Ask any Italian American family about their Thanksgiving meal and I guarantee you that there is a pasta course. Yes, I realize that this sounds ludicrous given the abundance of food on the table Thanksgiving Day, but tradition prevails. As Italian immigrants assimilated having pasta was something that reminded them of their history as they whole heartedly embraced the traditions of their new home….
Pasta Fresca all’Uovo – Fresh Egg Pasta
Fresh pasta is one of life’s simple pleasures. Early on when I was teaching Italian cooking classes on a regular basis, I took Mio Marito aside and taught him how to make fresh pasta so he would be able to assist with my less experienced students. He mastered the technique and has become the family pasta expert. With a few broken eggs and a little practice, I’m sure you will do the same….
Chicken with Preserved Lemons – Pollo al Limone Conservati
The flavors of the Mediterranean transcend international boarders, reflecting the history and geography of the overall region. Each country or culture interprets the bounty of their local harvest in a unique and special way. Citrus fruit, in particular lemon is indigenous to the Medeterrean climate and is incorporated into the foods of the surrounding cultures. Although preserved lemons are a specialty of Northern Africa, they pair nicely with Italian dishes. Simple ingredients such as lemons, olive oil, parsley and capers are fundamental to Mediterranean cuisine.
In keeping things simple, lets chat a bit about entertaining. We all strive to be enchanting hosts and hostesses, effortlessly gliding from guest to guest, sipping wine while cleverly chatting about this or that. On the flip side – perhaps more often than not you are standing over a hot sauté pan, filling the kitchen with so much smoke that the alarm begins to pierce the sound barrier, while at the same time that fabulous outfit, which you really should have covered with an apron, is splattered with hot oil. If that later scenario is at all vaguely familiar, Pollo al Limone Conservati is the absolute perfect secondi for you – it can be prepared in advance, comes together easily, is ever so delicious, and carries minimal risk of a 911 call….
Preserved Lemons
Fresh produce is readily available in Northern California, whether it be from a local farmer’s market or a backyard garden. At Casa Levitt we are blessed to have an herb and vegetable garden along with a variety of fruit trees. Our humble grove includes several orange trees-including a blood orange tree, two fig trees, a Eureka lemon tree, a kumquat tree, two pomegranate trees, and a pomelo tree. Last winter’s cold snap, with several nights yielding below 32°, sadly resulted in the demise of our Buddha’s Hand lemon tree. The one citrus tree I have yet to find a spot for is the Meyer lemon.
If you aren’t familiar with Meyer lemons, you are missing one of the more exceptional species of citrus fruit. The Meyer lemon is a cross between the classic Eureka lemon and a Mandarin orange. The fruit is slightly rounder in shape with a thinner skin which is deep yellow in color. The flavor is less acidic than that of the Eureka lemon; having a more floral aroma. The Meyer is grown commercially in California, but their delicate nature makes transporting a challenge….
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