Category Archives: Cooking Italy
Thursday, March 11, 2010 08:00
Posted in Appetizer, Challenges, Cooking Italy, Food and Drink, Italian, Recipes 28 comments
 It’s been forever since I last cooked something for the Cooking Italy group which is all about the wonderful book “The Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking” by Marcella Hazan. You know how things like that go; in between cooking for the Daring Cooks, the Daring Bakers and various other cooking groups and challenges… it almost...
Posted in Appetizer, Challenges, Cooking Italy, Food and Drink, Italian, Recipes
Tags: bruschetta, cooking italy, pasta, recipe, Recipes
Meeta - March 11, 2010 - 08:26
simone this looks divine. now i just want to come over for dinner! [Reply] 
Peter G @ Souvlaki For The Soul - March 11, 2010 - 09:20
Bruschetta is really the simplest thing anyone can make…and the tastiest! And I like the pasta dish as well…I must admit to never trying sausage with cream but it looks so good! [Reply] 
anncoo - March 11, 2010 - 10:53
These look so wonderfully delicious. Can’t wait to make those. [Reply] 
Angela@spinachtiger - March 11, 2010 - 15:19
Hi Simone, So glad you bumped into that book. The “rubbing” of the garlic is right way to do it. Sometimes bruscetta is made with way too much garlic and poor tomatoes fall away. Your tomatoes look so red and beautiful. I’m amazed that the sausage dish was so good. (it’s not the easiest dish to make look good is it?) The group asked about you just this week. [Reply] 
Asha@FSK - March 11, 2010 - 16:35
ah! love simple meals.. that’s I love pasta.. it’s so satisfying yet so easy to put together.. [Reply] 
Valérie - March 11, 2010 - 16:51
Yay, Cooking Italy is back! Beautiful bruschetta! It looks like we’ll have an early spring here in Montreal – I hope it means good tomatoes by the basket! [Reply] 
Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen - March 11, 2010 - 21:28
Bruschetta with fresh garden tomatoes is an amazing thing! That pasta looks delicious too! [Reply] 
Couscous & Consciousness - March 11, 2010 - 22:56
Your bruschetta looks beautiful – like you I only recently made it for the group too, and now I’m making it all the time! I’m yet to try the pasta & sausage, but you’ve made it look wonderful. [Reply] 
Soma - March 11, 2010 - 23:33
We love bruschetta! with summer peeking in, we will have it every other day with the lovely tomatoes. The pasta is making me think dinner now. [Reply] 
Michelle - March 12, 2010 - 00:12
Tomatoes are about the only food I’ve been moderately successful at growing, and my favorite way to eat them is turning them into a simple and delicious tomato bruschetta. I agree that rubbing a clove of garlic over the toast is the perfect compliment to the ripe, juicy tomatoes. Looks wonderful and is making me long for summer! [Reply] 
Maria - March 12, 2010 - 01:04
Bruschetta is my favorite! Ever had it with white beans instead of tomatoes? Or olives misti? Those seem to be popular on menus in Italy as far as antipasti go. I tend to revert to the tomatoes though. They’re so easy and you’re right – just deliciously simple! [Reply] 
A Canadian Foodie - March 12, 2010 - 01:35
No doubt simple is best! Creamy and dreamy! YUMMMM…. then reading your next post – cooking school… what a riot. What kind of a machine is that? Is it similar to a Thermomix? Do you have a Thermomix… how would you compare that machine to a Thermomix? [Reply] 
Sarka - March 12, 2010 - 03:05
Never tried using sausages for pasta! But it actually looks very good. And bruschetta is my all time favourite, easy to prepare meal. I would be happy by your table! [Reply] 
Sophie - March 12, 2010 - 10:58
I love using good quality sausages in my pasta,…it makes all of the difference! This pasta dish sings to me, Simone! MMMMMMMM,….lovely food! [Reply] 
nina - March 12, 2010 - 16:10
Simone….I love the recipes and the cooking, but when can I book for photography lessons???? You are a pro!!! [Reply] 
Hannah - March 12, 2010 - 16:12
Oh, what I would give for a ripe tomato right about now…! I drooling over that bruschetta! [Reply] 
Kate at Serendipity - March 12, 2010 - 17:00
I love bruschetta. In the summer, when we have good tomatoes, we sometimes have that with a salad for dinner. …look at that pasta! Simple, good flavors, perfect. I don’t know how you manage to get good photos of pasta. Amazing! [Reply] 
smilinggreenmom - March 13, 2010 - 15:45
This looks fabulous and so beautiful! I am thinking this is a must try using our favorite pasta made with Kamut Khorasan Wheat! Thanks for sharing this recipe and gorgeous picture! [Reply] 
Jamie - March 14, 2010 - 10:54
Oh no, Simone, both the bruschetta and the pasta look fabulous and you have me dreaming of our years in Italy! Yum! We used to get gorgeous bruschette like this as an appetizer in one of our favorite restaurant in Milan and yours have brought it all back. Beautiful! [Reply] 
Foodjunkie - March 17, 2010 - 10:59
I love the sausage with cream pasta! The problem is I can never find the right sausage in Athens, at least not around where I live. [Reply] 
kathy - April 5, 2010 - 20:11
Your bruschetta looks appetizing and the pasta made my tummy rumbly. [Reply]
A Canadian Foodie - April 6, 2010 - 04:49
I love bruschetta. It is a real staple at our home. My Italian girlfriend, Luciana introduced me to it about 20 years ago and I could not believe how such simple ingredients could create such a sensational taste explosion. I have been in love with it since. However, unlike you, I cannot get enough garlic. I have to be careful when I make it for guests not to overdue it. I find it is best the day I make it. I don’t add the salt or the garlic until just before serving – and yes, I add garlic right into mine with the tomatoes. Great photos! [Reply] 
Mozzarella, Basil, Tomato Grilled Cheese Bruschetta: Mini Homemade Pizza — Family Fresh Cooking - August 10, 2010 - 14:45
[...] Tomato Bruschetta and Pasta Jungle Frog [...]
Tuesday, December 8, 2009 16:47
Posted in Challenges, Cooking Italy, Food and Drink 25 comments
 In the spirit of the season I figured I would do a give-a-way as I saw this fun book while browsing for christmas presents on the web. I ordered two copies; one for me and one for the lucky winner of the give away. It’s a book with Dutch recipes, called Dutch Delight and while...
Posted in Challenges, Cooking Italy, Food and Drink
Tags: amatriciana, cooking italy, giveaway, pasta, recipe, Recipes, tomatoes
25 comments 
Kayte - December 8, 2009 - 17:52
Looks great! We loved this dish and I will be making it again for them. Your pasta choice is so pretty with this recipe. Love you little four legged kitchen helper! [Reply]
anncoo - December 8, 2009 - 18:05
I can’t wait to try this~~looks so beautiful and tempting. Even Gizmo was attracted to this~~Meow Meow~~ [Reply]
Michelle - December 8, 2009 - 18:28
Oh my gosh. The recipe sounds great, but it’s the photo with the cat that I love. He looks like my Harper, who is always trying to stick her nose into my food photos. LOL [Reply] 
Gabriele - December 8, 2009 - 20:09
Bucatini or spaghetti if you do not have them but Amatriciana calls only for “pasta lunga.” Just a thought. [Reply] 
Kayla - December 9, 2009 - 04:46
Yum! The pasta looks and sounds fantastic. We’re all Italian lovers around my house, so I’ll have to whip this up one of these days. Despite the fact that we love Italian food, we’re actually all Dutch! That book sure would be fun to have around… [Reply] 
Glennis - December 9, 2009 - 06:03
Beautiful pasta Simone! We really enjoyed this one! Your Gizmo…my Splash. Both full of mischief! [Reply] 
joey - December 9, 2009 - 08:00
I love amatriciana! One of my favorite pasta sauces The Dutch cookbook looks great! Some years ago I was assigned to the Netherlands for work and I loved it…would love to win that book! [Reply] 
Sabine - December 9, 2009 - 09:12
This dish always brings back good memories. It was the first dish we made when we moved to Rome, and we made it many times while we were living there. Very nice pictures and I am glad your cat appreciates good cooking unlike ours. [Reply]
Asha@FSK - December 9, 2009 - 13:14
OH! This is so perfect.. we are visiting Holland just after Christmas this year!! And I am soo looking forward to sampling the Dutch cuisine… so hopefully, I will this book and can come back and relive the moments any time!!! [Reply]
Valérie - December 9, 2009 - 16:04
The cover of the Dutch cookbook made me laugh! I’m intrigued by the book, though: even though I’m from Belgium, I know very little about Dutch cuisine. Mostly, all that comes to my mind is cheese and maatjes (which I’ve never even tried, because my father doesn’t like them). And the recipes you post here seem to be more international than typically Dutch, so I’m still pretty clueless… That picture of Gizmo and the pasta is priceless! I have to agree with her, though: that crispy pancette is hard to resist! [Reply]
Hannah - December 9, 2009 - 17:07
Ah, such an adorable shot with your cat in it! My dog would be all over my food photography too, if not for the height of the table. Good thing she’s so small! [Reply] 
Koko - December 9, 2009 - 22:48
That book cover is amazing! And your little kitty has some good taste- looks delicious! [Reply] 
Jim-49 - December 10, 2009 - 03:41
I’m not much on the pasta,but the family,I cook for them,and if your what you eat is what you are,then I got some large pasta items here.Now,the Dutch book is my thoughts.I have Dutch roots,and looking on the computors,some of my handed down recipes,are almost word for word to dutch cooking,and none of the older family,has never had a computor.They never had recipes,just cooked,since the 1800′s.And,don’t change your cooking,I love the recipes and site!! [Reply] 
Jelli - December 10, 2009 - 22:00
Oh, what a great prize! Thanks for sharing this tasty looking recipe. When I went to Holland 2 years ago, I loved it! I can’t think of a better system than the cycling system of your lovely country. I certainly wish other countries would catch on soon! [Reply] 
Ben - December 10, 2009 - 23:11
And I always thought funny hats and wooden shoes were standard in Dutch fashion… silly me! LOL I want to learn more about Dutch food. I must confess that other than some pastries it is alien to me. I have to have it! LOL [Reply] 
hungry dog - December 13, 2009 - 03:11
Marcella’s amatriciana is one of my favorite go-to dishes–so easy and satisfying and you can keep everything on hand, requiring no trips to the store. I really like your blog, I shall be back! [Reply] 
Peter - December 14, 2009 - 21:50
I’ve been to Amsterdam 3X’and I wish I could go back and try out some Dutch specialties. Here’s a toast with Genever and here’s hoping I win! PS…Amatriciana…a classic Italiano dish. [Reply] 
suzielarose - December 17, 2009 - 03:55
I am intrigued by this book… having lived 2 years in the Netherlands, I would love to win it or find it in my local cookbook store in Toronto. [Reply]
Monday, December 7, 2009 22:07
Posted in Challenges, Cooking Italy, Food and Drink, Italian, Recipes 17 comments
 Ok, I am so terribly behind on the Cooking Italy schedule that it’s kind of a miracle that I made the risotto that is scheduled for december 14th ahead of schedule…But then again; I didn’t exactly follow the recipe that Marcella gave, so not sure if this counts as having finished the recipe.. lol… I...
Posted in Challenges, Cooking Italy, Food and Drink, Italian, Recipes
Tags: cooking italy, mushrooms, porcini, rice, risotto
17 comments
Peter G - December 7, 2009 - 22:57
It looks like you had some fun in the process though, Simone! The risotto still looks mighty tasty! [Reply] 
peachkins - December 8, 2009 - 01:07
I am drooling!All those mushroom and peas and all those wonderful flavors [Reply]
Ben - December 8, 2009 - 03:32
I agree with the other comments. It still looks tasty but I don’t think there’s anything you can’t make look tasty with your photography magic [Reply]
nina - December 8, 2009 - 04:32
It happens to the best of us, just don’t give up trying…. Looks good though!! [Reply]
Kate at Serendipity - December 8, 2009 - 08:47
I love the idea of peas in this, and I LOVE THAT BOWL. Too bad about the chanterelles–porcini are so much nicer, I think. What I like here is that you went with the ingredients you had. For me, that’s the spirit of Italian cooking. I think this one should count! Gorgeous photo. [Reply]  Simone (junglefrog) Reply: It’s on of the things I bought in Spain!! I love the bowls they have there and it costs virtually nothing… Needless to say I bought a whole stack… [Reply] 
Trissa - December 8, 2009 - 08:52
Welcome back Simone – we missed you! Glad to see your cooking Italy posts – too bad about the risotto (I am not vegetarian hehe) but it still looks beautiful! [Reply]
Angela@spinachtiger - December 8, 2009 - 14:20
Good to see you back. Dish still looks fantastic; it’s good to try to improvise. Isn’t that the best way to learn? I’m getting hungry for the risotto now. [Reply]
Sophie - December 8, 2009 - 14:28
Kayte - December 8, 2009 - 14:38
You are way ahead of me as I have never made risotto and am so looking forward to it, especially if it looks anything like yours! Wow that looks good…great job. [Reply]
Valérie - December 8, 2009 - 15:51
Welcome back! Sorry the chanterelles were disappointing – indeed, I bet this would taste great with porcini! I haven’t made risotto in a really long time (I’ve been making a lot of Asian rice dishes), and I think I should do something about it soon! [Reply]
Glennis - December 9, 2009 - 06:10
I completely understand about the chanterelles…they can be tricky to use. I’m half sweating this one…I have everything, but I’m not sure about the consistency at the end with the risotto. I guess I’ll figure it out when I get there! LOL! Thanks for the heads up about the mushroom broth cubes…I’ve seen some and wondered… Your dish looks lovely regardless though! [Reply] 
pigpigscorner - December 9, 2009 - 22:30
It still looks beautiful! I like the idea of adding peas, adds a nice colour. [Reply]
Tuesday, November 3, 2009 07:00
Posted in Challenges, Cooking Italy, Food and Drink 19 comments
 Let me start by making a confession; I am not a big pizza fan…. Maybe I should be considering that my studio is actually located above the infamous New York Pizza chain!!It also tends to be the first thing that people ask me when they first come to the studio; if I eat a lot...
Posted in Challenges, Cooking Italy, Food and Drink
Tags: cooking italy, pizza, pizza dough
19 comments
Trissa - November 3, 2009 - 09:50
How clever to improvise with a stone grill! Your pizza looks especially good with all that cheese. [Reply] 
Peter G - November 3, 2009 - 13:30
Simone these look perfect! I love making my own pizzas and often look for a great dough recipe. I MUST try these for sure. [Reply] 
Lisa - November 3, 2009 - 15:16
I love just coming here and looking at your photos [Reply]
Valérie - November 3, 2009 - 16:02
Mmmmm, it looks great! I know where you’re coming from, for years I thought of pizza as decadent comfort food: not necessarily junk food, but not gourmet food, either. And then I started dating an Italian… (Oh, and just to answer your question on my blog (because my blog doesn’t have a “reply to comment” function, grrr): filet americain isn’t really known in Canada. You can easily order steak tartare at a restaurant, but it’s not the same. When I think of filet americain, I usually think of the pre-seasoned, slightly gloopy raw meat you can buy at the supermarket in Belgium (and probably Holland, too?), which you can use as a sandwich spread or whatever. They definitely don’t sell that around here.) [Reply]
Kate at Serendipity - November 3, 2009 - 16:49
I LOVE pizza! I have a pizza stone, but I always have trouble with the dough–I want it thinner and crispier than it turns out. This recipe looks like it might be the answer. Thanks! [Reply]
nina - November 3, 2009 - 17:20
I think a lot of fast food outlets have killed the idea of a good Italian pizza, because they put all kinds of Americanized rubbish on it. A good Italian pizza with the best fresh ingredients is hard the beat!!! You score 100% for your attempt!!! [Reply]
FoodJunkie - November 3, 2009 - 17:24
I am not a big pizza fan either, but there is something very gourmet about Italian pizza as opposed to the American style. I love the fact that it is not heavy and you can feel each ingredient separately. I manage to make perfect pizza without a pizza stone, but your idea to use the stonegrill was really good! [Reply]
Michelle - November 3, 2009 - 22:21
We love pizza and have it about once a week, but I have yet to really get into making my own. The closest I come is spreading olive oil on pita bread, grilling it, then topping it and grilling it some more until the cheese melts. I really need to try my own from scratch. I’m adding a pizza stone to my wish list. [Reply]
Koko - November 4, 2009 - 00:18
Mmmmm, looks fantastic- way better than delivery!!! I think making your own pizza dough is so rewarding….a delicious end product! [Reply] 
Coco Bean - November 4, 2009 - 04:05
Well it looks delicious, I haven’t made pizza from scratch either but some people have been asking to do it, thank gosh you found it easy! [Reply]
Angela@spinachtiger - November 4, 2009 - 06:28
So glad you tried and I think individual pizza would be great to try. My husband could eat pizza every day of his life, especially this one. [Reply]
Sophie - November 4, 2009 - 12:59
Waw,…your pizza looks just perect to me!! Your pictures sing to me too,… MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM,….just pure indulgence!! A job well done! [Reply] 
Nutmeg Nanny - November 4, 2009 - 14:32
I think your pizza looks awesome! Living in New York we eat a lot of pizza but only after finding a place that suits are taste. There are a lot of mediocre pizza places around here. Sometimes making your own is the best way to go. The best pizza I ever made at home had garlic and olive oil (no red sauce) and then was topped with goat cheese, sliced cooked fingering potatoes and asparagus…delicious! [Reply] 
MakiB - November 4, 2009 - 16:41
I love pizza and I think I never make it enough. We probably only have it once a month, totally not enough. I always prefer homemade pizza though. I have yet to find good takeout. [Reply]
Jamie - November 6, 2009 - 13:08
Really perfect pizza! And now you’ll be making it all the time now that you know how delicious it is! I love your toppings. Mmmmm. [Reply] 
Olga - November 12, 2009 - 18:02
not a big pizza fan? Our friendship is over Yours looks great. [Reply] 
chocolate shavings - November 14, 2009 - 23:56
I’m off to dinner in a few minutes, and this has made that much more hungry! Sounds delicious! [Reply]
Friday, October 16, 2009 08:15
Posted in Challenges, Cooking Italy, Italian, Recipes 13 comments
 When I first read that we had white clam sauce on the menu for this week’s Cooking Italy, I was seriously doubting that I would be making this. You have to know that I am really not a fan of shelled seafood… I just think they look scary..But then again; I do love a good...
Posted in Challenges, Cooking Italy, Italian, Recipes
Tags: clams, cooking italy, Italian, marcella hazan, pasta, spaghetti
13 comments
FoodJunkie - October 16, 2009 - 15:24
I so agree with you. I really don’t like clams. I know they are a great delicacy, but their texture and taste just doesn’t do it for me. I think it is probably good to have a few things one doesn’t like! [Reply] Simone (junglefrog) Reply: Where would we be if everyone liked the same things..:) [Reply] 
Pierre - October 16, 2009 - 15:44
hello Junglefrog, [Reply]
Valérie - October 16, 2009 - 16:57
I love most shellfish, though I’m more accustomed to mussels – I rarely cook them at home, though. I’m less familiar with clams, but I’d be willing to give them another try. At any rate, the cockles look awfully cute! [Reply] 
Reeni - October 17, 2009 - 03:54
I’m not really fond of clams or other shellfish either! But I do like clam sauce. Never made my own though – you are very brave! I am squeamish about them too! [Reply]
Jamie - October 17, 2009 - 19:54
Yum! We did first discover these tiny “vongole verace” in Italy and now buy them whenever we can in France (coques) to prepare just this way (ok, husband makes them) and they are heaven! Great job Simone! [Reply] 
lisaiscooking - October 19, 2009 - 02:10
Oh no! That’s too bad. The dish looks fantastic, but then, I really like shellfish. Wish I could take it off your hands. [Reply]
Kayte - October 20, 2009 - 17:48
It looks absolutely stunning and delicious! You have such a great way with photographing everything. Sorry, but I was giggling at your post as you had quite an adventure undertaking this one recipe…I haven’t done it yet, so I am sure I will be in about the same position, it is just funnier when others are relating the experience. At least you can say, “Been there, done that!” [Reply]
Peter - October 28, 2009 - 10:47
I love shellfish and that means clams are “IN” for me. You can always add mussels into the mix for both colour and taste. [Reply] 
Charline Huebschman - May 4, 2010 - 08:10
Morning, It is great to stumble upon a good site like this one. Do you care if I use some of the info here, and I’ll leave a link back to your website? [Reply]
Cooking class lesson 2: crustacaens and shellfish « Junglefrog Cooking - October 29, 2009 - 12:01
[...] you have, such as lobsters and their different varieties, crabs, prawns, river crayfish, scallops, clams (!), cockles, mussels, langoustine, oysters ofcourse and probably a few I [...] |
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28 comments