Verdurealforno Recipes

VERDURE AL FORNO

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Using the 2 T. extra virgin olive oil coat the bottom of a 9 X 13 inch baking dish.
• Arrange 1/3 of the zucchini slices on the bottom of the dish and season with a little salt and pepper (most likely you will NOT use the full 1 T of each).
• Evenly pour 1/3 of the heavy cream.
• Sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella.
• Sprinkle with 1/3 of the fontina.
• Sprinkle with 2 T of the romano.
• Repeat layers.
• Top with the bread crumbs. (use fine dried).
• Dot the bread crumbs with the unsalted butter.
• To prevent spillage/smoke line a baking sheet with heavy duty foil and place prepared dish on this.
• Bake for 40 minutes until bubbling and top golden brown.
• Allow to stand for 5 minutes before cutting into it.

VERDURE AL FORNO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil. Coat the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish with the oil. Arrange enough of the zucchini slices over the bottom of the dish in a single layer to cover. Sprinkle with one third of the salt and pepper. Pour 1/3 cup of the heavy cream over the zucchini and sprinkle with 1/3 cup each of mozzarella cheese and fontina cheese.
• Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of Pecorino Romano cheese, then with 1/3 cup of bread crumbs. Repeat layering the ingredients two more times. (The vegetables can be assembled 8 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before proceeding.) Place the baking dish on the baking sheet and bake uncovered until golden brown on top and the sauce bubbles, about 40 minutes. Serve immediately.

PASTA AL FORNO

Steps:

• For the pesto: Put the spinach, basil, nuts, olive oil, Parmesan, garlic and lemon juice in a food processor and pulse until well combined. Transfer to a bowl and stir in some salt and pepper.
• For the pasta: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the shells and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside, making sure to reserve a cup or so of pasta-cooking liquid.
• While the pasta cooks, mix the ricotta with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and some salt and pepper in a small bowl. Mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest and some salt and pepper in another small bowl.
• When the pasta is ready, put it in a large bowl and mix in the pesto, tomatoes, and enough reserved cooking liquid to make a sauce. Transfer the mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, dollop with the seasoned ricotta and top with the breadcrumb mixture. Bake until golden and bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

ZUCCHINI GRATINE / GRATIN (VERDURE AL FORNO)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Coat bottom of 9X13" baking dish with EVOO. Arrange zucchini slices on the bottom of the dish and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Okay if zucchini slices overlap.
• Evenly pour 1/3 cup heavy cream and sprinkle with 1/3 cup mozzarella, 1/3 cup Fontina, and 2 tablespoons of Romano. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup of bread crumbs. Repeat layers.
• My own variation: Giada dotted bread crumb topping with cold butter. I suggest: Melt 4 tablespoons butter and blend with last 1/3 cup of bread crumbs to sprinkle over top of gratine. I don't like plain dry bread crumb toppings and I think the top will brown and crisp up much better this way.
• Line baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place gratine on top and place in oven. Bake for 40 minutes or until bubbling and top is golden brown.