It seems, Judith, one of the most respected expats here in Italy, has been thinking and thinking…and she’s had enough! She is fed up with the fast food, junk food-absorbed stereotype many folks have about Americans and our food.
And, she’s going to do something about it!
So, Judith, Mary of The Flavors of Abruzzo, Sara of Ms. Adventures in Italy, Michelle of Bleeding Espresso, Judy of Over a Tuscan Stove, Barb of Barb and Art Live in Italy, and yours truly are going to shower the world we live in – and those of you who join us – with homestyle, American recipes we love.
I know. I know…
“Another food blog…” you may be thinking.
“There are already a number of great foodie sites all over the blogosphere.”
And, you’d be right.
But, this one is just a tad different.
Judith is challenging us.
Each recipe will be posted for both our American readers, in English, with US measurements, AND in Italian, using metric measurements.
What fun!
So, each Friday one of us will post a recipe, and the others will direct you there through a link on their site. Kinda like this.
“Hey guys, Mary of The Flavors of Abruzzo is getting things started TODAY with her version of Shepherd’s Pie. Check it out!”
But, that is “for real,” so, seriously – check it out!
Be sure to check back each Friday for a new Cucina Americana recipe, and send your Italian friends. In other words…share the wealth!
Meanwhile in America, two of my new favorite foodie bloggers, Maryann of Finding la Dolce Vita and Marie of Proud Italian Cook are hosting their own party.
Without exception, this is my all-time favorite, easy-to-make Italian dish. In fact, we have some version of this baby once a week.
You’ll need:
– Spaghetti (one pound)
– Cubed pancetta (1/2 pound)
– Tomato sauce (2 1/2 cups)
– Garlic (one clove)
– Crushed red pepper (to taste)
– Grated parmesan cheese (to taste)
– Olive oil (one tablespoon)
Now…
1. Bring salted water to a boil and add pasta, cooking according to directions on the box.
2. Heat olive oil and garlic over medium heat and add pancetta.
3. Brown pancetta.
4. Add tomato sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, but not dry out. (10 minutes)
5. Just before the pasta is ready, add crushed red pepper to the sauce.
6. Combine spaghetti and sauce and serve immediately.
7. Add grated parmesan cheese and additional crushed red pepper, to taste.
Delizioso!
I just finished breakfast and now you got me hungry for lunch.
That is a great idea!!
Unfornately it’s not a sterotype. I just finished in “Defense of Food” and it was beyond depressing. In America people who care about how and what they eat are “foodies”. Like it’s something elite or weird to love food.
Wonderful, Cherrye! Just the way I like it!
Thanks for joining in on our festa Italiana 🙂
One of my absolute favorites! Thank you so much for being a part of our Festa Italiana!Your dish will surely be a hit on our table!
Oh, I love, love, love arribiato! One of my faves!
This from the gal who came to my blog and said she couldn’t cook? This looks wonderful!
I never do know how to add chillies to taste– doesn’t it hurt?
I understand that “pissed off” is a lot less classy than “angry” but it’s still so funny! Thanks for posting this recipe. I make a version of this every couple weeks, when I just don’t know what else to make.
I am so hungry, big mistake looking at blogs whilst waiting for dinner to be ready !!!!
I will be calling in again very soon. Love this pasta dish, do it quite alot for us.
I don’t think you can have too many good cooking blogs. I never use recipes myself but I follow them once I have one. I’ll have to check it out.
Oops, running…sorry! Maybe these carbs will help you, though???
Arlene – The really funny thing is that, in my opinion, Italians eat much more than Americans…(generally speaking!)
Maryann – You’re welcome. Hope you like it.
Thank you, Marie. I’m looking forward to the roundup.
Oh, Geggie, me too. I always add extra “anger” to mine.
Ha ha, Judith. Well, baby steps, you know.
Andrea, it is so easy – that’s why! And, well, we still say, “How pissed do you want this pasta?”
Ah, yes. Anne. I’ve made THAT mistake, too. Glad you like this recipe.
Nadine – I really want to build-up my recipe stash. I may even get a little box! 🙂
I’m going to have to try this one. I love any kind of pasta, yum!