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My Recipes

a collection of favorites

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Spaghetti Carbonara

A classic Italian pasta dish made with eggs, hard cheese, cured pork, and black pepper.

Ingredients

  • —450g spaghetti
  • —115g guanciale or pancetta, diced
  • —2 large eggs
  • —½ cup grated Pecorino Romano
  • —Freshly ground black pepper
  • —Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. 1.Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. 2.While pasta cooks, crisp the guanciale in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. 3.In a bowl, whisk eggs, cheese, and a generous amount of black pepper.
  4. 4.Add drained pasta to the skillet with guanciale. Immediately pour the egg mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly to coat. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs.
  5. 5.Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a creamy sauce. Serve immediately.

Simple Homemade Pizza

Easy-to-follow recipe for a delicious pizza with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

  • —1 pizza dough (pre-made or homemade)
  • —½ cup pizza sauce
  • —2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • —Your favorite toppings
  • —Olive oil

Instructions

  1. 1.Preheat oven to 230°C (450°F).
  2. 2.Roll out dough on a floured surface. Transfer to a baking sheet.
  3. 3.Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a border for the crust.
  4. 4.Sprinkle with mozzarella and arrange your toppings.
  5. 5.Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 10–15 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

Mollica (Muddìca)

A flavorful, crunchy Sicilian breadcrumb topping that's great on pasta, vegetables, and more.

Ingredients

  • —1 cup dry breadcrumbs
  • —2–3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • —2 tbsp olive oil
  • —Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • —Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. 1.Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. 2.Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. 3.Add the breadcrumbs and stir constantly.
  4. 4.Cook for 3–5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle with salt and serve.

Bolo Nega-Maluca

A classic Brazilian chocolate cake known for its rich flavor and moist, tender crumb.

Ingredients — Cake

  • —2 cups all-purpose flour
  • —1½ cups sugar
  • —1 cup cocoa powder
  • —1 cup hot water
  • —½ cup vegetable oil
  • —2 large eggs
  • —1 tbsp baking powder
  • —½ tsp baking soda
  • —½ tsp salt

Ingredients — Glaze

  • —4 tbsp butter
  • —4 tbsp cocoa powder
  • —4 tbsp sugar
  • —6 tbsp milk

Instructions — Cake

  1. 1.Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
  2. 2.Whisk dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk wet ingredients.
  3. 3.Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  4. 4.Pour batter into pan and bake for 35–40 minutes.

Instructions — Glaze

  1. 1.In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chocolate, sugar, and milk. Stir until smooth.
  2. 2.Pour warm glaze over the warm cake. Let cool completely before serving.

Carrot Cake with Chocolate Topping

A moist, spiced carrot cake topped with a rich chocolate ganache instead of traditional frosting.

Ingredients — Cake

  • —2 cups all-purpose flour
  • —2 tsp baking soda
  • —½ tsp salt
  • —2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • —1½ cups vegetable oil
  • —2 cups sugar
  • —4 large eggs
  • —3 cups finely grated carrots
  • —½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Ingredients — Topping

  • —1 cup heavy cream
  • —1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions — Cake

  1. 1.Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch pan.
  2. 2.Whisk dry ingredients together. In a separate bowl, whisk oil, sugar, and eggs.
  3. 3.Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in carrots and nuts.
  4. 4.Pour into pan and bake for 45–50 minutes. Let cool.

Instructions — Topping

  1. 1.Heat heavy cream until it simmers. Pour over chocolate chips.
  2. 2.Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
  3. 3.Pour topping over the cooled cake and spread evenly.

Classic Mushroom Risotto

A creamy Italian rice dish with earthy mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of white wine.

Ingredients

  • —2 tbsp olive oil
  • —1 tbsp butter
  • —1 small onion, chopped
  • —2 cloves garlic, minced
  • —225g cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • —1½ cups Arborio rice
  • —½ cup dry white wine
  • —4–6 cups hot broth
  • —½ cup grated Parmesan
  • —2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • —Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. 1.Heat oil and butter in a large pot. Cook onion until soft. Add garlic and mushrooms; cook until tender.
  2. 2.Add rice and toast for 1–2 minutes. Pour in wine and stir until absorbed.
  3. 3.Add hot broth one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed before adding the next. Continue until rice is al dente.
  4. 4.Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately.

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta

A quick and satisfying meal that combines tender mushrooms with a silky, rich garlic cream sauce.

Ingredients

  • —450g pasta
  • —2 tbsp olive oil
  • —1 tbsp butter
  • —450g cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • —4 cloves garlic, minced
  • —1 cup heavy cream
  • —½ cup grated Parmesan
  • —¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • —Salt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1.Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
  2. 2.In a large skillet, heat oil and butter. Cook mushrooms for 5–7 minutes.
  3. 3.Reduce heat, add garlic, and cook for 1 minute.
  4. 4.Pour in heavy cream and simmer until slightly thickened.
  5. 5.Stir in Parmesan and half of the parsley. Season.
  6. 6.Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add pasta water if needed. Garnish with remaining parsley and serve.