Spaghetti Bake

Spaghetti Bake

Okay, this recipe is probably far more American than it is Italian, but it still has real Italian roots. You can make this simply, using store bought marinara and Alfredo sauce, or you can make those from scratch. This will make a delicious and satisfying 

Steak de Burgo

Steak de Burgo

Steak de Burgo is a popular dish in the Des Moines area, but not well known in other areas. Des Moines has a large and proud Italian population and a variety of excellent Italian restaurants. Steak de Burgo was developed at either Vic’s Tally-Ho or 

Antipasto

Antipasto

Long before Charcuterie was a big deal, we had Antipasto. Traditionally the first course of an Italian dinner it is bite size portions of a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetable, and bread or crackers. It is intended to be a feast for the eyes 

Italian Green Beans

Italian Green Beans

This is a great side dish for Italian meals, especially when fresh green beans are in season. This adds texture and flavor to the green beans so that it compliments your Italian entree.You can make this with fresh, frozen or canned green beans but fresh 

Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes

Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes

When you have basil and you have tomatoes, this is a great combination. First, you make the Pesto with the Basil, then you make the pasta, and you roast the tomatoes. Put them altogether and you have a delicious side dish to go with steaks, 

Chicken Saltimbocca

Chicken Saltimbocca

Here’s another scallopini recipe, this one using pounded chicken breast. Saltimbocca means “jump into my mouth!” so you know how good it tastes! This can also be made with pounded veal cutlets. The original uses sage leaves, but these can be hard to find and 

Pork Milanese

Pork Milanese

Here’s an Italian recipe that for those that are looking for something without a marinara sauce on it. This is a scallopini recipe for boneless pork chops. based on recipes from Grandma Gina Pettiti and Chef John.

Creamed Zucchini with Tomatoes

Creamed Zucchini with Tomatoes

Do you have zucchini’s and tomatoes coming from your garden? Give this recipe a try and to do something different with them. This is a delicious and satisfying side dish. It’s not low cal, but it is low carb. We like to run our zucchini 

Parmigiano Reggiano

Parmigiano Reggiano

This is the real stuff, made under strict specifications in Italy. It will have the authentic name tattooed on the rind along with a batch number. The cheese in the green can is pretty good too, but this is much better. It has a nutty 

Asparagus with Tomato Vinaigrette

Asparagus with Tomato Vinaigrette

We love Asparagus, and this is a delicious way to prepare it. Asparagus has a sweet, rich and earthy flavor and this vinaigrette brings a bright counter point to that.