Butternut Squash and Tomato Soup

This is my lovingly adapted butternut squash soup. My father, mother, and husband ask for this soup every September. Recipes that are made year-after-year at the same time of year carry a level of nostalgia that just improves with time. I can no longer make this soup without thinking of my then two-year-old son licking the balsamic vinegar and olive oil from every unroasted tomato. The taste of the soup might be marvelous, but the memories are transcendent and priceless.

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Creamed Corn

This creamed corn is a perfect side dish for a picnic or backyard cookout or BBQ.  I struggle to find side dishes for BBQ chicken or pulled pork, aside from the traditional baked beans and coleslaw.  Why not try creamed corn?  Or why not serve the creamed corn alongside grilled head on shrimp?  The flavors are reminiscent of shrimp and grits without the tedious “tending to the grits”.  When you find the perfect square of grass to spread your picnic blanket on, I hope this creamed corn is in your picnic basket.  

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Cannoli Cheesecake

“Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.” This is my favorite movie quote – ever – from the 1972 classic The Godfather. As the daughter of a Sicilian immigrant, I cannot think of a more iconic Sicilian dessert than the cannolo. The process of making cannoli is somewhat laborious. But don’t worry – this cheesecake is super easy and has all the flavors of a cannolo.

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Vegetable Lasagna

There is no better time than August to open a cold beer and cozy up by the grill to enjoy the last days of summer.  My husband enjoys grilling anything and especially loves grilling vegetables.  Which is great for me because by August I am floundering for a creative dinner to use the abundance of zucchini and squash that I have purchased at the local farmer’s market.  

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Simple Salad Dressing

While on vacation in Sicily, my husband and I went to a local olive orchard, Tenuta Cavasecca, and sampled their olive oils. I am convinced that the sun that shines on Sicily has magical powers that make all fruits and vegetables taste more delicious. Their olive oil is no exception. This tangy but sweet salad dressing is the perfect complement to baby gem lettuce, shaved carrot, watermelon radish, and diced chives.

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