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SPAGHETTI WITH CREAMY ROASTED YELLOW PEPPER

SPAGHETTI WITH CREAMY ROASTED YELLOW PEPPER

If you need an alternative for tomato based sauces, you should try this delicious roasted pepper sauce.  It is light, smokey, creamy and It is great with any kind of pasta. In this recipe, I used yellow bell peppers but you can use any kind 

GARLIC CONFIT

GARLIC CONFIT

Garlic confit adds that distinctive smokey and sweet flavor to your recipes. It is versatile and can be stored for a long time, moreover, its cooking oil can be used in salads, pastas and toasts. INGREDIENTS: 3 heads of garlic, cloves separated and peeled 1 

KALE PESTO RECIPE

KALE PESTO RECIPE

Traditionally, pesto is made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil and Parmesan cheese.  Now pesto can be made from almost any combination of nuts and leafy greens and this recipe is just contemporary spin on the classic one. It is great with pasta, roasted 

RED RADISHES WITH BUTTER (RADIS AU BEURRE)

RED RADISHES WITH BUTTER (RADIS AU BEURRE)

It is spring and I like to enjoy the luxury of the simplicity such as red radishes with butter. I love the sharp taste of the radishes as I enjoy them cooked glazed or raw with just coarse sea salt and butter. I like to 

CARAMELIZED ONIONS

CARAMELIZED ONIONS

You do not need to add any sugar when you are making caramelized onions, the cooking process will attract the natural sweetness of the onions. All you need is a little bit of patience as it takes time to get the perfect results. INGREDIENTS: 1 

CLASSIC PASTA PUTTANESCA RECIPE

CLASSIC PASTA PUTTANESCA RECIPE

There are various stories about the name of Pasta Puttanesca, but everyone agrees that it is a dish made with simple ingredients that tastes so delicious and smells so good while it is cooking. Pasta Puttanesca is one of my favorite dishes, the saltiness of 

OVEN ROASTED ONIONS RECIPE

OVEN ROASTED ONIONS RECIPE

If you are looking for an awesome side dish for your meal;  try this delicious oven Roasted Onions recipe. I used different types of onions that have different flavors and sweetness. INGREDIENTS: ABOUT SERVING 4 About 1 Lb. different types of onions such as white, 

SWEET POTATO HASH WITH EGGS

SWEET POTATO HASH WITH EGGS

Breakfast, lunch or dinner, this quick and savory meal is perfect any time of the day. INGREDIENTS: 1 tbsp. olive oil 1 medium shallots sliced 2 medium sweet potatoes ends trimmed, peeled and spiralized into thin noodles  3 large eggs Salt and freshly ground pepper 

CRISPY FRIED SHALLOTS

CRISPY FRIED SHALLOTS

Crispy fried shallots make best garnish and give the perfect crunch to your favorite dish. Just sprinkle few crispy shallots over your burgers, salads, soups, steamed vegetables, casseroles and so on. INGREDIENTS: ½ lb. Sliced shallots 2 to 4 cup vegetable oil ½ cup cornstarch Pinch 

SPAGHETTI WITH CREAMY CAULIFLOWER PURÉE

SPAGHETTI WITH CREAMY CAULIFLOWER PURÉE

Everyone in my house seems to love this dish. The creamy white cauliflower purée taste delicious and makes perfect pasta sauce. In this recipe, I cook the cauliflower florets with milk to add more creaminess.  INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. spaghetti ½ lb. cauliflower cut to florets  

SPAGHETTI CACIO E PEPE

SPAGHETTI CACIO E PEPE

Cacio e pepe is a classic dish from Rome and one of the simplest pasta dish; based only on three ingredients pecorino cheese, black pepper and pasta. INGREDIENTS: 1lb. spaghetti  1 ½ cup grated pecorino Romano 4 tablespoon freshly ground pepper  Kosher salt STEPS: Bring 

POACHED PEARS WITH GORGONZOLA AND HONEY

POACHED PEARS WITH GORGONZOLA AND HONEY

Poached pears with gorgonzola, honey and crumbled walnuts. It is the best to use ripe pears for this recipe, as they are sweeter and cook quickly. I use Bosc pears cut in half to shorten the cooking time. INGREDIENTS: 2 firm Bosc pears, cored, peeled 

BLANCHED GREEN BEANS WITH SHALLOTS

BLANCHED GREEN BEANS WITH SHALLOTS

In this recipe I blanched the green beans rapidly, then sautéed them with shallots. I like the blanching process because it is the best way to preserve the natural color and a way to control the crunchiness of the vegetables; I personally like my green 

OUR FAVORITE ST.PATRICK’S DAY RECIPE: CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE

OUR FAVORITE ST.PATRICK’S DAY RECIPE: CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE

My favorite San Patrick’s day meal corned beef and cabbage. It is that time of the year to celebrate with this classic dish. INGREDIENTS: 3 Lb. corned beef Brisket Pickling spices: peppercorn, mustard seeds, cloves, coriander, red chili flakes 1 bay leaf, 1 sprig of 

CLASSIC BORSCHT SOUP

CLASSIC BORSCHT SOUP

There are a lot of things I like about this soup; it is flavorful and nutritious, it is both sweet and sour, it can be enjoyed either cold or hot and mostly I like the beautiful bright red color. INGREDIENTS: 6 medium beets, oven roasted, 

CLASSIC ONION SOUP

CLASSIC ONION SOUP

I find onion soup very satisfying dish during the cold weather, as I like the combination of the intense flavor of the onions and the smooth texture of the Gruyère cheese. INGREDIENTS: 7 medium white onions, peeled and thinly sliced 6 cups of beef stock 

FRESH PASTA WITH SAGE BROWN BUTTER SAUCE

FRESH PASTA WITH SAGE BROWN BUTTER SAUCE

The greatest recipes are usually the simplest; this delicious recipe is not only simple but also super fast. I find the fragrance of fresh sage and the nutty flavor of the brown butter pairs very well with fresh pasta. INGREDIENTS: 5 tbsp. unsalted butter ½ 

PACCHERI PASTA WITH SWORDFISH

PACCHERI PASTA WITH SWORDFISH

I love Paccheri pasta because of its large shape as it can be used in many different dishes such as lasagna-style dish, stuffed or just served with a hearty sauce. One of the famous Paccheri recipes in Calabria is Paccheri with swordfish. INGREDIENTS: SERVE 4 

CHICKPEAS STEW RECIPE

CHICKPEAS STEW RECIPE

Even though it is only 13 days to spring, the cold weather is still sticking with us. Therefore, we still have time to enjoy comfort recipes to warm us up during the end of the winter season. This chickpeas recipe fits perfectly to beat the 

MEZZI RIGATONI WITH SIMPLE TOMATO BASIL SAUCE

MEZZI RIGATONI WITH SIMPLE TOMATO BASIL SAUCE

I like the simplicity of the tomato sauce, even if I believe in simmering the sauce for a long time to intensify the flavors. As every family has a different version on how to make this sauce, I find that it always tastes fresh, flavorful 

WHITE BEAN SOUP

WHITE BEAN SOUP

After three snow storms in one week and a very cold week ahead of us, I think nothing like a hot bowl of soup to warm up our body and to chase the chill away.  INGREDIENTS: 1½ lb. cannellini beans 1 tablespoon olive oil 5 

BEAN & KALE SOUP

BEAN & KALE SOUP

I like cooking beans. They are delicious, nutritious and full of fibers and protein. I cooked dried cannellini beans for this recipe; but you can choose your favorite beans such as Lima, Navy or Northern beans.  INGREDIENTS: SERVE 6 1½ lb. cannellini beans 5 cups 

SPAGHETTI WITH CALABAZA SQUASH

SPAGHETTI WITH CALABAZA SQUASH

This kind of sauce reminds me of the fall when the pumpkins are abundant and in season. You can substitute the Calabaza with any available squash such as pumpkin, kabocha or butternut squash. As there are many variations to this dish. I personally oven-roast the 

LENTIL SOUP

LENTIL SOUP

This delicious and earthy soup tastes so good on cold winter days. INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. lentils 1 medium white onion finely diced 2 cloves of garlic crushed 6 cups vegetable stock more if needed 2-tablespoon tomato paste 1 bay leaf and 1 sprig of thyme 

CLASSIC RAGÙ BOLOGNESE

CLASSIC RAGÙ BOLOGNESE

Ragù Bolognese is one of my favorite sauces in Italian cuisine; it is so tasty and soul satisfying. While living in Italy I find out that every Italian cook has a favorite version of making the Ragù alla Bolognese, but the long slow cooking process 

BONE MARROW BROTH

BONE MARROW BROTH

To warm up on these chilly days, the bone marrow broth is very comforting and healing. Normally broths are the foundation for any good soups and sauces. Meanwhile a bone marrow broth can be served on its own, as it is very flavorful and nutritious. 

HOMEMADE VEGETABLE STOCK

HOMEMADE VEGETABLE STOCK

As a chef, I always consider flavorful stocks will make great base for soups and sauces. Homemade stocks are convenient, easy to make, flavorful, and contain no chemicals or preservatives. INGREDIENTS: 2 gallons cold water 2 medium white onions peeled and cut in quarters 4 

TURNIP SOUP WITH A SAUTÉED APPLE

TURNIP SOUP WITH A SAUTÉED APPLE

This soup is so easy and delicious. My soup tastes like turnips, not overpowered by any other ingredients. That is why I chose sautéed apple to add sweetness to balance the flavors. INGREDIENTS: 1. Lb. turnips peeled, trimmed and cut to pieces 1 medium shallot 

HOMEMADE CHICKEN STOCK

HOMEMADE CHICKEN STOCK

There is no replacement for the great taste of homemade chicken stock; it is full of flavor and nutrition.  The process of simmering for 2 hours enriches and augments the taste of the stock, which makes it an essential ingredient in many classic soups and 

FRESH PASTA DOUGH

FRESH PASTA DOUGH

I like making fresh pasta at home; it is an amazing experience full of satisfying pleasure of working with hands to create shapes and flavors. I had the privilege of learning to make fresh pasta while living in Italy and working side by side with 

TOMATO BISQUE SOUP

TOMATO BISQUE SOUP

The soup takes its name because of the similarity of its shiny color and its smoothness to the traditional bisque. This smooth and creamy soup can be served hot or cold, made with fresh tomatoes and a hint of fresh basil. It makes perfect lunch 

PEARS WITH HAZELNUT LIQUEUR AND SLICED ALMONDS

PEARS WITH HAZELNUT LIQUEUR AND SLICED ALMONDS

Try this quick and easy dessert for Valentine’s Day. A delicious mixture between cooked ripe pears and nutty flavors of the liqueur and the almonds. INGREDIENTS: 3 ripe Bosc pears peeled, cored and cut in halves 2 tablespoon melted unsalted butter  2-tablespoon hazelnut liquor (Frangelico)  

HOMEMADE PIZZA

HOMEMADE PIZZA

Homemade pizza tastes so delicious if you make it from scratch. Not only, you can cook the pizza according to the desired crispness but also, you can top it with your favorite toppings. INGREDIENTS: CRUST 2 cups of all-purpose flour 2/3-cup warm water 1 package 

ROASTED TOMATO SOUP

ROASTED TOMATO SOUP

I like this refreshing soup during cold nights even though I normally cook it in summertime when the tomatoes are in season.  The charred tomatoes add the rustic and smoked flavor to the soup. INGREDIENTS: 2 Lb. ripe tomatoes washed, cut in halves  1 medium 

CITRUS SALAD WITH POMEGRANATE and FRESH MINT

CITRUS SALAD WITH POMEGRANATE and FRESH MINT

Get ready for winter citrus salads, It is citrus season and sometimes the simple recipes are the ones bursting with flavors. INGREDIENTS: SERVE 2 1 grapefruit sliced crosswise 1 orange sliced crosswise 1-tablespoon grapefruit 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 orange juice 1/2 cup 

SAFFRON POACHED PEARS

SAFFRON POACHED PEARS

Pears poached in saffron are delicious, especially when they are served with the reduced cooking liquid, which has a beautiful color and a fragrant smell. I like making this desert with Bosc pears as it cooks longer to become tender which allows enough time for 

CLASSIC CHICKEN SOUP

CLASSIC CHICKEN SOUP

There is no replacement for the great taste of homemade chicken soup; it is full of flavor and nutrition. Chicken soup makes perfect dinner during the cold nights. INGREDIENTS: 3 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ cup each of diced onion, carrots, potatoes 

HOMEMADE SALSAS AND GUACAMOLE

HOMEMADE SALSAS AND GUACAMOLE

It is beautiful spring day in the Garden State; the temperature starts rising up inviting us to picnics and outdoor activities. I made these fresh salsas and guacamole that you can enjoy with your friend and family during the nice weather. FAMOUS SMOKEY TOMATILLO SALSA 

QUICK MUSHROOM SOUP RECIPE

QUICK MUSHROOM SOUP RECIPE

A hot bowl of soup is certainly the best way to keep your body warm during these bitter cold days. As I mentioned earlier, I will occasionally post hot soup recipes during this wintertime. Today, this simple and hearty soup with two pounds of fresh 

POACHED PEARS IN SPICED WHITE WINE

POACHED PEARS IN SPICED WHITE WINE

Elegant and easy to prepare, this poached pears recipe makes a tasty dessert that will impress your family and friends. INGREDIENTS:  2 firm Bosc pears, cored, peeled and cut in halves 4 cup white wine Juice of ½ Orange ½ cup sugar 1 cinnamon stick 

CLASSIC ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS WITH POMEGRANATE

CLASSIC ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS WITH POMEGRANATE

This chickpeas based recipes is one of the most popular dish in the Middle Eastern cuisine. For a classic Hummus the main ingredients are always chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, cumin and garlic but it can be flavored with any desired spices or other ingredients. In this 

FRIED EGGPLANT WITH TOMATO AND BASIL SAUCE

FRIED EGGPLANT WITH TOMATO AND BASIL SAUCE

I made this dish while I have extra homemade tomato sauce and a fresh eggplant in hand. I was surprised how delicious this dish turns out to be, I loved the combination of the fried eggplant and the richness of the sauce, the basil adds 

QUICK CARAMELIZED PANETTONE

QUICK CARAMELIZED PANETTONE

Panettone is a soft, tall, cylindrical dome shaped Italian sweet bread with the festive aroma of raisins and candid fruits. In Italy, Panettone is an essential part of the holiday celebration especially during the Christmas season when it is eaten throughout the day, served with coffee 

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS

This classic Hummus recipe is one of the most popular dishes in the Middle Eastern cuisine. I choose the roasted garlic as it gives the hummus a unique flavor, but you can choose your preferred flavors by adding your desired spices or ingredients. INGREDIENTS: Serve 

WHOLE CHICKEN BAKED IN SALT CRUST

WHOLE CHICKEN BAKED IN SALT CRUST

This ancient method of cooking that is still used today when it comes to preparing whole fish such as Branzino.  I recently tried this method with a whole chicken and had great results – very tasty, tender, moist meat and not as salty as you 

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

One of my favorite recipes to welcome the fall season is the butternut squash soup – perfect to warm up on crispy autumn days.  I like the sweet and the nutty flavors – a perfect to warm up on crispy autumn days.  Butternut squash soup 

WHOLE BRANZINO BAKED IN SALT CRUST

WHOLE BRANZINO BAKED IN SALT CRUST

An easy recipe and great method of preparing Branzino as the salt traps all the flavors and juices inside the fish.  A very flavorful and tasty dish. INGREDIENTS: 2 Lb. Branzino scaled and cleaned 2 egg whites  6 cups coarse sea salt 1 Tablespoon Olive oil and some for serving ½ 

STEAMED CRABS

STEAMED CRABS

Steamed fresh crabs is all about enjoying the process eating them from cracking, picking and smashing. One needs to be patient to earn that delicate taste. INGREDIENTS: 1Lb. wild live hardshell crabs 1 stack of celery sliced 1 bay leaf 1/2 lemon 1 sprig of 

HOMEMADE PICKLED MUSTARD SEEDS WITH TURMERIC

HOMEMADE PICKLED MUSTARD SEEDS WITH TURMERIC

I love mustard – the stronger it is, the better is.  Mustard is great companion for your charcuterie board, your favorite sandwich, cheese plate, vinaigrette and salad dressing.  This recipe can be easily tailored to your desired flavor.  INGREDIENTS: ½ cup of mustard seeds  ¾ 

LOBSTER BOIL

LOBSTER BOIL

August or Lobster season as I called it, which means it is time to enjoy the perfect lobster roll with affordable price. It is the time when the prices are sharply dropped for the consumers and this delicacy presented on the table more often. I