All Posts By: NANCY DeLUCIA REAL

Muir Glen Organic Tomatoes®

In The Kitchen Buzzz’s kitchens, we use Muir Glen Organic Tomatoes® because of their natural, sweet flavor, minus the salty, acidy aftertaste.

Active prep time: 20 minutes
Inactive prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serves: 6 to 8

Ingredients:
2 large eggplants, rinsed and dried
2 tablespoons salt (to remove bitter juices of eggplant)
1/2 cup olive oil
1 large red bell pepper, stem removed, seeds discarded and flesh cut into 3/4-inch pieces
2 celery stalks, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium brown or white onion, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
One 15-ounce can Muir Glen Organic Crushed Tomatoes®, blended, strained (pulp discarded and tomato juice reserved)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (brown variety)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup black or green, pitted olives, rinsed, drained and sliced
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

1. Using a knife and working on a cutting board, trim and discard the eggplant tips.

2. Cut the eggplant into 3/4-inch slices. Cut slices into 3/4-inch pieces.

3. Place eggplant in a colander set over a large bowl. Sprinkle the eggplant with 2 tablespoons salt. Using hands, toss the eggplant and salt; set aside 20 minutes for bitter juices to drain).

4. After 20 minutes, and using plastic gloves, place about 2/3 cup eggplant pieces in between hands. Press hands together over sink, allowing eggplant juices to escape. Set the pressed eggplant aside in a large bowl.

5. Meanwhile, in an 8-quart stockpot, heat the oil on medium-high setting. Stir in the eggplant. With a wooden spoon, sauté eggplant on high setting, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes or until it is light golden brown. If high heat browns eggplant too quickly, lower it to medium-high.

6. Stir in the bell pepper, celery and onion pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, on medium-high setting for 3 to 4 minutes or until onion is translucent.

7. Add the reserved tomato juice, Muir Glen Organic Crushed Tomatoes®, balsamic vinegar and sugar; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, on medium-high setting.

8. After 5 minutes, stir in the capers and olive slices; cook an additional 2 minutes. 

9. After 2 minutes, taste the caponata and, if needed, adjust salt level. Stir in the black pepper.

Enjoy Eggplant Caponata as an appetizer with fresh Italian bread or toasts.

To serve with Italian toasts, called “bruschette” – arrange Eggplant Caponata atop bruschette and serve immediately.

Red wine pairing: Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Text and Photographs ©2012 Nancy DeLucia Real.

Besides pairing cucumbers with dips, or adding them in slices to lettuce salads, how can you use them as a main ingredient?

I found the answer to this question in the cuisine of Iran (2,000 years ago, Iran was called Persia). Inspired by the amazing foods of my Persian friends and the restaurants they’ve introduced me to, I’ve made Persian Cucumber Salad.

This delicious salad has a mélange of red onion, red bell pepper, fresh dill, olive oil, lime juice and, the star of the show – Persian cucumbers. Persian cukes are smaller than the  standard ones, but more flavorful. Enjoy this fresh and healthy salad all summer!

Prep time: 15 to 20 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:
1 to 1-1/4 pounds Persian cucumbers, about 5 to 6 count (available in Middle Eastern markets)
3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion, set in cold water for 1 minute and drained
1 to 2 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill weed
Juice of 1 lime
Extra virgin olive oil, to taste
Salt and ground, black pepper, to taste

1. Working on a cutting board, remove and discard tips of cucumbers.

2. Peel cucumbers and rinse them under cold, running water.

3. Using paper towels, pat dry the cucumbers and transfer them to cutting board.

4. Cut cucumbers in half, lengthwise.

5. Cut each cucumber piece in half again, lengthwise.

6. Chop cucumbers in 1/2-inch pieces and transfer them to a large glass or porcelain bowl. Stir in the remaining ingredients and toss.

7. Taste and adjust seasonings (olive oil, salt and pepper).

Serve Persian Cucumber Salad immediately with Lavosh or Pita breads* as an appetizer or as a side dish to meat, poultry or fish.

Note: *Lavosh is a flatbread typically served in Persian cuisine and is sold in large, rectangular sheets. Pita bread is served in Middle Eastern cuisine (various countries). It is flat, round and when cut in half Pita bread can be opened like a pocket and filled like a sandwich.

Text and Photograph ©2012 Nancy DeLucia Real.

At this time of year there’s no doubt that herbs are the rage. My home garden is lush with beautiful green leaves –  parsley, cilantro, oregano, marjoram, sage, thyme and the most important herb of all – basil.

For this pesto recipe, I combined the aromatic basil leaves with almonds. This incredible Basil Almond Pesto will help you serve great panini or pasta dishes in minutes. Don’t know about you, but with all that extra time, I’d rather go to a movie or enjoy a great outdoor activity such as biking on a mountain trail or rollerblading at Santa Monica Beach.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Makes: 1 pint

Ingredients:
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup whole almonds (unroasted and unsalted)
2 cups fresh, Italian flat parsley leaves, slightly packed (washed and spun dry)
2 cups fresh basil leaves, slightly packed (washed and spun dry)*
1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1. In a food processor, grind the garlic and salt.

2. Add the almonds and process until they are ground (make sure they do not turn into a paste).

3. Open the food processor cover and add the parsley and basil leaves, making sure they fit inside barrel. Cover and process until the leaves and almonds have combined and the pesto has formed.

4. Add the cheese and process once more until mixture is uniform.

5. With the motor running, slowly pour the oil into the pesto in a thin stream.

6. Using a spoon, transfer the pesto to a glass jar, flattening the top. Gently and slowly pour the vegetable oil over top of pesto to seal it (this will prevent the pesto from blackening). Cover and refrigerate.

Pesto sauces keep in refrigerator up to 3 weeks. Whenever using small amounts of pesto, make sure the remaining portion inside jar is covered with vegetable oil.

Pasta with Basil Almond Pesto – Serves 4:

1. While waiting for one pound of pasta to cook, spoon about 3/4 cup pesto into a glass or porcelain serving bowl.

2. Drain the pasta and immediately transfer it to the bowl with the pesto. Gently toss the pasta until it is evenly coated with the pesto.

3. For a creamier texture, add 2 to 3 tablespoons whipping cream and toss.

Serve immediately and ask guests to sprinkle some grated cheese over their pasta, if desired.

Pesto can also be used as a spread on toasted Italian or French bread and in panini.

*Note: After basil leaves have been spun dry, lay each leaf flat on paper towels. Using another paper towel, pat each leaf dry, on both sides. This will prevent the leaves from blackening.

Text and Photograph ©2012 Nancy DeLucia Real

Taralli are Southern Italian pretzels or breadsticks that are sometimes served with cheese, olives, prosciutto, mortadella, salami and, last but not least, wine.

This taralli recipe includes traditional fennel seeds and red wine. Oh yes – pour that “vino” right into the mixing bowl. After the O-shaped taralli are boiled and baked, they’ll surprise you with a bold flavor and crunchy finish.

Vegetarians, pair these funky taralli with cukes, tomatoes, salads and – you got it –  wine! 

Prep time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 30 to 40 minutes
Makes: 15 to 20 taralli

Ingredients:
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground, black pepper
1 tablespoon fennel seeds (also called “anise seeds”)
1-1/2 cups all-purpose, unbleached flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

1 large egg
1/8 cup red wine
1/8 cup cold water
1/4 cup olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. In a 2-quart mixing bowl, combine the salt, pepper, fennel seeds, flour and baking powder; set aside.

2. Fill an 6-quart sauce pot 2/3 full with water and set it on a cold stove burner (to be turned on when taralli dough has been shaped into circles).

3. In a 5 to 6-quart mixing bowl or in a stand mixer, stir together the egg, wine, water and olive oil.  Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Turn the dough onto a flat and lightly-floured surface. Gently knead the dough for 2 minutes.

4. Pull away a two-inch ball from the dough. Roll the dough on the flat surface and shape it into a 5-inch log (the log should be 1/2-inch thick). 

5. Shape the log into a circle and press to close. Lay the circle, or tarallo, aside on flat surface or on a plate (not floured). Continue shaping remaining dough into taralli, laying them aside on the plate.

6. Bring the water in sauce pot to a boil. Gently drop two to 3 taralli into the boiling water and cook until they come up to the surface, about 2 to 3 minutes. 

7. With a slotted spoon, transfer the boiled taralli to a platter for draining (do not lay taralli  on paper towels or they will stick). Boil the remaining taralli and repeat draining instructions.

8. Transfer the boiled and drained taralli on a parchment-lined 18×12-inch baking sheet. Place baking sheet with taralli on a rack positioned in center of preheated oven.

9. Bake taralli for 15 to 20 minutes. 

10. After 15 to 20 minutes, turn the taralli over and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until both sides are golden brown.

11. Remove the baking sheet with taralli from oven. Transfer taralli to a glass or porcelain platter or a cooling rack.

12. Enjoy taralli warm or at room temperature.

Storing instructions: Place cooled taralli in double plastic freezer bags. Freeze taralli up to one month. 

To thaw: Remove taralli from freezer bags. Place them on a platter and allow taralli to come to room temperature. Place taralli on a baking sheet in a preheated 375°F oven and warm them for 5 minutes.

Wine Pairing Suggestion:  Southern Italian reds such as Aglianico (from Naples) or Nero d’Avola (from Sicily).

Text and Photograph ©2012 Nancy DeLucia Real

Over the past ten years or so, I’ve been asked a zillion times, “Nancy, what’s your favorite dessert?” I always respond by saying, “classic American fruit pies”. In my opinion, there’s no better dessert than fresh fruit encased in flaky pie crust, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Since it’s the season for strawberries and rhubarb, here’s my classic and unique Strawberry Rhubarb Pie. I’ve made it since I was a teenager – from scratch. Just a few days ago, I made this for my Italian friends. It was the first time they had the strawberry-rhubarb combo and they loved it!

Prep time: 40 to 50 minutes
Bake time: 40 to 50 minutes
Makes: One 9-inch pie

FIRST, PREPARE THE PASTRY-

INGREDIENTS & INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PASTRY:

2-2/3 cups all-purpose, unbleached flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup sunflower or safflower oil
4 tablespoons cold water
Three 2-inch wide aluminum foil strips (to place over pastry edges during baking)
One 9-inch pie plate

1. In a 4-quart mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt & cinnamon.

2. Add the oil and, using a pastry cutter, mix until flour and oil combine to form pea-sized clusters.

3. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time; mix until dough amalgamates and sides of bowl are clean. If needed, add 1 more tablespoon water.

4. Gather dough with hands; separate into two equal balls.

5. Wrap each dough ball in plastic and place in freezer for 10 to 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the strawberry-rhubarb filling-

INGREDIENTS & INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB FILLING:

1-1/2 cups granulated, unbleached sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose, unbleached flour
2-1/2 cups chopped fresh rhubarb stalks (1/2-inch pieces)
2-1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries (3/4-inch pieces, slightly larger than the rhubarb pieces)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. In a 1-quart mixing bowl, combine the sugar and flour; set aside.

2. In a 6-quart mixing bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb and strawberries.

3. Gently stir in the sugar-flour mixture. Add the vanilla and gently stir; set aside.

NEXT, ROLL OUT THE PASTRY AND ASSEMBLE THE PIE:

1. Transfer one dough ball from the freezer to the refrigerator.

2. Unwrap the remaining dough ball and, on a flat, floured surface, flatten it to a 5-inch circle.

3. Place the pastry dough circle in between two lightly-floured 15-inch long waxed paper sheets.

4. Using a rolling pin, roll pastry from the center and outwards. After two to three rolling motions, peel off top waxed paper sheet and lightly flour the pastry.

5. Replace the waxed paper sheet over the pastry and flip.

6. Remove second waxed paper sheet & lightly flour pastry. Cover with waxed paper sheet again.

7. Continue rolling & flouring the pastry until it is 3 inches larger than the diameter of pie plate edges.

8. Remove top waxed paper sheet from rolled-out pastry. With one hand underneath the bottom waxed paper sheet & other hand over pastry surface, make a quick flip onto the pie plate.

9. Gently and slowly peel off the remaining waxed paper sheet from the pastry.

10. Carefully fit the pastry into pie plate edges. Using a fork, poke random holes in pastry; set aside.

11. Preheat oven to 425°F.

12. Repeat above rolling instructions with second pastry dough. Keeping the pastry inside paper sheets, set it aside.

13. Meanwhile, gently stir the strawberry-rhubarb filling and then carefully spoon it over pastry set in pie plate. Carefully flip second pastry over filling; peel off the waxed paper sheet.

14. Trim pastry edges to one-inch overhang. Turn pastry edges under.

15. With fingers, crimp or pinch the edges, creating fluted shapes. Cover fluted pastry edges with aluminum foil strips.

16. Place pie on a rack positioned in center of oven.

17. Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until fruit bubbles. Remove foil strips during last 5 to 8 minutes of baking.

18. Transfer pie to counter to cool. Serve warm or cold with 5-Minute Whipped Cream (found in our Recipes, under Desserts, Creams & Sauces), vanilla ice cream or garnish of your choice.

Text & Photograph ©2012 Nancy DeLucia Real