For Christmas, I gave Bob this Italian Street Food cookbook and promised to make one dish every month. He’s been like a kid with the Sears catalog reading every page and choosing what he wants me to make.
So far, this is our favorite dish we’ve tried — Polpettine di Melanzane, or in English . . . fried eggplant balls. Mmm. Sounds better in Italian, right? They were actually very good.
This is a torta layered with pastry, fresh spinach, ricotta, eggs, and smoked salmon. I added fresh herbs from my “orto cucina,” or “kitchen garden.” (almost fluent- only 10 million more Italian words to go!) It was good, my family liked it (Joe is home from college – yippee!) but next time I think I’ll make it with ham or pepperoni in the center instead of the salmon. Just something about a “fish pie” — as someone referred to it, that wasn’t so appetizing.
“But at school they . . .”
“I know all about Samford’s Cafeteria spoiling boys like you. Now eat your fish pie and enjoy it.”
The best thing was it eventually led me to this amazing dish: Timpano
One last thing I’ve found is a fun story you may want to read if you love books and traveling, is 10 Bookstores Worth Traveling For, written by Jessica Scott and posted on The Discovery Blog. I’ve visited one of the ten — Shakespeare and Company in Paris (above), and am excited that I’ll get to visit a second on the list in a few weeks (hint-hint stay tuned!).
What new recipes have you tried lately?
Good way to remember what you did to make it your own by writing in the column. LOL, I prefer the Italian name of the eggplant recipe as well. The Torta makes a great presentation. You are certainly getting away from our sweet southern down home cooking Leslie Anne. Guess that’s what jet setting travels gets you 🙂
Love the pic of you in front of Shakespeare And Company (where are you going?) I haven’t made it yet but this week I’m making Brussels sprouts Grilled Cheese with Baby Kale Salad.
Your Brussels sprouts sound good. I’ve just started liking them roasted or just about any way except boiled like the school cafeteria made them. Hope you take pictures. It all sounds good! I’ll surprise you with my trip, but I think you’ve been there!
Leslie, I left a comment yesterday but I didn’t think it posted. I love your idea with the cookbook, I will remember this as a gift to my hubby. We love Italian food, it is our favorite next to home-cooked Southern. How exciting, another trip…have a most wonderful week!
Thanks Pam. This is an interesting book with mostly snack-type foods, so I’ll usually make something from it for a weekend movie night. Much fancier than chips!
You go girl, learning to cook and speak Italian! Your “fish” pie looks beautiful, but I do think I’d like pepperoni better 🙂 Safe travels~
I promise. It was good, but coming from someone who loves to experiment with recipes, you know how “appeal” has to work! Thanks Jenna.
You have lovely cursive! What a nice gift for your hubby!!
ha! I always think it’s terrible because I taught kindergarten and can still print better. But thanks!
Hi,
I had to write a comment about your post about cheesecake. My mothers favorite cheesecake to make was with ricotta! I think this might be the first time I ever heard this type of cheesecake mentioned. This brought back many happy memories!
Thanks. I’m getting the cheesecake story posted soon!