Eggplant Parmesan Gratin

I love eggplant season!  The plump purple veggies are so versatile and with a tiny bit of effort the results can be amazing.  Sure, they're now available year-round, but there is something special about enjoying them during the late summer / early fall when its their time to shine.

This recipe for Eggplant Parmesan Gratin is a huge favorite in our house and presents beautifully.  Its a hybrid between an Italian Eggplant Parmesan and a French Gratin, and is a knock-out served with spaghetti.  Its a great way to make a simple spaghetti dinner into a dish to entertain with.

Roasted Red Pepper Tartine

Sometimes, amid all the hustle and bustle, its nice to just stay at home and relax.  Sure, a summer trip to Italy is wonderful, but there is something to be said about enjoying the simplicity of a relaxing afternoon or weekend in the backyard.

This Roasted Red Pepper Tartine is for just that:  A culinary trip to Italy, that takes just seconds to make at home.  The flavors carry me back to Tuscany, and the preparation is so simple that I get to unwind on the back porch a bit and rediscover how relaxing a summer staycation can be.  So bring on the heat, we're ready!

Extra Virgin: A Tuscan Cookbook

White Bean and Pancetta Bruschetta, Tuscan Bread and Tomato Soup, Chestnut Flour Cake...my mouth is watering just thinking of them all!