Chicken Cacciatore with Crispy Polenta

I was not a huge fan of this one.  I felt it was lacking something and I still can't put my finger on it. Maybe it needed some fresh herbs....not sure.  And my oven didn't properly brown the polenta like I had wanted. The edges started burning before it turned golden brown. Not sure if we'll be having this one again.

http://www.marthastewart.com/313309/chicken-cacciatore-with-crisp-polenta

Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce

I love shrimp and am always looking for new ways to cook them. This one in a tomato sauce was right up my alley! It included some of my favorite ingredients; garlic, capers and olives. Super quick and easy!

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/garlic-shrimp-in-tomato-sauce

Sicilian Meatballs with Fresh Basil Marinara

I love meatballs and this recipe is a winner. I substituted the ground beef for ground turkey. Amazing!  I served with spaghetti and sauteed spinach.

http://www.finecooking.com/recipes/sicilian/meatballs/with/fresh/basil/marinara.aspx

Chicken Piccata

Best part about this blog, it's making me try new recipes I've been sitting on! Why have I been sitting on this so long??? To avoid having dry chicken breast cutlets, I pan seared them and then finished cooking them in the oven. I also had to reduce the sauce longer than it instructed in order to have the appropriate consistency.

Probably didn't need to serve it with an additional veggie but Sophia loves green beans and I had them in the fridge. 

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/chicken-piccata-recipe/index.html

Capellini With Spicy Zucchini-Tomato Sauce

I'm really liking these Meatless Monday recipes!  This is a great light and flavorful summer meal.  I eased up on the spices for Sophia. I'm sure a red pepper flake on a 2 year old's tongue would be a 5 alarm fire.  Even without the spicy factor, it was still delicious.  And did I mention how happy I am to have cheese back in my life?? Special thanks to the little boy in my belly for giving me back dairy, even if it is only for a short time.  (Fingers crossed that its permanent!)

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/capellini-with-spicy-zucchini-tomato-sauce-recipe/index.html

Pasta Primavera

After such a decadent Father's Day dinner of red meat and bacon, I had to take part in Meatless Monday's. This recipe was so delicious and perfect!  Prep took a little bit of time but every bite was worth it.  I purchased all of the veggies at the local farmers market like always. Try and find your local farmers market because it makes a WORLD of difference in your cooking. Even potatoes taste better! I'm really looking forward to making this one again!!!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/pasta-primavera-recipe/index.html

Ms. Sicily's Signature Pasta

My life was changed when I discovered Rao's! Expensive jarred sauce but worth every penny. Trust me.

Boil a pot of heavily salted water.
Brown the sausage and zucchini in a saute pan until cooked. Add in sliced roasted red pepper slices and the sauce. Bring to a light boil and simmer while your pasta cooks. Drain your pasta, pour your sauce over it and serve! Mangia-Mangia!

Homemade Pizza

We have a pizza problem in our house.  We all LOVE pizza but Sophia and I can't do dairy.  I've tried every frozen pizza and I never get the satisfaction I am looking for.  A co-worker mentioned using Trader Joe's dough so I gave it a try this week.  I used Rao's pizza sauce (because I'm addicted to their pasta sauce) and soy cheese.  Topped it with my favorite, pepperoni and pineapple.  It's pretty decent.  Next time I'll brush the crust with some oil olive before baking since I felt it was a little dry and will help it get a bit more golden.  But we will definitely be doing this again!!

If anyone can recommend a great dairy-free cheese that tastes great on pizza, let me know!

http://www.traderjoes.com/fearless-flyer/article.asp?article_id=702

http://www.raos.com/pizza-sauce-case.aspx#.UaqPKq78eYA