Risotto with Dill Pesto and Meatballs
Lemon-scented Carnaroli risotto with Parmesan, served with dill and Parmesan meatballs and a dill and basil pesto.
Six Color Fiocchetti with a Basil and Mint Pesto, Asparagus, and Peas
Six color fiocchetti with a bright basil and mint pesto, asparagus, peas and cherry tomatoes. As good at room temperature as it is hot.
Balsamic Blueberry Sauce
Blueberries cooked down with cinnamon, vanilla and lemon zest, then finished off the heat with Gold Label balsamic. Good on everything from gelato to French toast.
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.
Cacio e Pepe
Four ingredients and no cream. Spaghetti, Pecorino Romano, toasted black pepper and starchy pasta water emulsified into a silky sauce.
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.
Mornay
Bechamel enriched with Gruyere and Parmesan. The sauce behind gratins, croque monsieur, and the best macaroni cheese you will make.
Tomato Jam
Six pounds of heirloom tomatoes cooked down with sugar, balsamic and lemon zest. Yields five jars and belongs on every cheeseboard.
Trapani Pesto
The Sicilian pesto: tomatoes, almonds, basil and garlic. Made for busiate, since both come from Trapani.
Pickled Shallots
Shallots sliced thin on a mandoline and quick-pickled in red wine vinegar with peppercorns. Five minutes for acidity you will use all week.