Weather Channel predictions aside, Spring Break is only five weeks away. Are you ready? Whether you’re headed for Ft. Lauderdale, San Diego, or points beyond, shorts, sleeveless dresses, flip-flops and sandals will definitely be the attire of the week.
So, I ask again – are you ready? I know I’m not! This winter has been just a bit much and the weight seemed to just appear out of nowhere. Cold winter nights just go too well with Lucini’s Umbrian Lentil or Rustic Minestrone soups, carbonara con coniglio, risotto con bresaola e valtellina casera,
carbonara con coniglio
risotto con bresaola e valtellina casera
and all the other heavy taste treats of winter.
All good things must come to an end, though, and my winter eating has ended! Luckily, oranges, grapefruit, clementines, and all the other delicious citrus are in season and better than ever. Paired with a traditional basil-tomato sauce over pasta and presto! you have the perfect ‘get in shape’ meal.
Insalata di arancia alla siciliana
One of my personal favorites is insalata di arancia alla siciliana (recipe follows) served with Lucini tomato-basil sauce over spinach and ricotto ravioli with grated Lucini stravecchio Parmigiano Reggiano
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Spinach and ricotta ravioli with Lucini Tomato-Basil sauce
Another preference of mine is insalata di pomodoro con mozzarella (recipe follows) and a pan-fried chicken breast (I use just a teaspoon of Lucini’s extra virgin olive oil to ‘fry’ the breast). Or try pasta al dente – any type – drizzled with Lucini’s extra virgin oil olive and dusted with Lucini’s stravecchio Parmigiano Reggiano and mixed baby greens with a drab of Lucini Tuscan Balsamic vinaigrette. The ‘light’ possibilities are endless…..and delicious, too! And don’t forget to exercise….
Insalata di arancia alla siciliana
3-4 large navel oranges peeled and sliced in thirds
1-2 large pink grapefruit peeled and sliced in thirds
2 green onions chopped
1/4 cup Lucini Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 teasp salt
1/4 teasp red pepper flakes
Mix all ingredients together and toss. Leave standing at room temperature until served. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Insalata di pomodoro con mozzarella
1-2lbs cherry or sweet grape tomatoes
fresh mozzarella in water (boccincini)
2-3 fresh basil leaves torn into small pieces
1 1/2 teasp dried oregano
1/4 cup Lucini Extra Virgin Olive Oil
salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients together and toss. Leave standing at room temperature until served. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Mio Cibo 