Quick Cassoulet

I’ve never had slow cassoulet, and all the of the essentials of the dish are right here.  It is dead simple and tastes so good. 2 cans (16 ounces each) white kidney (cannellini) beans , drained3 tablespoons olive oil2 cups chopped, fresh tomatoes6 shallots, sliced2 cloves garlic, minced2 tablespoons chopped parsley½ pound sweet Italian sausage… Continue reading Quick Cassoulet

Hoppin’ John

This is the first version of the Southern New Year’s day dish I cooked, just the rice and black-eyed peas, without the greens found in another recipe on this blog. 1 pound black-eyed peas8 slices bacon, or ½ pound Italian sausage, chopped2 small onions, chopped1 cup chopped green pepper2 stalks celery, chopped2 cloves garlic, crushedpinch… Continue reading Hoppin’ John

Tuscan Sausage and Bean Soup

1 ¼ cups dried great northern beans4 cups cold water1 can (14 ½ ounces) whole Italian style peeled tomatoes1 can (14 ½ ounces) beef broth2 cups sliced zucchini (approximately 1 medium)¾ pound Italian sausage, sliced in ½" slices1 medium onion, chopped1/3 cup dry red wine (or water)1 clove garlic, minced½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning½ of… Continue reading Tuscan Sausage and Bean Soup

Rich Minestrone (The Frugal Gourmet)

This is a great, hearty soup, and not a character in The Godfather (I can make that joke, I’m Italian). The Frugal Gourmet complimented this recipe with one of his favorite phrases, “This is peasant food!” You see, out of necessity, peasants used all kinds of simple and cheap ingredients, to make nourishing food for… Continue reading Rich Minestrone (The Frugal Gourmet)

Lasagna (Barilla No Boil Noodles)

1 box (9 ounces) Barilla No-Boil Lasagna Noodles2 eggs15-ounce container ricotta4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (16 ounces, divided)½ cup grated Parmesan cheese1 pound bulk Italian sausage or ground beef, browned and drained48 ounces marinara sauce (approximately 6 cups) Preheat oven to 375°. Grease a 13" x 9" x 3" pan. Remove 16 Barilla lasagna sheets… Continue reading Lasagna (Barilla No Boil Noodles)

Lasagna (Family Circle, May 1966)

This is a classic recipe where you have to boil your own noodles first. Texturewise, it comes out just like my grandma’s lasagna. I have typed the recipe exactly as I found it on the violet-bordered index card that came in May, 1966, bound between the glossy pages of Family Circle. “Always tops! Recipe makes… Continue reading Lasagna (Family Circle, May 1966)