Trouble on the 'set'!

Cacio e pepe is made with Goat's cheese and crushed pepper corns.

As my Son has indicated to me; peppercorns are not meant to be dropped on the floor (as I did when I was taking the first photo).

This was a real hit with me because I love black pepper! I have been known to add it to my popcorn!

I over-cooked my ears!

Now is the time to hit the local Farmer's Markets for some fresh produce. Nothing beats the taste of fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season!

Today I made Orecchiette con Ricotta e Pomodorini. Orecchiette look like little ears and they are a tasty pasta. 

This dish was good but I didn't enjoy it that much as I under cooked the orecchiette and then overcooked them when I threw them back into the pan...argh!!

When life gives you lemons, make pasta with it!

Today I made Speghetti al Limone from the Dolce Vita cook book. I learned a great trick on how to add the flavour of garlic- without it overpowering the dish.

I never thought lemon would taste good with pasta. It was delicious!

It is now my daughter Kayla's favourite pasta dish as she is not a fan of tomatoe sauce.

Getting naked on a hot, hot day!

 I'm baaack and...

O...

M...

G!!!

I just made some Gnudi and it was friggen AMAZING! Gnudi is naked ravioli (like stuffed ravioli without the ravioli). It was sooo delish!

David and Nina, when are you coming over for dinner???

Taking a Summer Break

Just stopping by to say that I will be taking a 1-2 week break as I am in much need of some R & R and plan to go to the cottage. See you when I return! Baci!

It was great...or so they thought

I'm back with the verdict on how well I cooked for my In-Laws. I made Pasta All'Amatriciana and Lenticchie from the Dolce Vita cook book.  They said the food was great, but little did they know that the kitchen was a disaster and I only had a little piece of pancetta to work with. My FIL looks like he's enjoying it above, and my Nephew has a smile of approval.

Look, my Mother-in-law's plate is almost empty. Here she is, giving advise to her Son.

We also had a chance to go strawberry-picking at Downey's farm. It was a gorgeous day for it.

Of course when I got home, I just had to make strawberry jam. It tuned out sooo good!

A dish to match the Canadian flag

I hope you all had a fabulous Canada Day! We spent it at one of my favourite places; Black Creek Pioneer Village. I loved watching the ladies in costume- baking muffins and cookies.

Of course we had to pick up a few loaves of fresh baked bread there too.

In honor of Canada's Birthday, I present to you the next red and white dish; pasta with Salsa Bolognese!

I have always made this with ground beef, but the ground pork version -in the Dolce Vita cook book-tastes a lot better. This was a lip-smacking good sauce. 

Tomorrow I am on pins and needles as I will be cooking a big Dolce Vita- style lunch for my In-Laws!  I will be back with the verdict soon. Wish me luck!