Italia

Life Is Short... Mangia Bene!

(Scroll down to "The Playlist" and hit play before reading... works better that way!)

Ciao Bella... today we're talking pasta... we're talking fine wine... we're talking about music with passion. You in?... that's what we thought. 

I'm telling you, some people just know how to live right. So with that in mind, we're gonna show you how to create an Italian bistro right in your own place. 

Tonight's specials are  Linguine cooked in a rich red sauce with spicy Italian sausage with capers and Feta cheese, a wonderful Sangiovese wine and some beautiful music. 

Light the candles... The pots are on!

The Plate...  

Linguine Con Salsiccia Piccante Italiano 

Not your Mama's Spaghetti... This pasta is sweet and spicy with a little bit of brininess from the capers, a little cheese and a lot of flavor. It's easy to make and we think you're gonna love it. All we can say is Ciao Bella.

What you need... 

Extra-virgin olive oil
1-1 1/2 lbs spicy Italian sausage
1 onion
3 cloves of garlic
20 oz crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp Oregano
1 tbsp parsley
3 tbsp fresh basil / chopped
3 tbsp capers
Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Splash of wine to deglaze
1 lb of Linguine
8 oz Feta cheese, crumbled

What you do...

In a large skillet, heat the oil then add the sausages. 

Add the onions and garlic.

Cook until the sausage is no longer pink and the onions and garlic are soft.

Add the tomatoes, oregano, parsley and basil and turn down to simmer.

Add a splash of wine to deglaze the pan.

Continue for about 20-30 minutes until the sauce has thickened.

Add the capers and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes. 

In the meantime, cook the pasta according to the directions. 

Once strained, place the pasta in a serving bowl.

Toss with the sauce and add the feta right before serving.

The Playlist... 

Italia

Is there anything more romantic and passionate than Italian music... don't think so. 

Luciano starts us off with the hope in tomorrow "Domani Verra". Can't think of a better way to start. 

There are many great classics here, along with a few newer selections. Check out Chris Botti with a couple of selections from his "Italia" compilation, including the song "Italia" with Andrea Bocelli. 

So sit back, have some wine and take it all in. 

la vita è bella

                         The "Playlist" runs on Spotify- Click on the link to listen to Italia

The Bar... 

Tignanello Super Tuscan

From one of the oldest wineries in Italy...the Antinori family. And this is one of their best.

This was the first Sangiovese to be aged in barriques, and the first red wine to be blended with non-traditional varieties.  It is made from Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The wine is aged in wine barrels for 12 months and then for another 12 months in the bottle.

One of our favorites... if you are lucky enough to find a 2010 vintage buy all you can. 

Life Is Short...

Eat Well And Enjoy!

Please... Day Drink Responsibly 

& 

Keep On Cookin'!