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.
20 Hour Braised Chuck Roast, Sauce and Pappardelle
Chuck roast braised for twenty hours until it falls apart, folded through tomato sauce and served over pappardelle. Long on time, short on effort.
Red Wine Vinaigrette
Olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon, garlic and shallot with fresh herbs. Works as a dressing, a marinade, or a sauce for roasted vegetables.
Sauce Bolognese
Ground beef cooked down slowly with soffritto and wine over at least two and a half hours. Better still if you make it the day before.