Italy #3

I hope you are enjoying a trip to Italy in mostly photos.  I have to definitely jot some things down to keep my notes of this special holiday that I was able to take with my hubby, his sister and her husband for 15 days.  It was a great once in a lifetime gift to ourselves because we enjoy traveling and also the opportunity to find our family roots were the best of both worlds.  I will be forever filled with gratitude to be able to do this.

St. Mark's Square

A view from a castle at Lake Como

We actually got to see a wedding party celebrating at Lake Como(note the bride and groom)

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Please feel free to share my photos but please note where you are posting them from.  Thank you.

copyright I Like to Bake and Cook Blog 2014

Italy Day #2

My hubby's grandfather's brother's, daughter, Claudia (Hope I got that right)

My photos and captions will be spread out since I have deleted some so if I won't be able to tell you the exact location I will note it somewhere on the blog at times to keep you informed.

Home made ravioli with speck, regional dried porchetta type meat with ricotta in an asparagus sauce.  Roberta made the meal with assistance of Sabrina and Fabio

My hubby's family (Lorena, first on left helped translate) A real doll she is Roberto and Roberta's daughter)

One of he meals from Roberta

In the kitchen with L to R Sabrina, Roberta and Fabio

She's 81 and it took 3 women 3 liters of flour and 35 eggs to make pasta for 45 on our tour.

Hubby's family

 View from his families farm

Experiencing the walk to my great grandmother and grandfather's home, sigh............<3

Notification Baby Boy Born in Frontone (my great grandmother and grandfather's region Frontone)

Notification Baby Girl Born Frontone

The castle Frontone(a short distance from my grandparents home.  Breathtaking!

 

Me knocking on the door seeing who might be home!  Emotions running wild!

Sharing this experience with my hubby <3

Our trip included stops in Lecco, Venice, Verona, Bologna, Lake Como, Siene,  Isle of Capri, Florence, Sorrento and Rome.  I may have missed a few in between but will give you more information as it comes back into my head.  It was a very long and very informative tour so there is lots stored in my mind but it's right at the moment most thoughts are scattered. Every single stop brings back such wonderful memories. 

FYI:  Don't forget to take photos!!!! They will bring you back to great times and great memories forever.

Feel free to show my photos but please note they are my photos and not to be duplicated.  Thank you.

Copyright I Like to Bake and Cook Blog 2014

Vegetable pasta medley in a light cream sauce

There are some dishes that as long as you have veggies in your frige and pasta in your pantry you can put together quickly. I always keep cream cheese, butter and olive oil AND PASTA on hand as well as garlic so I can create a quick and easy dish to satisfy my hubby and if an unexpected guest stops by I can whip up this meal in no time.

Before I go on to the recipe I'd like to give a suggest a few things you can do so you'll be prepared to make this dish.

Buy fresh veggies and frozen to have on hand.  Fresh has to be used up faster than frozen but in this recipe you can use either.  I have.  Any combination of veggies will do and the more the merrier I say.  Add grilled chicken or shrimp if you like too!

Here is my recipe:


1/2 cup olive oil
4 T butter or or butter with canola oil. Land of Lakes brand
2  to 4 T cream cheese (light cream cheese can be used)
1 to 2 cloves garlic minced
1/4 tsp. red pepper
salt to taste
1 cup fresh broccoli florets
1 cup fresh green beans
Cherry tomatoes (as many as you would like)
1 lb. Farfalle pasta prepared according to directions(RESERVE 1+ CUPS PASTA WATER)

Italian grated cheese(to sprinkle on top) 

Add creamcheese to butter olive oil mixture and blend before adding vegetables.  I added it as an after thought so it is better to incorporate the creamcheese from the start.

In a large skillet on medium heat place olive oil and butter.  When butter has melted, add minced garlic and cream cheese.  Saute until cream cheese melts. Add broccoli and green beans**(I cooked them separately and set aside in refrigerator the night before to save time).

In a separate pot cook farfalle according to directions.

Please Note: Before draining pasta reserve 1 +cup pasta water. 

Add reserved pasta water to skillet with veggies.  Add tomatoes and remainder of drained pasta. Toss to coat.  Serve with extra cheese if desired.