Broken Spaghetti with Shrimp

Make pasta night exciting again. Here, hot red pepper flakes and garlic add punch, while the lemon and mint brighten the shrimp and vegetable mix.

• 1 tsp. (or more) dried hot red pepper flakes
• 1 large garlic clove, peeled
• 2 Tbs. flat-leaf parsley
• 1 Tbs. fresh mint leaves
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt
• 1 lb. frozen medium-size cooked shrimp, defrosted
• 2 tsp. Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
• 1 cup frozen chopped broccoli or spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
• 6 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 lb. spaghetti or other long pasta, broken in half
• 1/4 cup reserved
  cooking water
• Coarse black pepper

Mince red pepper flakes, garlic, parsley, and mint together. Add to a large bowl. Stir in zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Toss in shrimp and allow to marinate for 5 minutes.

Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a large sauté pan. When olive oil is hot, stir in shrimp and cook 2 minutes. Add broccoli or spinach and cook 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of cooking water; drain spaghetti. Add spaghetti and reserved cooking water to shrimp and vegetables in pan. Reheat quickly until everything is hot. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.

Olive Oil Pumpkin Bread

Olive oil not only adds an incredible depth of flavor, but used in place of butter or shortening, it makes quick breads better for you by supplying healthy fat and antioxidants. Pumpkin seeds are an optional topping here, but they add a nice crunch.Read Baking with Olive Oil to learn how you can swap in olive oil for melted butter or vegetable oil in many muffin and quick bread recipes.

• Cooking spray
• 3-1/4 oz. (3/4 cup) whole wheat flour
• 3 oz. (2/3 cup) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. table salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 Tbs. unsalted pumpkin seeds (also called pepitas; optional)

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, whisk both flours, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin, sugar, oil, and honey until well combined. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir with a large spoon just until evenly incorporated.

Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to settle the batter. Sprinkle the top with the pumpkin seeds (if using), pressing them down lightly. Bake until the top is browned and a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. (If the bread begins to brown too much before it’s fully baked, lay a piece of aluminum foil on top.) Cool in the pan for 15 minutes and then transfer the bread to a rack to cool completely before slicing.

Olive Oil Pine Nut Ice Cream

Olive oil ice cream? Believe it or not, a fruity, good-quality olive oil gives the ice cream luxurious texture and a delicate flavor, punctuated here with the crunch of pine nuts.

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• Table salt
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup fruity extra-virgin olive oil 
• 1 cup toasted pine nuts

In a medium saucepan, mix 1 cup of the cream with the milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Warm the cream mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and tiny bubbles begin to form around the edge of the pan, 3 to 4 minutes. 

Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with several inches of ice water. Set a smaller metal bowl (one that holds at least 1-1/2 quarts) in the ice water. Pour the remaining cup of cream into the inner bowl (this helps the custard cool quicker when you pour it in later). Set a fine strainer on top. Whisk the egg yolks in a medium bowl.

In a steady stream, pour half of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.

Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom with a heatproof rubber spatula until the custard thickens slightly (it should be thick enough to coat the spatula and hold a line drawn through it with a finger), 4 to 8 minutes. An instant-read thermometer should read 175° to 180°F at this point. Don’t let the sauce overheat or boil, or it will curdle. Immediately strain the custard into the cold cream in the ice bath.

Cool the custard to below 70°F by stirring it over the ice bath. Stir the olive oil into the cooled custard.

Refrigerate the custard until completely chilled, at least 4 hours. Then freeze the custard in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  Fold the pine nuts into the just-churned ice cream, transfer to an air-tight container, and freeze for at least 4 hours or up to 2 weeks.

Roast Lemon-Parsley Chicken Drums and Carrots with Fettuccine

Use Filippo Berio® Olive Oil to put a new spin on an old classic. Place freshly roasted chicken drums over a bed of fettuccine for a flavorful and creative entrée that tastes as good as it looks.

• Filippo Berio® Extra Virgin Olive Oil or
  Filippo Berio® Olive Oil
• 3-1/2 to 4 lb. chicken drumsticks
• 3 tsp. salt, divided
• 1 lb. baby carrots
• 2 bunches scallions, all parts, cut in 2-inch-long pieces
• 1/4 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• 8 to 10 oz. fresh fettuccine

Heat the oven to 425°F. Using a mister or pastry brush dipped in olive oil, coat a 17 x 12-inch metal baking sheet with sides (or two smaller pans with sides). Place the drumsticks on the pan. Season on all sides with 1/4 tsp. salt. Bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the pan from the oven. Add the carrots, scallions, parsley, lemon zest, 3/4 tsp. of salt, and 2 Tbs. of oil. With a pancake turner, toss thoroughly to combine the vegetables and seasonings. Spread in a single layer.

Bake for about 25 minutes, turning occasionally, or until no pink remains at the chicken bone and the carrots are tender.

Meanwhile, place a covered large pot of water over high heat. When the water boils, add 2 tsp. of salt and the fettuccine. Stir. Cover and return to a boil. Uncover and boil, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, or until tender. Drain and return to the pot.

If the chicken skin is not well browned, heat the oven broiler. Broil the chicken 6 inches from the heat source for about 3 minutes, or until browned. Remove the drumsticks to a platter. Add the carrots, scallions, and pan juices to the fettuccine. Toss to combine.

Mozzarella, Prosciutto, and Tomato Skewers

Sometimes it’s the simplest appetizers that get talked about the most. Drizzle Filippo Berio® Extra Virgin Olive Oil over these colorful creations for a dish that is sure to delight.

• 16 fresh baby mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
• 8 thin slices of prosciutto di Parma, cut in half width-wise
• 16 grape or cherry tomatoes
• 16 1-inch bread cubes
• 8 shaved strips of Parmigiano-Reggiano
• Filippo Berio® Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 6 basil leaves, cut into thin strips
• 8 wooden skewers

Wrap individual mozzarella balls with a half-slice of prosciutto.

Assemble by placing a piece of the wrapped mozzarella, a tomato, and a bread cube on each skewer. Place skewers on a plate or platter.

Drizzle with olive oil.

Top with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano and chiffonade of basil.

Broken Spaghetti with Shrimp

Make pasta night exciting again. Here, hot red pepper flakes and garlic add punch, while the lemon and mint brighten the shrimp and vegetable mix.

• 1 tsp. (or more) dried hot red pepper flakes
• 1 large garlic clove, peeled
• 2 Tbs. flat-leaf parsley
• 1 Tbs. fresh mint leaves
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt
• 1 lb. frozen medium-size cooked shrimp, defrosted
• 2 tsp. Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
• 1 cup frozen chopped broccoli or spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
• 6 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 lb. spaghetti or other long pasta, broken in half
• 1/4 cup reserved
  cooking water
• Coarse black pepper

Mince red pepper flakes, garlic, parsley, and mint together. Add to a large bowl. Stir in zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Toss in shrimp and allow to marinate for 5 minutes.

Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a large sauté pan. When olive oil is hot, stir in shrimp and cook 2 minutes. Add broccoli or spinach and cook 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of cooking water; drain spaghetti. Add spaghetti and reserved cooking water to shrimp and vegetables in pan. Reheat quickly until everything is hot. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.

Coal Miners'-Style Spaghetti

Legend has it that coal miners carried or found everything they needed to make this dish on their way home from the mines. Wherever you’re coming home from, you’ve likely already got everything you need on hand to make this family favorite.

• 1 Tbs. Filippo Berio® Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
• 4 oz. pancetta, diced
• Salt
• 1/2 lb. spaghetti
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature and lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• Coarsely ground black pepper

Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan and stir in the pancetta. Cook until crispy. Set aside and keep warm in pan.

Cook the spaghetti until it is al dente, in 4 quarts of rapidly boiling, salted water. Al dente means still firm, but no uncooked flour is visible when a strand of spaghetti is broken in half.

Reserve 2 Tbs. of spaghetti cooking water. Drain the spaghetti in a colander. Immediately return the spaghetti to the pot and, keeping the heat very low, rapidly stir in the eggs, reserved water, and half the cheese. Toss continuously until the eggs are gently cooked and the sauce is creamy.

Add the reserved pancetta and any pan drippings. Stir well. Add a generous grinding of coarse black pepper. Transfer the pasta to a platter and sprinkle it with the remaining cheese.

Broken Spaghetti with Shrimp

Make pasta night exciting again. Here, hot red pepper flakes and garlic add punch, while the lemon and mint brighten the shrimp and vegetable mix.

• 1 tsp. (or more) dried hot red pepper flakes
• 1 large garlic clove, peeled
• 2 Tbs. flat-leaf parsley
• 1 Tbs. fresh mint leaves
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt
• 1 lb. frozen medium-size cooked shrimp, defrosted
• 2 tsp. Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
• 1 cup frozen chopped broccoli or spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
• 6 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 lb. spaghetti or other long pasta, broken in half
• 1/4 cup reserved
  cooking water
• Coarse black pepper

Mince red pepper flakes, garlic, parsley, and mint together. Add to a large bowl. Stir in zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Toss in shrimp and allow to marinate for 5 minutes.

Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a large sauté pan. When olive oil is hot, stir in shrimp and cook 2 minutes. Add broccoli or spinach and cook 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of cooking water; drain spaghetti. Add spaghetti and reserved cooking water to shrimp and vegetables in pan. Reheat quickly until everything is hot. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.

Rosemary-Thyme-Lemon Oil

Toss this infused oil with your vegetables before roasting to give them extra flavor. It's a terrific complement to roasted beets, butternut squash, carrots, cauliflower, fennel, mushrooms, parsnips, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.

• Zest of 1 large lemon, removed in long strips with a vegetable peeler
• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil; more as needed
• 1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

In a small saucepan, combine the lemon zest and oil. Set over medium-low heat and cook until the lemon zest bubbles steadily for about 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and let cool briefly, about 3 minutes. Stir in the herbs and let sit at least 20 minutes before using.

Substitute the flavored oil for the plain olive oil in the master recipe and toss with the vegetables and salt and pepper before roasting. Once the vegetables are on the baking sheet, pick out and discard the lemon zest.

If the vegetables seem a little dry after roasting, toss them with additional oil before serving.

Lemon-Garlic Oil with Herbs

If you have any leftovers, this dipping oil is equally good drizzled over sliced tomatoes, grilled summer squash, or just about any grilled meat or fish.

• 2 small lemons
• 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1-1/2 Tbs. minced garlic
• Two 3- to 4-inch sprigs fresh rosemary
• 3 Tbs. finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

With a vegetable peeler, peel the zest from the lemons in strips. Remove any white pith from the strips of zest, if necessary.

In a small saucepan heat the lemon zest, oil, garlic, and rosemary over low heat until the oil just begins to bubble, 3 to 5 minutes. The garlic should not brown, or it will taste bitter. Transfer the mixture to a small heatproof bowl and let cool to room temperature. Remove the zest and rosemary sprigs with a fork or tongs. Stir in the parsley.

Rosemary-Thyme-Lemon Oil

Toss this infused oil with your vegetables before roasting to give them extra flavor. It's a terrific complement to roasted beets, butternut squash, carrots, cauliflower, fennel, mushrooms, parsnips, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.

• Zest of 1 large lemon, removed in long strips with a vegetable peeler
• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil; more as needed
• 1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

In a small saucepan, combine the lemon zest and oil. Set over medium-low heat and cook until the lemon zest bubbles steadily for about 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and let cool briefly, about 3 minutes. Stir in the herbs and let sit at least 20 minutes before using.

Substitute the flavored oil for the plain olive oil in the master recipe and toss with the vegetables and salt and pepper before roasting. Once the vegetables are on the baking sheet, pick out and discard the lemon zest.

If the vegetables seem a little dry after roasting, toss them with additional oil before serving.

Lemon-Sherry Vinaigrette

• 3/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup sherry vinegar
• 2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)
• 1 tsp. granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. minced fresh garlic
• 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Put all the ingredients in a glass measuring cup or a jar with a tight-fitting lid and whisk or vigorously shake to combine. You can store the vinaigrette in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; let come to room temperature and shake or whisk before using.

Coal Miners'-Style Spaghetti

Legend has it that coal miners carried or found everything they needed to make this dish on their way home from the mines. Wherever you’re coming home from, you’ve likely already got everything you need on hand to make this family favorite.

• 1 Tbs. Filippo Berio® Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
• 4 oz. pancetta, diced
• Salt
• 1/2 lb. spaghetti
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature and lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• Coarsely ground black pepper

Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan and stir in the pancetta. Cook until crispy. Set aside and keep warm in pan.

Cook the spaghetti until it is al dente, in 4 quarts of rapidly boiling, salted water. Al dente means still firm, but no uncooked flour is visible when a strand of spaghetti is broken in half.

Reserve 2 Tbs. of spaghetti cooking water. Drain the spaghetti in a colander. Immediately return the spaghetti to the pot and, keeping the heat very low, rapidly stir in the eggs, reserved water, and half the cheese. Toss continuously until the eggs are gently cooked and the sauce is creamy.

Add the reserved pancetta and any pan drippings. Stir well. Add a generous grinding of coarse black pepper. Transfer the pasta to a platter and sprinkle it with the remaining cheese.

Grilled Tomatoes with Saba and Sea Salt

Saba is a syrupy condiment from Italy made from reduced unfermented grape juice. Balsamic vinegar is a good substitution if reduced until slightly syrupy.

• 8 small tomatoes (3 to 4 oz. each) cored and halved crosswise
• 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbs. saba
• Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon

Prepare a medium-high gas or charcoal grill fire. Brush the cut sides of the tomatoes with the olive oil. Grill the tomatoes cut side down until charred, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a platter, cut side up. Drizzle the tomatoes with the saba and sprinkle with salt to taste. Serve immediately.

Roast Lemon-Parsley Chicken Drums and Carrots with Fettuccine

Use Filippo Berio® Olive Oil to put a new spin on an old classic. Place freshly roasted chicken drums over a bed of fettuccine for a flavorful and creative entrée that tastes as good as it looks.

• Filippo Berio® Extra Virgin Olive Oil or
  Filippo Berio® Olive Oil
• 3-1/2 to 4 lb. chicken drumsticks
• 3 tsp. salt, divided
• 1 lb. baby carrots
• 2 bunches scallions, all parts, cut in 2-inch-long pieces
• 1/4 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• 8 to 10 oz. fresh fettuccine

Heat the oven to 425°F. Using a mister or pastry brush dipped in olive oil, coat a 17 x 12-inch metal baking sheet with sides (or two smaller pans with sides). Place the drumsticks on the pan. Season on all sides with 1/4 tsp. salt. Bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the pan from the oven. Add the carrots, scallions, parsley, lemon zest, 3/4 tsp. of salt, and 2 Tbs. of oil. With a pancake turner, toss thoroughly to combine the vegetables and seasonings. Spread in a single layer.

Bake for about 25 minutes, turning occasionally, or until no pink remains at the chicken bone and the carrots are tender.

Meanwhile, place a covered large pot of water over high heat. When the water boils, add 2 tsp. of salt and the fettuccine. Stir. Cover and return to a boil. Uncover and boil, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, or until tender. Drain and return to the pot.

If the chicken skin is not well browned, heat the oven broiler. Broil the chicken 6 inches from the heat source for about 3 minutes, or until browned. Remove the drumsticks to a platter. Add the carrots, scallions, and pan juices to the fettuccine. Toss to combine.

Fish Fillets Provençal

For fresh fish with a French flare, try this simple and healthy recipe that combines the flavors of Provence with the perfectly balanced taste of Filippo Berio® Olive Oil.

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 5 Tbs. Filippo Berio® Olive Oil
• 1 garlic clove (or 2 shallots), minced
• 2 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp. dried basil leaves
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves
• 1 Tbs. minced fresh parsley
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1 lb. fish fillets
• 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

In a medium skillet, sauté onion
in 3 Tbs. of olive oil for 5 minutes or until tender.

Add garlic and stir.

Add tomatoes, basil, thyme, parsley, and pepper.

Simmer for 10 minutes.

While sauce simmers, dredge fish in flour to coat on both sides.

Sauté fish in a large skillet in 2 Tbs. of olive oil until lightly browned.

Pour sauce over fish in skillet and simmer for 15 minutes until fish is no longer translucent and flakes easily.

Coal Miners'-Style Spaghetti

Legend has it that coal miners carried or found everything they needed to make this dish on their way home from the mines. Wherever you’re coming home from, you’ve likely already got everything you need on hand to make this family favorite.

• 1 Tbs. Filippo Berio® Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
• 4 oz. pancetta, diced
• Salt
• 1/2 lb. spaghetti
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature and lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• Coarsely ground black pepper

Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan and stir in the pancetta. Cook until crispy. Set aside and keep warm in pan.

Cook the spaghetti until it is al dente, in 4 quarts of rapidly boiling, salted water. Al dente means still firm, but no uncooked flour is visible when a strand of spaghetti is broken in half.

Reserve 2 Tbs. of spaghetti cooking water. Drain the spaghetti in a colander. Immediately return the spaghetti to the pot and, keeping the heat very low, rapidly stir in the eggs, reserved water, and half the cheese. Toss continuously until the eggs are gently cooked and the sauce is creamy.

Add the reserved pancetta and any pan drippings. Stir well. Add a generous grinding of coarse black pepper. Transfer the pasta to a platter and sprinkle it with the remaining cheese.

Mozzarella, Prosciutto, and Tomato Skewers

Sometimes it’s the simplest appetizers that get talked about the most. Drizzle Filippo Berio® Extra Virgin Olive Oil over these colorful creations for a dish that is sure to delight.

• 16 fresh baby mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
• 8 thin slices of prosciutto di Parma, cut in half width-wise
• 16 grape or cherry tomatoes
• 16 1-inch bread cubes
• 8 shaved strips of Parmigiano-Reggiano
• Filippo Berio® Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 6 basil leaves, cut into thin strips
• 8 wooden skewers

Wrap individual mozzarella balls with a half-slice of prosciutto.

Assemble by placing a piece of the wrapped mozzarella, a tomato, and a bread cube on each skewer. Place skewers on a plate or platter.

Drizzle with olive oil.

Top with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano and chiffonade of basil.