Hearty Greens & Beans!

I'm gonna tell you a little secret. I hate beans! I mean all kinds of beans. My dislike for beans is so great that I make chili without the beans. Or if I happen to be somewhere and eat chili I pick out all the beans.

I didn't begin to even like the Italian staple of Greens & Beans until I was pregnant and craved it. I mean craved it! Since that time I absolutly love Greens & Beans. I can't find anywhere or any recipe that makes it as mouthwateringly delicious as my favorite restaurant but I'm still trying. I made some Greens & Beans Soup last night for dinner. It's been feeling a little like fall around here lately and this was just perfect for a nice, hearty Sunday dinner.

Mangiamo!

Hearty Greens & Beans Soup

32 Mini Italian Meatballs (I used Pre-Cooked/Frozen ones but you could make your own)

3 Tbsp Basting Oil, divided (You could use Olive Oil to substitute)

1 large Onions, chopped

3 cloves Garlic, chopped

15 oz package Escarole

Salt and pepper to taste

5 1/2 cups Chicken Stock

1 can (15.5 oz) Cannellini Beans, drained

1/2 cup Acini Di Pepe Pasta (or any other type soup pasta)

Thaw meatballs according to directions on package or pre-cook your own by heating 1 Tbsp basting oil in large braising pan on MEDIUM. Add meatballs and cook, turning to brown all sides, 3-4 min. Remove from pan and set aside. Discard pan drippings. Return pan to heat; add remaining 2 Tbsp basting oil and onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2-3 min, until onions are translucent. Add garlic; cook, stirring until softened, about 1 min. Add escarole; cook, stirring occasionally, 1-2 min, until wilted. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Stir in stock, beans, and meatballs; heat to boiling on MEDIUM-HIGH. Reduce heat and simmer 10 min. Add pasta; simmer 10 min. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Makes 8 servings.

Capellini Caprese

With a blog name such as Cool As Caprese I think it's only fitting that I start with a Caprese based recipe. If you are not aware a Caprese salad is an appetizer served with fresh sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil and lightly drizzled with olive oil. Simple, but yet delicious.

I came across this Capellini Caprese recipe on the Kraft Foods website. I've probably made it 5 times now or so and it's quickly become a favorite in our house. I've even made this for dinner guests and they've been wowed at how easy and delicious this truly is. While it's a goal of mine to make this at some point with fresh, homemade pasta, boxed pasta is a timesaver and just as good.

Serve this with a nice salad, crusty loaf of Italian bread, and a glass of wine and you will sit back and be relaxed.

Mangiamo!

Capellini Caprese:

1/2 lb. capellini or spaghetti, uncooked
1/2 cup KRAFT Tuscan House Italian Dressing and Marinade
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese
1/3 cup fresh basil, finely sliced

COOK pasta as directed on package.
MEANWHILE, heat dressing in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic; cook and stir 2 min. Add tomatoes; cook 5 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
DRAIN pasta. Add to tomato mixture; mix lightly. Sprinkle with cheese and basil.

Let's Start At The Very Beginning...

It's a very good place to start.

For the past 10 years or so I have become a food lover. Actually, it might have started sooner than that. Growing up in a strong Italian family solidified my love of food from an early age. I was treated to homemade pasta & sauce every Sunday. Holidays were tables upon tables of homemade food from my heritage.

Of course, it wasn't until I considered myself an adult did I learn to appreciate and honestly, begin to yearn for cooking based on recipes from this Italian culture. To me Italian food isn't just pasta & pizza but it's cooking simply. Fresh ingredients, fresh flavors, fresh taste. This to me is life.

So now I feel like I am beginning my journey into cooking. Not only for me and my family but also to preserve my heritage.