Spice Up Your Life Italian

 Spice it right!

The following are some tips for Italian spices and extracts. Use these as a guideline and remember when trying a new spice to go easy. You can always add more!

Basil – Used in many Italian dishes and tomato dishes such as pasta sauce and pizza. Delicious in combination with oregano, garlic, and/or thyme. 

Marjoram – Used in soups, stews, vegetables, stuffing, and sauces. Works well with garlic and bay leaves.

Rosemary – Often used in soups, stews, tomato-based sauces, and vegetable dishes. Combines well with onions, garlic, oregano, or thyme.

Thyme – Used in soups, stews, vegetables, and tomato-based sauces. Delicious in combination with garlic, basil, and/or oregano.

Oregano – Commonly used in tomato dishes, such as soups, stews, chili, pasta sauce, and pizza; also used in salads and salad dressings. Delicious in combination with garlic, basil, and/or thyme.

Mint – the dried leaves of the spearmint plant, derive their name from the Greek mythical character, Minthe. From California, they have a sweet, cool and aromatic flavor. Use in sauces and fruit punch. Add to lamb stew, chicken dishes, peas and chutney.

Parsley – Used to add color and mild flavor to soups, stews and vegetable dishes. Works well in combination with most other spices.

Sage – Commonly used in soups, stews, casseroles, vegetables, and stuffing. Delicious in combination with onions, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.

Tuscan – Sun-drenched Tuscany is the inspiration for this vibrant blend of rosemary and sun-dried tomato. Add to olive oil to make perfectly seasoned dipping oil for bread.

Italian – This classic combination of aromatic herbs such as thyme, oregano and basil will add the flavors of the Italian kitchen to your dishes.

Here are some of my favorite Italian Recipes!

Green Beans and Tomatos - This colorful, tasty blend of vegetables and spices couldn't be easier. It goes with almost any entrée and also looks great on a buffet.  

Chicken in White Wine - White wine and herbs give this easy dish a truly gourmet taste. The leftovers make a great sandwich, either hot or cold.  

Pasta Sauce with Rosemary and Lemon - You feel the wonderful tang on your lips when you enjoy this tasty sauce. Spoon it over your favorite pasta, add a side dish of steamed broccoli and yellow peppers, and your dinner is colorful as well as delicious. 

Italian Mushroom Salad - As an appetizer, salad, or side dish, this easy, 3 ingredient, dish dresses any meal, and it's so easy to prepare and put together.

If you want more delicious recipes like this pre-order my cookbook Lean & Luscious 3rd Edition,  click here to get your copy.