Autumn Penne Pasta with Sicilian Pesto: Friday, October 10, 2025
My wife and I were exhausted after a long day of walking and sight-seeing in Venice. We stopped for dinner and ordered a plate of pasta with Sicilian Pesto. We were thrilled with the flavors! We asked the waiter about the herb combination and he explained that the addition of marjoram and substitution of almonds for pine nuts made it Sicilian-style. After a little experimentation at home, we landed on this version.
Here’s a perfect pasta for a fall evening. It’s loaded with newly harvested zucchini, summer squash, peppers and mushrooms. The Sicilian Pesto turns it into a special pasta experience.
Finish the week with a smile.
Swiss Chard with Pear and Feta, Wednesday, October 8, 2025
We are almost at the end of local fresh pear season. It’s time to take advantage of this fruit at the peak of its freshness. Savory lightly sautéed chard with tree-ripened pears and sliced Chick’n Strips over quinoa makes up tonight’s meal. Each serving is dusted with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of toasted almonds.
TLT Sandwich and Leftover Umbrian Bean Soup: Friday, September 26, 2025
This traditional Soup and Sandwich meal features a delicious and healthful version of a “bacon lettuce and tomato” sandwich. It’s made with smoky tempeh and therefore called a TLT.
You’ll accompany it with a bowl of the leftover Umbrian Bean Soup from Sunday. Here’s the good news…that soup just gets better sitting in the fridge.
Cauliflower/Potato Curry: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
According to Priya Krishna, the author of the splendid cookbook, “Indian (-ish)”, there is no such thing as curry.
Curry, as we know it, is a collision of many cultures. Portugal, Japan, Britain and India all played a part in this culinary invention. In the Western world, the word “curry” is a catch-all word describing a certain kind of spicy sauce.
What a terrific flavor burst is in store tonight! This sassy “curry” sauce is a mixture of savory, citrus and spicy. Cauliflower, potato, celery, Onion, and peas provide the interesting mix of textures and flavors.
Pasta Puttanesca: Monday, Sept 15, 2025
There are a number of versions of how this classic pasta dish originated. Some say that Puttanesca was first made in the Spanish Quarter brothels of Naples. Other stories include chef Sandro Petti of Ischia (just west of Naples) creating the recipe when asked to cook for friends late one night. His pantry was a bit exhausted from a busy weekend and he only had olives, capers and sauce ingredients remaining. He created Pasta Aulive et Chiapparielle (pasta with olives and capers), or Puttanesca.
Wherever it originated, this dish is a favorite in my home kitchen. It works with any combination of vegetables you have on hand.
Kale with Roasted Potato Rounds, Egg and Tempeh, Thursday, September 11, 2025
This kale dish is a “go to” version of kale in my house. Any kale will work, but I’m partial to Lacinato Kale as it’s easier to chiffonade.
Easier to what? Chiffonade is just a fancy term from French cookery for stacking leaves, rolling them and cutting them perpendicularly into thin strips. The term literally means, “little ribbons.”
The combination of the poached egg, roasted potatoes and smoky tempeh with the kale provides a delicious meal. Add a piece of seasonal fruit and enjoy a fresh, vitamin-packed meal.