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

This is the saute pan I like to use when braising meats or vegetables on the stove top. To protect the  surface of non stick pans I  use wooden utensils not to scratch the surface.

You can adjust the the amount of sugar, according to your taste, or leave it out. The balsamic vinegar, sweetens the Brussel sprouts adding a syrupy delicious glaze, eliminating  the need for sugar.

To add extra flavor let the Brussels sprouts simmer in the bacon drippings  before adding the liquids.

With just one pan, a handful of ingredients, and bold, smoky flavor, these glazed Brussels sprouts are sure to impress. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or bringing them to a potluck, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

Give this easy recipe a try and don’t forget to share it with friends or pin it for later! 

Chicken Meatball Soup recipe

This Chicken Meatball Soup recipe is a hearty soup filled with nutritious and delicious ingredients. Each slurp is filled with bold Italian flavors, everyone likes.

Tasty  and healthy ground chicken meatballs, good for you vegetables, and pasta in a light tomato broth makes this soup is a family favorite.Sometimes it’s hard to find a meal everyone likes, this is one of those soup recipes that everyone likes. And you will feel good about serving your family a good for you meal.

Here’s 3 Prep Plan Tips When Making This Chicken Meatball Soup Recipe

Don’t let the looks of this Chicken Meatball Soup recipe intimidate you. If you have a prep plan this soup recipe can be on your table in 30 minutes.

Start by making the meatballs, you can make them one  day ahead of time, or weeks ahead of time and keep them frozen after baking, in freezer friendly containers.

Second  I bake the meatballs in my Toaster oven/air fryer for a quicker and more affordable bake, than turning on my large wall ovens.

And third you can make the whole recipe ahead of time and freeze it for ready made meals. In fact purposely double the recipe for during the week lunch reheats.

Just one more thing, please leave me a comment if you make this recipe and please don’t forget to tag me on Instagram. I love hearing from you!!!!

Ingredients For The Meatballs

• • 1 lbs. ground chicken breast
  • 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons each chopped garlic and Italian parsley
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Soup
  • 1 chopped yellow onion
  • 2 Tbs. chopped garlic
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 2 cups chopped spinach
  • 1 14.5 can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups dry small tube pasta
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

  Instructions

  1. Turn oven to 375 degrees
  2. Mix all ingredients except the ground chicken well
  3. Add the ground chicken mixing until well blended don’t over mix
  4. With damp hands roll into small size balls
  5. Bake in a preheated oven 10 minutes set aside
  6. Meanwhile in a medium stock pot saute the onion and garlic until tender and just beginning to brown
  7. Add the carrots and celery saute until tender
  8. Add the tomatoes, chicken broth and water
  9. Simmer covered 30 minutes
  10.  Return the meatballs to the soup add the pasta and spinach simmer 5 minutes longer
  11. Adjust seasonings sprinkle with parmesan
  12. ENJOY!!!!

Italian crusted Lemon chicken

Who doesn’t love an Italian flavored lemon chicken ?

This Italian crusted lemon chicken has the trifecta  to make it one of my favorite  chicken breast recipes, It’s easy, delicious and quick.  And the best part ? it can be make ahead of time and fried when your ready to serve it, making it a prefect weeknight meal. And if your looking to impressive family and friends on what a great chef you are make this Italian crusted lemon chicken.

Tips for success when you make this Italian crusted lemon chicken

The first tip  when you make this Italian crusted lemon chicken use a canola and extra virgin olive oil blend.

I find this oil blend best for the flavor the olive oil gives and the high burn temperature of the canola oil.

Second the oil has to be at the right temperature to produce a crispy crust and still be juicy on the inside.

Third I add flour to the bread crumbs instead of a separate flour dip for the chicken. One more tip after breading let your chicken rest in the refrigerator to chill, it helps the bread coating to stick to the chicken, bring to room temperature before frying.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breast
• 2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbls. chopped Italian parsley
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup e canola
• 1/2 cup olive oil
•  2 Tbls. butter
• 1 Tbls. minced garlic
• 1 cup white wine or chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• lemon juice and zest from 1 lemon
• Dijon mustard
• capers

Instructions

1. Pound the chicken breast thin in between 2 pieces of wax paper. Then salt and pepper
2. Mix together the bread crumbs, flour,  grated parmesan and the Italian parsley
3. Beat the eggs slightly
4. Dip the chicken breast first in the egg then in the bread crumb mixture.
5. Heat  together 1/2 cup canola and 1/2 cup olive oil to medium high.
6. Fry the chicken until golden brown on both sides about five minutes pre side. Remove and set aside.
7. Remove the oil in the same pan add the butter and garlic saute until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to  brown.
8. Deglaze the pan with the white wine or chicken stock and lemon juice
9. Add the cream and mustard simmer until sauce thickens about ten minutes
10.  Pour the sauce over the chicken breast top with Italian parsley the and lemon slices. ENJOY!!!

Tuscan Tomato Bread Soup (Pappa al Pomodoro)

Tuscan Tomato Bread Soup (Pappa al Pomodoro)  is a traditional Italian dish the consist mainly of stale bread and tomatoes. The recipe originated in the Tuscan region of Italy, where I was born.

It is a simple and delicious recipe that showcases the bold flavors of the region and is often made with fresh off the vine tomatoes.

Once thought of as peasant food this Tuscan Pappa al Pomodoro can now be found in many Italian restaurant menus.

Variations for this Tuscan Pappa al pomodoro

I wanted to keep this Tuscan pappa al pomodoro vegetarian so I used vegetable stock. You can substitute the vegetable stock for chicken stock if that fits your taste.

Another variation has to do with the bread sliced or cubed doesn’t matter it’s a personal preference. Traditionally  the bread wasn’t fried. I find that this extra step of frying and seasoning the bread adds so much flavor, it’s well worth It.

I make this Tuscan Pappa al Pomodoro in the summer with just picked garden tomatoes. But if its not tomato season be sure to use good quality canned tomato product.

Tuscan Tomato Bread Soup (Pappa al Pomodoro) uses just a few ingredients, so its important to use the quality for the best price. From the tomatoes to the bread and just as important for all around good Italian  kitchen cooking is a good quality extra virgin olive oil that is affordable.

Ingredients

• 1/2 stale loaf Italian baguette
• 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• 1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes or 1 Lb. chopped roma tomatoes seeds removed.
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup white wine or vegetable stock
• Salt and pepper to taste
• fresh chopped basil and Italian parsley
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan

Instructions

1. Cut the bread into thin slices
2. Fry in the 2 Tablespoons of olive oil until browned on both sides
3. Add the onion and garlic saute until fragrant and just beginning to brown
4. Deglaze the pan with the white wine or vegetable stock simmering until absorbed
5. Then add the tomatoes and the remaining cup of vegetable stock
6. Salt and pepper to taste
7. Simmer on low for 30 minutes
8. Sprinkle with the grated parmesan and chopped Italian parsley. ENJOY!!!

Spicy Rigatoni Amatriciana

This classic spicy rigatoni Amatriciana sauce gets its spiciness from freshly ground black pepper and dried red pepper flakes. This Roman pasta dish is full of Italian flavor that traditionally comes from guanciale, Italian  salt cured pork jowl. If you can’t find guanciale  use pancetta which is more readily available.

Amatriciana sauce is one of the four classic Roman pasta sauce. If you love  hearty, flavorful, and spicy pasta sauce you will love this recipe. This tomato and pancetta based spicy rigatoni pasta dish taste like something you would order at your favorite Italian restaurant. And the best part it uses few ingredients and comes together pretty quickly.

Tips for success for this Spicy Rigatoni Amatriciana

The first tip when you make this spicy rigatoni Amatriciana pasta dish is to saute the pancetta until crispy and all fat rendered.

Second by toasting the red pepper flakes and using freshly ground black pepper you add a restaurant quality element to this simple pasta sauce.

And third to insure a silky creamy sauce add the grated  pecorino  cheese with the sauce off the fire and cooled ever so slightly to prevent a lumpy sauce.

Lastly I used rigatoni shaped pasta in this Amatriciana sauce you can use any shape you prefer.

If  you make this  delicious pasta sauce please leave me a comment. I love hearing from you its my favorite part!!!

Ingredients

• 1 Lb. rigatoni
• 4 oz. pancetta
• 1 Tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 Teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup white wine or chicken stock
• 1 28 0z. peeled crushed  tomatoes with juices
• 2 cups reserved pasta water
• 1 cup grated pecorino cheese
• 1 Tablespoon chopped Italian parsley
• Salt to taste
• Instructions

1. Sauté the pancetta until crispy
2. Add the red pepper flakes and freshly ground black pepper toast until fragrant
3. Then add the garlic and onion saute until just beginning to brown
4. Deglaze the pan with the white wine or chicken stock
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and reserved pasta water bring  simmer until sauce thickens 45 minutes
6. Remove from heat add the pecorino cheese stir until well mixed
7. Toss the rigatoni with the all Amatriciana sauce grate more pecorino cheese over the top, sprinkle with Italian parsley. ENJOY!!!

Cacio e Pepe Pasta Recipe

This cacio e pepe pasta recipe  is a pasta dish from the city of Roma. This Roman pasta dish of spaghetti with Pecorino Roman cheese and black  pepper uses just a few ingredients and comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Cacio e pepe translates to cheese and pepper in English. In keeping with its name, the dish contains grated Pecorino cheese and black pepper, I added grated parmesan too. The goal is to created a creamy sauce using the grated cheese, black pepper and pasta water. When the sauce is done right the results are creamy deliciousness!!!

Tips when making this Cacio e pepe pasta recipe

The first and most important tip to insure a creamy sauce when you make this cacio e pepe pasta recipe is not to overheat the cheese.

When this happens instead of a creamy smooth silky pasta sauce the cheese ends up in clumps, not smooth. To prevent this from happening keep the sauce off the heat when you add the pasta water and the cheese stirring continually.

Number two this Cacio e pepe pasta recipe uses just a few ingredients be sure to use good quality cheeses

And third by using whole peppercorns and toasting them this simple pasta recipe becomes a restaurant quality pasta dish. Fancy enough for Saturday night dinner with friends and enough enough for busy family weeknight meals.

Lastly please leave me a comment when you made this Classic Roman pasta dish!!!

Ingredients

• 1 Lbs. spaghetti or bucatini
• 1/2 cup black peppercorns
• Salt to taste
• 2 Tablespoon butter
• 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive
• 1 cup grated pecorino cheese
• 1 cup grated parmesan
• 2 cups pasta water

Instructions

1. Cook your pasta el Dente reserving 2 cups of the pasta water
2. Meanwhile in a saute pan over medium heat toast the peppercorns until fragrant. Removed from pan with a mallet between paper towels crush the peppercorns and return to pan.
3. Add the butter and olive oil cook just until the butter is melted. Turn off the fire add the pasta water and cheeses stirring continuously.
4.  Toss the spaghetti or bucatini with the Cacio e pepe sauce. Sprinkle with more grated pecorino and Italian parsley. ENJOY!!!!

Healthy baked Eggplant parmesan

This healthy baked eggplant parmesan is such an easy vegetarian Italian recipe. In this heathy  baked eggplant parmesan version I left the grated bread coating off. Instead of frying I coated the eggplant in extra virgin olive oil, garlic and Italian parsley and roasted it.

This healthier eggplant parmesan still has bubbly cheese, garlicky tomato sauce and savory meaty roasted eggplant.

This is my best heathier baked eggplant parmesan recipe. faster and easier and full of delicious Italian flavors.

I hope it becomes one of your family’s favorite like it did in my.

Tips for this healthy baked parmesan recipe

To peel or not to peel the eggplant in this healthy eggplant parmesan recipe ? That depends on your taste, what you plan on using it for and how fresh the eggplant is.

What I like to do is peel  strips of the eggplant off and leave some of the skin on.

The other debate about eggplant is whether to salt to extract the bitterness out of it or not to salt. If the eggplants are just picked farm fresh I don’t salt them.

It’s not eggplant season so I did salt the eggplant in this recipe. It’s not necessary to salt the eggplant any longer than 15 minutes. Prior belief was you had to salt the eggplant for a few hours. Now they bred eggplants to be less bitter. I found that 15 minutes is enough.

This heathy eggplant recipe takes about 45 minutes to make, which is not always possible for a busy weeknight meal. I usually make this one on the weekends.

I hope you make this easy eggplant recipe. And please let me know how it works out for you.

Ingredients

• 2  medium eggplant
•  3 cups shredded mozzarella
•  1 cup grated parmesan cheese
•  3 cups  marinara sauce
•  4 Tsps. olive oil
•  1 Tbsp. minced garlic
•  2 Tbsp. of a combination of  Italian herbs dry or fresh, Parsley. thyme and oregano.
• salt

Instructions

1. Slice the eggplant into medium thick round slices
2. salt the eggplant on both and let sit for at least 30 minutes
3. rinse the eggplant and pat dry with paper towels
4. In a bowl toss the eggplant with extra virgin olive oil, the minced garlic, light salt and Italian herbs.
5. Roast in a pre heated 375-degree oven until golden brown about 20 minutes
6.  Take out of the oven and spread with my easy marinara sauce, the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan and Italian parsley repeat the process stacking  three eggplant slices together. starting with the eggplant and ending with the cheese
7. Set oven to broil and broil until cheeses are melted and golden brown
8. Finish off with marinara sauce more grated parmesan and a sprinkle of Italian parsley. ENJOY!!!!

Peperonata Sauced Chicken Breast

Not only is this peperonate sauced chicken breast recipe delicious it’s easy to make. I used skinless boneless chicken breast. You can use whatever part of the chicken fits your lifestyle and taste.

By using boneless, skinless chicken breast and my premade marinara sauce which I always have on hand, this Italian chicken recipe can be on your table in less than 30 minutes.

Customize this Peperonata sauced chicken breast recipe

This peperonate sauced chicken breast recipe isn’t set in stone. You can customize this chicken recipe really easy.

For instance most of you know I don’t drink alcohol. Although am okay cooking with alcohol some people are not. So there is an option in most of my recipes to use wine or stock.

Another way to make this Italian flavored chicken recipe your own is to use boneless chicken thighs.

One more thing, if you want to make this peperonata sauced chicken breast a complete meal cook your favorite shaped pasta and toss in the peperonata sauce. If your going to use this Italian bell pepper sauce for a pasta sauce double all the ingredients except for the chicken breast. Also be sure your saute pa is big enough and deep enough. Here is a link to one of my favorite deep saute pan.

Lastly please leave me a comment if you make this. I love hearing from you. It’s my favorite part!!!

Ingredients

• 4 Chicken breast
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 chopped yellow onion
• 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 diced red bell pepper
• 1 diced green bell pepper
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup white wine or chicken stock
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 Tablespoon Italian parsley
• 1 tablespoon mixed Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. cut the chicken breast in half if thick
2. Salt and pepper the chicken
3. In 2 tablespoons of olive oil saute the chicken until brown on both sides
4. Add the onions, garlic and cherry tomatoes saute until just beginning to brown
5. Add the bell peppers saute 5 minutes
6. Deglaze the pan with 1 cup of chicken stock or white wine simmer until absorbed
7. Add the marinara sauce simmer 15 minutes longer
8. Plate the chicken pour the peperonata sauce over the top. ENJOY!!!

Summertime Bruschetta Spaghetti dish

I love  a delicious bowl of pasta full of fresh summer garden ingredients.

My Summertime bruschetta spaghetti dish recipe is flavored with just picked cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fresh herbs, these ingredients when combined together produce the most delicious creamy sauce.

Sometimes the best and most delicious recipes are the simplest. The most important ingredients are always to use the best what’s in season whether homegrown or store bought!!!!

A few tips when making this Summertime Bruschetta spaghetti dish

The main ingredient in this Summertime Bruschetta spaghetti dish recipe is tomatoes. So whether your using homegrown or store bought it’s important the use the best quality you can find.

Just as important as the tomatoes how you start your saute makes a difference In this pasta recipe I use a good quality extra virgin olive oil. 

And lastly fresh mozzarella adds the creamy texture and the pasta water is the secret ingredient the brings it all together. I always save more pasta water than the recipes calls for in case the sauce is too dry.

Please leave me a comment when you make this recipe. And please don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with your creations. I love hearing from you, it’s my favorite part!!!

Ingredients

• 1/2 Lb. spaghetti
• 2 pints heirloom cherry tomatoes sliced
• Small container fresh mozzarella balls
• 1 cup pasta water
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
•  1/2 medium chopped onion
• 4 cloves chopped garlic
• 2 Tbs. each chopped basil and Italian parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions reserving 1 cup of the water
2. Meanwhile bring the olive oil to a light sizzle
3. Add the chopped onion and garlic saute until tender and just beginning to brown
4. Add the sliced tomatoes salt and pepper now then saute until the tomatoes begin to blister
5. Add the reserved pasta water simmer for 10 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly
6. Add the fresh mozzarella the last 5 minutes
7. Toss the spaghetti in the sauce add the basil
8. Top with  the grated parmesan and Italian parsley