Proud Italian Cook

2009!!

January 1, 2009 by Marie 32 Comments

To all the good friends I’ve met in blog land, and to everyone else who takes the time to visit here. Best wishes for a very healthy, happy, and delicious new year!!

I thought I’d leave you with a Spicy Bloody Mary in case you needed a little kick start in the morning!

***3 Shots of Thick and Spicy Bloody Mary Mix

***1 Shot of Vodka, or Gin

***Pour over Jalapeno Ice Cubes*** Stir and Garnish

32 Comments Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: new year's 2009, spicy bloody mary

Growing up, Meatball Lasagna was always reserved for special occasions, holiday times, and parties. Often it was served as a side dish along with a roast of some sort, a turkey, or a ham, but just as many times, all on it’s own.

Homemade mini meatballs are key, a little time consuming, but worth it! You can roll, and cook them ahead of time, stick them in a Ziploc bag in the frig, or freezer till ready to assemble. My meatballs will always have garlic, breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, egg, salt, pepper, and lots of grated Romano cheese.
I find that results are best if you use the dried or fresh noodles, not the no-boil type, layering as you go with a light homemade marinara sauce, ricotta cheese mixture, shredded, or fresh mozzarella, the mini meatballs, and more Romano cheese. Who can resist oozing cheese and dripping sauce and a bite of a tiny meatball? A definite crowd pleaser!!

Stuffed Shells are great for a party also, they’re individual and self contained, and easy to serve.
Here I made two different kinds, a meat mixture of ground round, chopped spinach, and grated Romano cheese, and your standard ricotta cheese mixture.

This was served as a side dish to our meal on Christmas day. Packed up and ready to go to my BIL, and SIL’s for dinner! Two huge pans! You think I went a little overboard??? I know, I have issues!!

We also had New York strip steaks on the grill, beer battered shrimp, shrimp scampi, assorted veggies, and way to much other stuff. Needless to say, everyone went home with a huge care package.

Next time you have a party you might want to try these!

Buon Appetito!!!

45 Comments Filed Under: Party Foods Tagged: cooking for a crowd, do ahead foods, meatball lasagna, stuffed shells

Pannetone French Toast

December 26, 2008 by Marie 37 Comments

This time of year Pannetone is everywhere! This sweet, almost brioche type dough, tastes like a fluffy bread/fruitcake that is laced with candied fruits and raisins.

The minute you open the box and unwrap it, you’re hit by the most intoxicating smell! I rarely buy these because my hubby could literally eat the whole thing within a day. He tears off piece by piece, and before you know it, it’s all gone!

This time I hid the box from him because I knew I was going to make french toast with it for our breakfast yesterday. If you haven’t tried it this way, I highly suggest that you do, it’s way beyond good!!!! and it’s perfect for a special occasion.

I usually whisk up 1 egg per slice, you’ll find that it really soaks up the egg mixture. Add in some milk and half and half, or cream, pour in some pure vanilla, and maybe a touch of cinnamon. Melt your butter in a large pan, and cook till nice and dark golden brown. Serve with warmed real maple syrup.

Needless to say, the hubby was very happy, and so was I!