I love pesto. It is one of my favorite flavor profiles— not only in Italian cooking, but— of all cuisines. It’s fresh tasting and clean. But it’s also light and extremely versatile.
I keep pesto portioned into small batches in the freezer. It thaws quickly and is perfect for a quick supper. Just place the pesto in a bowl and add a little extra virgin olive oil. Remove your favorite noodle from the boiling water and toss in the pesto. Finish with some grated pecorino and call it dinner.
Ingredients
⅓ cup Toasted pine nuts or almonds
2 cups Fresh basil leaves (2 oz. by weight)
1 Tbsp Minced garlic
pinch Kosher salt
¼ cup Grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
3 Tbsp Grated Pecorino Romano cheese
½ cup Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Combine nuts, basil, garlic and salt in a food processor. Slowly add olive oil.
Quiche is French in origin, so this recipe is probably an abomination to some. My friend David Trigiani is a dual-citizen Italian is always taking a stand in the French food versus Italian food debate.
Heavy whipping cream is a must, and never buy pre-shredded mozzarella. Grate your own. The same goes for parmesan cheese. Never, I repeat never buy that powdery substance in the green can. Invest in a good grater and you'll be a better cook for it.
David lives in Jackson, Mississippi, but spends most of his holidays in Italy. He’s an excellent cook, though I have never eaten quiche in his home. Maybe this will inspire him, and I’ll get an invitation.
I prefer fruit over chocolate after a meal. Orange and cranberries are a perfect pairing, especially during the holidays. This is an excellent and easy dessert after a heavy meal. These can be served individually on small plates or in a casserole for a buffet.
Tripletail has always been my favorite Gulf fish. The old-timers used to say, "If you can see a tripletail, you can catch a tripletail." They have this peculiar habit of floating near the surface around buoys, crab traps, and other floating objects, often lying on their sides and appearing almost lifeless. This behavior makes them easy to spot and, if you're quick with your cast, easy to hook. The meat is mild, white, and flaky—perfect for grilling. Pairing it with lump crab and a chive beurre blanc elevates this dish to something truly special.