Daily Delish – Italian flavors

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Daily Delish

Hello there! I’m so happy to hear that my sushi experience is inspiring many of you to give it a try, as well! Always trying to get better and BETTER for all of you, I’ve whipped up another simple dish for you to try (just in case you aren’t a sushi fan- the horror!) This recipe is great because it works so well for just two people or a large group! Just double/triple the ingredients accordingly.

To start, you’ll need a jar of your favorite pasta sauce — or 1 1/2 cups of HOMEMADE SAUCE

I received the following sauce from Bertolli as part of Foodbuzz’s Tastemakers program:

As soon as I received it, I immediately started brainstorming. I came up with what I think is an easy, simple and delicious dish! Plus, I got to use my new ALL-CLAD sauteuse!

In addition to a 1/2 jar of sauce (I highly recommend the Bertolli  Arrabbiata flavor!), you’ll need:

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 package of fresh mushrooms

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 cup chopped potatoes, skinned

2 cloves of garlic, minced

2 chicken sausages (like al fresco!)

First, coat a saute pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium heat. Add mushrooms and brown.

Next, add red peppers and cubed potatoes - cook about 8 minutes. Add sausage and cook about 8 minutes.

Add sauce and garlic, stir and let simmer for 5 minutes.

Top with mozzerella cheese and transfer to 350 degree oven. Bake for 5-10 minute, until cheese melts/browns.

I served this dish alongside garlic toast slices, which were perfect for dunking into leftover sauce!

To make: Melt 1/4 cup butter (I used Smart Balance) and combine with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Add 1 tsp of garlic powder and stir. This becomes sort of paste-like. Spread on top of your favorite bread or baguette (I used three pieces, which I then halved) and broil 3-5 minutes, until browned – use the end pieces, they hold up better!

I love this recipe because it really does create the illusion that you spent hours in the kitchen (and let your guests think you did!). It’s a dish that’s really open to customization, as well. Don’t like garlic? Don’t add it! Like things more spicy? Add some black pepper! Just stir your favorite spices into the pot and voila! You’ll have a dish that really reflects your personal preferences.

What spices do you add to your sauces? Do you like your Italian dishes spicy or mild?

CALLING ALL FASHIONISTAS! Remember, the FASHION FRIDAY CONTEST is this week, so make sure you are emailing me your photos!

Tonight is my KICKBALL LEAGUE playoffs. WISH US LUCK!

15 Responses to “Daily Delish – Italian flavors”

  1. katie said:

    WOW girl that looks amazing! my boyfriend would love that-he is a sucker for Italian. maybe if im feeling domestic i will make it for him soon! (haha)

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  2. Heather (Heather's Dish) said:

    yummmmmmm…i love spicy italian! sooo, good, my mouth is watering now :)

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  3. Kacy said:

    That bread makes my heart beat faster. I looove garlicky carbs. And the pasta doesn’t look too shabby either ;)

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  4. Heather (Where's the Beach) said:

    Spicy all the way!

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  5. Lauren said:

    I definitely like spicy all the way, and I’m a HUGE fan of garlic.

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  6. Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg said:

    YUM!!!! This is definitely my kind of meal (minus the meat, that is :-) ).

    Posted on | Reply
  7. Cole said:

    Oh yum, I am definitely going to have to try that

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  8. K said:

    This dish sounds great! I love that it’s not a pasta based dish! This spice lover hasn’t had arrabbiata sauce.

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  9. EE said:

    I really like tomato-y sweetness — so not toooo spicy.

    Uh oh, must see if I qualify to be a fashionista. My guess is I don’t. ;)

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  10. Hannah said:

    Parmesan paste?! That’s so brilliant! And a far nicer option, I think, than my craving-trick of just melting some cheese on a plate in the microwave and eating it :P

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  11. Samantha said:

    mmm that looks sooo good!! The oooey gooey cheese looks yum!

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  12. Light Delight with TouTou said:

    Oh Whoa – that’s quite a meal – I love cheese topped everything :-) the ooey gooey texture makes me really happy :-D

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  13. Whitney said:

    yum makes me want to go in the kitchen and cook right now and I’m not even hungry!

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  14. deisegirl said:

    Hi Shannon, re your comment on my blog, the Fudge Babies came from the
    wonderful Katie’s blog:
    http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2009/10/13/make-these-now/

    Ha, I’m drooling just looking at the pictures on her blog…

    That dish looks fab. I love Italian food :)

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  15. CaSaundra said:

    Anything Italian flavored is always more than welcome in my kitchen. Growing up in 100% Italian family really made me appreciate the cuisine.

    Posted on | Reply

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