ITALIAN RECIPES

SICILIAN RICOTTA CHEESECAKE

2010-04-11T01:50:00.001-07:00

SICILIAN RICOTTA CHEESECAKE

Sponge cake:

Butter
3 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
Finely chopped rind of 1/2 lemon
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
3 egg whites

Filling:

1-1/2 cup sugar
1-1/2 lb. fresh ricotta cheese
1 lb. mixed candied fruit
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
3 1-oz. squares semi-sweet chocolate, chopped in pieces
8 tbsp. Maraschino liqueur

To make the sponge cake:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 10 inch spring-form
cake pan.

Whisk the eggs yolks with the sugar, grated lemon rind and 3
tbsp. hot water until light and foamy.

Sift the flour and baking powder together, and fold it into the
egg yolk mixture.

Whisk the egg whites until stiff, but not dry. With a large
spoon, fold them into the cake mixture.

Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan and bake for 15 to
20 minutes, or until the cake is a rich golden color and springs
back when pressed lightly. Turn out and cool on a wire rack.

For the filling:

Dissolve the sugar in 3 tbsp. of water over low heat. Beat the
sugar syrup with the ricotta cheese until it is smoothly
blended. Put aside about half of the best pieces of candied
fruit to decorate the cake. Chop the remainder coarsely.

Add the cinnamon to the sweetened ricotta and beat until smooth
and creamy. Put aside a few tbsp. of the mixture for decoration.
Combine the remainder with the chopped fruit and chocolate.

Cut the sponge cake in half horizontally. Put one layer on the
bottom of the cake pan, cut side up, and sprinkle it with half
of the Maraschino. Spread with the remaining cheese mixture. Fit
the ring of the cake pan in position and chill the cake for
several hours.

When ready to serve, remove the cake from the pan and place it
on a large, flat serving dish. Coat the top and sides with the
reserved cheese and decorate with the reserved candied fruit.

You may also decorate the cake with whipped cream, and the
candied fruits may be supplemented with chopped nuts.
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BRANDIED PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE

2010-04-11T01:49:00.002-07:00

BRANDIED PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE

Crust:

1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/4 cup sugar

Filling:

2 (250 g) pack cream cheese at room temperature
1 (125 g) pack cream cheese at room temperature
1 cup sugar
4 medium eggs
1 (14 oz.) can pumpkin (no spices added)
2-1/2 tsp. ginger
1 tbsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/3 cup brandy
whipped cream
preserved ginger

For crust, combine crumbs, sugar and butter in a bowl and mix
well. Press crumb mixture firmly into bottom of 10 inch spring
form pan and 2 inches up sides. Bake in moderate oven, 350
degrees for 10 minutes.

For filling beat together cream cheese and sugar until light and
fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each
addition until smooth and creamy. Add pumpkin, ginger, cinnamon,
nutmeg, cloves and brandy and mix until well blended. Pour
cheese mixture into crust and bake in slow oven, 325 degrees,
for 50 or 60 minutes, or until well risen. Turn off heat and let
cheesecake cool in oven. When cold, decorate top with whipped
cream and sliced ginger.

CHOCOLATE CHERRY CHEESECAKE

2010-04-11T01:49:00.001-07:00

CHOCOLATE CHERRY CHEESECAKE

Crust:

1-1/4 cups chocolate wafer crumbs (about 18 wafers)
2 tbsp. sugar
3 tbsp. melted butter or margarine

Filling:

2 (250 g or 8-oz) packages cream cheese
1 (125 g or 4-oz) package cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup whipping cream
3 medium eggs
1 (19-oz.) can cherry pie filling
2 tbsp. chocolate cherry liqueur (optional)
2 tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 oz. grated semi-sweet chocolate

Combine chocolate wafer crumbs, 2 tbsp. sugar and melted butter.
Press into bottom of 9 inch spring form pan. Bake in moderate
oven, 350 degrees, for 10 minutes. Cool. Reduce oven temperature
to 300 degrees.

Have cream cheese at room temperature. Beat in large mixing bowl
at medium speed until creamy. Gradually beat in the one cup of
sugar and cocoa. Add vanilla. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Beat
until smooth. Pour over chocolate crust. Bake in slow oven, 300
degrees, about one hour until center of cake is firm. Remove
from oven and cool to room temperature.

Combine cherry pie filling with liqueur, if being used. Pour
over cooled cheesecake.

Add the two tbsp. sugar and vanilla to whipping cream in bowl.
Whip until stiff. Spoon onto cake, covering evenly. Chill
several hours before serving.

Decorate with grated chocolate. Makes 10 to 12 servings. This
cheesecake freezes well.
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MAGIC PIE RECIPE

2010-04-11T01:48:00.000-07:00

MAGIC PIE RECIPE

4 eggs
1/4 cup margarine
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups milk or half and half
1 cup coconut
1 teaspoon vanilla

Place all ingredients in blender at one time and blend until
mixed together. Pour into a buttered 10-inch piepan. Bake in a
350 degree oven for 1 hour. When done, crust will be on bottom,
custard in the middle, an coconut on top - right where they
belong.
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ITALIAN BREAD

2010-04-11T01:47:00.002-07:00

42.) ITALIAN BREAD
(2 loaves)

1 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. salt
2 packages active dry yeast
cornmeal
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. butter
water
salad oil
1 egg white

In large bowl, combine sugar, salt, yeast and 2 cups flour. In
1-quart saucepan over low heat, heat butter and 1-3/4 cups water
until very warm (butter doesn't need to melt).

With mixer at low speed, gradually beat liquid into dry
ingredients until just blended. Increase speed to medium, beat 2
minutes.

Beat in 1/2 cup flour to make thick batter. Continue beating
mixture at medium for 2 minutes. Scrape bowl often with spatula.
With wooden spoon, stir in enough additional flour (about 1-3/4
cups) to make a soft dough.

Turn dough onto floured surface, knead until smooth and elastic,
about 10 minutes, adding flour while kneading.

Cut dough in half, cover pieces with bowl. Let dough rest 20
minutes for easier shaping.

Grease large cookie sheet; sprinkle with cornmeal.

On floured surface with floured rolling pin, roll each half into
15" by 10" rectangle. From 15" side, tightly roll dough, pinch
seam to seal.

Place loaves, seam side down, on cookie sheet and taper ends.
Brush loaves with oil; cover loosely with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate 2 - 24 hours.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Remove loaves from fridge, uncover.
Let stand 10 minutes. cut 3 or 4 diagonal slashes on top of each
loaf. Bake 20 minutes.

In small bowl with fork, beat egg white with 1 tbsp. water.
Remove loaves from oven, brush with egg, return to oven, bake 5
minutes.
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MEDITERRANEAN FONDUE

2010-04-11T01:47:00.001-07:00

41.) MEDITERRANEAN FONDUE

1 lb. shelled shrimp
juice of 1 lemon
8 oz. Gruyere cheese
2 pints chicken stock
1/4 cup chopped dill
pinch cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. sugar
2 onions

Sprinkle shrimp with lemon juice and leave 10 minutes. Peel and
chop onions. Grate cheese. Pour stock into metal fondue and
heat. Add grated cheese and stir over low heat until melted; do
not boil. Remove from heat, stir in onions, dill, cayenne, sugar
and pepper. Bring pan to table and place on spirit burner. Drain
shrimp, pat dry. Spear on fondue forks, dip in to fondu for 1
minute, then eat. Serve with slices of crusty Italian bread, hot.
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VEAL SCALLOP OPEN SANDWICH

2010-04-11T01:46:00.002-07:00

40.) VEAL SCALLOP OPEN SANDWICH
(4 servings)

2 tbsp. butter
4 slices bread
1 heat lettuce
4 small veal scallops
3 tbsp. flour
1/4 cup oil
1/2 tsp. celery salt
4 tomatoes
1/2 tsp. garlic salt

Butter bread. Separate lettuce into leaves, wash and pat dry and
shred. Pound veal to flatten; coat with flour. Fry veal in oil
2-3 minutes each side until lightly browned. Remove from pan;
keep warm. Halve tomatoes, place in pan cut sides down. Fry 3
minutes, turn over, sprinkle with celery and garlic salt. Remove
from heat. Place bread on four individual dishes. Place veal on
each; add layer of lettuce; top with two tomato halves and serve.
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VEAL TOAST

2010-04-11T01:46:00.001-07:00

39.) VEAL TOAST
(4 servings)

4 veal cutlets or scallops
juice of 1-1/2 lemons
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup oil
4 slices bread
1/4 cup mango chutney
2 sliced tomatoes
4 slices cheese
2 tsp. paprika
3 tsp. parsley

Pound veal and sprinkle sides with lemon, salt and pepper. Fry
on each side for 4 minutes, in oil. Toast bread and sprinkle
with chutney. Place veal on bread and top with tomatoes, then
cheese. Broil until cheese is melted.
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PUFF PASTRY PIZZAS

2010-04-11T01:45:00.002-07:00

38.) PUFF PASTRY PIZZAS
(4 servings)

1 lb. frozen puff pastry
12 slices salami
1/4 cup chopped cooked ham
2 onions, sliced
2 slices cheese, cubed
2 tomatoes, peeled
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. pepper
2/3 cup oil
5 tbsp. parsley

Thaw pastry. On a floured board, roll our thinly and use to line
four 4" pie pans. On pastry arrange salami, ham, onion, cheese,
and sliced tomatoes. Sprinkle with seasonings and over each
spoon 3 tbsp. oil. Bake at 420 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.
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MOZZARELLA LOAF

2010-04-11T01:45:00.001-07:00

37.) MOZZARELLA LOAF
(6 servings)

1 long loaf Italian Bread with sesame seed
1 16 oz. package mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup salad olives
1-1/2 tsp. oregano

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut Italian loaf crosswise into 1"
slices. Cut cheese into 1/4" slices. Place cheese and olives
between bread slices.

Bake bread on cookie sheet for 15 minutes or until cheese is
melted. Sprinkle loaf with oregano. Serve immediately.
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PEPPERONI BITES

2010-04-11T01:44:00.002-07:00

36.) PEPPERONI BITES
( 60 )

1 pouch dry cheddar cheese soup mix
1-1/2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup pepperoni finely chopped
1/3 cup green pepper finely chopped
1/3 cup onion, chopped
3/4 cup milk

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In medium bowl combine soup mix,
flour, baking powder. Mix well, cutting in shortening until
mixture is coarse. Add pepperoni, green pepper, onion and milk.
Stir with fork until soft dough forms, about 5 minutes. Drop
dough by heaping teaspoonsfuls onto ungreased baking sheet.
baked 10-12 minutes until bites are golden brown. Serve warm as
snacks.
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WESTERN FRITTATA

2010-04-11T01:44:00.001-07:00

35.) WESTERN FRITTATA
(4 servings)

2 tbsp. butter
4 oz. Canadian bacon
2 medium onions
7 eggs
1/2 cup Swiss cheese
1/4 tsp. pepper

In 10" skillet heat 2 tbsp. butter over medium heat. Add bacon
sliced and cut into 1/2" strips, cook 1 minute. Add sliced
onions, cook 3 minutes, stirring frequently; remove from heat.
In bowl beat eggs, grated cheese, pepper and bacon-onion
mixture. In skillet melt butter over medium heat. Add egg
mixture, reduce heat to medium-low, cook 10-15 minutes until
bottom is set. Meanwhile, preheat broiler. Broil frittata until
top is set and lightly browned, about 3 minutes.
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VEAL STEAKS WITH SPAGHETTI

2010-04-11T01:43:00.002-07:00

34.) VEAL STEAKS WITH SPAGHETTI
(4 servings)

2 veal shoulder arm steaks each 1" thick
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 8 oz. can stewed tomatoes
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
1-1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. oregano
1 8 oz. package spaghetti

On waxed paper, coat veal steaks with flour. In 12" skillet over
medium heat, in hot oil, cook meat until well browned on both
sides.

Add remaining ingredients except spaghetti; heat to boiling.
Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 1 hour or until steaks are
fork-tender, turn once. Serve over cooked spaghetti.
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VEAL CHOPS WITH AVOCADO

2010-04-11T01:43:00.001-07:00

33.) VEAL CHOPS WITH AVOCADO
(4 servings)

4 veal loin chops (3/4")
2 tbsp. butter
1/4 lb. mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup minced onions
2 tbsp. medium sherry
1 tsp. salt
dash hot pepper
1 small avocado
2 tsp. cornstarch
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp. fresh dill

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slash fat on edge of chops. in 10"
skillet, over medium heat, cook mushrooms and onions in hot
butter, about 5 minutes.

Arrange chops in skillet. Add sherry, salt and hot pepper. Heat
to boiling. Cover and bake 1 hour or until meat is tender.

Cut avocado in half; remove seed and skin. Slice and arrange
over chops. Bake, uncovered, 10 minutes. Put chops on warmer
plate.

Blend cornstarch in and 1 tbsp. cream until smooth; stir
remaining cream. Gradually stir into hot liquid in skillet and
cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened. Stir in chopped
dill.
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MEAT PIZZAS

2010-04-11T01:42:00.000-07:00

32.) MEAT PIZZAS
(4 servings)

1 stale roll
1/4 cup warm water
2 onions
1 lb. ground beef
1 egg
salt and pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 - 2 tsp. chili sauce
1/4 cup oil
2 eggs, hard-cooked
2 tomatoes
12 stuffed green olives
4 slices cheese
8 anchovy fillets (opt.)

Soften roll in warm water, squeeze out water, crumble into small
pieces.

Peel and finely chop onions, mix with bread, beef, egg, salt,
and pepper, cayenne and chili sauce. Divide into 4 portions and
form into a patty. Fry patties in oil 3-4 minutes on each side,
until crisp. Transfer to baking sheet.

Shell and slice eggs. Slice tomatoes and olives. Cut cheese into
strips. Top each patty with mixture. Add anchovy fillets
(optional) and cheese.

Bake at 400 degrees 5 - 7 minutes, until cheese melts.
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SPAGHETTI WITH HAM AND PEAS

2010-04-11T01:41:00.004-07:00

31.) SPAGHETTI WITH HAM AND PEAS
(4 servings)

1 8 oz. package spaghetti
1/4 cup butter
1 tbsp. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cracked pepper
1-1/2 cups half & half
1 10 oz. package frozen peas, thawed
1 cup fontona cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 4 oz. package sliced, cooked ham

Prepare spaghetti as label directs. Drain, keep warm.

Meanwhile, in 3 quart saucepan, over low heat, melt butter; stir
in flour, salt, pepper; gradually stir in half and half. Cook,
stirring, until thickened. Add peas (thawed) and shredded
cheeses, stir in ham; heat.

In large bowl, toss spaghetti and cheese mixture until spaghetti
is well coated. Serve immediately.
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MEAT SAUCE

2010-04-11T01:41:00.003-07:00

30.) MEAT SAUCE
(4 cups)

2 tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 16 oz. can tomatoes
1 12 oz. can tomato paste
4 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. oregano leaves
1-3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 bay leaf, crumbled

In 5 qt. Dutch oven over medium heat, in hot oil cook ground
beef, onions, garlic until meat is well browned. Drain excess
fat. Stir in tomatoes, their liquid and remaining ingredients.
Reduce heat to low, partially cover and simmer 35 minutes or
until very thick, stirring occasionally.
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PESTO

2010-04-11T01:41:00.001-07:00

29.) PESTO
(1/2 cup)

1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
2 tbsp. basil
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 small garlic clove

Quarter garlic clove. In blender place all ingredients, at
medium speed mix well.
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SHRIMP MARINARA SAUCE

2010-04-11T01:40:00.003-07:00

28.) SHRIMP MARINARA SAUCE
(4 cups)

1 tbsp. olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 tbsp. parsley, chopped
1 tbsp. sugar
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. oregano leaves
1 lb. frozen shrimp, shelled and deveined

In skillet over medium heat, in hot oil lightly brown garlic.
Add tomato sauce and next six ingredients, heat to boiling.
Reduce heat to low, cover, simmer 10 minutes. Add frozen shrimp
and cook until shrimp are tender, about 8 minutes; stir
occasionally.
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WALNUT SAUCE

2010-04-11T01:40:00.001-07:00

27.) WALNUT SAUCE
(1-1/2 cups)

1/4 cup butter
1 cup walnuts coarsely chopped
1/2 cup milk
2 tbsp. parsley, minced
1 tsp. salt

In skillet over medium heat, in hot butter lightly brown
walnuts, about 5 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients, heat.
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SPINACH SAUCE

2010-04-11T01:39:00.004-07:00

26.) SPINACH SAUCE
(2-1/2 cups)

1/4 cup butter
1 10 oz. package frozen chopped spinach
1 tsp. salt
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 cup milk
1/8 tsp. nutmeg

In saucepan, over medium heat, in not butter, cook spinach and
salt 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low, add remaining ingredients,
mix well, do not boil.
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WHITE CLAM SAUCE

2010-04-11T01:39:00.003-07:00

25.) WHITE CLAM SAUCE
(3 cups)

3 8 oz. cans minced clams
1/4 cup olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
3/4 cup parsley
2 tbsp. white wine
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. salt

Drain juice from clams, save. In saucepan, over medium heat, in
hot oil, cook garlic until tender. Stir in clam juice and
remaining ingredients, except clams. Cook 10 minutes, stirring
occasionally. Stir in clams, cook sauce until clams are warm.
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MACARONI AND CHEESE

2010-04-11T01:39:00.001-07:00

24.) MACARONI AND CHEESE
(4 servings)

8 oz. elbow macaroni
3/4 lb. cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1/8 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. pepper
bread crumbs, buttered

Cook and drain noodles. Cut cheese into cubes. In 3 qt.
casserole, combine noodles, cheese, milk, salt, onion, pepper,
mustard. Cook, covered, at HIGH 10 - 12 minutes; stir twice. Top
with bread crumbs, cook uncovered, at HIGH, 3-5 minutes.
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MEATBALL MORSELS

2010-04-11T01:38:00.002-07:00

23.) MEATBALL MORSELS
(36 balls)

1 lb. ground beef
1 egg
1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp. parsley flakes
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Thoroughly combine all ingredients; shape into 1" balls (36).
Arrange 18 meatballs on dish. Cook at HIGH 4 - 6 minutes; stir
once. Rotate dish after 3 minutes. Drain liquid. Repeat with
remaining meatballs. Serve with favorite sauce or gravy.
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MINI PIZZA SNACKS

2010-04-11T01:38:00.001-07:00

22.) MINI PIZZA SNACKS
(2 servings)

2 English muffins
1/2 cup spaghetti sauce
1 oz. mozzarella cheese
oregano

Half and toast muffins, shred cheese. Place muffins on plate,
spread with spaghetti sauce, top with cheese and season with
oregano. Cook at MEDIUM 1 - 2 minutes, or until cheese melts.
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