La Dolce, Yummy, Sparkling Vita

Energetic Breakfast

2013-12-14T00:00:00.000+00:00

What a better way to kick start your day with a super healthy and energetic breakfast!
This bowl of goodness I have made will keep you focus and give you energy.

Ingredients:

- A handful of raspberries (Or any other berry you might prefer)
-Al-bran flakes
-Honey (or Agave nectar)
-Almond Milk (or Greek yogurt)

Mix everything together in a bowl. Remember you can add also bananas.
This is also a great post-workout breakfast.

Enjoy! Buon Appetito!

Super Nourishing Hair Mask

2013-12-07T00:00:00.000+00:00

This is my first post about a beauty recipe, instead of a culinary one.
Also important parts of our body such as our hair need to receive a proper nourishment.
This recipe contains some really good nutrients that will aid hair growth, improve shine, reinforce strength and provide anti-oxidant benefits.

Ingredients:

-2 Tbsp Pure honey

-2 or 3 Vitamin E gel capsules
-1 can of coconut milk
-3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Mix everything together in a bowl. When adding the Vitamin E capsules just make a little hole in them and squeeze the content.
Make sure to coat all over your head with the help of a hair brush or cotton pads. Leave in for around 3 hours or, even better, overnight.

Enjoy looking fabulous!

Minestrone - Italian Vegetable Soup

2013-11-30T00:00:00.000+00:00

This is a really traditional dish of the Italian tradition. Perfect hot on a wintry day or cold on a summer day.
I need to thank my lovely Nanny Tata for giving me her delicious recipe that brings me back to my childhood.

Ingredients

-1 Zucchini or Courgette
-2 Tomatoes
-1 onion
-2 carrots
-2 potatoes
-2 cans of borlotti beans (or fresh)
-1 handful of runner beans.

In a big size sauce pan mix all the vegetable cut into small pieces.
Add 1-1/2 litre of water, a little bit of extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.
Cook on medium heat for around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Add the canned beans 10 minutes before the end.

Enjoy! Buon appetito!

Magic Fairy Cake

2013-11-23T00:00:00.000+00:00

Recently I stumbled upon this magical recipe of a 3 layers cake using only 1 batter! The bottom layer is like cheesecake, the middle layer a custard and the top layer results spongy.

You will not believe how this cake turns out! Simply stunning! :)

Ingredients:

120g flour
2 cups of warm milk
4 eggs
150g of sugar
125g melted butter
1 tablespoon of water
3 teaspoons of vanilla

Sugar powder

Bake for 60 mins at 325 F, 163 C. Cool for 15 minutes, then fridge for 2 to 3 hours, sprinkle some sugar powder on top.

Enjoy! Buon Appetito!

Pasta with Cream, Peas and Ham

2013-11-16T10:00:00.000+00:00

This is one of my absolute favorite Italian pasta dishes!
The combination of flavors and consistency of the cream in this pasta dish makes it so heavenly delicious! A must try trust me!

Ingredients:
-1 bag of frozen peas
-1 onion
-Ham already cut into cubes
-Extra virgin olive oil
-Penne pasta
-Heavy cream or double cream
-Brown sugar

In a nice big pan (Wok style is good too) start by

browning the chopped onion with olive oil 1 teaspoon of sugar (so that the onions will be deliciously caramelized) and salt.

When golden throw in the peas (even from frozen). Let it cook until the peas will be tender.

Now add the ham and cook until brown.

In the meantime bring water to a boil in another pan and cook the pasta.

Add the cream to the ham and peas, as well as some salt and pepper.

Mix pasta into the cream mixture and serve!

Enjoy! Buon Appetito!!

Sunday Chicken Roast

2013-11-09T10:00:00.000+00:00

Sunday funday!
The only day of the week when we can relax at home and just lounge in our PJ's a little bit longer. It is also the perfect day of the week when we have more time to make some yummy home cook meal.
Believe it or not this was my first time making a roast chicken! Of course everybody knows that the best side dish to go with roast chicken is roasted potatoes and you can find my recipe for sublime roasted potatoes on my blog!

Ingredients:
-1 whole chicken
-Butter (room temperature)
-1 big onion

-Rosemary
-Extra virgin olive oil
-Garlic
-1 lemon

Begin to loosen up the skin from the meat, gently use your fingers to create like a pocket.
In a bowl mix the butter with salt, pepper, finely chopped garlic and rosemary (you could even add some fresh lemon juice).
Make the butter mix into a ball and insert it in the pocket between the skin and the meat.
Spread the butter well massaging all around the chicken (this step will prevent your chicken from drying out and will keep the meat yummy and juicy).
Use the remaining of the butter mix to spread it all over the outside of the chicken.
Cut the lemon in half and insert both halves inside your chicken.
Now cut the onion in thick slices of 1/2 inch. Oil your pan and place the onion slices at the base. Make sure you position the chicken on top of the onions slices and not in direct contact with the pan. This trick will make your chicken cook evenly since it is resting on the onion slices and the heat can circulate better all around it. You will not believe how delicious and yummy the onions will be!
Place everything in the oven at 175 Celsius for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the juice runs clear.
Enjoy! Buon Appetito!

Pimm's Cocktail

2013-11-04T14:59:00.001+00:00

This was my first summer here in the UK 2013!

I got really lucky cause apparently last year they had a miserable summer here, but this year it was simply gorgeous! During this amazing time I had the occasion to experience one of British summer traditions: Pimm's!

This delicious recipe is a mixed drink with real fruit, cucumber and mint... so yummy and refreshing!

Ingredients:

Ice cubes
Pimms, No. 1
Lemonade
Handful fresh mint, roughly chopped
Cucumber, finely chopped
Slices of orange
Strawberries

Just mix everything together filling up a jug and enjoy on your summer parties!

And yeah, this one below it's me enjoying my Pimm's! ;-)

Plokkfiskur (Icelandic Fish Pie)

2013-11-02T16:06:00.000+00:00

I have recently visited one of the most fascinating countries in the world... Iceland.

With its myths, legends, fairy tales, delicious food and breathtaking landscapes, Iceland definitely conquered a piece of my heart.

The magical atmosphere that you experience in Iceland is something that words can not explain. During my first day in Reykjavick i went on a mission... to find the best traditional cafe in town. I found Cafè Loki. An amazing cafe just by the famous city church.

I decided to try a very traditional Icelandic dish, The icelandic Fish pie. It was simply to die for!!!

-Ingredients:

1 1/4lbs cod, halibut or haddock

1 1/4lb potatoes, boiled and peeled

1 white onion

12 oz milk

2 oz butter

3 tbsp flour

salt and pepper

2 tablespoons chives, freshly snipped to add color, flavor & garnish

-Directions:

1. Skin, bone & break up the fish into flakes.

2. Roughly chop potatoes & finely chop onion.

3. Slowly heat milk in a saucepan almost to a boiling point.

4. While the milk is heating, in a medium to large sized non-stick saucepan, melt butter & saute onion over medium-heat until soft. Do not allow it to brown.

5.Sprinkle flour over onion, stir well & cook for 1-2 minutes.

6.Gradually add warmed milk, stirring continuously. Simmer for 3-4 min, stirring often.

7.Add flaked fish & stir briskly to break up the fish flakes completely. Season liberally w/salt & pepper.

8.Add potatoes & stir gently. Cook over low-heat till heated through.

9. Spoon into 4 bowls & sprinkle each serving with 1/2 tbsp chives. Serve hot w/dark rye bread & butter.

Enjoy! Buon Appetito!

Strawberry Tiramisu

2013-10-26T16:30:00.000+01:00

This is a delicious spin to your classic Tiramisu recipe.
In Italy we have several variations of Tiramisu and the strawberry one is definitely one of my favorites!

Here is how you make it:

500 grams of lady fingers

500 grams of strawberries

3 eggs

125 grams of sugar

250 grams of mascarpone

200 ml whipping cream

Ingredients for the strawberry syrup:

200 grams of strawberries

100 grams of sugar

300 ml of water

2 tablespoons limoncello (optional)

Begin to prepare the syrup by blending the strawberries with sugar.

Add water and lemon and put it in a saucepan and boil until it thickens, turn off and let cool.

Start now to prepare the mascarpone cream ... separate the yolks from the whites and whipping cream in a bowl .

Whip the egg yolks with the sugar, add the mascarpone.

Add the egg whites and cream previously whipped.

Gently mix the mascarpone cream and put it in the fridge.

Dip the ladyfingers in the cooled strawberry syrup and arrange them at the base of your pan.

Pour a layer of mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers .

Cover the cream with strawberries cut into slices leaving aside 1/3 for the top decoration .

Cover with another layer of ladyfingers soaked in strawberry syrup .

Finish with a layer of mascarpone cream .

Decorate with strawberries that have kept aside and refrigerate everything for at least 3 hours.

And there you have it! Enjoy! Buon Appetito!

Ham & Veggies Pasta Bake

2013-10-20T02:59:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone!
I must apologize to all my readers since I have been gone for so long... many changes happened to my life and I even moved continent, infact I am now writing to you from the UK.
During these past few months I have been gathering lots of pictures of new recipes to share with you all!
Enough chatting now... let's get started with this delicious heartwarming dish!

-Ingredients
500 gr Pasta (whichever shape you like)
2 big Broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper
Extravergin olive oil
Breadcrumbs
1 onion
1 heavy cream carton (or Double cream)
Grated parmesan
Ham cutted into cubes
Grated mozzarella cheese
Salt & Pepper

In a pan, sautee the onions with olive oil, broccoli and bell pepper. All the veggies need to be cut in small pieces. When all vegetables are super tender add the ham and brown it for a couple of minutes. Now add the heavy cream, salt and pepper. In the meantime boil the pasta according to the time indicated on the package. When the pasta is al dente (which means ready but not too soft) pour it in the pan with the condiment and mix it all together. Prepare a good size oven pan and oil the base. Pour the mix with the pasta, sprinkling to each layer some mozzarella and parmesan cheese. When it is full, top it off with a final layer of cheese and breadcrumbs. Leave in the oven at 160 degree Celsius for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Enjoy! Buon Appetito!

Sausage Stew

2012-06-05T19:15:00.000+01:00

Hey Everybody! I know I haven't been on here as often as I used to, but this is a busy period, that will be followed by an amazing vacation to Italy, from where I will post some delicious recipes! YAY! So stay tuned! Today I wanted to show you a delicious dish that my friend Connie has been so nice to share with me... yummo!!!!

Ingredients:

Hot and Sweet Sausage
Mixed colour bell peppers
Onions
Garlic
Olive oil
Seasoning
Sugar
Tomato Sauce
Sweet buns (Hawaiian rolls)

Start by browning the sausage in a pan with the olive oil, peppers and onions. Cut the sausage and put it in the Slow cooker along with a can of tomato sauce, the veggies, sugar, and seasoning. Cook on low for 8-10 hours. Enjoy! Buon Appetito!

Ham & Cheese Salty Pie - Torta Salata di Spinaci e Prosciutto Cotto

2012-04-03T22:25:00.006+01:00

Hey Everybody!

I apologize for not posting my recipe quit often like I used to do, but these past few months have been pretty hectic!
Here I am now, and I wanted to share this delicious recipe for a very quick, but satisfying meal! This delicious salty pie has ricotta, spinach and ham as the main ingredients, but of course feel free to change the recipe to your taste!

Ingredients:

Puff pastry
onions
spinach
ricotta (400 gr)
ham
eggs
cheese
parmesan cheese
olive oil
salt and pepper

Start by sauteeing in a pan, olive oil, onions, spinach, ham. Add ricotta cheese, regular cheese and 1 egg to the mixture. Spread your puff pastry sheet and pour the filling inside. Put some slices of your favorite cheese on top. Decorate the top with the remaining of your excess puff pastry. Brush the top pastry with some egg yolk to get the golden effect. There you have it! Enjoy! Buon Appetito!!

Sublime Rosted Potatoes

2012-03-21T03:51:00.004+00:00

Here is my recipe for oven roasted potatoes!

Ingredients:

4 or 5 large potatoes
rosemary
olive oil
garlic or garlic powder
salt
pepper
onions
hot pepper

Peel and Cut the potatoes into 1 inch cubes. In a big bowl mix well the cut potatoes with all the ingredients. Bake at 400 Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Enjoy! Buon Appetito!

Won Ton Wrapper Cups

2012-03-05T19:10:00.001+00:00

As you all know, I love new finger food appetizers ideas. This is why I am going to share this great recipe with you!

Ingredients:

1 (16 ounce) package wonton wrappers
1 pound sausage or ground beef
1 cup shredded cheese (I used simply slices)
Onions
Extravergin Olive oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a miniature muffin pan with cooking spray.
Insert wonton wrappers into the muffin pan so as to form small cups. Bake 5 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow the baked wrappers to cool.
In a medium pan, sautee the onions, oil, sausage or beef . Sprinkle with your favorite spices. Fill the baked wonton wrapper cups with the mixture. Top with cheese.
Bake the filled wonton wrappers 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the cups are golden brown. Watch closely so the wonton wrappers do not burn. Enjoy!! Your guests are going to love this! Buon Appetito!

Brown Rice with Peppers and Blue Cheese

2012-02-27T21:50:00.001+00:00

Here is a quick and healthy way to prepare your next meal!

Ingredients:

Brown Rice
Bell Peppers
Blue Cheese or Gorgonzola
Onions
Extravergin Olive oil
spices

In a pan, bring the water to a boil and cook the rice according to the instructions. In the meantime, in another pan, sauteed the oil, onions, and peppers. Let everything cook until tender. Drain the brown rice and put it in the same pan where the peppers are. Adjust, salt, pepper, and any other spice you might like. Towards the end you can sprinkle your crumbly blue cheese or Gorgonzola on top. Enjoy! Buon Appetito!

Honey Glazed Carrots

2012-02-20T20:12:00.001+00:00

Here is one of my favorite side dishes.

You need:

1 1/2 cups baby carrots
3 Tbsp honey
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp lemon juice

Bring the carrots to a boil for 10 minutes, until tender and crisp. Drain carrots and in another pan sauteed the honey, sugar and lemon juice. Place the carrots into the saucepan with the honey mixture and coat well. Enjoy! Buon Appetito!

Chocolate Torte

2012-02-14T20:05:00.001+00:00

Happy Valentine's day to all of you! This year I wanted to try this delicious flour less European chocolate cake (I got the inspiration from the website www.joyofbaking.com). As you can see from the pictures, this cake will create a light crust on the outside, but it will be moist like a fudge inside.

Ingredients:

6 large eggs, separated

1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

9 ounces (255 grams) semisweet chocolate chopped

1 cup (200 grams) granulated white sugar, divided

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place oven rack in the center of the oven. Butter a 9 x 3 inch (23 x 8 cm) pan or spray with a nonstick cooking spray.

Separate the eggs while still cold, placing the egg whites in one bowl and the egg yolks in another bowl. Cover both with plastic wrap and bring to room temperature (about 30 minutes).

Meanwhile, melt the butter and chocolate in a bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water.

Place egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar in the bowl of your electric mixer (can also use a hand mixer). Beat on medium high speed until thick and lemon-colored, about 3-5 minutes. (The eggs should have tripled in volume, look thick and soft, and when you lift the beater the mixture falls back into the bowl in a slow ribbon.) Beat in the vanilla extract and melted chocolate mixture.

In a clean bowl, with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Using a rubber spatula or whisk, fold a small amount of whites into the egg yolk mixture to lighten the batter. Add the remaining egg whites, folding just until incorporated. Do not over mix or the batter will deflate.

Pour into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake the cake for about 50 - 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. (During baking the surface of the cake will form a crust which will collapse when the cake is removed from the oven.) Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. The top of the cake will have become hard with a cracked surface and lots of crumbs. Serve with softly whipped cream. Enjoy! Buon Appetito!

Happy Hour Snack Idea

2012-02-08T13:00:00.002+00:00

In Italy is very common to go out for a happy hour drink before dinner time, we call it "Aperitivo". Depending on which bar you go to, they might serve you different kinds of snack to go with your drink, these snacks can be: mini sandwiches, hot or cold mini appetizers finger food and so on. I decided to show you one of the most common snack that you might find during your aperitivo.

In this picture I was having some green olives, salted peanuts, and some potato chips. Everything paired with a delicious glass of your favorite happy hour drink, and after this... ready for some delicious dinner! Enjoy! Buon Appetito

Carrot Cake

2012-02-04T05:05:00.003+00:00

In honor of my Beautiful Sister Tami's Birthday I am going to post this cake recipe! Happy Birthday Tami!!!! I love you!
This dessert is becoming one of my favorites, especially after trying this wonderful version that Mrs. Darlene kindly passed me! Thank you Darlene! This recipe was wonderful!

Ingredients for cake:

2 1/2 cup self-rising flour 1 1/2 cup oil

2 cups sugar 4 eggs, beaten

3 tsp cinnamon 3 cups grated carrots

2 tsp vanilla

Mix all ingredients. Pour into 2 or 3 greased and floured cake pans.

Bake at 350 F for 40 minutes.

Ingredients for Frosting:

8 oz. cream cheese, softened 2 tsp flour

1 box powdered sugar 1 cup pecan pieces

1 stick butter

Mix butter and sugar. Add powdered sugar and flour a little at a time. Add pecans last. Frost cake. Enjoy! Buon Appetito!

Ciambelline

2012-02-01T20:07:00.001+00:00

This is a traditional cookie recipe from my awesome island of Sardinia. We usually make this cookies during the Christmas time of the year.

Ingredients:

4 cups flour
2 tbsp baking powder
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups Lard
6 eggs
Lemon zest of 2 lemons

Start by mixing in a large bowl everything, adding the flour for last. Roll your dough and make double cookies for each shape you pick.... one has to have a hole in the middle, while the other does not (as you can see in the picture).
Bake in the oven at 350 F for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Let your cookies cool completely and then start assembling them. Place the cookie without the hole at the bottom, spread it with your favorite jam, nutella, or whatever you like, and then place the cookie of the same shape with the hole on top (As you can see in the picture).
Sprinkle some sugar powder on top and enjoy! Buon Appetito!

Italian Style Pizza

2012-01-30T16:07:00.001+00:00

This picture was taken during my visit to my Lovely Island Sardinia, in Italy, last year. I want to share with you one of my favorite toppings on pizza!

This pizza was so yummy! From the restaurant pizzeria "Terra Sarda" in Olbia. On top of my pizza there are some of the best prosciutto slices, arugula leaves ( previously tossed w/ some olive oil, salt and pepper) and shaved Parmesan cheese. Soooo good! You should give it a try! Just go to your bakery or local grocery store, get a ball of pizza dough. Then roll the dough, top it with some tomato sauce, salt, pepper, shredded mozzarella cheese, and the toppings that I described to you in this picture! (These toppings will go on your pizza after the cooking time) Enjoy! Buon Appetito!

Chocolate Chip Yum Squares

2012-01-26T05:05:00.011+00:00

Hey Y'all! This year I spent my Christmas Vacation in Birmingham, Alabama, and I had many occasions to try some very delicious southern food! The best! Among all of the delicious things I have tried there was one in particular that won my heart. I have to thank Mrs. Darlene for being so nice to pass me this great recipe that I am sure you will all love!

Ingredients:

1 egg, beaten 6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup butter, softened 1 cup pecan pieces

8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 cup coconut

1 yellow cake mix(Duncan Hines) 3 eggs, separated

1 box confectioners sugar

With a fork, stir 1 egg, butter, and cake mix. Press into a 9x13 greased dish. Using mixer, combine cream cheese, 2 eggs, and confectioners sugar. Pour over crust. Mix chocolate chips, pecans, and coconut together. Sprinkle on top. Bake at 325 for 55 to 60 minutes. Cool before cutting. It's so good! You'll know what I mean when you bite into it! Enjoy! Buon Appetito!

Formagelle

2012-01-23T18:05:00.002+00:00

This is another delicious traditional dessert from my gorgeous Island of Sardinia. They are ricotta cheese little cups that just melt in your mouth!

Ingredients for the dough:

4 cups of flour
6 tbsp lard
2 tsp sugar
water (just enough to make it doughy)

Ingredients for the Filling:

16 Oz ricotta cheese
3/4 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
3/4 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
Orange or lemon zest
(You can also add some raisins to it if you like)

Roll the dough very thin and cut little rounds. Place a scoop of the filling on each round and pinch the dough with your index and thumb finger to seal it. In a separate bowl beat a yolk and brush the top of each formagella with it. They will look golden and nice in this way. bake in the oven at 350 F for about 20 minutes. Enjoy! Buon appetito!

Peanut Brittle

2012-01-20T16:13:00.002+00:00

I made this recipe the other day! I am impressed on how long this candy can last in a tapper ware container outside of the fridge! :)

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 cup raw peanuts
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda

Preparation:

Combine first 4 ingredients in 2-quart microwave mixing bowl. Microwave on HIGH for 8 minutes, stirring after 4 minutes. Add butter. Microwave on HIGH 2 minutes. Brittle should not get too brown. Stir in vanilla and soda until light and foamy. Spread on buttered baking sheet as thinly as possible. Cool. Break into pieces. Soak mixing bowl in warm water immediately for easier clean-up. Enjoy! Buon Appetito!

Papassini

2012-01-15T18:44:00.004+00:00

In my first attempt making this traditional Sardinian Christmas cookies I was surprised that they tasted like the ones my Nanny makes! So happy I can have some of my traditional food here in South Florida too!

Ingredients for the cookies:

4 cups of flour
9 Tbsp of Lard
1 cup sugar
3 eggs + 1 yolk (Save the egg whites for the frosting)
1 cup walnuts
1 cup raisins
2 Tbsp baking powder

Ingredients for the Frosting (Cappa):

1 egg white
3/4 cup sugar powder
Decoration sugar

In a bowl mix the lard, flour,eggs, sugar, crushed walnuts, raisins (previously soaked in warm water for 30 minutes and drained), and baking powder at the end. After creating a nice dough, start rolling your dough in tubes shape, flat their top and cut them in a shape similar to a mashed square as you can see from the picture. Bake in the oven at 365 F for about 12 minutes.

For the frosting, simply whip the egg white and the sugar powder until thick. Coat each cookie with the frosting and top each one with the decoration sugar. Enjoy! Buon Appetito!