panzanella

A few weeks ago, I raved about a new Italian cookbook called A16 Food + Wine that has a delicious (and unique) meatball recipe. Well, I'm still learning great things from it. This week, I made a panzanella with tuna and capers, another item on the menu at the launch party. Every ingredient, from the briny capers to the fragrant basil, was well-balanced.

This is a fantastic meal to make if you've got too much bread or when your loaf is going stale. I left the capers whole, since I like their saltiness and texture. You can easily adjust the recipe to your liking; get your hands on it (and step-by-step pictures) when you read more

Fresh Italian flavors inspire my Summer solstice dinner party menu. To maximize time spent with guests, all of the food can be made in advance or cooked outdoors on the grill. A buffet of salumi, flatbreads, olives, and store bought spreads will await my guests.

When sliced into triangles grilled mozzarella panini are delightful appetizers. Chicken cooked under a brick is crispy yet succulent. Classic panzanella and balsamic potato salad are delicious served on the side. If these recipes sound tasty, get them now when you read more

One of my favorite recipes is Michael Chiarello's winter panzanella with mushrooms. I hadn't really put much thought into doing a Spring variation, but when I found this recipe for just that, I couldn't help but be excited! This Spring panzanella is filled with fresh asparagus and crunchy croutons. — Smitten Kitchen

Croutons are high up on my list of favorite salad toppings. There is something about crunchy bread moistened by a tangy vinaigrette that I'm crazy about. Naturally, I'm a huge fan of bread salads or panzanella as they are known in Italy. A classic summer side, this salad with its fresh tomatoes, herbs, and crisped green beans, pairs nicely with grilled poultry and fish. It would also complement a plate of lemony, seafood pasta or a platter of deli meats and gourmet cheeses. If you don't have champagne vinegar, use white wine vinegar instead. Make this scrumptious salad this weekend, get the recipe, read more

Panzanella is an Italian bread salad usually made with fresh tomatoes, basil, and day old bread. I enjoy this side in the summertime when the tomatoes are at their ripest. This recipe is a version of panzanella, that's made with wild mushrooms instead of tomatoes. Think a heavier salad with croutons meets classic stuffing. It's the perfect winter side for roast chicken, stuffed pork tenderloin or rack of lamb. To make mushroom panzanella, read more