Some Love Around the Island

Celebrating the Love of Cooking

2022-09-17T08:00:00.008-04:00

Cooking and the love of cooking is passion for many of us. For some even a way of life. I am not at that level but indeed , it does play a important role in my life. That is powerful statement.

Over the past few months I have done some reflecting on my cooking, what it means and how it helps. These reflections have been capture in some blog posts that were published to medium.com, a superb blogging platform that I use for my more creative writing fun.

To share this content with my Some Love Around the Island fans, I have decided to write this post and link to my other posts. Sorry , no recipes, just reflections my love for cooking intertwined at times with with elements of spiritual , political and personal philosophy.

In the recent post entitled "Cooking and the renewed quest for work-life balance" I share with you the "feel good" part of cooking.

https://micksterct.medium.com/cooking-and-the-renewed-quest-for-work-life-balance-9bfe0660b9b0

In the post "Interpreting My Love of Cooking - Cooking" I talk about how cooking can be a most sincere way to show love.

https://micksterct.medium.com/interpreting-my-love-of-cooking-3c9b4a30e024

Enjoy the treats and reflections

A Creative exploration for Pesto Sauce

2022-09-16T13:00:00.000-04:00

When you think pesto , typically Pesto alla Genovese comes to mind. The classic sauce that combines the great flavor and aroma of Italian basil and Pecorino Romano cheese. But there are other recipes and base ingredients that can deliver great , flavorful dishes.

Here is my take on Bucatini with a Broccoli di Rape and Walnut Cream pesto. My wine recommendation. A good Ross Dell'Etna red will do the trick.

Bucatini in a Broccoli di Rape / Walnut Cream Pesto

Bucatini Pasta with Broccoli di Rape / Walnut Cream Pesto

Key ingredients

Broccoli di Rape, blanched, then pureed in food processor

Walnuts, coarsely ground food processor

Pecorino Romano

Garlic , 1 clove, minced using food processor

Hand crushed black pepper corns

Red Pepper chili flakes

White wine , splash

EVOO

After food processing , cook pesto 1-2 minutes in pan. Then toss in bucatini, al dente.

Salute !

Cavatappi and Eggplant - Comfort Food

2022-07-23T17:00:00.014-04:00

Hi guys, In the mood for some comfort food, Mediterranean style? Here is a rustic dish that is tastes great and is good for you.

Cavatappi with Eggplant Sauce

Enjoy.

Expanding the Vegetarian Omelette Collection

2022-07-16T17:37:00.025-04:00

Another addition for my future cookbook that will expand my omelette collection

An egg white based, ricotta, asparagus idea for all you vegetarians out there.

Stay tuned for more omelette creativity.

Enjoy

Summertime Risotto - Vegetarian Safe

2022-07-11T14:30:00.017-04:00

Here is simple, yet super tasty vegetarian risotto for you.

Creamy risotto flavored with fresh summer zucchini. Pinot Grigio , not optional .

Zucchini Risotto

Enjoy.

Yellow Peppers Deliciousness

2022-07-10T12:00:00.034-04:00

My omelette collection continues to grow. I am really excited about this chapter in the cookbook.

This time I present an omelette that works great for a picnic, or , when cut into mini-squares, makes a great addition to your Hors d'oeuvre plate atop german multigrain bread.

Herbed, Sauteed sweet yellow peppers, Egg whites.

Yellow Pepper Omelette

Enjoy and stay tuned.

Not So Classic Pasta e Ricotta

2021-10-16T22:00:00.002-04:00

Sometimes, you need you stray from tradiin. You have heard me state thst before, here is z teiet on Pasta e Ricotta. Think of it as a lighter version of an alfredo sauce. The sauteed broccolini nicely complement the delicate creaminess.

Celebrating the Omelette Collection

2021-10-14T21:00:00.072-04:00

Omelets (also spelled omelettes) are wonderful. My preference is to use eggs whites, finding that whites alone can truly bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and especially the spices.

Always remember to serve with a drizzled line of fresh, extra virgin olive oil.

Spinach Sundried Tomato Goat Cheese and Fresh Mozzarella

The omelet collection chapter is starting to look pretty good. Here are some oldies but goodies

Salted Cod Fish and Potato

A curveball, wasn't it? Codfish for breakfast? Ask the folks in Portugal or Tapas-lovers of San Sebastian.

Parsely Pecorino Romano Cheese

The cookbook is getting closer. The omelet collection chapter is starting to feel complete.

Salute

Tuesday is Lentil Night

2021-04-06T21:30:00.001-04:00

For all you vegetarians out there. Beluga Lentils and Burrata. Seasoned with Pecorino and Avocado slices.

Easter Sunday Ravioli Primo Piatto

2021-04-04T19:38:00.002-04:00

Another Ravioli dilemma

Asparagus Risotto Alternative 🍷🍷🍷

2021-03-26T22:06:00.002-04:00

Today I was in the mood for asparagus risotto but not in the mood for the starch. Here's a lighter take on risotto. Topped with crumbled goat cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano.

🍷🍷🍷

Ravioli Dilemma

2021-03-21T19:41:00.002-04:00

Sometimes you just can't make up your mind when it comes to sauces. So folks, I offer you two.

Classic Red and a fancy ine: Artichoke Sun Dried Pepper Parmigiano sauce.

Take your pick

🍷🍷🍷

Potato Au Gratin, Step Aside

2021-03-18T21:57:00.001-04:00

Alternatives, Alternatives. That's what I was thinking when I walked into the kitchen around 7:30 PM.

Presenting baked beets with ricotta cheese, pecorino ,topped with Syrian cheese strips. A lighter alternative to potatoes au gratin.

Cabbage Time. St. Patrick's 2021

2021-03-17T20:54:00.001-04:00

Here's a little ounce of St. Patrick's day spirit, with a little twist.

Roasted Parmigiano Chinese Cabbage wedges on a bed of savory navy beans.

One Tagliatelle Special Coming Up

2021-03-14T20:08:00.001-04:00

Today I was in the mood to make something a bit more elaborate.

The result was an unbelievable tasty plate of al dente tagliatelle in a beet top greens and shrimp sauce, topped with Alto Badia cheese wafers.

Uncertainty as Culinary Creativity

2021-03-10T21:03:00.001-05:00

Today was one of those days when I found myself in front of the stove with a partially thought out recipe. Yeah, one of those days when uncertainty gets in the way. Well, it turns out, that my muse, delivered after all. My well seasoned baby backhoy, sun dried peppers and carrots base really came to life after adding bulgur wheat and crowning the dish with steamed shrimp. Oh, did I mention the Parmigiano Reggiano that I let snow over the pan?

I must say, sometimes I amaze myself. Uncertainty as a creative force.

Love at First Rustic Minestra

2021-03-09T21:21:00.001-05:00

Ever feel in the mood for a creamy, rustic, hearty creation that makes your tummy happy happy? Here is a Chinese cabbage minestra with Umbrian navy beans, ricotta, a bit of potato, spices and lots of love.

Topped with a few slices of sharp provolone

Step aside Potatoes. A Fancy Cabbage Pancake

2021-03-07T16:04:00.001-05:00

So what do you do with left over savory sautéed cabbage? How about a savory pancake inspired by potato hash browns?

2 cups chopped sautéed cabbage

Bread crumbs, unflavored

2 organic eggs

Crumbled mozzarella

Pecorino Romano

Spices

EvOO

Trick of the day

Use two pan, starting with a smaller one first,the flip into a larger one

Spicy honey topped envy apples as a side

Don't forget a good Belgian Abbey beer

Slowing down Old Man Winter

2021-03-05T20:19:00.001-05:00

It's freezing outside. Windy clear, well Moon lighted skies call for a rustic, extra delicious Winter meal

/Curly cabbage and navy beans minestra

Risotto Night. Shrimp and Asparagus

2021-03-04T20:31:00.001-05:00

When you're feeling like something creamy, make yourself a small batch of risotto. Start with a classic base of thyme flavored vialone nani risotto. Add a delicate mix of asparagus and white shrimp, cooked in white wine.

Mount with great butter after mixing in your authentic Parmigiano cheese

1 I '

Don't forget the Burrata

2021-03-01T21:35:00.001-05:00

Sometimes you just want to embark on a short journey of flavorful ingredients, not knowing where it will take you, but trusting that you will land in a happy place.

This Sunday afternoon my happy place delivered. Our tastebuds rejoiced .

Burrata was the pièce de résistance. Magic happened.

Lobster and scallop bulgur wheat, topped with fresh burrito.

Perfectly paired with a crisp glass of Oviedo Classico white wine.

I I

Minestra Minestra. Made with Love

2021-02-24T21:00:00.004-05:00

Minestra is a vegetarian's fantasy. Here is one made with spicy broccoli di rape and Italian chickpeas. Al dente mi raccomando !

Minestra di Ceci e Rape

Cod fish. More Amazing than you think

2021-02-22T19:00:00.006-05:00

What do you do when your salted codfish, despite 4 days of soaking, is still too salty? Make a Cod Fish Potato herb pie in a pan.

The end result: Move over crab cakes, there is a new sheriff in town.

Salute

Cod Fish Pan Pie

Celebrating the first Sunday of Lent

2021-02-21T17:50:00.002-05:00

Two relatively fast dishes, perfect for Lent.

Calamari tunes and scallops cooked with Catalan flavors and golden bulgar wheat

Kale, and Italian chickpeas. Bread crumbs and Parmigiano.

Typically these would be paired with a crisp white wine but during Lent, forgoingbtge alcohol. Lent without wine. Doesn't even cross my mind.

Peace to all.

"Warm it Up" A lentil dish, perfect for Valentine's Day and a Cold Winter Afternoon

2021-02-14T20:45:00.001-05:00

Lentils are generally associated with luck in money. How about good fortune in Love? I will take the second.

Sharing with you, my dear readers, a perfect dish for those winter days when you want cuddle, and keep extra warm.

Smoked Pork Shank Lentils with Fresh Kale Sautee.

Lots of Valentines Love to all

Thanks to Arthur Avenue and its historic retail market and to rediscovering Peter's Meat Market for the smoked pork ingredients.

Links

https://www.petersmeatmarket.com/#about

https://arthuravenuefoodtours.com/what-to-buy-on-arthur-avenue-bronx-little-italy/2017/8/6/whats-inside-the-arthur-avenue-retail-market

https://lovejadot.com/meet-jadot/

https://arthurcantina.com/