will provide an excellent Sunday dinner and provide leftovers for easy weekday sandwiches, pasta sauces, and soups. I marinate my pot roast in red wine for an intense flavor and cook it with a bunch of vegetables and fresh herbs for richness and depth. Once the meat is fork tender, I like to blend the vegetables and juices into a sauce to serve with the sliced meat. It’s a delicious heartwarming meal. Whether you cook it in the oven or use the stovetop, Instant Pot, slow-cooker or pressure cooker, the results are guaranteed the same.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — A slow-cooked pot roast will provide an excellent Sunday dinner and provide leftovers for easy weekday sandwiches, pasta sauces, and soups. I marinate my pot roast in red wine for an intense flavor and cook it with a bunch of vegetables and fresh herbs for richness and depth. Once the meat is fork tender, I like to blend the vegetables and juices into a sauce to serve with the sliced meat. It’s a delicious heartwarming meal. Whether you cook it in the oven or use the stovetop, Instant Pot, slow-cooker or pressure cooker, the results are guaranteed the same.
4lbboneless beef rump or top round in one piece, tied together with butcher string
salt and fresh ground black pepper
¾cupred wine
1clovegarlic,peeled
2cupsroughly chopped onions
1cuproughly chopped carrots
1cuproughly chopped celery
1tablespoonextra virgin olive oil
2tablespoonstomato paste
¼teaspoongrated nutmeg
1stickcinnamon
3 ½cupsbeef or veal stock
1sprigfresh thyme
1bay leaf
1sprigfresh rosemary
¼cupCognac or brandy (optional)
3tablespoonsheavy cream (optional)
Servings: people
Instructions
In a large bowl, season the beef well on all sides with salt and pepper. Add the wine, garlic, and ½ cup each of the onions, carrots and celery. Cover and refrigerate for at least overnight but no more than 16 hours.
The next day, about 3 hours before you want to sit down to dinner, preheat the oven to 350°F.
Remove the meat from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Pat the meat dry on paper towels. In a heavy 3-quart Dutch oven, medium-high heat the oil. Add the beef and brown on all sides.
Transfer the beef to a plate. Add the remaining onions, carrots and celery to the Dutch oven, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until tender and lightly browned.
Stir in the tomato paste, nutmeg and cinnamon.
Add the stock and reserved marinade and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate any browned bits. Add the thyme, bay leaf and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the meat to the casserole.
Cover the Dutch oven and place in the oven. Bake for about 2 hours, until the meat is fork tender.
Remove the meat from the casserole and cut it into thick slices. Arrange the slices on a platter and cover with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Discard the herb sprigs, bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Blend the sauce right in the Dutch oven with an immersion blender until the desired consistency.
Add the Cognac and cream, if desired, and simmer the sauce for a few minutes. Check the seasoning and adjust with salt or pepper if needed.
To serve, spoon some of the blended sauce over the sliced roast beef and pass the remaining sauce alongside. (Alternatively, the roast beef can be refrigerated overnight in the cooking liquid, and the next day the meat can be sliced, and the sauce blended and reheated before serving. Doing this will improve both the flavor and texture of the meat and will also allow the layer of chilled fat on the surface of the liquid to be removed and discarded.)
Recipe Notes
For a more complex flavor, upgrade your red wine to a Barolo is a wine from the Piedmont region and it’s used during the holidays for cooking a fancier version of pot roast called Brasato
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — One dish I like to do during the holidays is Prosecco risotto with either scallops or lobster. Firstly because scallops and lobsters are so plentiful in winter here in New England, but also because prosecco, the fizzy white wine of north-eastern Italy, is a lovely, light drink that is perfect for a celebration.
The combination of smooth, velvety scallops or sweet lobster, fruity, tangy prosecco and starchy rice is wonderful.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — One dish I like to do during the holidays is Prosecco risotto with either scallops or lobster. Firstly because scallops and lobsters are so plentiful in winter here in New England, but also because prosecco, the fizzy white wine of north-eastern Italy, is a lovely, light drink that is perfect for a celebration.
The combination of smooth, velvety scallops or sweet lobster, fruity, tangy prosecco and starchy rice is wonderful.
1bottle Prosecco, you don't need that much for the dish, but this means you can have a glass while you're cooking
4cupshot fish or vegetable stock
1/2lemonjuice
fine salt and freshly ground black pepper
Servings: people
Instructions
Cut 12 thin (about 1/4 inch thick) slices of scallop for garnish, then dice the rest of the meat, including the corals. Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter in a large, heavy-based pot, add the onion and cook gently until translucent.
Add the rice and stir to coat. Add 120ml or a generous glass of prosecco, let the alcohol evaporate , then add a little stock, stirring all the while - you don't want to let the rice get too wet.
When the liquid has been absorbed, add another ladle of stock, and stir. Repeat for 15-17min, until the rice is soft, but al dente.
Turn down the heat and stir in the reserved tablespoon of butter and then the diced scallops, lemon juice and seasoning. Spoon into bowls and, just before serving, season the reserved scallop slices and place two on top of each dish - the heat of the rice will cook them straight away.
