Soups, mon amour!

I LOVE soups! All sort of different ones, no matter the season! 

But I have all excuses while we are buried in snow, here in Leesburg, to prepare this simple and comforting Split Pea Soup for my family! 

My version is really light and simple (surprised? ) I rehydrate the peas in cold water overnight, cook them for 45 minutes in the pressure pot with onion and parsley, salt and pepper. 

Only once cooked I adjust seasoning and top, right before serving, with a few pieces of cooked pancetta (or bacon), black pepper and a drizzle of my beloved unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil! Mmmmmhhhhhhhh! 

Scaloppine all'Arancia (Orange Scaloppine)

Another tasty idea for a quick fix chicken dinner: Scaloppine all'arancia (orange scaloppine). Won't take you longer than 15 minutes to have it on the table!

Start by heating up butter and olive oil. A clove of garlic, a sprig of rosemary and a few leaves of sage

Pan sear the chicken, seasoned with salt and pepper. Right before removing from heat, grate some orange zest on top

Serve sprinkling some fresh minced rosemary on top, fresh black pepper, and garnishing with orange slices, sage and rosemary sprigs. Buon Appetito!

Radicchio, Pere, Gorgonzola e Mandorle, con Vinaigrette al Prosecco (Radicchio, Pears, Gorgonzola and Almonds, with a Prosecco Vinaigrette)

In the mood for a winter salad? I think I've got something good for you.
Ready in a flash too: just prep the ingredients and arrange on serving plate. For the vinaigrette whisk together extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper and a splash of great, bubbly Prosecco!

Perfect balance of bitter-sweet deliciousness, with a savory and tangy vinaigrette

Serve it as a light appetizer or as an elegant side dish

January and February Special!

Don't forget our special for the months of January and February:

Book a group class with at least 4 paying participants during this two months, and one person can attend for free!

Remember: my kitchen or yours! (Leesburg, VA or vicinity)

Here are the classes you can pick from for the promotion:

• A taste of Italy – Chef’s pick: three dishes chosen according to time, place, seasonality and… Dani’s mood!

• Her Majesty “la Pasta” – homemade pasta and multiple serving suggestions

• Pizza – the dough, how to stretch it right, different ideas for toppings

• Risotto – a northerner delight with endless possibilities

 Promotional rate per person: $35.00 (regular rate $40.00 - min. 4 participants. Individual rates upon request)

Cook Up Something Good With Your Kids Today!

I have always been a strong believer in exposing children, even at a very early age, to the process of food preparing. 

As I keep saying, you might have to put up with some extra mess in the kitchen but the rewards are numberless!

Just think of it: you are minimizing the risk of picky responses to the plate in front of them when it's dinnertime. 

You are teaching good eating habits. You are giving them tools that will help them being independent when it comes to meal preparation, with great benefit to their health AND their wallet. And, last but not least, you are spending quality time with your loved little rascals and building lifetime lasting memories. Isn't all of that worth some extra paper towel? 

Plus, they make super-cute pictures to brag on the Internet! :-)

Homemade Pasta Classes

Homemade pasta classes are among my favorites! Here are Ceci and Larry attending a "couple" class, making some fresh tagliatelle that were then served with some sautéed lemon shrimp, and garlic, parsley and thyme zucchini! Easy, fun and delicious! Just like we like it!

(Thank you to Ceci and Larry for allowing me to post their pics)

"What shall I bring to the class?"

I am often asked: "What are some useful tools to have handy when you attend a Cucinamore class?"

 Well... a smile on your face sure comes handy

Also, an open mind and heart to what might be new and unfamiliar to you (an open mouth for tasting is useful too, but that's absolutely up to you)

Then, a desire to put your hands to work and maybe some friends

Oh, an apron helps you too, but only if you're the messy type like I am! 

• Thank you to the friends who allowed me to use their pictures from the classes, to show you the fun that we have when we get together in the name of good Italian food and friendship!

Remember, my friends: my kitchen or yours (Leesburg and vicinity)!