A long time ago (way back in May 2014) I discovered what must be the best Pasta Company on the planet, Giovanni Rana. Every pasta I’ve sampled in their line blows my mind. Their phenomenal Maine Lobster Ravioli is what truly got me hooked. Hands down, the best commercially prepared Lobster Ravioli I’ve ever tasted. In my opinion Giovanni Rana and their approach to a wonderful line of products continues to ring true to their commitment to quality. Quality ingredients make all the difference in the world, be it cooking from scratch or using prepackaged foods. Giovanni Rana may cost more than other pastas, but then again you get what you pay for. One thing is certain, you need not sacrifice flavor for a quick, easy meal.
Category: Catholic Faith
Giovanni Rana Maine Lobster Ravioli
Good quality ingredients make all the difference in the world, be it cooking from scratch, or in this case, packaged foods. A few years back I discovered Giovanni Rana Pastas. You’ll find them in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. The price is a bit of a shock when you compare it to other prepackaged pastas – nearly twice the price. But when you consider the philosophy of the company, you’ll understand why.
Italian Macaroni and Cheese
First let’s talk about Kraft Mac and Cheese for a moment. You know the stuff I’m talking about – comes in a box with a package of powdered cheese. In 1916, Kraft was awarded a patent on their powdered cheese. While the company did not create powdered cheese, it did come up with a new way of processing the powdery substance. By 1937 Kraft had perfected its Mac and Cheese Dinner. The timing was perfect. World War II was looming just over the horizon, and the impact of a world war would create a demand for Kraft Mac and Cheese.
Pan-Roasted Monterey Bay King Salmon
A few years back, we took a vacation that was jammed packed with adventure. Lots of hiking, dune buggy riding and an exciting boat trip up the Rough River. We took a seven-hour white-water jet boat excursion. Wow! As our boat headed up the mouth of the Rough out of Gold Beach (104 miles round trip, with over 40 miles total of white water thrills) we waived a friendly “hello” to the fishermen. While it was late in the year for the summer run of salmon, these fishermen were all hopeful. Upon our return, a few lucky anglers were eager to hold up their catch. Some mighty beautiful Salmon were held up with pride to the hoops and hollers from our fellow passengers.
Mustard-Garlic Broiled Salmon
I remember as a school girl taking a field trip to a fish hatchery along the American River. The experience stuck in my mind. I remember running along the banks of the river with my classmates, laughing and having a great time.
Portuguese Scallops over Rice
Let’s start with this is not the post I intended to write. What I really wanted to write was a post about were Crawdads (aka crawfish). The truth of the matter is, I’ve never cooked crawdads. I’ve never even eaten crawdads despite the fact that there is a large festival in the delta every year on Father’s Day weekend. I’ve taken my guys there, wandered about looking at all the buckets of crawdads, but even with someone else doing the cooking, could not bring myself to eat something that requires you to suck out its head. So why the obsession with crawdads?
Irish Roasted Salmon
One fine day a few years back, Saint Patrick’s Day fell on a Friday. While the Church has grated special dispensation for Irish Catholics during Lent so as to indulge in Corned Beef, I had decided to hold true to the abstinence of Church tradition.
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Hubby loves scallops. He would eat scallops for breakfast if he could (now there’s a thought – hum). This recipe calls for either Sea or Bay Scallops. What’s the difference, you ask. The long and the short of it is that Bay Scallops are much smaller, about 100 count per pound. In the US, these scallops come mainly from the East Coast. Their meat is much sweeter, less chewy than their less expensive “cousins” – the Sea Scallop.
Classic Fish and Chips
One of Hubby’s all-time favorites has got to be Pub Style Fish and Chips. I’m not sure if it’s the idea of fried fish, the batter, the tarter sauce or the perfect marriage of all these ingredients coming together. Kiddo and I are the Malt Vinegar type when it comes to Fish and Chips. Kiddo likes Malt Vinegar so much, he even puts it on his fries. While I’m a fan of malt vinegar, I work hard to make sure it NEVER comes in contact with my chips aka fried potatoes.
Dreaming of Autumn – Creole Spiced Shrimp and Mammy’s Yummy Rice
Last Autumn, I went on a Creole cooking kick. There’s something about cooler weather and spicy foods that seemed to go hand in hand – warmed from the inside out. I wanted to try my hand at a new recipe, Creole-Spiced Shrimp Packets.
Continue reading “Dreaming of Autumn – Creole Spiced Shrimp and Mammy’s Yummy Rice”Crab Alfredo
Two of my favorite foods combined into one awesome dish – Linguine in an Alfredo Sauce and sweet, succulence crab meat. What could be better on a Friday evening in September? Served up with a simple tossed salad and a nice bottle of your favorite wine, what more could we ask for? Oh yeah, let’s not forget some warm garlic bread. Now all you need to make this a perfect evening would be a few close friends to share your table.
Pacific Dover Sole Meunière
In my mind, nothing renews the soul more profoundly than spending time in the Pacific Northwest – the morning mist, the rhythm of the sea and forlorn cries of gulls circling overhead – there is no comparison.
Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp in White Wine
So pretty. So delicate. So delicious. Served along side warm garlic bread and a simple salad of leafy-lettuce with tomatoes, this makes for one romantic supper or impressive meal when company comes a calling. I love pasta dishes for entertaining. Maybe that’s just the romantic in me – imagine a table set in the middle of a vineyard – friends gathered round just as the sun begins to set. In the twilight of the evening, we break the bread and let the lively conversation begin. Laughter and love floating in the air, dancing together, intertwined as one. Oh, life is good under a setting Tuscan sun.
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Seared Scallops with Jalapeno Vinaigrette
Hubby and I have a wedding anniversary coming up. Seems to come up around this same time every year for as long as I can remember. Our anniversary got me to thinking – and planning a meal for my soul mate, the love of my life. Something special – my gift to him. Hubby adores bounties from the sea. Scallops are right up there on his hit parade. As are dishes that contain a bit of heat. This bright, beautiful recipe for scallops contain both.
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Shrimp Scampi with Scampi Butter
A few months back, I shared with you folks my Summer Birthday Bistro Style – a four course celebration featuring some of my favorite foods. I mentioned in passing that the prior birthday celebration featured many of my favorite Italian dishes. My family said it was more a party for them then for me. They were the ones treated to a impressive feast. It was a smorgasbord of foods. Two appetizers, three main meat/seafood courses, three sides, a salad and dessert. Something for everyone.
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