Grilled Swordfish with Lemon and Mint

      O.K......I know we're quickly moving out of grilling season but, this is such a quick and easy recipe, I just had to share it.  Honestly, I had planned on sharing it awhile ago, but life got busy......again....and, so....here we are on the very last day of September, with a grilling recipe.

Meat-Stuffed Eggplant

    It's eggplant again, friends!  We've already established that it's one of my favorite vegetables, so I thought I'd share another recipe.....this time stuffing it with all sorts of "yumminess"!  And I love these baby eggplant........so cute!!  This is great for dinner with a salad and some good bread on the side.  It would also make a nice addition to a buffet table.

Meatloaf Brasciole

    O.k..........it's been a long time since I've posted a meat recipe on the blog and I'm just a little excited to share this one.  It's definitely not your typical, boring meatloaf recipe!  "Brasciole" are, basically, thin slices of meat rolled around a filling and cooked with or without tomato sauce/wine. There can be many different variations, and you may sometimes see them referred to as "Involtini".

    As a child, I loved my gramma's version!  She baked hers on skewers and served them along with tomato sauce, but not in the sauce; they were delicious!!  My kids grew up enjoying the same recipe! (Note to self.....share gramma's brasciole recipe on the blog in the future!)  I've  made variations that are also delicious.

    So, what is "Meatloaf Brasciole", you ask?  Well, you mix several yummy ingredients together to make the meatloaf base and, then, you layer on a few more yummy ingredients, roll the whole thing up into this delicious loaf and, there you have it........meatloaf, all dressed up, Italian-style!!

Swiss Chard and Sweet Pea Manicotti

    One of my hubby's favorite meals is a nice plate of manicotti with a delicious tomato sauce and lots of gooey cheese.  So, when I saw this recipe, I just had to try it!  Now, granted, it doesn't include a tomato sauce, but there definitely is no lack of gooey cheese!  And if you're trying to get the kids to eat some more green veggies.......this will work!

Fettuccine with Mascarpone, Toasted Walnuts, and Basil

    O.k. friends......time for some carbohydrates.  This is a rich and delicious pasta dish that goes well with a light salad.  I love the combination of crunchy, toasted walnuts with the creamy mascarpone cheese and the fresh basil!  And.....it's really quick and easy, with only 5 ingredients plus salt and pepper!

Pork Chops with Vinegared Peppers

    Here's another really delicious main dish for you.  Now, I know Easter is just around the corner and this recipe has no connection to the holiday, but, well......it's just really good and I wanted to share.  The tangy "vinegar-i-ness" of the peppers is a really nice contrast to the richness of the pork!  YUM!!  The recipe comes from "The Italian American Cookbook" by John and Galina Mariani.  I've also made this dish with boneless chicken breasts......DELICIOUS!

Sweet Potato Gnocchi in Sage and Brown Butter Sauce

    Ok, contrary to what you're thinking....I do not eat pasta every day!  It's just that, as I mentioned in an earlier post, this is National Pasta Month and today, specifically, is designated World Pasta Day!  I just had to make another pasta recipe for you! 
    Raise your hand if you've never had gnocchi.  Ok, let me explain what they are.  They are like little pasta dumplings.  Instead of just using  flour, eggs, water, and seasonings, etc. you add potatoes and, in this case, also some sweet potatoes (perfect for the fall season).  I think they're a little heavier than other pasta, but delicious in their own right.

Italian Sausage, Broccoli, and Provolone Quiche

     Quiche may not be in vogue anymore and I know it's not an "Italian thing", but I still think it's a great option  for a mid-week supper or a brunch on the weekend.  This has an Italian twist (are you surprised?) with the addition of sharp provolone (an aged Italian cheese), roasted red peppers, and Italian sausage.  I've also added a toasted breadcrumb topping for a little crunch.  A Little warning ....this is not light on the calories but quite yummy.