Asparagus Salad/Asparagi Insalata

asparagus salad

One of my favorite “Official” Spring Vegetable is the Asparagus/Asparagi. My mother made a tasty Asparagus Frittata at Easter (it’s similar to an omelette or quiche) filled with a variety of cheeses, vegetables (she used Asparagus) and of course – pancetta, sausage and the kitchen sink!

This salad is very easy to prepare Asparagi!

Write to me if you have questions.

a presto,

Maria

The Royal Kiss!

Agli sposi più belli del mondo un augurio speciale.

Camera at hand to take The Royal Kiss ! It’s now time for some Confetti di Sulmona and Un brindisi.

the kiss

a presto,

Maria

Conchiglioni/Shells with Sausage!

pasta w meat II

I made a hearty tomatoe sauce with small chunks of pork sausage and meat. Conchiglioni are great for stuffing and baking but I decided to serve with my hearty sauce. It was delicous – ask my interns! We had a brain storm session over lunch (of course)!

Use your favorite pasta but beware of the capellini with this sauce. Capellini (similar to angel hair pasta) and a very thin pasta requires a very light/thin sauce. I made the mistake a few years ago when I ran out of spaghetti and thought I can substitute ….well, it turned out to be another episode of “I Love Lucy”. Remind me one day when I have time ……

a presto,

Maria

CHCH TV 11 Segment on Friday, April 22nd

Wanted to share my table at my CHCH TV Segment in Hamilton. Co-Anchor with Lesley Stewart sharing some Holiday tips.

Leslie and Maria

a presto,

Maria

Pasta, Asparagus, and Pesto: A Hat Trick!

pesto rigatoni and asparagus

Add asparagus tips to a pesto bowl of pasta! Asparagus are in season and one of my favorite vegetables. Here’s a quick tip: When you are cooking the pasta, add the asparagus to the pasta water (six minutes after adding the pasta). This way, when the pasta is cooked, so are the asparagus. OR, if the cooking time for the pasta is ie. 10 minutes (mfr. instructions), add the asparagus to the pasta water at six minutes.

Drain the pasta and asparagus together. Add the pesto and a big handful of freshly grated parmigiano cheese, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of red chili flakes (optional. Ready to serve!

If you have leftovers, add little chunks of goat cheese! Great lunch or side for dinner!

Watch me on CHCH TV 11 on Friday @ 8:20am. for more. This will be one dish that I will be serving for my favorite crew at CHCH !

a presto,

Maria