THE BLOG

Shrimp tossed in an easy Pesto flavored with mint and rosemary

Dungeness is a rich, succulent delicacy to be savored when in season. This is a great dish from the past, and uses a classic egg yolk thickened sauce.

Asian flavors have become the most popular ethnic foods in America. The crisp Les Pierres Chardonnay with lovely balance can go beautifully with these flavors.

Baking salmon at a low temperature ensures that the fish will be very moist since most of the delicious oils and moisture aren’t lost.

Named after a town in central Italy outside of Rome, Amatrice was in the news in August 2016 for a devastating earthquake that leveled this beautiful old village famous for its iconic pasta sauce al’ Amatrician.

INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

6 ounces quanciale or pancetta cut in 1/4 inch dices

1 cup finely diced onion

3 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/2 tsp fennel seed

1/4 cup red wine

1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes crushed with our hands, San Marzano preferred

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or to taste

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or to taste

Big pinch sugar

Salt to taste

1 lb Bucatini or spaghetti

1/3 cup freshly shredded Pecorino Romano cheese plus more for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a very large skillet over medium heat. Add the guanciale and cook until it just begins to crisp, about 6 minutes. Set aside. If desired, drain some of the bacon drippings and oil from the skillet.

2. Add the onion, garlic, and fennel seed and cook until the onion is transparent, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and simmer until it’s reduced, about 2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes (along with their juices) and vinegar and bring to a simmer. Partially cover and cook until the sauce thickens a bit, about 8 minutes.

3. Season with the red pepper flakes sugar and salt, bearing in mind the cheese will add quite a lot of saltiness to the dish. Stir in half the guanciale and keep the sauce warm over low heat.

4. Cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta well, reserving ¼  cup pasta cooking water. Add the pasta and the reserved water to the sauce and return the skillet to medium heat. Toss the pasta in the sauce gently until it’s well coated and heated through, about 3 minutes.

5. Fold in the cheese and top with remaining guanciale. Serve the pasta hot and pass plenty of additional cheese on the side.

Pomegranate molasses is readily available in Middle Eastern grocery stores or online.

This brightly colored soup is delicious either hot or chilled.  You can punch up any of the flavor elements to your taste.