Tuesday, April 13, 2010

MMMario~ Molto Gusto~



My husband likes Mario as much as I do..and he didn't even get the opportunity to meet him like I did and witness first hand what a nice man he is~

He came home w/ a new book for us..I think Mario's Pizza Chapter got him:)
I love the beautiful photos..and the recipes~


I had some beautiful Swiss Chard on hand..all clean..and CRISPY crispy..an Italian friend taught me to do this w/ Rapini and it works great w/ Chard~
I wash it..spin it dry and wrap in Paper towels then a plastic bag..it keeps crispilycrunchy for a few days~♥
I love the look..the feel the taste~

I opted for Mario's Pennete Swiss Chard Ragu~
Oh Yum!


We had some of my husband's delicious home made croûtons..that I pulsed to a coarse breadcrumb texture and topped this delicious dish w/ a handful~
Delicioso..They were the crowning glory~


The only thing I did differently was add some hot pepper flakes because I am nuts about them~
Thumbs up!
It's the perfect use for Pennete~
You can even make the sauce the day before..I didn't..

I love Maldon salt also..and I think it's the perfect salt for this dish~

Molto Gusto~

25 comments:

  1. Monique, my grandmother always kept her lettuce wrapped in paper towels in the fridge and taught me that was the ONLY way :)
    This looks like a wonderful pasta- I make a VERY similar dish with broccoli rabe. I love the greens!
    xoxo Pattie

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  2. Isn't it nice to have a husband who enjoys cooking as much as you do? :) Wonderful tip on how to keep the Swiss chard crispily crispy. :) The breadcrumbs are indeed the crowning glory! Nice crunchiness to the penne. Have a good day, Monique! :)

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  3. I always think of you when I see him on TV!
    I bought some of those green bags knock offs at CTS, I still wrap it in a paper towel first..
    M is sick of asparagus..it was .99 on sale so I bought a lot! Every night ..OY!

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  4. I looked through his new book the other day at Costco but didn't buy it. I regretted it later. Hopefully it will still be available next week. Thanks.

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  5. I used to watch Mario years ago on TV, and liked what I saw; great pasta dish, love the greens and the red pepper!

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  6. Absolutely gorgeous pasta dish. Nice to have a hubby that cooks :)

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  7. What a treat to get a new cookbook! And you didn't waste any time delving right in! Looks delicious.

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  8. Great post. Informative and well-written. I met Mario before and he was very nice. Cheers!

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  9. I don't know Mario. Sigh... But then I have Nigel Slater as compensation :-)

    Red pepper flakes go into most of our meals. We love them too...

    Gorgeous, as always.

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  10. I love this one!Simple and tasty!Hot pepper, it would be my choise too!

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  11. Sounds just perfect all the way around. Great for for to inspire you with a new book..win-win for both of you ;-)

    I really like the idea of topping the pasta with breadcrumbs. I add cayenne to just about everything, my son started that and now I'm hooked. Love pepper and love this recipe.

    Thanks!

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  12. I just found your blog and really like it a lot. I am following you, and I'm going back to read some of your older posts. Looks yummy!
    ♥ Rebecca

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  13. One more cookbook I'll have to put on my wish list!
    This looks delicious, Monique. And I really like the idea of swiss chard AND it was brilliant to give those croutons a pulse. I've done it a couple times to top mac and cheese with (garlic croutons)..but it's so much more elegant on this dish!

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  14. Monique, I remember that great picture of you with Mario.

    Ann

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  15. Yum-o! I don't have a Zyliss grater, but now I want one. Mario Batali opened a restaurant very near to us. I have to try to get there.

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  16. I agree, Monigue, a good wash and paper towels keep greens just right. I'm very fond of Mario's recipes. Thanks for sharing this lovely one.

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  17. Thank you for your visits..Ninette you must go..it is my only regret from my visit to NYC..I should have:(
    Ann...It's funny how life flies by..when I saw that photo..I thought he looked great..I was so critical of me..Now a few years later..I see I should not have been critical..then was better:) It's amazing what a difference just a few important years can make:(
    Barbara..you have such a wonderful blog..for many months it would not load here..Now at times it does..:)

    Your verrines were beautiful~

    Diane..I really do like the addition of the breadcrumbs..I am certain a visit to Paris would and could inspire me..thank you for your latest post~
    I am grateful for a husband who cooks:) And more..
    You are all inspiring to me..
    Thanks again.

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  18. i love that your husband loves to cook too, so does Adrian and we love to stand together in the kitchen making something wonderful to eat. a great joy in life is sharing food that you have made together. lovely

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  19. Hello M.
    Is late and we are still on the road...
    Home tomorrow.
    I needed a fix...so Here I am.
    Mario does have a NICE face...How fun for you to have come face to face!
    And your sweet J. for picking up some current inspiration for you both!
    xoxo~Kathy @
    Sweet Up-North Mornings...

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  20. Mario is an interesting chef. I often watch him on the food channel.:)

    indeed how lucky u are to have a husband who cooks! u have a good friend.

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  21. De retour de vacances, me voilà prête à dévorer à nouveau tous les beaux billets que j'ai loupés ! Je commence par cette exquise recette italienne ... un bien bon début !
    Bisous
    Hélène

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  22. Great tip and recipe.. chard is so darn good for you too! I just love the breadcrumbs on top. I always throw the ends of bread in the freezer as croutons and pulse them for bread crumbs... waste not want not!!

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  23. Num-num! I have never gone wrong with a Mario recipe. This one sounds wonderful.

    I feel human again now that I have my computer back ;)

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  24. How sweet of your J to get the book! You've more than done this dish justice ~ I hope Mario sees it. :) He would be proud.

    Swiss chard is one of my favorites, too. Thank you for the method of preparation, I hope to make it very soon.

    Beautifully photographed, mon ami! xo

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