Tag: ricotta

Rustic Lamb Ragù with Fresh Pappardelle

Rustic Lamb Ragù with Fresh Pappardelle

Rustic Lamb Ragù with Fresh Pappardelle, Ricotta & Mint

This ragù smells like it’s been simmering all afternoon, but it comes together quickly — thanks to fully cooked braised lamb shanks from Costco. Tender and deeply flavored, the meat is simply shredded and folded into the sauce, where it soaks up all the tomato, wine, and variety of spices.

The sauce starts with a classic soffritto of onion, celery, and carrot softened in olive oil until golden and aromatic. A splash of red wine and a spoonful of tomato paste deepen the flavor, followed by fire-roasted tomatoes and a bit of beef broth. The mixture comes briefly to a boil, then simmers for about 20 minutes — enough time for the flavors to meld into a beautifully rustic ragù.

Tossed with fresh pappardelle and finished with a bit of butter, each ribbon of pasta clings to the rich sauce. A scoop of creamy ricotta and a sprinkle of fresh mint brighten the dish, while chili flakes on the side add optional heat.

In under an hour, this Rustic Lamb Ragù with Fresh Pappardelle delivers all the warmth, depth, and soul of a slow-cooked Sunday supper — no hours required, just smart shortcuts and robust seasoning.

Rustic Lamb Ragù with Fresh Pappardelle

Rustic Lamb Ragù Recipe

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Spinach Gnudi with Chanterelles

Spinach Gnudi with Chanterelles

Spinach Gnudi with Chanterelles

Exactly three years ago today, I shared a recipe of Crispy-Skin Chicken Thighs with Chanterelle Gravy. Well, just like in 2021 Costco is again selling fresh Wild Golden Chanterelles from the Pacific Northwest.

And here is the really good news, a pound of mushrooms cost $12.99 in 2021, and with rampant inflation on most foods, Costco Las Vegas is still selling a pound for $12.99 in 2024! It was a bargain then, and even more of a bargain now.

Golden chanterelles have a buttery, peppery flavour with hints of apricots or peaches. Here they are paired with spinach ricotta gnudi, fresh spinach and thyme. It is a rich wonderful dish, perfect for Fall.

The recipe is adapted from two chefs known for their fabulous Italian recipes, Nancy Silverton and Marc Vetri. The spinach and ricotta gnudi recipe is adapted from Vetri’s Rustic Italian Food cookbook. The chanterelle recipe is adapted from Silverton’s The Mozza Cookbook.

Spinach Gnudi with Chanterelles Recipe

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Ricotta Cake with Strawberries

Ricotta Cake with Strawberries 🍰🍓 Ricotta Cake with Strawberries 🍓🍰

Ricotta cake has its roots in Italian cuisine, particularly in the southern regions of Italy. It is traditionally made during special occasions and holidays but is enjoyed year-round for its delicious flavor and moist creamy texture.

Ricotta Cake with Strawberries

Relatively easy to prepare, the ingredients are straightforward and commonly found in most kitchens. It’s also versatile. You can add your favorite flavors such as lemon zest, chocolate chips, candied fruit, liqueur, or berries without altering the basic recipe significantly. This flexibility makes it fun to customize and experiment with different variations.

There are no special techniques involved to make this dense yet simultaneously fluffy cake. It’s as simple as mixing the ingredients in the right order and baking. As Ina would say, “How easy is that?”

Ricotta Cake Recipe

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Peach, Quinoa, and Almond Milk Ricotta Salad

Peach, Quinoa, and Almond Milk Ricotta Salad/Grain Bowl

Peach, Quinoa, and Almond Milk Ricotta Salad/Grain Bowl
with
Toasted Almonds, Red Oak Lettuce, Mint, Basil
Olive Oil, Balsamic Syrup, Edible Flowers
Lemon Verbena Iced Tea

Hey! How’s your summer going? Hot enough for ya? Try this Peach, Quinoa, and Almond Milk Ricotta Salad/Grain Bowl  – it’s a bright, light, and simply delicious summertime meal. Perfect for these sweltering days…there is no recipe per se, just a combination of healthful ingredients that have a particular affinity for each other, all arranged in a bowl. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan too.

Enjoy the salad/grain bowl al fresco along with refreshing Lemon Verbena Iced Tea – the high levels of essential oil contribute to a delightful citrusy aroma and lovely lemony flavor.

Peach, Quinoa, and Almond Milk Ricotta Salad/Grain Bowl

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Move Over Avocado Toast!

Fresh Pea and Ricotta Toasts

English Pea and Ricotta Toasts
Lodge Bread German Style Rye

Sometimes we want a different kind of toast for breakfast, especially when there are fabulous hand-shelled, sweet and tender, English peas available. So, no disrespect, but move over avocado, and make room for Fresh Pea and Ricotta Toasts.

Fresh sweet peas and crunchy pea shoots, fresh basil and mint, and lemony ricotta top an extraordinary German style rye by Lodge Bread.  This heavenly bread is bold and sturdy – made of 100% whole grain dark rye, buttermilk, local beer, sprouted rye berries, and filled with seeds – sesame, nigella, sunflower, pumpkin, and poppy.

Serve this breakfast with tea. English peas, and tea. Of course it’s lovely.

German Style Rye Bread

English Pea and Ricotta Toasts Recipe

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