Recipe: Simple Orecchiette with Rapini and Italian Sausage

Your New Go-To Weeknight Dinner

Looking for a delicious twist to your weeknight dinners? This Orecchiette with Rapini and Italian Sausage recipe is not only simple to prepare but also brimming with flavours that promise to transport your taste buds straight to Italy. The orecchiette scoops up every bit of the rich, spicy sausage and the rapini adds just the right touch of earthiness.  

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this dish will impress anyone who takes a bite.

Orecchiette with Rapini and Italian Sausage

Prep 10 minutes
Cook 25 minutes
Total 35 minutes
Servings 4-6 

Ingredients

1 lb mild Italian sausage (about 4 links), casings removed
1 bunch rapini (broccoli rabe), washed and 2" trimmed off stems
454g (1 lb) uncooked orecchiette
2 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for serving 
3 cloves garlic, minced or finely chopped
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
½ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino Romano cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add trimmed rapini hen cook for 3 minutes. Use tongs to transfer to an ice bath, and return the water in the pot to a boil.

• Add the orecchiette to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.

• In a large pan, heat 2 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking up with the back of a wooden spoon, then cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, then cook 1 minute more.

• Drain the rapini from the ice bath then give it a rough chop to bite-size pieces. Add rapini and cooked pasta to the cooked Italian sausage in the pan. Stir in about ½ cup grated Parmesan (or Pecorino) and ½ cup reserved pasta water, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

• Serve in bowls with a drizzle of olive oil, additional grated cheese, a pinch of salt, and lots of freshly ground black pepper.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• The best way to reheat pasta is in a pan over medium heat. Add a little bit of olive oil to the skillet and cook the pasta until warmed through. You can also reheat pasta in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it because no one likes mushy pasta.

Recipe: Mexican Rice

Ugh Monday’s- am I right?⁣ ⁣ Big day ahead. Planning on going into the kitchen to wash my hands, get a snack, cook up a little MEXICAN RICE for dinner, go for a walk out my back door and in through the front, wash my hands. Zoom Conference,maybe empty my dishwasher, gonna play it by ear I don’t want to burn out. ⁣ ⁣ Whatcha up to today?⁣

A bowl of freshly made Mexican Rice. The tomato gives it a gorgeous ruby colour with the diced carrots sprinkled throughout the dish

Mexican Rice

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 8
Author: Mary Mammoliti / Kitchen Confession

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice

• 1/2 cup diced onion

• 1 large carrot diced (approximately 1/2 cup)

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• 1 teaspoon taco seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• 8 ounces tomato puree 

• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• Cilantro or parsley for garnish optional

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add rice and cook for 3 or 4 minutes stiring occasionally, until lightly golden brown. Reduce heat to medium and add the onion, carrot, and garlic. Season with taco seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes. Add the tomato puree; cook and stir for a minute or two and then slowly stir in the chicken broth.

2. Return heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, place a lid on the skillet and simmer for 25 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 5 minutes, covered. Remove cover, fluff with a fork, garnish with cilantro or parsley (optional) and serve.

RECIPE NOTES

Optional: Add frozen corn or peas (thawed), mushrooms, bell pepper in addition to or in place of the potato and carrot.

Recipe: Lemon Garlic Salmon Pasta

Salmon Pasta is what’s happening tonight. Quick, Easy and ready in Under 30 Minutes. ⁣
⁣
I’m working on reducing my Simple Carbohydrates so I decided to make this dish with gluten free pasta and vegan butter. ⁣*this recipe serves 6-8

Flaky pink salmon, al dente chickpea fusili, wilted spinach and crisp green capers on a beautiful white double plate on top of a white and grey marble counter.

Lemon Garlic Salmon Pasta

Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Author: Mary Mammoliti / Kitchen Confession

INGREDIENTS⁣

• 1 package of Maria’s Homestyle Chickpea Fusilli⁣

• 1 lb. salmon fillet⁣

• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced⁣

• 1 tablespoon @miyokoscreamery vegan butter⁣

• 1 teaspoon dried basil⁣

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano⁣

• Salt and pepper to taste⁣

• 4 - 5 handfuls of spinach⁣

• Zest + juice of one lemon⁣

• 2 teaspoons capers⁣

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions

2. Add butter to a large pan. Season salmon with salt and pepper and place in pan. On medium low heat cook for 3 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes until done. Remove from pan and set aside. ⁣

3. Add garlic and spinach to the pan and cook for 1 minute until spinach is wilted. ⁣

4. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and toss with spinach, garlic, basil and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste⁣

5. Add lemon juice, zest and capers to the pasta and toss to mix⁣

6. Flake the salmon into bite-size pieces and gently toss salmon with the pasta⁣

Recipe: Grilled Mushroom Ricotta Sandwich

It’s the first day of school and I’m sure there were tears shed, parents rejoicing and teachers settling in for another year.

So let’s Celebrate OR Eat Your Emotions (whichever one works for you 😁)⁣⁣

Try my Grilled Mushroom Ricotta Sandwich! This would be the Italian relative to the North American Grilled Cheese.⁣⁣

PHOTO DESCRIPTION: A golden brown sliced sandwich filled with creamy white ricotta cheese and caramelized mushrooms. The bread is stacked and a few crumbs and a dollop of ricotta cheese give the picture a sense of imminent consumption.

Grilled Mushroom Ricotta Sandwich

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1
Author: Mary Mammoliti / Kitchen Confession

INGREDIENTS 

• Kosher salt⁣

• 1 small onion thinly sliced

• 4 mushrooms thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil⁣

• Oregano to taste

• Ricotta cheese

• 2 slices of crusty bread (sour dough, whole wheat)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. On medium- high heat sauté your sliced mushrooms, a small sliced onion, some salt, pepper, and oregano in some EVOO and cook that down until the onions are soft and the mushrooms are golden (about 5 -7 minutes) pour into a bowl and set aside.⁣⁣

2. Wipe down the pan and toast two slices of crusty bread (sourdough, whole grain etc) and lightly butter one side of each slice of toast. ⁣⁣

3. Place the buttered side down top with a few generous scoops fresh ricotta cheese, top with the sautéed mushrooms and onions, cap it off with the second slice of toast (buttered side out. ⁣⁣

4. Place on the hot pan and grill for a minute, flip, and cook for an additional minute. ⁣⁣

5. Remove from the pan, cut in half. Take a giant bite and let the excess spill out and down your face. Don’t worry I won’t tell if you won’t 😉

Recipe: Lite Balsamic Vinaigrette

I love a good balsamic vinegar and if I could I would add a little into every dish I make. ⁣
⁣
The slight sweetness you get from the juice of “grape must” (in Italian, “mosto”), or the hint of oak from aging the “mosto” in wood barrels are the reasons I can’t get enough of it. ⁣
⁣
How to Buy a Good Balsamic Vinegar? Which balsamic vinegar is best for salad? Should balsamic vinegar be refrigerated?⁣
⁣
You know I live for food talk so If you want these questions answered or have a question of your own add it in the comments of my Instagram and let’s talk 😁⁣
⁣
For now I’ll leave you with the recipe to my Lite BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE⁣
⁣

PHOTO DESCRIPTION: Rich brown balsamic vinaigrette with visible herbs ready to spread on your salad of choice contained in a clear jar. A slight spill and spoon lay to the right of the jar on a white washed wooden table.

Lite Balsamic Vinaigrette

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Author: Mary Mammoliti / Kitchen Confession

INGREDIENTS 

• 1/4 Cup Balsamic Vinegar⁣

• 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil⁣

• 2 Tbsp Water⁣

• 1 Tbsp Honey⁣

• 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard⁣

• 1/2 Tsp Oregano⁣

• 1/4 Tsp. Thyme ⁣

• 1/2 Tsp Sea Salt⁣

• Fresh cracked Pepper to Taste⁣
  

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl

2. Add to salads or as a sauce for your favourite sandwich

Recipe: Homemade Flakies

Raise your hand if the mention of a Flakie, Jos Louis, 1/2 Moon make you crave one instantly. 

I’m raising both hands ;)

Image Description: Mary’s hand holding a homemade Flakie with a bite taken out of it.

My gosh, how many Vachon Flakies did I eat as a kid? Is this even a number I want to remember? Too many to count and I bet I’m not alone here. 

I was feeling nostalgic yesterday and decided to recreate the Vachon Flakie, and boy was I happy I did! 

So•Friggin•Good

For those that aren’t familiar, a Flakie is made from puff pastry filled with a layer of apple raspberry jam and a vanilla frosting cream at the centre that made a delicious mess with every bite taken. 

What’s your favourite Vachon Cake? 

Did you eat your Flakie whole of did you pop the top off and eat separately?

If you had a choice which would you choose? Flakie, Jos Louis, Vanilla 1/2 Moon, or other.

Photo Description: A full square Homemade Flakie on top of a plate with two small jars of raspberry compote and a bowl of the vanilla cream filling int he background.

Homemade Flakies

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 9
Author: Mary Mammoliti/Kitchen Confession

INGREDIENTS

THE PASTRY

• 2 - 12 inch square sheets puff pastry

• Granulated sugar to sprinkle overtop

• 1 egg + 1 tbsp water, (to make an egg wash)

THE RASPBERRY FILLING

• 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tsp corn starch dissolved in 1/4 cup water

THE VANILLA CREAM FILLING

• 1 1/2 cups icing sugar

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 tbsp whipping cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1: PREPARE THE PASTRY PART 1

1. Whisk the egg and water together, set aside

2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper..

3. Lay out one of the sheet of puff pastry on the lined baking sheet and lightly brush it with the egg wash. Note: do not pour it all on top, you are not going to use all of the egg wash but will need more just before it goes into the oven.

4. Lay the second sheet of puff pastry on top and chill in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. This will allow for an easy and evenly cut into squares later.

STEP 2: PREPARE THE RASPBERRY FILLING

1. If using fresh raspberries, gently rinse and add them to a medium stock pot. Add the sugar and slowly simmer together stirring every so often for about 10 minutes.

2. In a operate bowl add the cornstarch and water together and stir to dissolve. Pour the mixture in with the raspberries and sugar, stir and cook for an additional minute. Cool completely to room temperature until the pastry is ready to be assembled.

STEP 3: PREPARE THE PASTRY PART 2

1. Remove the pastry sheets from the freezer and using a sharp knife, trim the edges square if there was any uneven overlap, then cut the pastry into 9 squares (I’ve also cut them into 16 squares for a mini versions.)

2. Spread the squares apart on the parchment lined baking sheet to allow a gap between each square.

3. Lightly brush the tops with the egg wash and sprinkle granulated sugar over the tops of each square. You can use as little or as much as you like here but the sweet spot is a iight sprinkle overtop)

4. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees F until the tops are golden brown. (If you are using a convection oven 15-17 minutes will be your perfect cooking time) Cool on a wire rack.

STEP 4: PREPARE THE VANILLA CREAM FILLING

1. Add icing sugar, butter, whipping cream, and vanilla to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat all ingredients together until light and fluffy. This step can also be done with a hand held mixer.

STEP 5: ASSEMBLE THE FLAKIES

1. With a serrated knife, cut each of the baked pastries in half horizontally.

2. Spread a heaping tablespoon of vanilla cream on the bottom half of the pastry and a rounded tablespoon of the raspberry compote on top of the vanilla cream and use the back of the tablespoon to spread it out, bring the two halves together to form a sandwich and take a giant bite! Enjoy :)

3. Store in an airtight container.

Recipe: Quick And Easy Pizza Dough

This really is the perfect Pizza Dough recipe when you have to get dinner on the table in a hurry.

This crust has a nice bit of crunch. It’s the perfect backdrop to whatever toppings you want to layer on top. One of my favourite toppings are potato, and without sounding dramatic it’s probably one of the best pizzas you will ever have!

Raw eggs, for and smooth round ball of fresh pizza dough lightly floured on the kitchen counter

Quick And Easy Pizza Dough

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Proof Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 20 minutes 
Serves: 1 Rectangular Sheet Pan
Author: Mary Mammoliti | Kitchen Confession

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup warm water (about 110°C)

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 1 tablespoon dry instant yeast

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 2 cups all purpose flour

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large bowl or the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, add the warm water, honey, oil, salt, and sprinkle the yeast overtop. Let it sit for 5 minutes and allow it to bloom. There should be a foamy later on the top of the liquid mixture in the bowl. 

2. If using a stand mixer turn it on low and slowly add the flour until a soft dough forms and begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. NOTE: Use your fingers and touch and the dough. The dough should feel soft, smooth and not sticky.

3. Continue to knead the dough for 2-3 minutes longer.  NOTE: If kneading by hand or if using whole wheat flour, continue to kneed 5-6 minutes longer. 

4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let sit until doubled in size, 1-2 hours. 

5. Remove the plastic wrap and punch the dough down and place the it onto the center of your prepared sheet pan. With your fingers, begin to press the dough to the sides of the pan. If your dough resists and won’t cooperate, let it rest for a bit. Your dough should eventually cover the entire pan. If holes develop, simply pinch them together. 

6. Continue with pizza toppings of your choice and bake in a preheat oven 425°F for 20-30 minutes.

Recipe: Corn Chowder

Soups Up! Here in Toronto winter isn’t done with us just yet. So I thought I would share the recipe for this happy, bright and lightened up version of my Corn Chowder to brighten up the day. The colour Yellow makes most of us feel better & on this snowy day, I could use all the sunshine I can get and this bright shade is the closest to sunshine I can get.

Corn Chowder

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Mary Mammoliti | Kitchen Confession

INGREDIENTS

• 6 cups corn kernels, about 7 cobbs, divided

• 3 cups chicken stock, divided

• 4 slices turkey bacon

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 cup cooking onion, finely diced 

• 1 medium carrot, finely diced

• 2 celery stalks, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into ½-inch dice

• 1 cup 2% milk (or almond milk but thickness may vary)

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 can full fat coconut milk, (400ml)

• 1 tablespoon minced parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut the kernels off the cob and transfer to a bowl.

2. Add 4 cups of corn kernels and 2 cup chicken stock to a blender. Process until smooth, 1 minute on medium speed.

3. Add turkey bacon and olive oil to a large dutch oven or pot. Heat the pot over medium heat, cook and stir turkey bacon until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and chop into bite size pieces.

4. Add onions, carrots, sweet potato and celery. Cook until onions are translucent and vegetables are tender, 5 to 6 minutes.

5. Add garlic and thyme, cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.

6. Add the remaining 2 cups of corn kernels and saute for 1 minute.

7. Add corn puree, 1 cup of chicken stock, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.

8. Bring soup to boil, reduce heat to a simmer. Stir every few minutes and cook for 15 minutes. Add milk and coconut milk, stir and continue to simmer for 5 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender, about 20 minutes total cook time.

9. Turn off the heat and discard bay leaf. Stir in the parsley, taste the corn chowder and season with more salt and pepper as desired.

10. Divide the soup into serving bowls. Top with crispy turkey bacon and parsley.

Recipe: Warm Kale Brussels Sprouts and Fennel Salad

If Kale and Brussels Sprouts had a baby and then invited Fennel over for a visit then they all hung out on this cute white plate. I would call it your next best side dish - OH WAIT! That’s exactly what this is - let me introduce you to your new FAV dish. ⁣Warm Kale Brussels Sprouts and Fennel Salad⁣ ⁣

You’re Welcome :)

Warm Kale Brussels Sprouts and Fennel Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 6
Author: Mary Mammoliti | Kitchen Confession 

INGREDIENTS 

• 2 shallots, peeled and thinly sliced

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 

• 1 pound brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced thinly

• 1 bunch of kale leaves, removed from stems and thinly slice into ribbons 

• 1 bulb fresh fennel, thinly sliced 

• salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon red pepper chili flakes

• Juice from half of a lemon

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Hold the Brussels sprout from the stem end and thinly slice discard the stem end.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 4 to 5 minutes.

3. Add the Brussels sprouts, kale and remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté until tender, 3 to 4 minutes.

4. Stir in the fennel and continue to cook for 2 minutes. Taste and season with salt, pepper,chili flakes, and the juice of 1/2 a lemon.

5. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy. 

Recipe: Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins, but WAIT there’s more! These are Gluten Free and No Sugar Added - WHAT-THE-SMURF! These turned out so light, moist and perfectly naturally sweetened......did I have you right after Chocolate Chip?

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Step 1

Add bananas, eggs, vanilla

Step 2

Baking soda + powder, salt and blend until smooth.

Step 3

Add almond flour and process to combine. Pausing often to scrape the walls and continue to process until incorporated.

Step 4

Using a large ice cream scoop, (size 8), divide batter between 12 cups on the prepared muffin tin and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and toothpick inserted come out clean. Remove from the oven, let cool 15-20 minutes and enjoy.

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Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serving: 12 muffins 
Author: Mary Mammoliti/Kitchen Confession

INGREDIENTS 

• 3 large ripe bananas

• 3 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 3 cups almond flour

• 1/4 cup chocolate chips (dark or milk chocolate) 

• Cooking spray

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and lime a muffin tin with liners and spray each liner with cooking spray. Set aside.

2. You can use a hand mixer, blender or food processor to mix the ingredients, you choose they all work well. 

3. Add bananas, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, baking soda + powder, salt and process until smooth.

4. Add almond flour and process to combine. Pausing often to scrape the walls and continue to process until incorporated.

5. If you are using a blender or food processor scoop the batter into a bowl and add chocolate chips. Stir with a spatula.

6. Using a large ice cream scoop, (size 8), divide batter between 12 cups on the prepared muffin tin and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and toothpick inserted come out clean. Remove from the oven, let cool 15-20 minutes and enjoy.

NOTES

Store in a cool dry place for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe: One Pot Chicken And Rice

Get ready for a flavour explosion! Cajun-inspired Chicken thighs cooked on top of spicy rice and beans, and this all happens in one pot! 

……… Mic Drop

Round white bowl with rice and beans topped with two chicken thighs. A couple chili peppers to the side of the bowl with a fork and spoon.

ONE POT CHICKEN AND RICE

Prep Time: 10 minutes 
Cook Time: 45 minutes 
Total Time: 55 minutes 
Serves: 4
Author: Mary Mammoliti | Kitchen Confession 

INGREDIENTS

MARINADE:

• 1 tsp sea salt

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp pepper

• 1/2 tsp dried ground onion

• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1/2 tsp oregano

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• Drizzle enough olive oil over the spices to make a wet paste

REST OF DISH:

• 2 Tbsp Olive oil

• 1/4 cup diced pancetta

• 4 bone-in skin on chicken thighs

• 1 medium yellow onion diced

• 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and diced

• 2 celery stalks diced

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried parsley

• pinch of red pepper flakes

• salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup DRY long-grain rice, rinsed

• 2 1/4 cup chicken stock or broth

• Minced fresh parsley for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine all marinade ingredients in a medium sized mixing bowl. Add chicken thighs and turn to coat. Set aside.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

3. Add drizzle of olive oil to dutch oven and heat over MED-HIGH heat. Brown dices pancetta, then transfer to a plate. 3 min

4. Add chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, to develop a nice crispy skin.

5. Transfer chicken to plate with the pancetta.

6. Lower heat to MED-LOW and add in chopped onion, jalapeno and celery. Saute for about 2-3 minutes, until softened.

7. Add parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, salt, pepper and stir.

8. Add rice, red kidney beans and chicken stock, stir to combine, and let simmer for 1 minute.

9. Nestle chicken thighs and pancettta on top of the rice (pour in the juices that are left on the plate as well). Return to a simmer, remove from heat, then cover.

10. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes (covered).

11. Remove the lid and bake another 10-15 minutes, until liquid is absorbed into the rice.

12. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve!

Recipe: Tuscan Chicken White Bean and Kale Soup

This is your Friday Fast and Healthy One Pot Meal idea.

Warning - you’re gong to want to pick up a Rotisserie Chicken on the way home and make this TUSCAN CHICKEN WHITE BEAN AND KALE SOUP right away!

I’ve included a BONUS RECIPE. Keep scrolling to the bottom of this post for my Cheesy Garlic Crostini recipe and try not to drool on your screen on the way down :)

Photo Description: A round bowl of soup surrounded by utensils, a napkin, side dish.

Tuscan Chicken White Bean and Kale Soup

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes⁣
Serves: 8 ⁣
Author: Mary Mammoliti / Kitchen Confession

INGREDIENTS⁣

1 rotisserie chicken⁣
2 tablespoons olive oil⁣
2 leeks, finely chopped⁣
2 large carrots, finely diced⁣
8 Little Potato Company fingerling potatoes, diced⁣
2 cloves garlic, minced⁣
2 bay leaves⁣
2 (15 ounce)cans white kidney beans, drained and rinsed⁣
1 bag pre cut kale or 2 bunches kale, stems removed and roughly chopped⁣
9-10 cups low-sodium chicken stock⁣
Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste⁣

INSTRUCTIONS⁣

1. Pull apart the rotisserie into bite size pieces and set aside⁣

2. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add leeks, carrots, and potato. Season with kosher salt and cook until vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally, approximately 7-10 minutes. Add garlic, bay leaves, beans, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add kale, and cook until it becomes slightly wilted. Add chicken, chicken stock, season with a little more salt, pepper, and cover with lid.⁣

3. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes. The soup will thicken as the potatoes begin to release their starch into the soup.⁣

   NOTE: This soup tastes even better the next day.⁣

⁣

⁣BONUS RECIPE!

CHEESY GARLIC CROSTINI

INGREDIENTS

1 baguette
¼ cup olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Gruyere and Asiago Cheese, shredded

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
   Combine olive oil, garlic powder and onion powder in small bowl. Set aside.

2. Slice baguette crosswise into approximately ¼-inch pieces. Place baguette slices onto lightly greased baking sheet.

3. Brush baguette slices with olive oil mixture. Turn over baguette slices and brush opposite side with olive oil mixture.

4. Bake for 5-7 minutes. Remove from oven and flip baguette slices. Bake for another 5 minutes, top with cheese and broil for 1 minute until the cheese melts but watch it carefully not to burn it. Remove from oven and serve along inside the soup.

Store leftovers in an airtight container.

HOT TIP: If you don’t plan on eating the entire baguette of crostini prepare them and instead of baking them place them in a resealable freezer bag and freeze. 

Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup

Soup season has arrived and I’m here for all of the delicious bowls of heart warming meals. Every time I hear someone say Broccoli I think of Dana Carvey’s SNL Choppin' Broccoli song. If you haven’t heard it or have no idea what I’m talking about Google it. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

So, naturally I was singing it while making this Cheese and Broccoli Soup! Hey Dana, can you add Soup to the song? It could go something like this “she’s Choppin' Broccoli - AND MAKING SOUP”

Well I’m sure that won’t happen but I can tell you this did happen. Probably one of the creamiest Cheese and Broccoli Soups I’ve ever made and I’m sharing it with you today. Enjoy my friends!

PHOTO DESCRIPTION: A rich yellow soup with shredded cheddar cheese as a garnish on a white plate with a silver spoon laying beside the plate over a white and tan linen place mat.

Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
AUTHOR: Mary Mammoliti / Kitchen Confession

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon + 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 medium sweet yellow onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken stock
2 cups fat-free half-and-half (regular half-and-half may be substituted; whole milk or 2% milk will work but soup won’t be as creamy)
3 cups broccoli florets, diced into bite-size pieces + 1 cups stems
2 large carrots, peeled, and sliced into very thin rounds
3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
pinch cayenne pepper, optional
8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese, with a small amount reserved for garnishing bowls

NOTE: Do not use pre-grated cheese in ziptop bags because that cheese is resistant to melting and won’t incorporate well. ⁣

DIRECTIONS

1. In a small saucepan, add 1 tablespoon butter, the diced onion, and sauté over medium heat until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.

2. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and set the pan aside.

3. In a large stock pot over medium heat add 4 tablespoons butter, flour, and whisk continuously for 3 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened. This is your roux.

4. Slowly whisk the vegetable stock into the roux (flour mixture), add the cream to your pot and whisk to combine.

5. Allow mixture to simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, or until it has reduced and thickened. TIP: Whisk intermittently to keep a creamy constancy.

6. While the mixture is simmering, chop the broccoli and carrots and add the to the soup at the end of your simmering time of 15 minutes and add the onion and garlic you previously set aside to the pot.

7. Add the salt, pepper, paprika, dry mustard powder, and cayenne and stir to combine, and continue to simmer over low heat for 20 to 25 minutes. Stirring occasionally to avoid burning the soup.

8. While your soup simmers, grate the cheese and add most of the cheese at the very end of your cooking time, reserving a small amount for garnishing bowls. Stir the cheese into the soup until melted and incorporated.

9. Transfer soup to bowls, garnish with reserved cheese, and enjoy.

   NOTE: Soup will keep refrigerated in an airtight container for 5 to 7 days.

Recipe: Neiman Marcus Cookie Recipe

I haven’t herd of Neiman Marcus Cookies until I stumbled across a recipe online and boy am I happy I did! Let me start by saying this recipes is not a KC original recipe and I haven’t the slightest idea as to where it originated, but this recipe developer was a genius! 

This cookie is decadent with a crunch factor yet soft and chewy with loads of texture, and the semi sweet chocolate takes the whole experience to the next level of cookie perfection! 

This buttery sweet cookie extravaganza is the perfect Friday Treat. Heck add it to Saturday’s breakfast table, take it to go while running errands. No judgment here. Eat it all day every day. Don’t worry about running out of cookies because this recipe makes 4 dozen cookies! 

Whoot! Whoot! (Cue Marching Band) 

I don’t think I’ve been this excited since I discovered you could sip your coffee through a Tim Tam

Neiman Marcus Cookie Recipe

PREP TIME: 15 minutes

COOK TIME: 10 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 25 minutes

SERVINGS: 4 dozen 

INGREDIENTS

2 cups unsalted butter

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs, beaten

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

24 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips (such as Ghirardelli 60% cacao)

8 ounces Hershey's chocolate bars, broken into chunks

3 cups very roughly chopped walnuts, pecans, or a combination

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until lightened in color and texture, about 3 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until combined.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir together with a wooden spoon. Add the oats and stir to combine. Then stir in the chocolate chips, Hershey's bars, and nuts.

3. To bake, preheat the oven to 375°F. Using your hands or a couple of spoons, form the batter into loose, golf-ball-sized mounds. Place two inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for six to nine minutes, until tops are just golden and cookies are still soft. On the off chance there are any cookies left once they're cool enough to handle, cool them completely on racks before storing in an airtight container for up to a couple of days.

TIP: To freeze dough balls, place in the freezer on parchment-lined baking sheets until solid, then bag by the dozen, save for up to a month. Add one to two minutes to the cooking time when baking from frozen.

Recipe: Crunchy Honey Almond Granola

Good morning from the KC kitchen!

I hope you are all having a great start to your day. 

My morning began with this bowl of Greek Yogurt and a handful (or 2, who’s really counting) of this CRUNCHY HONEY ALMOND GRANOLA followed by an interesting chat with the inspiring founder of The Grange of Prince Edward Winery Caroline Granger - get ready KC Podcasters for a new episode coming your way. It’s going to be

In the mean time scoop out a few spoonfuls of vanilla creamy greek yogurt and a handful of this Honey Almond Granola. Sit back and enjoy every scoop :)

Photo Description: a bowl filled with vanilla greek yogurt topped with crunchy honey almond granola, a gold spoon, and a glass storage container filled with the freshly made granola

Did I mention if you subscribe to the Kitchen Confession Podcast on any podcast platform the episode will automatically download and ready for you to listen to at any time. It’s that easy! SUBSCRIBE and help us keep doing what we love to do and bring you more of what’s going on in the world of FOOD & BEVERAGE ~ sending you all xoxoxo ❤️

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CRUNCHY HONEY ALMOND GRANOLA

Only 6 ingredients and easy to make. It’s gluten free, healthy and crazy delicious! Pinch me, I think I’m dreaming - NOPE THIS IS THE REAL DEAL! 

Photo Description: a bowl filled with vanilla greek yogurt topped with crunchy honey almond granola, a gold spoon, and a glass storage container filled with the freshly made granola

PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 22 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 32 minutes
SERVINGS: As many bowls as you see fit :)
AUTHOR: Mary Mammoliti | Kitchen Confession

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups rolled oats (use gluten free if you have a gluten sensitivity)
1 cup whole almonds, roughly chopped
1/2 cup pure honey
1/4 cup grapeseed oil (any neutral oil will work like canola)
3 teaspoons vanilla
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roughly chop the whole almonds.

3. In a large mixing bowl add the rolled oats and almonds and stir to combine.

4. In a smaller microwave-safe bowl add the honey, oil, vanilla and salt and microwave for about 30 seconds until just warm and the honey and oil mix easily.

5. Pour the warm honey mixture over the oats and stir until the mixture is coated.

6. Transfer the oat mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown being sure to stir the granola after 15 minutes and again at 20 minutes. If you need the extra 2 minutes stir again before placing the tray back in the oven.

7. Allow granola to cool completely on the baking sheet before storing in an airtight container. This granola keeps for about a week - if it lasts that long :)

8. Do NOT refrigerate

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