Marry me shrimp with orzo

Marry me shrimp with orzo is a delicious dish featuring succulent shrimp with creamy orzo. The shrimp are seasoned than sauteed to perfection with rich flavor.

Orzo a small rice – shaped pasta is cooked until tender with sundried tomatoes and spinach. Then the shrimp is mixed in creating a delicious meal . It’s a satisfying and comforting meal that’s both elegant and easy to prepare!!!

A FEW TIPS FOR Success when making Marry me shrimp with orzo

Use large shrimp they are labeled 16 -20 shrimp meaning there are 16 to 20 shrimp per pound  season the shrimp generously with the seasonings. Most fish cook quickly shrimp is one of them.

Don’t over cook the shrimp leave them a little under cooked to finish when they are return to the pan to heat through. T

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. large shrimp
• 2  tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 Tablespoon powder garlic
• 1 Tablespoon paprika
• 2 tablespoon butter
• 1/3 cup minced shallots
• 2 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3 cups orzo
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup chopped sundried tomatoes
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 cups chopped spinach

Instructions

1. Clean your shrimp
2. In a bowl season your shrimp with the olive oil. garlic and paprika. salt and pepper to taste.
3. In a saute pan over medium high heat saute the shrimp until  almost cooked through about 5 minutes, remove
4. In the same pan add the butter, add the shallots and garlic. Sautee until soft and fragrant. Add the orzo, sundried tomatoes,  chicken stock, and the cream.
5. Simmer until orzo is el dente Add the graded parmesan and spinach and simmer 2 to 3 minutes longer. Return the shrimp back to the pan , just to heat through. ENJOY!!!

Petrale sole pomodoro

I love fish and try to have it at least two times a week. This Petrale sole pomodoro recipe is easy, delicious and quick, it can be on your table in less than 30 minutes. You will feel good too about serving your family  and friends a healthy meal.

This petrale sole is an impressive meal. Family and friends  will think it took a lot longer to prepare. This fish recipe is fancy enough for Saturday night dinners with friend and easy enough for busy weeknight family meals!!!!

What to know about this Petrale sole pomodoro recipe

Petrale sole is considerate to be the most flavorful and desirable of the Pacific Flounders.  They have a mild, delicately nutty, sweet flavor with small firm flakes. It is one of my favorite of fishes.

Petrale sole can be pricey and not available all year round. The good news is that this recipe works well with any white fish that fits your taste and budget.

About the frying oil I use a  canola and olive oil blend. And  for the sauteing always extra virgin olive oil this becomes a part of the sauce and its important to use good quality extra virgin olive oil.

Also important in these saucy recipes is to use the right size pan to hold all the ingredients. Here is a link to my favorite deep saute pan.

If you make this easy Petrale sole pomodoro recipe please leave me a comment. I love hearing from you. It’s my favorite part!!!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. petrale sole
• 1 cup frying oil
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium chopped onion
• 1 Tablespoons minced garlic
• 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes
• 1 cup white wine or chicken stock
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 Tablespoon chopped Italian parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Salt and pepper the fish and dust lightly with flour

2, Bring the1 cup of oil to medium heat fry the petrale sole fish just until golden and crispy about 3 minutes per side. remove and drain on paper towels

3. clean the pan and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil saute the onion , garlic and potatoes until tender and just beginning to brown. Add the tomatoes saute for 5 minutes, then add the marinara sauce and lemon juice simmer 10 minutes longer.

4. Add the Italian parsley return fish to sauce just to heat through.

5. Plate by first lining the plate with the potatoes then the petrale sole sprinkle with Italian parsley serve with lemon slices. ENJOY!!!

Easy chicken Marsala recipe

Who doesn’t love an easy and delicious chicken recipe?

This easy chicken marsala recipe is not only easy and delicious but this Italian classic can be on your table in less than thirty minutes!!!

Chicken Marsala is an Italian classic with juicy pan seared chicken breast in a savory sweet Marsala wine sauce.

You can make this restaurant quality chicken dinner in your own kitchen in a short amount of time with just a few ingredients.

What’s not too love?

Here are three tips for success when making this easy chicken Marsala recipe

1. Use thinly sliced chicken breast for quick and even cooking. Pound them to an even  thickness to ensure they cook uniformly.
2. Before simmering in the marsala sauce, make sure to brown chicken in a hot pan. this adds flavor and texture to the dish. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning and browning to ensure a crispy exterior.
3. Marsala wine is the star in this sauce, so use a good quality one. Balance the sweet richness of the wine with savory ingredients like garlic, shallots and chicken stock.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. skinless boneless chicken breast
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup flour
• 2 Tablespoon olive oil
• 4 Tablespoon  butter
• 2 Tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 Tablespoon minced shallots
• 8 oz. cremini mushrooms
• 2 cups marsala wine
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 2 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley

Instructions

1. start by splitting the chicken breast in half. Then in between two sheets of waxed paper pound thin
2. salt and pepper the chicken then coat in the flour shaking off excess.
3. Over medium high heat in the two tablespoons of olive oil saute the chicken until golden brown on both sides. About 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan two tablespoons of butter. Add the garlic and shallots until soft and fragrant.
5. Add the mushrooms until golden brown.
6. Deglaze the pan with one cup of the marsala wine scrapping up all the bits at the bottom of the pan. Wait until absorbed before adding the remaining marsala wine and chicken stock. Simmer until sauce thickens about 10 minutes.
7. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer jut to heat through.
8. Top with the chopped Italian parsley and enjoy!!!!

Marry me chicken breast

Marry me chicken breast is creamy, juicy and full of Italian flavors. Legend has it that this chicken recipe is so good that if you make it for your partner, a marriage proposal will follow.

The combination of sun dried tomatoes, spinach and juicy chicken in a creamy sauce makes a meal everyone will love.

The best part about this Marry me chicken breast recipe is it uses familiar ingredients and can be on your table in  less than thirty minutes.

Marry me chicken breast a recipe for love

Whether shared on a romantic dinner date or enjoyed with family and friends Marry me chicken breast has a way of leaving a lasting impression. It’s savory aroma and succulent flavor will have family and  friends asking for seconds.

If your looking for a substitute for Marry me chicken breasts you could use boneless skinless chicken thighs. you could also try using different types of poultry such as turkey breast.

If you make this Marry me chicken breast recipe please leave me a comment. I love hearing from you!!!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 cup of flour
• 1 tablespoon each paprika + garlic + onion powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 stick of butter
• 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 cup chopped shallots
• 1 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes
• 1 cup white wine
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups cream
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. start by pounding the chicken breast thin between two sheets of plastic wrap. salt and pepper the chicken to taste
2. Add the paprika, garlic and onion powder to the one cup of flour mix well
3. Dip the chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off excess
4. bring the the oil to medium high heat add the chicken. Sauté the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside
5. In the same pan add the butter, the garlic, shallots and the sun dried tomatoes saute until soft and fragrant
6. Deglaze the pan with the white wine scraping up all the brown bits.
7. Add the chicken stock and the cream and simmer until sauce thickens . add the spinach and parmesan cheese.
8. Return the chicken to the sauce and simmer five minutes longer.
9. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Enjoy!!!

 Italian vegetarian stuffed artichokes

These  Italian vegetarian stuffed artichokes are made with simple ingredients. This is one of those recipes that takes me back to my  mamas kitchen in north Italy where  I first learned this family recipe, The artichokes came from the family farm ( la campana) the flavor of just picked artichokes is mouth watering!!!

A traditional Italian comfort dish stuffed artichokes are a staple in most Italian kitchens. variations can vary, With some having meat and vegetables added to the filling,

Three tips for success when making Italian  vegetarian stuffed artichokes

first select fresh and tender artichokes when you make these  Italian  vegetarian stuffed  artichokes. Choose artichokes that are firm, heavy for their size and have tightly closed leaves.

Second prepare the artichokes properly by cutting off the top quarter and removing the though outer leaves and  center choke.

Cut the stems off leaving a flat bottom surface so the stuffed artichokes stand up straight in a pot. I use  my white medium size dutch oven.

Lastly if you make these delicious Italian vegetarian stuffed artichokes please let me know how they work out for you.

And please don’t forget to tag me on Instagram I love hearing from you. It’s my favorite part!!!!

Ingredients

• 4 artichokes
• 2 eggs
• 1/ 2 cup milk
• 2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• !/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 onion cut in quarters +  4 garlic cloves
• the juice from one lemon

Instructions

1.  Start by cleaning the artichokes. remove the tough outer leaves, cut off the tips and the stem. Remove the center of the artichoke. Place the artichokes in cold water. Add the juice from one lemon. and 1 tablespoon of salt set aside, while making the filling,
2. Make the filling in a bowl add the eggs and milk whisk until well combined. Add the garlic, breadcrumbs, and Italian parsley. salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
3. Remove the artichokes from the water. discard this water. Fill the centers of the artichokes with the filling.
4. Stand the artichokes up in a stock pot add the water, vegetable stock, olive oil, onion and the garlic cloves.
5. Simmer on the stove top over medium low heat, for 30 minutes or until the  artichoke leaves are tender.
6. Serve on a platter pour the pan juice over the artichokes and enjoy!!!

Vegetarian escarole and beans

This vegetarian escarole and beans is a classic Italian recipe that uses simple ingredients to create a hearty and delicious dish.

Italian cannellini beans and flavorful escarole are cooked together with plenty of garlic. This recipe  needs nothing more than some good crusty Italian bread to serve along with it.

Escarole and beans is a humble meal. It’s vegetarian in nature. Although some version do use meat.

Vegetarian escarole and beans things to know

This vegetarian escarole and bean recipe results in a stew like consistency. If you prefer a more soupy consistency, simply add more vegetable stock.

I used canned cannellini beans. You can use dry beans. If you do use dry beans soak them for a few hours. Then cook them in the stock until soft before adding in the escarole.

This recipe is the vegetarian version of escarole and beans. If you want to add meat, add  Italian sausage to the escarole pan sautéing the sausage until brown before adding in the escarole. I use my white Dutch  oven when I make this recipe. Its so pretty I serve from it right at the table.

Lasty if you make this vegetarian escarole and beans please leave me a comment. And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram. I love hearing from you. It’s my favored part!!!

Ingredients

• 1 large head escarole
• 4 cups cannellini beans
• 4 Tablespoons olive oil divided
• 4 Tablespoons minced garlic divided
• 1 tablespoon hot pepper flakes
•  1 cup white wine
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Start by rising the beans
2. Cut the escarole into bite size pieces
3. in two tablespoons of olive oil saute the garlic and the hot pepper flakes until soft and fragrant
4. Add the escarole saute until limp about 10 minutes. salt and pepper now. Set aside.
5. In a separate pot add the remaining olive oil and garlic saute until soft.
6. Add the beans and the vegetable stock and simmer for 10 minutes
7. Add the escarole mixture to the beans and simmer 10 minutes longer to combine flavors.
8. Serve with crusty Italian bread. ENJOY!!!

creamy mushroom penne pasta recipe

Satisfy your  Italian food craving with this creamy mushroom penne pasta recipe.

This classic Italian pasta dish is a simple yet luxurious recipe that combines the earthy goodness of mushrooms with the velvety richness of a creamy sauce.

Three tips when making this  creamy mushroom penne pasta recipe

First start by sauteing the mushroom in the olive oil and butter mixture until golden  brown when you make this creamy mushroom penne pasta recipe, this adds depth of flavor to your mushroom sauce.

Second, build flavors gradually by adding the garlic and shallots letting them saute until soft, before deglazing the the pan with either white wine or chicken stock.

Lastly finish  with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Season with fresh chopped Italian parsley. Salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!!

Please email or comment with questions. And please don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you make this easy creamy mushroom penne pasta recipe. I love hearing from you. It’s my favorite part!!!!

Many of you asked about my preferred saute pan.I have linked my favorite .

Ingredients

• 1/2  lb. penne pasta
• 1/2 stick of butter
• 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3 tablespoon minced shallots
• 1/2 pound sliced cremini mushrooms
• 2 cups white wine or chicken stock
• 2 cups cream
• 1 cup pasta water
• 1 cup grated parmesan
• 1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley

Instructions

1. In the  1/2 stick of butter and the one tablespoon of olive oil saute the shallots and garlic until soft and fragrant
2. Add the mushrooms and saute until brown salt and pepper the mushrooms
3. Deglaze the pan with the white wine or chicken stock simmer until the liquid evaporates. before adding the cream and pasta water.
4. Simmer until sauce thickens about 15 minutes.
5. Add in the parsley, toss in the el dente penne, grate more parmesan cheese over the top. Enjoy!!!

Easy Chicken Piccata

This Easy Chicken Piccata Recipe is so easy and quick, its prefect for family weeknight meals, but fancy enough for weekend dinner with friends.

Melt in your mouth chicken breast in a light creamy, lemony sauce made this recipe a restaurant favorite, I simplified the recipe for the home cook, no worries none of the flavor is lost

What Makes  Easy Chicken Piccata Easy???

This Easy Chicken Piccata recipe is so easy on so many levels. First, you only need a few common ingredients. The only ingredient may be not be so common could be the capers

Second, Chicken Piccata is nothing more than fillet chicken breast dredged in flour and saute to a golden deliciousness.

One important thing to remember when sautéing, the saute pan needs to be big enough to cook the chicken to a golden brown.

If the saute  pan is too small your chicken wouldn’t brown, you’ll end up with chicken that looks like it was boiled instead of sautéed,

we don’t want that boiled chicken look in this recipe. We want beautifully browned chicken, so we can deglaze the pan and scoop up

all those delicious browned bits at the bottom of the pan, where all the flavor is!!!!

Ingredients

• 4 skinless boneless chicken breast
• 1/4 cup  flour
• 1 cup chicken stock or white wine
• 2 Tablespoons chopped garlic
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 Tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
• 1/4 cup lemon juice  or juice from 2 lemons
• 2 Tablespoons lemon rind
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup capers
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken breast into equal  sliced pieces
2. Salt and pepper chicken
3. Dredge chicken in flour shaking off excess
4. Heat butter and oil to medium in a large saute pan
5. Saute chicken until golden brown remove and set aside
6. Saute garlic and onion until tender and just beginning to brown
7. Deglaze the saute pan with the chicken broth or white wine
8. Add the cream and lemon juice  simmer 5 minutes
9. Return chicken to saute pan
10. Add the capers simmer covered 10 minutes
11. Sprinkle with additional chopped Italian parsley

seared scallop creamy orzo

Just in time for valentine day this restaurant quality seared scallop and creamy orzo is sure to impress your loved ones!!!

This recipe combines the succulence of large perfectly seared scallops with the comforting texture of orzo, creating a taste that  elevates this seared scallop creamy orzo to the next level!!!

Three tips for success when making seared scallop creamy orzo

To a achieve a prefect sear on the scallops when making this seared scallop creamy orzo be sure to pat the scallops dry with paper towels. And don’t crowd the pan, the scallops should not be touching each other. I used a mixture of butter and extra virgin olive oil. I find this combination for seared the scallops works best it produces a beautiful golden  sear without the burn. Also I prefer to use a stainless saute pan. In my experience in produces a better sear on the scallops than a non stick pan,

Elevate the orzo by cooking it in a mixture of cream and broth infusing it with rich flavor and  a velvety, creamy texture.

Complement the sweetness of scallops with a hint of lemon in the orzo and finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped Italian parsley.

Lastly be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make this. I love hearing from you. It’s my favorite part!!!

Ingredients

• 16 to 20 scallops
• 1/2 stick of butter
• 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 4 tablespoon chopped onion
• 2 cups orzo
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 cups chopped spinach
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• salt, pepper and paprika

Instructions

1. Start by pulling the mussel off the side of the scallops. Pat dry with paper towels. then seasoning the scallops with salt. pepper and the paprika.
2. In a pan over medium high heat add the butter and the olive oil be sure the pan is hot before adding the scallops
3. Sear the scallops three minutes per side . basting the scallops with the butter while cooking.  remove and set aside
4. In the same pan add the garlic and onion saute until soft  and fragrant.
5. Add the chicken stock, water, cream and the orzo. simmer covered for 10 minutes. Add the spinach and simmer 2 to 3 minutes longer
6. Add the grated parmesan cheese.
7. Plate the orzo add the scallops on top and enjoy!!!!

My Best Holiday Turkey

Ok guys am going to toot my own horn,  seriously this is My best Holiday Turkey Recipe It is so good and easy you’ll be making it more than just for  the Holidays. 

I’ve make a lot of turkeys through out the years. I’ve tried a few recipes and methods, from brining to cooking it up side down

to basting every 30 minutes and I have to say this recipe is the best.

The turkey is melt in your mouth moist with a hint of fresh citrus taste. I couldn’t believe how crispy and beautifully colored the skin was.

My husband who normally isn’t as impressed by food as am, couldn’t stop raving about how good the turkey was. It was so good that even after three  days of turkey everything I was still craving more.

3 Tips when making My Best Holiday Turkey

First, when you make My Best holiday Turkey use a the right roasting pan with a lid it’s important to keep the turkey covered until the last 30 minutes to prevent drying the meat.

Second, oven temperatures vary and can effect cooking times if in doubt use a meat thermometer. A turkey is safe to eat when the internal temperature is 165 degrees. 

Third, this temperature guide is for an unstuffed turkey, stuffed turkeys are cooked longer at 15 minutes per pound.

I always bake my stuffing in casserole dish along side the turkey, it’s easier for serving and just as delicious. One more thing no need

for basting in this recipe, the  turkey self bastes from the citrus and butter. 

I hope you try My best holiday Turkey recipe and it becomes your Best Holiday Turkey. And when it does be sure to tell me about it, I love   hearing from you.

Ingredients

• 15 lb. turkey
• 1 stick butter
• 1 tablespoon each chopped together Italian parsley, thyme, sage and rosemary
• 3 Tablespoons chopped garlic
• 1 onion cut into quarters
• 2 lemons sliced medium thick
• 2 oranges sliced
• 2 apples quartered
• 2 stalks celery
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. If using a frozen turkey defrost in the refrigerator 2 to 3 days before cooking
2. Preheat oven to 425
3. Bring Turkey to room temperature
4. Remove the insides from the cavity and neck
5. Mix the herbs and garlic in the soft butter until well incorporated
6. Pat the turkey dry rub the whole turkey even under the skin with the butter mixture
7. Salt ant pepper the outside and cavity of the turkey
8. Stuff the cavity with the cut onion, apples, lemons and oranges
9. Stick some lemon and orange slices under the skin
10. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine or skewers tuck the wing tips under the turkey
11. Roast in 425 oven covered for 30 minutes
12. Lower the heat to 375 and roast 10 minutes per lb. longer for a 15 lb. turkey that’s about 3 hours remove the cover the last 30 minutes
13. Let the turkey rest 20 to 30 minutes before slicing strain the drippings into a medium pan:
14. For the gravy simmer  the dripping over low heat mix 1/4 cup flour with 1/2 cup water slowly pour into simmering drippings stirring continuously