Chef Chuck's Shrimp and Rice Soup

Minestra di Riso e Gamberi

These succulent shrimp have the saltiness flavors of the oceanic waters. Shrimp and rice soup
is a unique way to enjoy soup. The shrimp were so plump and tender and the parsley added some garden freshness.

Shrimp and Rice Soup

1 pound shrimp, shells on
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/3 cup shallots, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup white wine
1 cup shrimp broth
3 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
cooked rice

Peel shrimp, wash and set aside. Place shells and 1 cup water in a small sauce pan season with salt and pepper and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain and reserve liquid, this will be the shrimp broth. In a large pot heat olive oil and season the oil by cooking the garlic for 1-2 minutes, remove and discard. Then cook tomato paste for about 4 minutes. Add sun dried tomatoes, shallots and carrots and saute for a few more minutes. De glaze pan with the white wine and cook wine for a 2 minutes. Pour in shrimp broth, cover and simmer 15 minutes. Add whole shrimp cover for 3 minutes toss in parsley. Serve over rice.
Serves 4

Ricette by Chef Chuck's Cucina

Chef Chuck's Ricotta Cake

Torta di Ricotta

A moist ricotta cake sprinkled with powdered sugar and lightly drizzled with honey is sweet and satisfying. The raisins soaked in Marsala wine was a wonderful additive to the cake. A small slice served with coffee or tea reminds me of a European cafe.

Ricotta Cake

4 eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 3/4 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
zest of 1 lemon
4 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 1/4 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup Marsala wine
1/4 cup raisins
powdered sugar, for dusting
honey

In a small bowl combine raisins and Marsala, set aside. Whisk eggs and brown sugar together, remove whisk replace with beater. Add ricotta a little at a time, then lemon zest, olive oil, milk and lemon juice. With mixer on low add all dry ingredients, add raisins and Marsala, mix just till combined. Pour batter into a well buttered 9 inch pan or a bundt pan, bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until tooth pick comes out clean. When cooled dust with powdered sugar, when serving drizzle with honey.

Ricette by Chef Chuck's Cucina

Chef Chuck's Sausage and Peppers

Salsiccia e Peperoni

An old favorite family recipe, sausage and peppers. Pan grilled hot or sweet Italian sausage combined with onions and peppers is a great blend. This dish is also delicious with tomato sauce added and served on a sandwich.

Sausage and Peppers

6 hot or sweet
Italian sausage links
2 large onions, sliced
2 green bell peppers, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste

Grill or pan fry sausage till browned, internal temperature should be 140-145 degrees. In a large sauce pan heat olive oil add peppers, oregano, salt and pepper cook for about 5 minutes. Then add onions and saute till they are translucent. Add sausage to onions and peppers, drizzle with olive oil. Serves 4 - 6

Chef Chuck's Pistachio Pasta

This pasta recipe was flavored with a soft crunchy texture from the pistachios. The salty prosciutto was so tender. This simple pasta dish had only six ingredients with each one prominently distinct. A recipe I created when in Sicily, due to the pistachio fame!

Pistachio Pasta

1/2 pound fettuccine
1/4 cup olive oil
1 garlic clove, whole
1/2 cup pistachio's
4 slices of prosciutto di Parma, chopped
parmigiana cheese, grated
pepper to taste
olive oil for drizzle

In a large pot, boil water, add a generous amount of salt and cook pasta till al dente. Meanwhile in a large frying pan, heat olive oil, add garlic clove and cook for 1 minute. Remove and discard, add pistachio's and stir for 2 minutes. Add pasta into pan, toss then plate, add prosciutto, cheese, pepper and drizzle with olive oil.
Ricette da, Chef Chuck

Chef Chuck's Chocolate Cinnamon Brownies

Brownies al Cioccolato Cannella

These chocolate brownies had a little twist with the added cinnamon spice. I like to keep these brownies in the refrigerator it seems to enhance the flavors. A great pick me up anytime of the day or night!

Chocolate Cinnamon Brownies

1/2 cup sugar
13 tablespoons butter, 1 stick
plus 5 tablespoons
pinch of salt
1 1/4 cup chocolate, chopped
4 eggs, separated
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
optional: walnuts, chopped

Melt chocolate in double boiler, in a mixer beat sugar, butter and a pinch of salt. Slowly add melted chocolate then add 4 egg yolks one at a time. With mixer on low add flour and cinnamon. In a separate bowl whip egg whites and add another pinch of salt, till stiff peaks form, fold into batter. Butter or spray an 9 inch pan, put parchment paper on the bottom, pour in the batter, top with nuts and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Chef Chuck's Pappardelle with Ragu

Pappardelle al Ragu

Pappardelle is a large ribbon pasta perfect for this hearty ragu sauce, that cooked all afternoon. There is nothing better than homemade pasta it cooks quickly and tastes like no other! The aromas were so inviting. This special ragu sauce was delicious due to the terracotta cookware I used, it is the best choice for superior slow cooking. It also holds heat evenly throughout.

Pappardelle with Ragu

1 pound pappardelle pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
salt and pepper
3 tablespoons tomato paste
3/4 pound ground beef
3/4 pound ground pork
12 ounces pancetta or bacon, chopped
1 small can diced tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
1 1/2 cups white wine
1 tablespoon thyme
parmigiana cheese, grated or shaved

In a large pot heat olive oil and butter then saute onions, celery, carrots, salt and pepper for 10 minutes. Add tomato paste and brown five minutes then add beef, pork and pancetta season again with salt and pepper, cook till browned. Pour in tomatoes, broth, only 3/4 cup of wine and thyme let simmer with lid off for 15 minutes, then put lid on for 1 hour. Stirring occasionally, remove lid for remaining 45 minutes, during the last half hour add 3/4 cup of wine. Total cooking time 2 hours.
In a large pot heat salted water to a rapid boil add pasta, cook till al dente add to sauce stir gently and serve with parmigiana cheese.

Chef Chuck's Creamy Mushroom Soup

Zuppa di Funghi

Creamy mushroom soup has such a concentrated earthy flavor. A healthy recipe with just a few ingredients, blended to a smooth consistency. This funghi delight soup is sure to satisfy.

Creamy Mushroom Soup

1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, whole
2 shallots, diced
2 cups baby bell mushrooms, chopped
1 cup white or porcini mushrooms,chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon thyme, chopped fine
4 cups organic beef or mushroom broth
1/3 cup heavy cream
4 slices of rustic bread

Wipe mushrooms clean with a cloth or paper towel, do not wash, chop. In a pot heat butter and olive oil add garlic clove and saute for one minute, remove and discard. Add shallots and mushrooms with salt and pepper for about 12-15 minutes, with the lid on. Add thyme and warm broth, bring to a boil then simmer for 15 more minutes. Stir in heavy cream and blend to a creamy consistency either in the blender or with a hand blender. Place a slice of bread in bowl pour in soup top with black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.
Serves 4

Chef Chuck's Pot Roast

Pot roast with vegetables is a hearty and rustic dinner, a comforting meal for a chilly evening.
The gravy was loaded with brilliant flavors. The roast was so tender due to the slow and low stove top cooking.

Pot Roast

1 large pot roast (eye round)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
flour
salt and pepper
1 onion, thick slices
3 carrots, large pieces
3 celery stalks, large pieces
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 cup red wine
1 cup tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon rosemary, chopped fine
3 potatoes, cut large

Bring meat to room temperature, combine flour, salt and pepper and coat all sides. In a large pot heat olive oil and butter and brown well on all sides of roast. Remove, cover and set aside. Saute onions, carrots and celery for about 5 minutes, add garlic. Pour in wine, tomato sauce, broth and rosemary. Cover and let simmer for 2 hours, add potatoes and leave lid off for an additional half hour.

Chef Chuck's Italian Onion Rings

Anelli di Cipolla

Italian onion rings are light and fluffy yet crunchy. I prefer to use a large sweet onion, like a Vidalia or a Walla Walla. The batter becomes thick and sticks well to the sweet onion. The red hot pepper flakes gives a touch of heat.

Italian Onion Rings

1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon red hot pepper flakes
1/2 cup parmigiana cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup beer
canola oil

In a large bowl combine all dry ingredients including cheese then add oil, eggs and beer to batter, mix well. Cover and set aside for 30 minutes. Cut onions into 1/2 inch slices, separate carefully. In a small pot heat about 2 inches of canola oil to 350 degrees. Dip 1 onion ring at a time into batter, coat well, drain a bit, place in oil. Fry 2 or 3 onion rings at a time and maintain a 350 degree oil. Fry both sides until golden brown, drain on paper towels, season with salt.

Chef Chuck's Sausage and Red Pepper Risotto

Salsiccia e Peperoni Risotto

Sausage and red pepper risotto, is a supreme comfort food on a chilly evening. Pull up a chair and sit for 20-25 minutes to make this meal in one pan. Risotto needs your constant attention to achieve a creamy smooth consistency. The wait is well worth it.

Sausage and Red Pepper Risotto

1 cup arborio rice
3 hot Italian sausage links
4 cups beef broth
1 onion, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup parmigiano cheese, grated
2 teaspoons dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste

Cut open the sausage to remove the meat, in a large frying pan heat olive oil and butter add onions and peppers for about 3 minutes. Add sausage and brown the meat. If needed add a little olive oil then add rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring. Slowly add broth a little at a time till all is absorbed, add oregano. Sprinkle the cheese over the risotto and salt and pepper to taste.