Pasta with Calabrese Meatballs

Calabrese Meatballs½ - 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs¼ cup or more milk1 pound ground beef  (or half pork, half beef)5 garlic cloves, minced and divided2 medium red onions, shaved and divided     ½ bunch fresh Italian parsley, minced1 large Egg½ cup grated cheeseSalt and pepper to taste2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil1 large carrot, minced                                   ...

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Fresh Lemons Cake

Fresh Lemons Cake3 cups all purpose flour2 teaspoons baking powder1/2 teaspoon kosher salt1 cup whole milk1 (6 oz) container lemon yogurt1 teaspoon pure vanillaZest and juice of 1 lemon16 ounces (1 cup) softened butter 1 3/4 cups sugar3 large eggsCake Directions:Preheat oven to 350F. Butter and flour a 9 X 12 baking pan. In a medium bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl...

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Sicilian Pistachio Mint Pesto

Pistachio Mint Pesto½ cup shelled pistachios ½ cup blanched almonds 2 cloves garlic 1 cup basil leaves 1 cup mint leaves Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1/2 - 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Directions:Place all ingredients, except the oil, in a food processor and pulse a few times until everything is well blended. Next, add the oil and pulse twice. Taste for seasoning, and adjust if needed. ...

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Tunisian Brik a L'oeuf (Egg Brik)

Tunisian Brik One of my favorite foods from Tunisiais a brik (breek).  It is made with malsouka dough which unfortunately cannot be found in stores. The malsouka dough has the consistency of phyllo and spring roll dough which can both be used to make brik.  My preference is to use phyllo dough because it is flaky and easy to find.  A Tunisian brik is usually shaped like a triangle and...

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Focaccia Baby Tomatoes and O Blood Orange EVOO

3 to 4 tablespoons O extra-virgin blood orange olive oil, more for drizzling1 pound ready-made pizza dough                                                       ...

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Ricotta Crostini & O Blood Orange EVOO

Since ancient times, olive trees and their oil were essential to the lives of the peoples of the Mediterranean. The olive trees provided a fruit and edible oil that was used for cooking, lighting, and purifying the skin. Pruning of the trees also provided wood for heat and cooking. Today, olive oil is used to enhance and highlight the true taste of ingredients. When a recipe requires olive oil, how...

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Tunisian Grilled Pepper and Onion Salad (Meshwia)

3 large sweet peppers, green, red and yellow1 large sweet onion 2 large tomatoes3 cloves garlicjuice 1 lemon2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons finely chopped Italian parsley 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes kosher salt Freshly ground pepper 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground corianderDirections: Place the peppers on a hot grill with the unpeeled onion, tomatoes, and garlic...

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Tunisian Spicy Hummus

2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped 2/3 cup tahini Juice and zest 1 lemon ¼ tsp. harissa sauce or ½ teaspoon cracked red pepper flakes ½ teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon ground coriander ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, more for drizzle ½ cup warm water, use if needed Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepperFresh Parsley for decoration  Directions:Rinse and drain...

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Stuffed Tomatoes with Rice Mint and Feta

Stuffed Tomatoes Rice Mint Feta 1⁄3 cup extra virgin olive oil                                              6 large firm tomatoes                                                                         ...

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