Waverly Root, author of The Food of Italy, wonders whether this simple yet sumptuous creation is a soup or a vegetable dish. Called risi e bisi in Venetian dialect, it’s more about peas than about rice, and is traditionally served on April 25, St. Mark’s Day, when the first peas […]
Italian Food
Venetian Jacopo’s Risotto
This is one of the recipes that Francesco remembers his mother preparing for him when he was a child and that he now makes for his little son, Jacopo. It’s simply risotto with milk. But add some butter and Parmesan cheese and it becomes sophisticated enough for adult meals. Spread […]
Rice with mushrooms
The basic preparation for this dish is the same as for other rice dishes, so you might want to invent some of your own. Mushroom Rice Rice Mushrooms Onions Parsley In a deep pan, place a bit of butter or olive oil and onion cut up in small pieces. Cook over […]
Quick Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
This is an easy chili recipe that you can throw in the slow cooker and forget about all day. Great topped with Cheddar cheese, crushed corn chips, and a dollop of sour cream. Turkey Chili 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 pound ground turkey 2 cans low sodium tomato soup 2 […]
Venetian Poached Pears with Pink Peppercorns
Pink peppercorns suggest nouvelle cuisine, or as it is called in Italy, nuova cucina, but in reality they have been used in Venice for many centuries. Venetian traders introduced them from East Africa and, called “grains of paradise,” they were first recorded in 1214. Fanciful Venetian glass goblets set off […]
Venetian Brochette of Swordfish
Deftly skewering an assortment of ingredients and then searing them on the grill makes for attractive presentation. Francesco alternates colorful vegetables- some raw, some cooked- with fish, and lightly coats them with bread crumbs before grilling. He uses long bamboo skewers that have been soaked in cold water and threads […]
Venetian Risotto With Sea Scallops And Saffron
Starting in the 11th century, the spice trade with the East and with Africa enriched the coffers of the Venetian republic and its merchants. At one time there was an official Office of Saffron to control this precious spice, which comes from the stamens of the purple autumn crocus (three […]
Venetian Black Risotto
Black Risotto represents Venice at its most exotic. Pristine rice is turned shadowy and dark with the ink of a strange-looking sea creature. The taste is exotic too – briny, sweet, peppery, and rich, Francesco says that recently some chefs have made risotto with squid ink on top before serving. […]
Swiss Chicken Casserole
A delicious combination of chicken with Swiss cheese, seasoning and creamy goodness in one easy baked dish! Who could ask for more?! Make sure you check other chicken recipes, like Chicken Cacciatore. This chicken casserole is really easy to make, and it’s delicious. If you’re looking for nutrition facts, chicken […]
Fresh Tomatoes Pasta
I have discovered that fresh cherry tomatoes make wonderful sauces, but other types of tomatoes can also be used as long as they have some flavor. Fresh Tomato Pasta 350 gr spaghetti or other pasta 250 gr cherry tomatoes Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 clove garlic Basil Red Pepper […]