Let's talk Italian!

For me, Italian food means either a trip to Strings or a trip to Olive Garden.

 
Gosh, I haven't been to Strings in forever, but I used to love to eat there.  Now I'm hungry for their food [].

For me, Italian food means either a trip to Strings or a trip to Olive Garden.

 
why is it that the wait at olive garden is always an hour in southern california? There are WAY better places (and cheaper ones) to go.. but the whole world goes to olive garden... is it that way in Davis too Joyce? 

ORIGINAL: jjsmom06

For me, Italian food means either a trip to Strings or a trip to Olive Garden.

why is it that the wait at olive garden is always an hour in southern california? There are WAY better places (and cheaper ones) to go.. but the whole world goes to olive garden... is it that way in Davis too Joyce? 

 
We don't have an Olive Garden, so going there means driving into Sacramento.  I usually go to Strings unless I just happen to be in Sac anyway, and then I'm just as likely to head for the Macaroni Grill. []
 
Joyce

Tsskkkk!  Olive Garden is to Italian what Taco Bell is to Mexican......
 
 
For a great lasagna, you want to layer the pasta, sauce, THREE cheese blend (parmasan (fresh grated is best) mozzarella and ricotta OR small curd cottage cheese with a beaten egg...and I mix all three cheeses together) more sauce, pasta, sauce, cheese blend....etc.  When I do lasagna, I'll do 10-12 pans and freeze them to have on hand for nights that I don't want to cook.  If you need a sauce recipe, pm me and between us maybe we can figure out what I put in it.....I don't use recipes either.  I do know it uses LOTS of fresh garlic and basil.......

For a great lasagna, you want to layer the pasta, sauce, THREE cheese blend (parmasan (fresh grated is best) mozzarella and ricotta OR small curd cottage cheese with a beaten egg...and I mix all three cheeses together) more sauce, pasta, sauce, cheese blend....etc. When I do lasagna, I'll do 10-12 pans and freeze them to have on hand for nights that I don't want to cook. If you need a sauce recipe, pm me and between us maybe we can figure out what I put in it.....I don't use recipes either. I do know it uses LOTS of fresh garlic and basil.......

THANKS GLENDA![]  Ok, I am pning you now for the sauce recipe when you get a chance to think about it! 

Here's my homemade spag sauce:
1 large can tomato sauce
1-2 Tbs olive oil
1 Tbs sugar
Salt
Pinch red pepper flakes
Basil
Oregano
Parsley
1-2 cloves minced garlic
 
Sorry, I don't use exact measurements either - so most of it's to taste - I just start adding slowly and then keep tasting until I get it how I like it. 
 
Also, for the lasagna, I spread sauce on the bottom of the pan before the 1st layer of noodles to keep it from sticking and then layer noodles, cheese mixture (I prefer cottage cheese with 1 egg, 1/3 cup parmesan cheese - I prefer fresh grated, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp parsley), sauce and then I top the last layer of noodles with sauce and then mozzerella cheese.  Just had this for dinner last night - it's one of our faves!
 
With this meal I usually make homemade italian bread and split the whole loaf thru the middle lengthwise, spread on butter and sprinkle with garlic powder & a little garlic salt and bake for a few minutes (the bread should already be baked, you're just warming it up and melting the butter/garlic mixture).  YUM!

Anybody have a kickass recipe for an Alfredo sauce (or any other cream sauces xD)

Anybody have a kickass recipe for an Alfredo sauce 

Yep.. I have one that I have used for many years that is super easy and VERY decadent.

  12oz uncooked Fettuccini noodles

¾ cup butter

1 cup whipping cream

¼ teaspoon pepper

1 ¼ cups fresh grated parmesan cheese

2 tsp parsley if desired

¼ tsp nutmeg if desired

  Cook fettuccini, drain and rinse with hot water and set aside

  Melt butter, stir in cream and pepper. Cook on low about 5 minutes until mixture slightly thickens, stirring frequently. Stir in cheese and cook on low until cheese melts, stirring constantly.  Immediately stir in cooked pasta, tossing to coat and add parsley and nutmeg if desired.

  *If mixture separates, stir in a little more cream and cook over low until smooth in texture again.

Westie girl.. thanks for the recipe and tips![]
 

ORIGINAL: jjsmom06

Yep.. I have one that I have used for many years that is super easy and VERY decadent.

  12oz uncooked Fettuccini noodles

¾ cup butter

1 cup whipping cream

¼ teaspoon pepper

1 ¼ cups fresh grated parmesan cheese

2 tsp parsley if desired

¼ tsp nutmeg if desired

  Cook fettuccini, drain and rinse with hot water and set aside

  Melt butter, stir in cream and pepper. Cook on low about 5 minutes until mixture slightly thickens, stirring frequently. Stir in cheese and cook on low until cheese melts, stirring constantly.  Immediately stir in cooked pasta, tossing to coat and add parsley and nutmeg if desired.

  *If mixture separates, stir in a little more cream and cook over low until smooth in texture again.

 
Darn it Shelly, I don't have a recipe for alfredo sauce because it's so fattening.  Now that you posted this one, I am going to have to try it.[]