Italian Food - Bites & Bevvies

January 2, 2023January 27, 2023

It’s Hard To Mess Up This Cacio e Pepe Recipe

Cacio e Pepe is an Italian dish with a long and storied history. A classic Roman dish, it dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was a simple meal of pecorino cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. Despite its simplicity, the combination of flavors is incredibly complex and satisfying.

Cacio e Pepe is a pasta dish made with long, thin spaghetti, Pecorino cheese, and lots of freshly cracked black pepper. While some recipes call for butter or cream, it is traditionally made with only cheese, pepper, and olive oil. The pasta is cooked in salted water and then drained, reserving some of the cooking liquid. The cheese and pepper are added to the hot pasta, along with some of the cooking liquid, and then it is mixed until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened.

Make Your Own Upscale Cacio e Pepe

Making an upscale twist on Cacio e Pepe at home is easy and can be done in just a few steps. To make this version of the dish, you will need 1/2 pound of spaghetti, 1/2 cup of freshly grated Pecorino cheese, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper, 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of butter, plus more for garnish.

To begin, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. When done, reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid and drain the spaghetti.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter. When the butter has melted, add the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat. Reduce the heat to low and add the Pecorino cheese, black pepper, and reserved cooking liquid. Toss until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened.

To finish, top the pasta with an extra tablespoon of butter and more freshly grated cheese. Serve with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. For an optional way to add some spice, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Cacio e Pepe is a classic Italian dish that is simple, yet incredibly flavorful. With this upscale twist, you can upgrade the classic dish and enjoy a delicious meal in just a few minutes.

How about a great app to get the meal started? This Caprese Salad recipe will pair nicely.

December 22, 2022January 27, 2023

An Easy Spaghetti And Meatballs The Kids Will Love

The classic dish of spaghetti and meatballs has been around for centuries, and its origin story is just as rich as the flavors of the dish itself. While the exact origin of the dish is unknown, its earliest written mention dates back to a Neapolitan cookbook from the late 1800s. The dish is thought to have been created as a way to bring together ingredients that were readily available and affordable.

Start With Meatballs

Making the perfect meatball is no easy task, but with a few simple tricks you can have delicious, juicy meatballs every time. Start with the right ingredients: ground beef or pork, bread crumbs, egg, minced onion, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and form into balls. Make sure you don’t over-mix the ingredients, or your meatballs will be tough. Bake your meatballs in the oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Putting It Together

This classic dish is sure to please the whole family. To make spaghetti and meatballs at home, you’ll need the following ingredients: spaghetti, meatballs (see above recipe), tomato sauce, garlic, onions, and parsley.

You’ll need a large pot, a skillet, and a baking sheet. Start by preheating the oven to 375°F and baking the meatballs according to the recipe above.

In a large pot, bring 6 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.

In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.

Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat. Serve with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for garnish.

Optional Ways to Add Some Spice:

For a spicy version of this classic dish, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also add diced jalapenos or chopped chili peppers to the sauce to give it some extra kick.

Additional Optional Garnishes:

To add extra flavor and texture to the dish, try adding some chopped fresh basil or oregano to the tomato sauce. You can also top the dish with some freshly grated mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.

December 20, 2022January 27, 2023

A Lasagna The Whole Family Will Love

Lasagna is composed of layers of pasta, cheese, and a variety of sauces that are baked in an oven. The dish has since become popular around the world, with variations of the dish appearing in different cultures.

Making lasagna at home is easy and requires only a few simple steps. The ingredients you will need are: lasagna noodles, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and your favorite seasonings. You will also need a 9×13-inch baking dish and kitchen utensils, such as a large pot, a colander, and a spoon.

To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Then, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook for about 10 minutes, or until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside.

Next, spread a layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Top with a layer of cooked lasagna noodles. Spread a layer of ricotta cheese over the noodles and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Add another layer of noodles and top with more tomato sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and top with remaining Parmesan cheese.

Repeat these layers until you’ve used all the ingredients and the baking dish is full. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. The lasagna is done when it is golden brown and bubbly.

Garnish your lasagna with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, and serve. For a little extra kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes over each individual serving.

Making lasagna at home is a great way to bring a classic Italian dish to your dinner table. With a few simple ingredients, you can make a delicious and satisfying dinner that your whole family will love.

Need a great accompaniment for your Italian dinner? Check out these awesome bevvy recipes.