Chef Chuck's Steak Sandwich

Bistecca Panino


This ultimate steak sandwich melted in my mouth. Skirt steak is inexpensive, yet full of flavor and when thinly sliced it's so tender. I composed my sandwich with buttery parmigiano cheese, peppery arugula, grilled red onions and garden fresh tomatoes. The dressing was a light mist of extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar.



Steak Sandwich

skirt steak
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
1 teaspoon marjoram
salt and pepper
grilled red onions
arugula
parmigiano cheese, shaved
tomato slices
olive oil and red wine vinegar
favorite rolls


Wash and pat dry steak, prepare marinate by combining olive oil, vinegar, onions, marjoram, salt and pepper. Pour over steak, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Heat grill pan to high heat place steak on and cook for 3 minutes. Turn over and cook an additional 3 minutes. Place on a meat board, cover with foil and let rest for 15 minutes.
Assemble sandwich with arugula, thinly sliced steak, grilled onions, parmigiano, tomato, a mist of olive oil and vinegar, salt and pepper.

Chef Chuck's Pasta with Onions

Pasta con Cipolle


A pasta recipe filled with wonderful flavors, sauteed sweet red onions, smoky pancetta and a silky ricotta cheese mixture. I purchased red onion bulbs in a market in Florence, then I planted the sweet red bulbs in my garden. I also used pancetta, which is Italian bacon, you could replace the pancetta with bacon. This is a hearty and satisfying pasta meal.


Pasta with Onions


1/2 pound penni pasta
3 cups sweet red onions, sliced
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 slices pancetta, cubed
4 tablespoons ricotta
1/2 cup parmigiano cheese, grated
1 tablespoon oregano
salt and pepper


Saute onions in butter and olive oil till caramelized this takes about 15 minutes. Cook pasta in boiling salted water till al dente. Cook pancetta with the onions and brown. Add cooked pasta and a little pasta water (one ladle). Combine the ricotta, parmigiano, oregano, salt and pepper. Add this mixture to the warm pasta. Stir till everything is incorporated and serve with a salad and bread.

Chef Chuck's Pork Kabobs

Spiedini di MaialeThese summer time pork kabobs are made with rosemary stems from the garden, which enhances the flavor of the pork and vegetables. I marinated the pork in an olive oil mixture overnight which really tenderized the pork. The vegetables and pork were placed on a stem of rosemary and grilled to perfection.

Pork Kabobs
Marinate
1 pound county style pork ribs, 1 inch cubes
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed
lemon juice
1 teaspoon dry oregano
salt and pepper


Wash and dry pork ribs, cut into one inch cubes. Combine all ingredients place in a large plastic bag add pork and marinate for at least one hour, I prefer overnight in the refrigerator.


Vegetables for Kabobs


1 red bell pepper
1 white onion, quartered
1 zucchini, skin on 1/4 inch thick
small finger potatoes


In a small pot boil potatoes till fork tender. Arrange kabobs I started with a potato, zucchini, red pepper, pork and onion.


Basting Oil


1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dry oregano
salt and pepper


Heat outdoor grill or I used my stove top grill made by, Olvida. Place kabobs onto grill and cook for a few minutes, brush the basting oil on. Then do a quarter turn till all sides are browned and caramelized. Check temperature on pork it should register 155 degrees.

Chef Chuck's Bucatini with Red Peppers and Onions

Bucatini con peperoni rossi e cipolle


This hot and spicy dish is made with bucatini, which is a thick tubular pasta. It's a perfect pasta choice for this recipe with red bell peppers, lots of onions and red hot pepper flakes. Shave some parmigiana cheese, extra virgin olive oil and oregano over top and proudly serve this dish for your family.


Bucatini with Red Peppers and Onions


1 pound bucatini
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, whole
2 red bell peppers, sliced
1 onion, sliced
1 tablespoon red hot pepper flakes, optional
dried oregano
shaved parmigiano cheese


Heat olive oil saute whole garlic and red pepper flakes for 1 minute, remove garlic and discard. Add peppers and onions saute for about 8 minutes, then start the pasta, while still cooking peppers and onions. Cook pasta in boiling salted water for 8 minutes, transfer pasta to pan along with two or three ladles of pasta water. Season with oregano, cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

Chef Chuck's Pizza

Pizza con Peperoni e Cipolle
A simple yet scrumptious pizza the whole family will enjoy. Why order out when you can make this at home with the family! I used tipo 00 (double zero) flour, San Marzano type tomatoes from Italy, the best mozzarella you can obtain, and fresh basil. All these fine ingredients, result in the flavors of a true classic Italian pizza. This is the Emile-Henry pizza stone, which really enhanced the cooking, it can be used on top of gas or electric stove, in the oven, or on the barbecue.


Chef Chuck's Pizza (Pizza with Pepper and Onion)

Dough
4 1/2 cups flour
1 tablespoon yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar


Toppings
San Marzano tomato sauce
Buffalo mozzarella
red and yellow bell peppers
white onion
fresh basil


Prepare dough by combining 2 cups warm water, about 110 degrees, with the yeast and sugar. Let rest for 7 minutes, add olive oil and vinegar. Place in food processor, along with the flour and salt. Combine until a ball forms. Knead dough till smooth, place in a oiled bowl, cover and let rest in a warm spot for 2 hours or until it doubles. I used a third of the dough to make each pizza. I like it thin, add just a splash of sauce, thin slices of mozzarella and your toppings. Preheat oven and stone to 525 degrees, using a pizza paddle slide pizza onto stone and cook for about 10 minutes. Serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. 
Makes 3 pizzas.

Chef Chuck's Tomato Tuna Salad

Insalata di Pomodori Tonno


A fresh tomato tuna salad prepared with red and yellow tomatoes, tuna, purple onions, lemon infused salt, basil and a good drizzle of olive oil. The lemon infused salt gives this summer salad a bright and lively taste. Serve with crusty Italian bread.


Tomato Tuna Salad
tomatoes
tuna
purple onions
lemon infused salt
basil
olive oil


Prepare salt ahead of time using a jar with a lid, cut up lemon slices add lots of sea salt and refrigerate for at least one day. In a bowl cut tomatoes in quarters, add chunks of tuna, slices
of onions, lemon salt, chopped basil, and a good drizzle of olive oil.

Chef Chuck's Steak Pizzaiola

Bistecca Pizzaiola


The New York strip steak was so tender, it broke with a fork, there is no need for a knife!
Organic beef and vegetables along with the slow roasting makes this dish a true comfort food.


Steak Pizzaiola


2 New York strip steaks
salt and pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 onion, sliced
3 carrots, slice large
3 celery stalks, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
8 large green olives
1 cup red wine
1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
2 bay leaves


Preheat oven to 320 degrees. Bring steaks to room temperature, salt and pepper both sides. Use an oven proof pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and brown steaks 2 minutes on each side, remove and set aside. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and brown tomato paste for 3 minutes, stirring. Add onions, carrots, celery, garlic and olives saute an additional 3 minutes. Pour in wine and let simmer a minute or two. Pour in tomatoes and bay leaves stir all together. Place steaks on top of vegetables, put lid on, bake in oven for 3 hours.

Chef Chuck's Stuffed Onions

Cipolle Farcite


A unique sweet baked onion filled with a meaty stuffing. First boiled, then stuffed and baked to perfection. Onions and beef have always been a great marriage of flavors.


Stuffed Onions
4 medium size white onions
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 onion, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tomato, diced
8 ounces organic ground beef
2 tablespoons Italian breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 egg
1/4 cup parmigiano cheese, grated
salt and pepper to taste


In a large pot of boiling water add onions and boil for 10 minutes, remove and set aside. In a frying pan heat butter and olive oil saute onions and peppers for 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and tomatoes, stirring for another minute. Cook beef with bread crumbs, parsley, salt and pepper till browned. Stir together the egg and cheese and add to beef mixture, remove and let cool. Cut the bottom of the onion off so it will sit, then cut off the top and with a teaspoon and knife hollow out most of the inside. Stuff each onion and place on a baking sheet, bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes, uncovered.

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 parmigiano 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 Tomato Salad

Insalata di Pomodori

This simple tomato salad consists of garden fresh tomatoes, red onions, fresh oregano and a couple of ice cubes for bread dunking goodness!! I enjoy that tomato onion flavor. This is my Mom's recipe, she makes it every summer.

Tomato Salad
4 ripe tomatoes, quartered
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
a splash of red wine vinegar
a healthy drizzle of olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
3 or 4 ice cubes


Core tomatoes and cut into quarters, place in a bowl, add all other ingredients gently stir and serve. Can be refrigerated and is tastier the next day.

Chef Chuck's Risotto alla Primavera

Risotto all Primavera


Risotto alla Primavera, is an Italian creamy rice dish, with tender spring vegetables. Arborio rice is used, because of it's high starch content. The rice is soft on the outside yet firm on the inside. Organic vegetables are always the best choice and organic broth. A healthy alternative for a dinner or a side dish.


Risotto Primavera
1 cup arborio rice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 onion, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 carrot, diced
1/2 pound asparagus, cut in 1" pieces
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup parmigiano cheese, grated
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped


In a large frying pan heat olive oil with butter saute onions, celery, carrots, (soffritto) and bell peppers for 3 minutes. Add rice and cook for 2 minutes to coat each grain, stirring occasionally. Slowly add about 3 ounces of broth and gently stir till almost absorbed. Continue to add a little broth at a time and wait until each addition of broth is absorbed before adding more. This process takes about 25 minutes. Add asparagus towards the end of the cooking then add parmigiano cheese and parsley.

Chef Chuck's Italian Onion Soup

Zuppa Di Cipolle

Italian onion soup is the answer to a cold snowy winter evening. The entire house is filled with a wonderful aroma, my appetite is growing. This is a very simple and inexpensive answer to a great dinner. As the onions caramelize they release their sugars and become so sweet. The sage gives an earthy taste and the wine gives it a richness. I also enjoy how the bread soaks up all that enriched flavorful broth! The fontina has an Italian origin, dating back to the 12th century. This creamy smooth cheese is from cow's milk so it has a mellow taste, and being a soft cheese it melts well.

Italian Onion Soup

3 large white or yellow onions sliced

1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon butter

2 tablespoons fresh sage chopped

1/3 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup red wine

4 cups organic chicken broth

thick crusty bread
fontina thick slices

In a pot heat olive oil and butter add onions and saute 15-20 minutes stirring often. Add wine, sage, vinegar, and chicken broth then simmer with lid on for about 20 minutes. In separate bowls (oven proof) place bread then soup and top with cheese. Broil till cheese melts, around 1 minute. Can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.

Chef Chuck's Risotto

Risotto ai funghi

Risotto, is a rice dish from Italy. It is made from Arborio, Carnaroli or Vialone Nano these are the best to use. I use Arborio because it is available in my area. Arborio is a pearly white rice it has a short grain and is high in starch. The slow cooking method gives my rice dish a smooth and creamy texture. The rice has an al dente taste meaning it is tender on the outside and firm in the center. This is my favorite risotto recipe but there are countless ways to prepare risotto with many different ingredients you can use.

Mushroom Risotto

1 cup aborio rice

4 cups hot mushroom broth,
chicken or vegetable
6 ounces mushrooms quartered
1/2 onion diced

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup parmigiano cheese grated

pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

In a large skillet over medium high heat, add olive oil and saute' onions for 2 minutes. Then add mushrooms and cook an additional 3 minutes. Lower heat and pour in rice and cook 2 minutes to coat each grain, stirring occasionally. Slowly add about 3 ounces of hot broth and gently stir till absorbed. Then continue to add a little more broth at a time and wait until each addition of broth is absorbed before adding more. This process takes about 20 minutes, so I pull up a chair, you can not rush risotto. After all broth has been added stir in pepper, cheese and parsley. Serve as a main dish or side dish best when eaten right away!

Buon Appetito