GCC: Scallop Sauce with Olive Oil, Garlic, and Hot Pepper

August 04, 2013 by Monica in Dinner, Entertaining, Gutsy Cooks Club, Main Courses, Pasta, Quick Meal, Seafood, Savory

Short and sweet this post is going to be. Just like the recipe.

Find yourself the best bay (or sea) scallops, olive oil, red pepper, parsley and bread crumbs (do not omit this ingredient, trust me)

Then set everything up, fire up your stove and go to town, in less than 10 minutes (if you use fresh pasta – like I did) you will have such a wonderful dish in your hands, that you husband (or better half) will be telling you how much he loves you all over again.

Summer Vegetable Bake Tian

July 30, 2013 by Monica in Baking, Quick Meal, Vegetable, Vegetarian, Savory

Originating in Provence, a tian is a French word that describes a shallow earthenware casserole and because why use another word for it? The food it contains. Traditionally it features a variety of vegetables, herbs and cheeses that are layered and then baked. Showcasing summer’s squash and tomatoes, I threw in some potatoes too – because well I’m crafty like that.

But if you search a tian can be made with pretty much any vegetable you like, onions, eggplant, herbs, and I can go on and on.

GCC: Risotto with Springs Vegetables, Tomato, and Basil

July 21, 2013 by Monica in Cooking Club, Gutsy Cooks Club, International, Main Courses, Quick Meal, Rice, Vegetable, Vegetarian

I’m late, late, late on this posting, so let’s jump to it. This month’s Gutsy Cook is Marie from Weekend Viands. She decided that all of her recipes would be coming from the Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan.

Speaks right to my Italian roots and I was super excited with her choices. This past weekend it was the risotto. I have made it before, my first try was for the Daring Cooks Challenge and I wrote all about it here. The second time was with this choice which, ironically was also a Gutsy Cook club choice.

Risotto is one of those meals that people think is super complicated, but in reality is not. The trick is to take your time, stir and in no time you will have this creamy rice creation – Italian comfort food at its best.