Crispy Brussel Sprouts
Roasted sprouts with crisp pancetta, pomegranate and sage, dressed in a white balsamic and lemongrass vinaigrette with a fig balsamic glaze.
Risotto with Spicy Italian Sausage
Carnaroli risotto with caramelized red onion and sage, topped with spicy Italian sausage, mushrooms, pancetta and peppery arugula.
Panzanella Salad
The Tuscan answer to stale bread. Torn ciabatta soaked in tomato juices with cherry tomatoes, artichokes, mozzarella and basil.
Tomato Pasta with Sun-dried Tomato Pesto
Tagliolini Pomodoro in a pesto of sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers and basil, emulsified with pasta water.
Classic Italian Tomato Sauce (Sugo di Pomodoro)
Roma tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, oregano and basil simmered into the sauce everything else is built on. Worth making in batches.
Pesto
Basil, pine nuts, garlic and Parmigiano brought together with good olive oil. The Ligurian original, with Pecorino if you want more bite.
Espagnole
One of the five French mother sauces: a brown roux built out with mirepoix, tomato paste, red wine and veal stock. The base for demi-glace.
Veloute
One of the five French mother sauces: a pale roux loosened with warm chicken or fish stock and sharpened with lemon.
Pumpkin Pie
Roasted pie pumpkin or butternut pureed with condensed milk and warm spices, including a little black pepper for lift.
Pecan Whiskey Pie
Brown butter, whiskey and three cups of pecans in a blind-baked shell. Richer and less cloying than the pecan pie you grew up with.
Tomato Jam
Six pounds of heirloom tomatoes cooked down with sugar, balsamic and lemon zest. Yields five jars and belongs on every cheeseboard.
Italian Gazpacho
Jim's cold soup of heirloom tomatoes, cucumber, onion and garlic blended with olive oil and balsamic. Nothing to cook, everything to chill.