MammaMiaRecipes.com

Caciocavallo literally means cheese on horseback. The name comes more from the look rather than the source because the cheese when purchased looks like saddlebags. It is a type of cheese which has been aged for a minimum of 4 to 6 months and when added with tomatoes it makes a fantastic appetizer or addition to any meal. Your friends will love this treat and is likely something they have never tried before.

Ingredients

Caciocavallo cheese (no substitutes)
Tomatoes (Roma or small sized)
Olive Oil
Fresh Basil

Start by cutting thin squares of cheese which are no larger than the diameter of the tomato you are using. Place the tomato slice directly on the cheese, add a drop of extra virgin olive oil and some fresh basil and that is it. This cheese has a unique texture and is very smooth.

Another easy Italian recipe which can be server as an appetizer. Try sharing it with a glass of red wine. Mangiare!

1/2 cup dried tomatoes in oil, drained and finely minced
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted and chopped
1 tbsp capers, chopped
1/3 cup oil oil
8 slices of baguette, toasted

• In a bowl, mix the tomatoes, pumpkin seeds, capers and oil

1. Serve at room temperature on toasted slices of baguette

This is a tasty summer treat, appetizer or snack. Bruschetta literally means toasted bread in Italian.

Ingredients
1/2 fresh garden tomato or plum tomato
1 oz Feta cheese, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 basil leaf
Salt and Pepper

Serves 1 person

Second time around try adding sweet or white onion, diced and a sprinkle of oregano.

In a bowl, add cheese, tomato and olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste and place on your favorite cracker or bread. Garnish with basil and Mangiare!

This is a very tasty side dish Mamma makes for family dinners. Simple, quick and easy!

Ingredients

• Bag of Mushrooms – Agaricus Mushrooms like a Portabello

• Grated Parmesan Cheese

• Butter

Instructions:  Heat a medium size frying pan, add some butter.  When pan is ready, add sliced mushrooms and cook for approximately 5 minutes.

Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.  Mangiare!!

This is a specialty recipe from our Aunt Rosetta

1. Cut Zucchini into small pieces. Mix with pickling salt in large bowl. Place a weight on top and let sit for one day or more.
2. Bring 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar to boil in large pot. Place zucchini in and boil for 2-3 minutes. Drain well and turn onto a cloth to cool.
3. Steam cauliflower and beans for 4-5 minutes in water. Transfer to vinegar / water for 1-2 minutes. Cool and mix with zucchini.
4. Allow to cool. Mix with olive oil, garlic and oregano. Press contents into jars. Pour any remaining juice on top. Top with oil.
5. Place seals in boiling water to heat. Close jars and boil for 5 minutes. Store.

Enjoy and Mangia !!

This soup is quick and simple to make and is a favorite with all the children (and adults).

Ingredients:

1 cup (250 ml) Pastine (Mamma uses la Molisana 64.Peperini)

6 cups (1500 ml) water

Directions:

• Cook half way or partially cook the little balls of pasta (10 minutes).

• Strain water. Add 6 cups of fresh water to the pastine.
• Bring to a boil again, add 1-1/2 cubes of chicken boullion or equivalent chicken broth.
• Cook for a further 10-15 minutes until tender.
• Serves 6

Ingredients:
2 cups (500 ml) rice (riso superfine Arborio)
4 eggs
1/2 cup (125 ml) parmesan cheese
1 tbsp parsley (we like parsley so we add more)
pinch salt to your desired taste
2 each large garlic cloves (use 3 cloves if small)

Directions:

1. Using a 4 liter pot, cover rice with water, bring to boil.
2. Simmer for 20 minutes
3. Cool until cold
4. Add 4 eggs, parmesan cheese, salt, parsley and garlic
5. Mix well – Mush it or mix all ingredients by hand
6. Mold the balls into desired shape (helps to coat your hands with oil to avoid sticking)
   
7. Fill a deep frying pan with Mazola corn oil…enough to cover at least half of a rice ball…heat oil and carefully place the formed rice balls into the heated oil.
   
8. turn quickly, when golden brown place on plate to cool.

This is a great appetizer to bring to a dinner party or finger food for the entire family. They disappear quickly and will soon become a family favorite…. Mangiare!