I’ve been making pasta with vodka sauce forever it seems, certainly when I was cooking meals in my first apartment. But it seems to have had a social media resurgence – kids today think it’s a “viral hack.” I almost hate to burst their bubble, tell them that their mama was making it when she was your age. But it sticks around for a reason, adding a dose of vodka to a tomato … [Read more...] about One Pot Orzo alla Vodka
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Ricotta Balls in Tomato Sauce
Here we are again in that not-quite-winter, not-quite-spring time. It is cloudy and cold today, but two days ago it was lovely, bright and warm. The green shoots and leaves are starting to appear, but the grass is still brown and it’s not time to put the sweaters away yet. I am not really in the mood for stews and soups and braises, but the fresh new season produce isn’t quite … [Read more...] about Ricotta Balls in Tomato Sauce
Shrimp, Orzo and Feta Salad
I love a hearty cold pasta salad in the summer. This version is inspired by the classic Greek flavors of shrimp, feta and tomatoes, which is a favorite combination for me. The fresh tomato vinaigrette and pops of salty feta marry with Greek-inspired herbs, with a little fennel for crunch and bite. Hearty enough to serve on its own, but you could also scoop into lettuce leaves … [Read more...] about Shrimp, Orzo and Feta Salad
Tomato Sablés
Some time ago, I went a little overboard in a gourmet food shop, buying up all sorts of little French and Italian goodies – the kind of things that tend to linger on a shelf waiting for the “right” time to use them. More often than not, they go bad before the “right” time comes. I bought a tiny little tube with tomato shortbread batons from France. Only after I left the store … [Read more...] about Tomato Sablés
Savory Tomato Frangipane Tart
At the end of summer, when the larger slicing tomatoes are beginning to fade, I still seem to find small varieties of cherry and grape tomatoes hanging around the farmers market. Not, perhaps, at their peak, but still a taste of bright summer sun. They are perfect when kissed by heat from the oven to concentrate their flavor, so I find them marvelous for sauces or for tarts, … [Read more...] about Savory Tomato Frangipane Tart
