because you deserve it all

We had a little party with some dear friends recently.  I decided to make an eggplant dish that would also showcase the glorious San Marzano tomatoes that are just beginning to ripen.  I’ll list the menu below. 

Appetizer:  Olive Tapanade and/or Bruschetta

First Course:  Stuffed Eggplant – Tomatoes and Eggplant sauted with garlic and olive oil and then mixed with parmesan cheese and placed back in the eggplants to bake. 

Second Course:  Gnocchi with Pancetta Tomato Sauce

The Gnocchi recipe is from The New Basics Cookbook.  The tomato sauce is simple.  Saute the one package of pancetta and one yellow onion for about 8 minutes.  Add two cans of crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup red wine (chianti or cabernet), and a couple tablespoons of basil.  Simmer for about 30 minutes and serve. 

Dessert: 

Chocolate Mousse is also from The New Basics Cookbook.  It is always a hit.  And most people remember what you served for dessert.

My all time favorite cookbook is The New Basics Cookbook The New Basics Cookbook by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins.  It has wonderful recipes and a great deal of information on ingredients including storage and preparation.  There is very detailed information on herbs, fish, cheeses, meats, vegetables, fruits, spices etc.  There is even a list of essential kitchen tools so a novice cook can get necessaary equipment. 

The Hollaindaise Sauce Recipe is the best I’ve ever had!  Every cook should have this book…