Lunardis

Last summer we tried Lunardi's Restaurant in Beechview with Beth and G on a Friday night.  Its a tiny little Italian place that the Dormont/Lebo crowd pass by every day on the T, so it was just asking for a try.  We enjoyed it, so when I saw it pop up on Groupon later in the fall I couldn't say no!  Last night David and I went back for a date night to use that Groupon before it disappeared.  It was a kitschy as I remembered,  reminding me of mom's kitchen, or maybe grandma's.  David had the chicken parmesan and i had an absolutely delicious chicken marsala served over spinach.  It was a good thing that we called ahead for reservations -- they only have 7 tables plus the bar, and it was hopping!  I also noticed that they seem to not only sell adult beverages, but it would appear that you can byoW and they'll just charge a corking fee :)  That makes me happy too!

Veggie Pizza

 Ingredients
1 tube frozen pizza dough
olive/canola oil/spray
~1.5 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
tomatoes
spinach
mushrooms
balsamic vinegar
italian seasonings

Method
First I preheated the oven according to the directions on the pizza dough.  I spread the dough out on a baking sheet that was prepared with a little bit of oil.  I added a light sprinkling of the shredded cheese and baked for 7 minutes.

 


Meanwhile, I chopped up two tomatoes, sliced half a package of mushrooms, and grabbed a couple of handfuls of spinach. I tossed these with a little bit of balsamic vinegar.  Take the vegetable mix and top the pizza with the veggies and sprinkle with italian seasonings.  Bake for 7-10 minutes longer until the crust is baked and the veggies are heated up.  Slice and enjoy!

Verdict
Win.  Pizza is one of my favorite foods in the world.  This was a semi healthy version of it.  It makes me happy :)

Faux Fried Ravioli

Ingredients
Frozen Mini Cheese Ravioli
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup grated parmesan
Italian seasoning to taste
Red Sauce of choice

Methods
First I cooked the ravioli as directed on the bag.  Meanwhile I mixed the corneal, parmesan, and seasonings in a small bowl.  After cooking the ravioli I dipped it in the cornmeal mix.  I placed the ravioli on a lined baking sheet that i sprayed with nonstick spray.  After they were all on the baking sheet i sprayed the tops and baked them for about 20 minutes until they were brown and crunch.

Verdict
I've done this before actually, it had just been a while.  We were out at Cain's Saloon a couple of weeks ago and they had fried ravioli on the menu, which made me want some baked fried goodness.  I served them with various dipping sauces -- chunky for me and smooth for David.  It was a win, and a nice slight deviation from the norm :)

Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower Pasta

Ingredients
1 super large giant japanese radiated cauliflower
2 heads broccoli
Vegetable oil
5-6 cloves garlic
1/2 box whole wheat elbow noodles
Salt, Pepper to taste

Methods
I chopped up the cauliflower, broccoli, and garlic.  I tossed them with the canola oil I had and roasted them until they had some nice roasty browning.  Meanwhile I boiled up some pasta.  I tossed the cooked pasta, oil and all, with the pasta and enjoyed for lunch last week.  To make it a little more filling I added a little sliced chicken a couple of days.


Verdict
Yum.  Easy, Veggie.  Lunch.  Fake Healthy.  Met all my requirements.
Sort of has potential as a hot pasta salad...

Green Pasta

Ingredients
2 cups spinach
1/2 cup parsley
1/2 cup basil
2-3 cloves garlic
1/4 cup Parmesan/Romano cheese mix
1/4 cup water
2 tbl olive oil
3/4 box angel hair
1 bag petite peas

Methods
Mix the spinach, parsley, basil, garlic, cheese, water, and oil in the food processor and blend!  Meanwhile cook the angel hair.  During the last few minutes of cooking the pasta throw in the peas and cook.  Mix it all and have at it!

Verdict
Excellent.  I enjoyed adding the spinach to the pesto.  It was nice and different.  I also enjoyed it.  I stole the idea from my favorite Kashi meal - adding peas to a pesto pasta.  Win.  it was super appropriate for St. Patricks lunch :)

Blackberry Bread Pudding

Ingredients
5-6 cups coarsely shredded challah
2 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
1 1/4 cup sugar
6 eggs
1/2-1 pint blueberries
1 tbl vanilla

Methods
Spray the crockpot with non-stick spray.  then put half of the challah (or other bread) in the bottom of the crockpot.  Add 1/2 the berries and then cover with the remaining bread, topping with the remaining berries.  Meanwhile mix the milk, cream, sugar, eggs and vanilla together.  Dump over the bread mixture.  Push down the bread mixture to make sure it is all covered and soaked.  Cook on low for about 2.5 hours.  It should bubble up and look nice and souffley.

Serve it up warm with whipped cream

Verdict.


Always a win.  Normally I use raspberries, but I tried the blackberries for a change.  Also a win.  I actually forgot to put the vanilla in (which I usually use at least 2 tbl since I love vanilla) It was still great.  I brought this to a Mardi Gras Party and took none home :)  Win!!!!

Italian Wedding Soup

Based on The Barefoot Contessa's Italian Wedding Soup

Ingredients
1.25 lb Ground turkey
2/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1 Egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup Paremsan/romano blend
Olive oil
Carrots, coarsely chopped
Celery, coarsely chopped
Chicken stock
1 cup,small pasta
2-3 handfuls baby spinach chopped


Methods
First was the meatballs -- I mixed the turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, and cheese.  I formed a ton of mini meatballs -- they were still a little too large.  They baked in the oven for about 30 to 35 minutes at 350F. 

Meanwhile, I chopped the carrots and celery and sauteed them in the olive oil in the bottom of my stockpot.  once it was cleared up I added chicken stock and brought it to a boil.  Add the pasta and cook to al dente.  Add the meatballas and spinach.  Cook for 1-2 min to wilt the spinach and let the meat balls soak up some goodness.

Verdict
I made this a few weeks ago, so I think this was everything i put into it... but i'm not sure I left out onions/garlic since I was planning to share with david.. then I ate it all for myself.  ooops.  The meatballs were a bit large, and I would have liked more broth.  Otherwise it was repeatable for sure!!!! Yum!!