Viva Jackie

Fish Soup

2019-01-07T13:48:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

2 Cups Mussels

2 Cups Shrimp Peeled and Cleaned

1/ 2 Onion Chopped

1 Large Tomato Chopped

2 1/2 Cups Knorr Chicken Stalk

3/4 Cup Cream

1/2 Cup White Wine

1 Tbsp. Butter

2 Bay Leaves

1 Tsp. Dried Parsley

Salt & Cayenne Pepper to taste

Method:

Sauté onions in butter until translucent. Add mussels and cook for a few minutes. Add the wine and cook for a few minutes more. Remove mussels and set aside. Next add the shrimp, chopped tomatoes chicken stalk, bay leaves parsley, salt & pepper to the pan. Cook until shrimp changes color.

Add the salt and cayenne pepper. Next add the cream then the mussels and gently reheat the soup. Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of parsley.

Enjoy!

Serves 4

Meatballs with Cheese Sauce

2018-12-31T09:14:00.000-08:00

I made these meatballs the other day and served them with a side of roasted potatoes. They were so good:)

Ingredients:

Meatballs:

1.5 Pounds Ground Pork

1/4 White Onion Chopped

1/2 Red Bell Pepper Chopped

1 Egg

1/4 Cup Breadcrumbs

1/4 Cup Parmiggiano Cheese Grated

1/4 Cup Swiss Cheese Grated

1 Tbsp. Dry Parsley

Pinch Salt and Pepper

Sauce:

2 Tbsp. Butter

1 Tbsp. Flour

1 Cup Milk

1/2 Cup Cheddar Cheese Grated

1/2 Cup Swiss Cheese Grated

Pinch Salt and Pepper

Sprinkle of Dry Parsley

Method:
In a bowl mix all ingredients for together the meatballs. Shape meatballs using about a tbsp. per meatball. Bake at 425 for 30 minutes turning over in between.

While the meatballs are cooking, melt the butter in a pan. Add the flour and cook for a minute or so. Whisk in the milk and bring to a boil. Add the cheese, salt, pepper and parsley. Reduce heat and cook until thickened.
Once meatballs are cooked, place in bowl and drizzle with the cheese sauce.

Serves 6

Enjoy!

Pastette di Mandorle

2018-12-21T08:28:00.000-08:00

Pastette di Mandorle are almond based deserts that can be savored with a cup of your favorite coffee, cappuccino or latte. I made these to share with family next week at Christmas.

Ingredients:

300 grams Almond Flour

200 grams White Sugar

2 Egg Whites

1 tsp. Vanilla

Maraschino Cherries cut in half

Method:

Place all ingredients in stand up mixer except for the maraschino cherries. Mix until all is blended. Using a tsp., spoon out portions and place on lined cookie sheet. Place cherries in the middle and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake at 375 until bottoms are golden brown.

Enjoy!

Focaccia

2018-11-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

Focaccia is popular throughout Italy and is usually just sprinkled with olive oil and salt. It might also be flavored with herbs, vegetables, olives or cheese.

In southern Italy we like to take it along to the beach for a delicious snack.

Ingredients:

5 Cups All-purpose Flour

2 Tsp Instant Yeast

2 – 3 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Tsp Salt

2 Cups Warm Water

Topping:

Cherry or grape Tomatoes Cut In Half

Oregano flakes

Course salt

Olive Oil

Method:

Measure flour, oil, salt, yeast and water, and add everything in your stand up mixer except for the water.

Add half the water and mix. Continue to add water until the dough begins to come together into a ball.

Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface surface and begin to knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth.

Add 2 tbsp of oil to the bottom of a bowl and place the dough inside.

Roll the dough in the oil, ensuring that the sides of the bowl and dough are oiled.

Cover with plastic wrap and keep in a warm Place. Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size, about an hour or so.

Oil a 13 X 9 inch baking sheet and place your dough into the pan. Use your fingers to push and press the dough evenly in the pan. Cover and let rise for another 20 minutes.

Use your fingers to dimple the entire top of the focaccia and drizzle olive oil over the top turning the pan carefully to allow the oil roll into the dimples.

Sprinkle coarse salt and oregano on the top of your focaccia and place tomatoes evenly on top. Let it sit for 15 minutes more while you preheat your oven to 425 degrees.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.

Cool to room temperature, slice and enjoy!

Meatball Soup

2015-11-23T07:56:00.000-08:00

I put this recipe together this morning... It tasted amazing. I ended up making a large batch for freezing into potions for lunch.

Ingredients:

Cubed vegetables:

2 small potatoes

1/2 onion

1 cup carrots

1/2 zucchini

2 large mushrooms

Other:

2 handfuls of baby arugula & spinach

1 can of Lentils

2 cups mini meatballs (Meatball Recipe)

6 cups water

3 tbsp olive oil

Knorr instant stalk mix to taste

Sprinkle of red pepper flakes

Sprinkle of parsley

Method:

Place cubed vegetables, baby arugula & spinach and lentils in a pot. Add water, olive oil and Knorr instant stalk mix. Bring to a gentle boil and add meatballs, red pepper flakes and parsley.

Cook for a couple of hours on low heat and stir occasionally.

Enjoy!

Orange Chicken

2015-11-20T13:45:00.000-08:00

This is a wonderful recipe that is so easy to make. It has the taste of
citrus with a bit of tang.

Ingredients:

3 - 4 skinless/boneless chicken breasts
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp pepper
3-4 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 apple cider vinegar
3 tbsp soy sauce
Orange zest from 1 grated orange
1 cup brown sugar
Green onion
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
3 tbsp cornstarch
3 tbsp water

Method:

In a pot or pan mix together water, juices, vinegar and soy sauce.
Cook on medium heat. Next add orange zest, ginger, sugar, onion, red
pepper flakes and garlic. Bring sauce to a boil, remove from heat,
pour into a bowl and let stand for about 10 minutes.

Next cut chicken into pieces and toss with flour and pepper. Cook in pan
with olive oil until golden. Remove and place on paper towel.

In a pan, place sauce and bring to a boil. Mix water and cornstarch
and add to sauce. Cook for a few minutes or until thickened. Place
chicken in sauce, stir until all is coated.

Place in a parchment prepared pan and cook on 375 for about 20
minutes. Let stand for about 5 minutes. Serve with a sprinkle of green
onion.

Enjoy!

Panzerotti

2015-11-20T13:44:00.000-08:00

Panzerotti are savory filled pizzas that are closed shut on the edges
and then deep fried. They are most common in southern Italy.

Ingredients:

Dough:

5 cups flour
1 1/2 tbsp of Fleischmann's Traditional Yeast
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp salt
1 1/2 cups of warm water
1/4 cup Capri Vegetable oil

Filling (3-4 cups):

Chopped Italian deli meats
Cubed provolone cheese or fresh mozzarella

Sauce for filling:

796 ml can crushed tomatoes
1/2 can water
2 tbsp olive oil
4-5 garlic cloves minced
3-4 basil leaves
3/4 tbsp salt
3/4 tbsp sugar

Method:

To a cup of warm water stir in yeast and sugar and let yeast rise. Mix
flour and salt. Once yeast is ready add to dry ingredients together
with oil and knead until dough is smooth. Cover and let rise for two
hours.

Once sauce is cooked, placed about 3 tbsps and mix into the cheese and
meat mixture. Roll dough into circles, about 6.5 inches each. Place a
spoonful of the filling on to the circles and fold to close pressing
with your fingers. Next, use the teeth of a fork to press down
ensuring that they are closed tight. If there is filling left over,
just freeze for your next pizza night or panzerotti fry.

Fry in oil on both sides until golden brown.

Makes 20 - 25

Buon Apetito!

Viva Jackie: Pettole

2015-11-20T12:48:00.001-08:00

St. Cecelia is upcoming - Sunday, November 22, 2015. Thought I would repost this incase anyone was looking for the recipe.

Cheers!

Viva Jackie: Pettole

Brioche - Recipe 2

2013-12-24T09:32:00.001-08:00

This is a variation of the previously posted brioche recipe. I made these to enjoy with my family christmas morning. Serves 12.

Ingredients:

Part 1:

1/2 cup flour

1tbsp active dry yeast

1/2 cup warm milk

1tbsp sugar

Part 2:

5 eggs

3 1/2 cups flour

2 tbsp sugar

Pinch of salt

1 cup butter

Part 3:

1 beaten egg

Sugar

Method:

Part 1: Mix yeast, warm milk, 1 tbsp sugar and half cup of flour. Let rise for 10 minutes.

Part 2: In a separate bowl mix eggs, flour, sugar, butter and salt. Add mixture from part 1 and mix together forming a ball . Kneed on flat surface until dough is smooth. Let rise covered for 2 hours.

Cut dough into 12 equal pieces and form buns. Place on parchment lined baking pan and let rise covered for two hours.

Part 3: Brush with egg and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 375 until golden brown.

Enjoy!

Sannachiudere

2013-12-14T09:08:00.001-08:00

These are delicious fried pieces of dough made traditionally during the Christmas season in Taranto Puglia. My mother has shared with me this easy to make recipe that is sure to make your mouth water and want to make them too!

Ingredients:

1 cup olive oil

4 cups flour

2 tbsp sugar

1 tsp Sabuca liqueur

Peel of an orange

Juice of an orange

1 tbsp yeast

1/2 cup water

1/2 tsp cinnamon

White wine as needed

Oil for frying

Honey

Cake Mate candy decorations

Method:

Add yeast and 1 tbsp sugar to half cup warm water and let stand for about 10 minutes. Place flour on kneading board and make a hole in the middle. In the meantime heat olive and orange peel until it starts to sizzle, remove from heat and cool. Start adding the oil to the flour mixing it in with your hands. Add yeast mixture. 1 tbsp sugar, cinnamon, juice of orange, Sambuca and as much of the white wine that is needed to form a soft smooth dough. Knead for about 10 minutes. Wrap dough in seran wrap and let rest for an hour and a half.

Cut prices of dough and roll into 1/2 inch cilinders. Cut into 1/4 inch pieces. Roll each piece of dough on a cheese grater.

Fry in oil tossing to ensure all sides are cooked, remove when golden brown and place on paper towel.

Place in bowl, drizzle with honey and candy decorations, mix and serve.

Enjoy!

Pettole

2013-11-23T11:01:00.003-08:00

Pettole are an Italian donut style fritter that are eaten for the coming of Christmas festivities. We make them on the 22nd of November - the day of St. Cecilia. Here's the recipe.

Ingredients:

4 cups flour
3 cups warm water
2 tbsp oil
1tbsp salt
1tbsp yeast
1 tbsp sugar
Oil for frying

In a bowl add one cup of warm water, sprinkle with yeast and sugar. Let rise for 10 minutes. In the meantime add four cups of flour to your stand up mixer bowl. Add the salt and oil. Once the yeast mixture is ready add to bowl with the remaining water. Let rise for two hours, dough should be very sticky.

Heat oil and wet your fingers a bit with water. Take some dough with your fingers and stretch into the oil. Turn over when golden brown. Remove and let sit on paper towel. Serve with sugar.

Enjoy!

Quinoa Crispy Crackers

2013-11-08T07:32:00.001-08:00

This is a wonderful recipe that you can serve as a snack at your upcoming festivities.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups of flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 egg

1 cup warm water

Garlic and dill to taste

Quinoa

Method:

In a stand up mixer place flour and salt. Add water and desired amount of garlic and dill. Mix until dough forms into a ball.

Remove from mixer bowl and knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes. Let rest in a greased bowl that is covered for 2 hours.

Cut dough into four. Roll out each piece and place in prepared pizza pans. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with garlic, dill and quinoa. Bake at 425 for about 10 minutes or until golden and crispy. Break into pieces and serve with your favorite dip. I served it with sour cream and dill dip.

Enjoy!

Turkey alla Gigi

2013-10-13T11:29:00.001-07:00

This turkey recipe was taught to me by my mother who was born and raised in Italy but put this recipe together once she moved to North America; taking in this and other North American traditions as well. Hope you enjoy her recipe... Love you ma.

Ingredients:

7 kg Young Turkey

3 carrots peeled and chopped

3 stalks of celery chopped

1 onion chopped

3 cloves garlic chopped

3 tbsp olive oil

Rosemary, parsley, salt and pepper to taste

1-2 tbsp butter

1 cup white wine

2 cups water

Method:

Wash turkey well, discarding giblets and neck and set in baking pan. Add chopped vegetables, spices, olive oil and half of the wine in a bowl. Mix well and stuff into the cavity of the turkey. Set aside remainder of veggie mixture.

Next take the butter and rub all over the turkey. Add water and remaining wine to the pan. Add remaining veggie mixture and a little more salt and pepper.

Cover with tinfoil and cook for 4 hours at 325. Remove tinfoil about half way so the turkey is browned. Serve as you like.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Oreo Crumble Cheesecake

2013-09-26T17:46:00.001-07:00

Today was a day for baking with Oreos. My girls made their first cheesecake... It is amazing. Here is the recipe.

Ingredients:

24 Oreo cookies

3 tbsp melted butter

3 pkgs cream cheese

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

3 eggs

Method:

Heat oven to 350. Crush 16 Oreos into fine crumbs and place into a bowl. Add butter and mix. Press into 9 inch spring pan. Beat together cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until blended. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each egg. Crush half of the remaining cookies and gently stir into batter. Pour batter over crust and sprinkle with remaining cookie crumbs. Bake for 45 minutes or until the centre iof the cake is set. When done run a knife around the edges for the cake to loosen. Cool in the fridge for 4 hours before serving.

Makes 9 inch round

Enjoy!

Saltimbocca

2013-09-23T19:46:00.001-07:00

These are wonderfull bite sized snacks that are an all time favorite snack food that are made available at bakeries in southern Italy.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups fllour

2 3/4 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp olive oil

3/4 - 1 cup water

Prosciutto cotto

Hot cacciatore sausage

Method:

In a stand up mixer blend all dry ingredients. Add water and oil. Mix until dough forms a ball. Remove dough from mixer and knead on a floured surface until smooth. Slice sausage and prosciutto and set aside. Cut dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece about 1/4 inch thick and cut into 1 x 2 inch pieces. Place either sausage or prosciutto on each piece and roll shut. Place on prepared baking sheet and cook for 15 minutes or until golden brown at 400. Once cooled place in zip lock bags to stay moist.

Makes approximately 40

Enjoy!

Choco-Peanut Butter Pretzel Brittle

2013-09-11T18:07:00.001-07:00

My girls were baking again!!!

Ingredients:

400g of pretzels crushed

5-6 cups of blanched unsalted peanuts

2 bags of chipits peanut butter chips

5-6 cups of milk chocolate melting chips

1 cup of smooth peanut butter

Method:

In a large bowl add crushed Pretzels. Mix in peanuts and 2 bags of chipits peanut butter chips and set aside.

Then in a double boiler, melt milk chocolate melting chips. Once melted, pour over mixture, make sure everything is coated. Spread onto a baking pan lined with parchment paper, spread evenly and set aside.

Next melt peanut butter and drizzle over brittle. Let this cool in the freezer for about one hour until it has set and hardened.

Final step... Break apart and enjoy!

Keeps best in freezer.

Creamy Garlic and Parmiggiano Spaghetti

2013-09-11T17:48:00.001-07:00

This creamy and cheesy pasta recipe hit the spot!

Ingredients:

2 tsp. minced garlic

2 tbsp. olive oil

2 tbsp. butter

3 cups chicken stalk

1tsp. Parsley

3/4 cup milk

1 handful and a half of spaghetti

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Add minced garlic to olive oil and let cook for a few minutes. Add butter until melted. Add chicken stalk, salt and pepper and bring to a boil.

Add spaghetti and cook on high until all liquid becomes thick. Turn heat to low and add milk, cheese and parsley. Cook until thickened once more. Garnish with parsley and or cheese.

Enjoy!

Tomato & Basil BBQ Chicken

2013-09-10T19:23:00.001-07:00

I decided to BBQ chicken breasts tonight with this wonderful and oh so aromatic recipe.

Ingredients:

4 - 6 chicken breasts

1 cup cherry tomatoes

2 tbsp. sun dried tomatoes

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

1 tsp. minced garlic

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

Water as required

Method:

Place all ingredients into blender and blend so that tomatoes are not chunky. Depending on thickness of marinade preferred, a bit of water can be added to the mixture. Poor over chicken and refrigerate for 1 - 3 hours.

Preheat BBQ and cook chicken for about 20 - 25 minutes turning occasionally to form criss cross marks.

Enjoy!

Parmiggiano Cheese & Sun Dried Tomato Bread

2013-09-09T18:50:00.001-07:00

Delicious recipe...so moist with a savory flavor too.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups white flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup cream of wheat cereal

1 tbsp. fast rising yeast

1 tsp. salt

2 tbsp. honey

2 tbsp. margarine

1 cup warm water

1 egg

1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes

1/4 cup grated parmiggiano cheese

Method:

Add all ingredients to bowl and place in stand up mixer until dough forms a ball. Remove dough from mixer and shape dough into three balls. Place in prepared bread pan, cover and let rise for one hour.

Bake at 375 for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy!

Quinoa Egg Muffins

2013-05-25T12:15:00.001-07:00

I made these Egg Muffins today that include the wonderful gluten free grain-like...Quinoa. This is a recipe that is quick to make and is great served for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup Quinoa
1 cup Grated Zucchini
1/2 cup Bacon
1 cup Grated Cheddar Cheese
5 Eggs
1 tbsp Parsley
Salt & Pepper to taste

Method:

Cook Quinoa according to package. In the meantime, combine zucchini, bacon, cheese, eggs, parsley, salt and pepper. Add Quinoa to mixture and spoon into greased six portion muffin pan. Cook for 20-25 minutes until golden. Let stand 5 minutes, remove muffins from pan and serve.

Serves 6

Enjoy!

Churros

2013-04-14T19:36:00.003-07:00

We just finished making Churros, and as always they were absolutely delicious. With their cinnamon and sugar coating they are an awesome desert choice and easy to make too.

Ingredients:

1 cup cold water
2 1/2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup flour
Vegetable oil for frying
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp cinnamon

Method:

In a saucepan add water, sugar, salt and oil. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Add flour and cinnamon and stir until a ball is formed.

Put dough into pastry bag with star tip. Heat oil and pipe strips of dough about 2 inches each. Cook until golden brown. Mix remaining sugar and cinnamon and roll Churros until lightly coated.

Enjoy!

Snickerdoodle Cookies

2012-10-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

These are absolutely wonderful cookies...moist on the inside and crispy on the outside with a dusting of cinnamon and sugar...they are definitely great for a treat or a cheat!

Ingredients:

2 3/4 cups flour
1 3/4 cups sugar
2 tsp cream of tarter
1 tsp of baking soda
2-3 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
8 tbsp margarine
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs

Method:

Mix together flour, cream of tarter, baking soda and salt, set aside. In the stand up mixer bowl, combine butter, oil and 1 1/2 cups sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs until all is combined. Add dry ingredients and mix until smooth.

In a small bowl combine remaining sugar and cinnamon. Form balls about an inch in size and roll in cinnamon and sugar mixture. Place on baking sheet leaving about 1 1/2 inches in between. Bake at 400 for about 10 minutes or until centres begin to crack.

Makes about 45 cookies

Enjoy!

Rice and Veggie Lasagna

2012-09-15T11:08:00.001-07:00

This is a light and meatless lasagna that is made with rice instead of lasagna noodles. It is a perfect recipe to use up some of your veggies from the garden. I used mostly zucchini and carrot for the veggies part, but feel free to substitute.

Ingredients:

Sauce:

796 ml can crushed tomatoes
2 cups sliced white mushrooms

1/2 can water

2 tbsp olive oil

4-5 garlic cloves minced

3-4 basil leaves

3/4 tbsp salt

3/4 tbsp sugar

Veggies:

1 cup diced zucchini
1 1/2 cups grated carrot
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped white onion

Other:

1 1/2 - 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
5 cups cooked arborio rice
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

For the sauce, cook garlic in olive oil until golden. Add mushrooms and cook for a few minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, water, basil, salt and sugar. Bring sauce to a boil and let cook on minimum heat for about an hour.

In the meantime heat olive oil in a pan, add zucchini, carrot, celery and onion. Cook together until onion is soft. Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes.

Place cooked rice in a bowl, add veggie mixture and a bit of the sauce. Stir until all ingredients are coated and set aside.

Place a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of baking dish. Add a layer of the rice and veggie mixture. Then add a layer of mozzarella cheese and a layer of Romano cheese. Add a layer of sauce and repeat until rice and veggies mixture is done. Finish top layer with sauce and more mozzarella and Romano.

Place in oven and cook at 375 for about 40 minutes or until cheese on top is golden. Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.

Makes 6-8 slices

Enjoy!

Tortellini with Pesto Sauce

2012-09-02T18:42:00.001-07:00

This is one of the simpler pasta recipes that is ideal for the summer but can be made anytime of the year. I made this tonight with my freshly picked basil and parsley...it was absolutely amazing.

Ingredients:

1 cup basil
1/2 cup parsley
1/4 cup pine nuts
3 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup grated Pamigiano Reggiano cheese
1 pkg. 3 cheese tortellini
Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Place water to boil in large pot. Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Cook tortellini according to package. Once tortellini are al dente remove and drain all water. Place pesto sauce over tortellini and stir until coated. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

Buon apetito!

Eggplant Parmigiana with Piave Vecchio Cheese

2012-08-23T19:52:00.002-07:00

Eggplant Parmigiana a meal in itself...an awesome way to serve eggplant!

I used grated Piave Vecchio Cheese instead of using Parmigiano Reggiano or Romano. The piave was a good fit with it's full bodied flavour....mmm good.

Ingredients:

For the eggplant you will need:

1 large egg plant
1 cup flour
3 eggs
Salt and pepper to taste
Frying oil

Sauce:

796 ml can crushed tomatoes

1/2 can water

2 tbsp olive oil

4-5 garlic cloves minced

3-4 basil leaves

3/4 tbsp salt

3/4 tbsp sugar

Piave Vecchio Cheese...no measurement for this, to be used sparingly over each layer.

Method:

For the sauce, cook garlic in olive oil until golden. Add crushed tomatoes, water, basil, salt and sugar. Bring sauce to a boil and let cook on minimum heat for about an hour.

Wash eggplant, leaving peel on, slice in rounds and set aside. Beat eggs and add salt and pepper to taste. Place flower in a separate bowl. Dip slices in flour then in egg and and fry until golden brown.

Place a bit of the sauce in the bottom of your casserole dish. Place first layer of eggplant slices followed by the grated pave. Add a layer of sauce and repeat until all eggplant is used. Lastly top with sauce and more piave. Bake at 375 for about a 1/2 hour. Let rest for about 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Buon appetito!