Artichoke and Lemon Arancini

Arancini are delicious little Italian rice balls usually made with leftover risotto. Originally Sicilian, but made all over Italy by everybody who loves them, they are divine. I've make them whenever I have leftover risotto, but sometimes I just make risotto so that I can make Arancini. Yield: Varies Author: Mary Palumbo Print With Image Without Image Artichoke and Lemon Arancini prep time: cook time: total time: These can be made using leftover Risotto or any cooked white rice ingredients: *3 cups leftover Risotto, or other cooked white rice *1 egg *1 can artichoke hearts chopped in small dice *zest of 2 large lemons  *several leaves of fresh basil, (about 1/4 Cup) chopped *fresh mozzarella about 1 cup, cubed *salt and pepper to taste ( if using risotto which is well seasoned no extra salt    needed       * Dry Breadcrumbs  or Panko breadcrumbs  * 3/4 cup all purpose flour, mixed with 8 to 10 oz of...

Roasted Beet Mascarpone Tart

It's nice to have a delicious make ahead appetizer or first course when entertaining.  I love knowing that one part of a meal is ready so that I can focus on all of the other things that I like to do when guests are coming over. Puff Pastry is one of those ingredients that can be used in so many ways, sweet or savory, and I always have some on hand, whether it is homemade, frozen or refrigerated. When I created this Tart,  I had just roasted beets, I had  Mascarpone...and Romano, which is always in my fridge... and Fresh Basil in my garden. I simply combined these things and added them to Puff Pastry. Using Italian ingredients made this Tart...Delicious Italian.  Buon Appetito!   Yield: 6 Author: Mary Palumbo Print With Image Without Image Roasted Beet Mascarpone Tart prep time: 45 M cook time: 15 M total time: 60 M A savory and beautiful tart that comes together easily! ingredients: Roasted Beets  1 small container...

Landscape Salads

I think that fresh produce is amazing and  I believe in beautiful presentation, after all,  some say we eat with our eyes first.  In this case I thought of my garden and how things grow and  all of the beautiful colors . Some of the vegetables are raw, others I either roasted, grilled or steamed,  then arranged them as if I were looking at a landscape. Dressed lightly with EVOO and either citrus juice or a vinegar these salads are different than a beautiful bowl of greens, just as delicious and healthy, and a delight for the eyes.

Dinner Table For Six

Dinner Table For Six...As is my usual method around here, when it comes to a dinner party or just a simple dinner for a few friends, I enjoy using what I have. Mixing and matching things that I own, maybe adding a new piece here and there but always changing it up and making things look a little different each time.  Using things in ways different than what they might be intended for... lace curtains from Italy as a table runner, or a decorative brandy snifter as a water glass anything different.  Of course fresh flowers are always in order. I especially like simple, uncontrived arrangements. I often use decanters as vases, running down the length of the table, or a single arrangement if I’m setting a round table. Always keeping the season in mind and adding seasonal touches....

Easter Table

Using a mix and match theme is my favorite way of setting a pretty table. Using things that I own in different combinations is always a fun challenge.  Choose something to inspire you.  It may be a particular dish design or flowers from your garden, or from the flower market.  A new tablecloth,  or of course,  the season or holiday.  Anything you love can be turned into a special table setting without spending a lot of money.  If you do choose  to buy something new to use,  try to keep in mind what you may already have on hand to build on.  I rarely set a table the same way twice,  changing things just a little can be so fun...Inspiration is all around us, all we have to do is be open to it. Using a mix and match theme is my favorite way of setting a pretty table. Using things that I own in different combinations is always a fun challenge.  Choose something to inspire you.  It may be a particu...