I’m trying REALLY hard to incorporate more salads into our weekly meals. For me to get behind a salad it has to have some bang to it. This sesame seared ahi tuna salad does that and then some. It’s base is made up of endive and arugula that’s been tossed lightly in a honey soy vinaigrette and then topped with a few well placed slices of perfectly pink sesame seared Ahi tuna. Whether you eat this with a fork or chopsticks is up to you. (...)
Read the rest of Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna Salad (152 words)

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Post tags: salads, Seafood, tuna

(Disclaimer: I am working with Miracle-Gro for this project and was provided with samples and compensation-but all opinions are my own.)

This season, Miracle-Gro wants to inspire everyone to get out and Gro something. There’s a way to incorporate “Gro-ing” into a myriad of different DIY projects-and you don’t have to be an avid gardener or live out in the country to accomplish it!  All you need is a little creativity and inspiration-and you can create a beautiful, living piece of art for just about any occasion/recipe/area of your home. What did I make? A super simple succulent centerpiece that’s perfect for spring and summer. (...)
Read the rest of DIY Recycled Can Succulent Centerpiece + {$250 AMEX Gift Card GIVEAWAY} (448 words)

© Paula for bell' alimento, 2013. | Permalink | 199 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: diy, gardening, miracle gro, succulent centerpiece

(Disclaimer: I am working in partnership with the KRAFT brand and I am receiving compensation for my participation in this campaign. All thoughts/opinions are 100% my own)

I love this time of year when my local farm stands are open on road sides around my little water-tower town. Little pop up markets here and there. I stop in as much as possible. A) I love supporting my local farmers when I can B) I know where the food comes from and that’s is going to be fresh and freshly picked. Plus ehem have you seen farmers lately? Not to mention they’re incredibly knowledgeable. Go ahead ask them about their food. They love it.

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Read the rest of Farmstand Ravioli with Zucchini (259 words)

© Paula for bell' alimento, 2013. | Permalink | 17 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: farmstand ravioli with zucchini, Pasta, ravioli, Vegetarian

I have wild mint growing uncontrollably in my yard. If you happen to live nearby and need mint just let me know. I have an UNLIMITED supply and you’re welcome to come pluck some up. I’m not kidding when I tell you it grows like weeds. There’s no taming it. It comes back every. single.year. And while it used to aggravate me at first, now I’ve grown to embrace and respect it’s persistence. Not to mention besides smelling amazing I can have all the mojitos I could possibly want. Silver lining.(...)
Read the rest of Moscato Mojitos (148 words)

© Paula for bell' alimento, 2013. | Permalink | 17 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Cocktail, drinks, Moscato

Raisin and nut wha? Agrodolce. Agrodolce is Italian for sweet (dolce) and sour (agro). It happens to be one of my favorite combinations and is a lot like me depending on how my day is going. What don’t tell me you’re never moody? This sauce, and it’s actually more salsa or compote than sauce but let’s not split hairs I have enough of those, is something I could eat directly out the jar. But better not, it’s amazing topped on chicken, pork, lamb, OR even mixed into pasta. You know how much I like options.
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Read the rest of Raisin and Nut Agrodolce (175 words)

© Paula for bell' alimento, 2013. | Permalink | 10 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: agrodolce, sauces

Have you noticed a grilling theme going on? Gold star for you if so. As soon as it warms up I’m all about throwing anything and just about everything on the grill. Including vegetables. Sometimes I even get a little crazy and sprinkle them with sugar. Glorious I tell you. Glorious caramelized crunchy outsides. Pass the plate please. (...)
Read the rest of Caramelized Grilled Asparagus (240 words)

© Paula for bell' alimento, 2013. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Asparagus, Gluten Free, sides, Vegetarian

I know you’ve all heard of drunken pasta. Typically, it’s pasta that has been boiled in red wine. In theory it’s a good idea right, wine, pasta. Yes please. Well it’s yes until the plate arrives in front of you (at least for me). We eat with our eyes first, and red wine turns the pasta in this deathly looking greyish purple hue that’s completely unappetizing. Unless you use WHITE wine. Ding ding ding. Do you hear the bell going off in your head? (...)
Read the rest of Drunken Pasta with Pancetta (159 words)

© Paula for bell' alimento, 2013. | Permalink | 17 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: drunken pasta, Pasta, Pork

Do you like to get your grill on? As in bbq grill not dental grill (which I have never ever understood – How do you clean those things? I mean just buy a ring or a bracelet already). IF you do, and you think you have what it takes my friends at Dole are hosting their Dole California Cook-Off and you should honestly consider entering. Besides glory there’s a whole lotta gumbo cash at stake. Like $25,000. All you have to do is come up with a killer recipe (some rules and regulations apply see contest page for full details – did that come across in my announcer voice?) and submit it.(...)
Read the rest of Grilled Mini Meatball Subs (408 words)

© Paula for bell' alimento, 2013. | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: meatball subs, Meatballs, Pork, sandwiches

You know grilling isn’t just for meats and veggies (and fruits, can’t leave out fruits, have you tried grilled peaches? Oh sweet drippy goodness do it!). Why let them have all the fun? You can make desserts on the grill too! Sure can. In fact you can make an entire meal on the grill. Besides having all that gorgeous grill flavor you’re not messing up the kitchen. That’s happy happy happy in my book. Anyone else hate doing dishes? (...)
Read the rest of Grilled Nutella MousseTarts (203 words)

© Paula for bell' alimento, 2013. | Permalink | 10 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: desserts, mousse, Nutella

Finally grilling season is here. I’m just a tad bit excited about this after a VERY long winter. I love the smells that waft through the neighborhood as soon as the weather has heated up (and the pollen has past ugh). People are out walking the neighborhood (and gasp actually smiling and waving), flowers are blooming, the trees are filling in and grills are going strong. It’s a good thing.

We (and when I say we I mean my husband) like to grill a lot. It’s typically, chicken, ribs, with the occasional steak thrown in. It’s not that I have anything against steak, quite the contrary, bring on a hunk of perfectly cooked (for me) medium steak any day of the week if you’re paying ; ) If I’m paying it’s more of a special occasion meal. But guess what? Now it doesn’t have to be.(...)
Read the rest of Grilled Ribeye with Balsamic Butter Sauce (286 words)

© Paula for bell' alimento, 2013. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Beef, ribeeye, Steak