Cooking | La Vita e Style

COOKING

My love for cooking had grown over the years. I think that since I moved to Italy it's definitely been at it's best!

I don't make up any recipes myself, but always follow the steps from my favourite cookbooks or cooking bloggers. Sometimes after I've made a recipe a few times I'll make a few changes or give it my own spin.

Since I invested in a KichenAid mixer and blender my cooking skills have gone up a level and now I am making fresh pasta, pizza and pies all the time! I'm big on zero clutter (I like a minimal look kitchen) so I frequently share the KitchenAid accessories I find, so that I only have one appliance to do multiple things.

Here's just some of the C O O K I N G elements I share here and on my Instagram :

My favourite recipes
Italian classics
Nonna's traditional dishes
Easy everyday meals
Fresh pasta with your KitchenAid
Homemade Italian pizza!
My favourite cookbooks and cooking blogs

Mozzarella di Bufala

Each time Michelangelo and I travel to Napoli to visit his family we always stop and buy some fresh Buffalo mozzarella. This might seem like an odd meal, but try one for yourself and I'm sure you will also be convinced that this milky cheese is waaaay better than the traditional mozzarella cheese.

Seafood Pasta al Pesto di Rucola

While visiting Cerignola I tried clam pasta with pesto sauce made with arugula. The mix of the egg based pasta, with the clams made the bitterness of the arugula become even more intense and mixed with a cold glass of white wine it was a meal to die for!

Fresh Fig & Prosciutto Pizza

This special pizza was a season specialty available at Rosso Pomodoro in Milan. If you find this on the menu anywhere I suggest it because 1. figs are the best and 2. mixed with the cheese and meat the sweetness of the fig becomes much more concentrated and is delicious!

Veg Omlet with Tomato & Chile Salsa

This is a great option for a sunday brunch - especially if you have a bunch of veggies about to go bad in the fridge. You can work with the recipe and basically throw anything into the omlet. The true winner here is the salsa, just be sure to check the flavour throughout because it can get spicy! Recipe taken from Jamie Oliver's Everyday Super Food

Pesto Pasta

I have yet to learn how to make my own pesto sauce, but until then I've done the leg work and tried a ton of different brands of pesto. If you can go to a market where it's homemade it would be the best option, otherwise Barilla pesto is always a safe (and delicious) option!

Canadian Poutine

Every time I go back home to Canada I must have at least one poutine. You can find them at almost all restaurants, but I always suggest getting one from a local spot and not a big restaurant chain.

Gelato - Made to Order

Those who know me know that I LOVE gelato, and I can honestly say that was one of my top 5 best that I ever had! There are a ton of fabulous Magnum stores across europe who are ready to make your gelato dreams come true!

Summer Breakfast

While vacationing in Puglia during the summer we are so lucky to have tons of fig trees available for a delicious breakfast that is energizing and so fresh!

Roast Chicken & Sweet Pea Risotto

This meal was actually made using left over roasted chicken from the night before, thanks to the genius Jamie Oliver. Check out his "Save with Jamie" cookbook for the full recipe!

Skinny Carbonara

I know what you're probably thinking, any recipe that begins with the word skinny can't be any good. I thought the same thing but I was so wrong! Even Michelangelo was happy surprised! The recipe can be found in his Everyday Superfood cookbook, or by following the link.

Spontini Pizza

If you are in Milano and are looking for some great thick crust pizza you must try the traditional Spontini pizza. They only serve one type of pizza, Margherita, but boy do they do it good! I always add their extra spicy olive oil onto for an extra kick. They have locations all over the city.

Leek & Potato Soup

Another classic recipe by Jamie Oliver (Save with Jamie). This recipe took me less than 30 mins to make, the perfect "I'm running late from work and I forgot to defrost the meat" meal!

Lemon & Basil Spaghetti

So simple, but with fresh ingredients from Italy this recipe was to die for! Taken from Jamie Oliver's Save with Jamie cookbook.

Spiced Sausage Cassoulet

Taken from Save with Jamie, this recipe didn't originally call for couscous but I had some left over and it was the perfect match for the dish.

Sicilian Squash & Chickpea Stew

If you're looking for a meal that will fill you up but not leave you feeling heavy (or if you're a vegetarian looking for a great Italian style dish) this is for you! Taken from Save with Jamie.

Classic Pasta Bolognese

A traditional pasta bolognese. If you have time time to make it fresh it makes all the difference and tastes so much better than canned sauce. I suggest following the recipe linked!

Insanity Burgers

Not everything can get all 3 of my brothers to the dinner table in less than 15 minutes, but this did the trick! These burgers are filled with flavour and although have a multi-step process to make them, are so worth the time. Recipe linked.

Windsor Pizza

My hometown, Windsor, is known across the province for having some of the best pizza around. Each time I come home I always go to Capri Pizza to have a slice (...or two...)

Nonna's Gnocchi

I wish I could tell you guys what my Nonna does to make her homemade gnocchi so good, but she won't share the secret! Eventually I'll convince her... ;)

Chicken & Squash Cacciatore

When you have lots of veggies that need to be cooked in the fridge, this is a delicious way of saving them! Recipe is easy, tastes great and (bonus) it's healthy! Check it out in Jamie Oliver's Everyday Superfood cookbook.

Pasta al Forno

This was my personal take on the classic Italian Pasta al Forno. I made a pasta carbonara and added mushrooms and arugula then roasted it all in the oven at 350 (of course topped with loads of parmesan cheese) until crispy along the top and edges.

Hassleback Chicken

This easy recipe was found on Buzzfeed Tasty (if you don't already follow, then check it out on Google NOW). I've linked the video for you all! I opted for a side of risotto alla Milanese, but any rice side dish would go along great.

Pasta al Pomodoro

The key here are the ingredients. I used Mutti tomatoes and fresh cheese and basil. Of course if you have the option, I think using original Italian olive il (preferably from Tuscany or Puglia) totally makes the difference. Message me for full recipe if you're interested!

Pork chops, Prosciutto & Blue Cheese

If you've got guests coming over and you want to make a meal that makes you seem like a master chef, I suggest this one! It's not very hard and has a ton of flavours (because of the mix of meat, cheese and apple). Recipe linked.

Sausage Panzanella

Whenever I have lots of bits of stale bread lying around the kitchen, I make this recipe because stale bread is the key ingredient! Check it out in Jamie Oliver's Save with Jamie cookbook.

Chicken & Chorizo Paella

A twist on the traditional seafood paella, this recipe is packed with flavour and easy to make while multi-taking after work (or in our case while watching the soccer game on TV). Try it for yourself, find it in Save with Jamie.

Lamb Burger

Jamie calls this the "King of all Burgers" and he's right! It's not so easy to make in Italy because minced lamb is not very common, but if you're able to find that key ingredient it's well worth a try. They have a great mix of flavours and don't leave you feeling bloated and heavy. Find the recipe in Save with Jamie

Oysters

Not much to say except that I jump at the chance to eat oysters whenever I can!

Bruschetta

I love making this easy snack whenever I know I'll be home working all day - therefore snacking all day...or when we have guests coming by! My tip is to always use fresh ingredients and when possible very mature tomatoes (for extra juiciness)

I don't follow a specific recipe just throw together the following to taste:
Tomatoes (mature)
Fresh Basil
Oregano
Salt
Olive Oil
Garlic (minced)
Onion (diced)

Mozzarella di Bufala

Each time Michelangelo and I travel to Napoli to visit his family we always stop and buy some fresh Buffalo mozzarella. This might seem like an odd meal, but try one for yourself and I'm sure you will also be convinced that this milky cheese is waaaay better than the traditional mozzarella cheese.

Seafood Pasta al Pesto di Rucola

While visiting Cerignola I tried clam pasta with pesto sauce made with arugula. The mix of the egg based pasta, with the clams made the bitterness of the arugula become even more intense and mixed with a cold glass of white wine it was a meal to die for!

Fresh Fig & Prosciutto Pizza

This special pizza was a season specialty available at Rosso Pomodoro in Milan. If you find this on the menu anywhere I suggest it because 1. figs are the best and 2. mixed with the cheese and meat the sweetness of the fig becomes much more concentrated and is delicious!

Veg Omlet with Tomato & Chile Salsa

This is a great option for a sunday brunch - especially if you have a bunch of veggies about to go bad in the fridge. You can work with the recipe and basically throw anything into the omlet. The true winner here is the salsa, just be sure to check the flavour throughout because it can get spicy! Recipe taken from Jamie Oliver's Everyday Super Food

Pesto Pasta

I have yet to learn how to make my own pesto sauce, but until then I've done the leg work and tried a ton of different brands of pesto. If you can go to a market where it's homemade it would be the best option, otherwise Barilla pesto is always a safe (and delicious) option!

Canadian Poutine

Every time I go back home to Canada I must have at least one poutine. You can find them at almost all restaurants, but I always suggest getting one from a local spot and not a big restaurant chain.

Gelato - Made to Order

Those who know me know that I LOVE gelato, and I can honestly say that was one of my top 5 best that I ever had! There are a ton of fabulous Magnum stores across europe who are ready to make your gelato dreams come true!

Summer Breakfast

While vacationing in Puglia during the summer we are so lucky to have tons of fig trees available for a delicious breakfast that is energizing and so fresh!

Roast Chicken & Sweet Pea Risotto

This meal was actually made using left over roasted chicken from the night before, thanks to the genius Jamie Oliver. Check out his "Save with Jamie" cookbook for the full recipe!

Skinny Carbonara

I know what you're probably thinking, any recipe that begins with the word skinny can't be any good. I thought the same thing but I was so wrong! Even Michelangelo was happy surprised! The recipe can be found in his Everyday Superfood cookbook, or by following the link.

Spontini Pizza

If you are in Milano and are looking for some great thick crust pizza you must try the traditional Spontini pizza. They only serve one type of pizza, Margherita, but boy do they do it good! I always add their extra spicy olive oil onto for an extra kick. They have locations all over the city.

Leek & Potato Soup

Another classic recipe by Jamie Oliver (Save with Jamie). This recipe took me less than 30 mins to make, the perfect "I'm running late from work and I forgot to defrost the meat" meal!

Lemon & Basil Spaghetti

So simple, but with fresh ingredients from Italy this recipe was to die for! Taken from Jamie Oliver's Save with Jamie cookbook.

Spiced Sausage Cassoulet

Taken from Save with Jamie, this recipe didn't originally call for couscous but I had some left over and it was the perfect match for the dish.

Sicilian Squash & Chickpea Stew

If you're looking for a meal that will fill you up but not leave you feeling heavy (or if you're a vegetarian looking for a great Italian style dish) this is for you! Taken from Save with Jamie.

Classic Pasta Bolognese

A traditional pasta bolognese. If you have time time to make it fresh it makes all the difference and tastes so much better than canned sauce. I suggest following the recipe linked!

Insanity Burgers

Not everything can get all 3 of my brothers to the dinner table in less than 15 minutes, but this did the trick! These burgers are filled with flavour and although have a multi-step process to make them, are so worth the time. Recipe linked.

Windsor Pizza

My hometown, Windsor, is known across the province for having some of the best pizza around. Each time I come home I always go to Capri Pizza to have a slice (...or two...)

Nonna's Gnocchi

I wish I could tell you guys what my Nonna does to make her homemade gnocchi so good, but she won't share the secret! Eventually I'll convince her... ;)

Chicken & Squash Cacciatore

When you have lots of veggies that need to be cooked in the fridge, this is a delicious way of saving them! Recipe is easy, tastes great and (bonus) it's healthy! Check it out in Jamie Oliver's Everyday Superfood cookbook.

Pasta al Forno

This was my personal take on the classic Italian Pasta al Forno. I made a pasta carbonara and added mushrooms and arugula then roasted it all in the oven at 350 (of course topped with loads of parmesan cheese) until crispy along the top and edges.

Hassleback Chicken

This easy recipe was found on Buzzfeed Tasty (if you don't already follow, then check it out on Google NOW). I've linked the video for you all! I opted for a side of risotto alla Milanese, but any rice side dish would go along great.

Pasta al Pomodoro

The key here are the ingredients. I used Mutti tomatoes and fresh cheese and basil. Of course if you have the option, I think using original Italian olive il (preferably from Tuscany or Puglia) totally makes the difference. Message me for full recipe if you're interested!

Pork chops, Prosciutto & Blue Cheese

If you've got guests coming over and you want to make a meal that makes you seem like a master chef, I suggest this one! It's not very hard and has a ton of flavours (because of the mix of meat, cheese and apple). Recipe linked.

Sausage Panzanella

Whenever I have lots of bits of stale bread lying around the kitchen, I make this recipe because stale bread is the key ingredient! Check it out in Jamie Oliver's Save with Jamie cookbook.

Chicken & Chorizo Paella

A twist on the traditional seafood paella, this recipe is packed with flavour and easy to make while multi-taking after work (or in our case while watching the soccer game on TV). Try it for yourself, find it in Save with Jamie.

Lamb Burger

Jamie calls this the "King of all Burgers" and he's right! It's not so easy to make in Italy because minced lamb is not very common, but if you're able to find that key ingredient it's well worth a try. They have a great mix of flavours and don't leave you feeling bloated and heavy. Find the recipe in Save with Jamie

Oysters

Not much to say except that I jump at the chance to eat oysters whenever I can!

Bruschetta

I love making this easy snack whenever I know I'll be home working all day - therefore snacking all day...or when we have guests coming by! My tip is to always use fresh ingredients and when possible very mature tomatoes (for extra juiciness)

I don't follow a specific recipe just throw together the following to taste:
Tomatoes (mature)
Fresh Basil
Oregano
Salt
Olive Oil
Garlic (minced)
Onion (diced)

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