Crispy Pumpkin Cutlets

  1. Slice the pumpkin into slices about 1/4 inch thick.
  2. Beat the eggs and dip the slices into the mixture.
  3. Coat the slices with a mixture of breadcrumbs, thyme, marjoram and finely chopped mint.
  4. Fry in hot Filippo Berio Extra Light Tasting Olive Oil and flip halfway through.
  5. Once golden, drain on kitchen paper and sprinkle lightly with salt.
  6. Garnish these crispy delights with a little mint and enjoy… you won’t be disappointed!

Linguine with Pesto, Green Beans and Potatoes

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain, reserving 1/3 cup cooking liquid.
  • Meanwhile, in large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes for 6 minutes. Stir in green beans; cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until potatoes and beans are tender. Drain well.
  • Toss together pesto, pasta and reserved cooking liquid. Add potatoes, green beans and half of the basil, tossing well. Sprinkle with Pecorino and remaining basil. Drizzle with olive oil.

 

 

Tip: Use French green beans if desired.

Serrano, Fig and Pesto Panini

  • Slice baguette in half lengthwise; spread pesto over cut sides. Layer arugula, figs, Serrano ham and cheese over bottom half; cap with top half of baguette. Cut crosswise into 4 portions.
  • Preheat panini press according to manufacturer’s instructions. Grill sandwiches for 4 to 5 minutes or until baguette is toasted and cheese melts.

 

Tip: Add a drizzle of honey to sandwich if desired.

Primavera Soup with Pesto

  • Heat oil in saucepan set over medium heat; cook onion, carrot, celery and garlic for 4 to 6 minutes or until slightly softened.
  • Stir in vegetable broth; bring to boil. Stir in asparagus, escarole, peas, 1/4 cup pesto, salt and pepper; return to boil.
  • Reduce heat to simmer; cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Sprinkle with parsley. Spread remaining pesto over toast; serve with soup.

 

Tip: Substitute spinach or kale for escarole if desired.

Grilled Vegetable Pesto Carbonara

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain, reserving 1/3 cup cooking liquid. In large bowl, whisk together Parmesan, pesto, eggs and egg yolks; set aside.
  • Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet set over medium heat; cook pancetta for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy around edges. Transfer to paper towel­–lined plate.
  • Whisk hot cooking liquid into egg mixture; add pasta and pancetta to bowl, tossing to coat well. Sprinkle with parsley.

 

Tip: Sprinkle with freshly cracked pepper and serve with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Fettuccine with Avocado Pesto Sauce

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain, reserving 1/4 cup cooking liquid.
  • Meanwhile, in blender, purée pesto, avocados, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper until smooth.
  • Toss together pasta, reserved cooking liquid and avocado mixture until well coated. Add cherry tomatoes and chives; toss gently.

 

Tip: Garnish with lemon zest if desired.

Pesto Cauliflower Fried Rice

  • In food processor, pulse cauliflower, in batches if needed, until finely chopped into rice-size pieces.
  • Heat oil in wok or large skillet set over medium-high heat; cook onion, carrots and garlic, stirring often, for 6 to 8 minutes or until softened. Stir in cauliflower rice, salt and pepper; cook, stirring often, for 2 to 3 minutes or until cauliflower is slightly softened.
  • Stir in pesto, peas and tamari; cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until cauliflower rice is tender but not mushy. Sprinkle with green onions.

 

Tips:

  • For a keto version, substitute lower-carb veggies, such as asparagus, cabbage or kale, for peas and carrots.
  • For easy preparation, used store-bought prepared cauliflower rice.
  • Add tofu scrambled eggs to fried rice if desired.

Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon and Goat Cheese

  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside.
  • Add the green beans to the pan using oil to coat the beans and pan. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, tossing occasionally until the green beans start to “char”. At this point, cover the skillet with a lid and let steam for another 5-7 minutes.
  • Remove the lid, add the cranberries and sauté for another 2 minutes until the cranberries are warmed through and starting to burst. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Plate the green beans with the cranberries, crumble the goat cheese and bacon on top and serve warm.

 

Inspired by Running to the Kitchen

Autumn Breakfast Frittata

  • Preheat oven to broil.
  • Place butternut squash on a greased baking sheet and broil for about 10 minutes until just softened, not browned.
  • While the butternut squash is in the oven, place extra virgin olive oil in a 10 inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add shallots and sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
  • Add the mushrooms to the skillet, toss with the shallots and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and water has cooked off.
  • Add the butternut squash from the baking sheet to the skillet.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the thyme and rosemary and toss to combine.
  • Whisk the eggs, egg whites and almond milk together in a medium bowl.
  • Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and let cook for about 5 minutes on the stove top until the edges are set.
  • Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 5 minutes until middle is set and edges are starting to turn golden.
  • Remove from oven, let cool a few minutes before slicing.
  • Serve with cranberry sauce if desired.

 

Inspired by Running to the Kitchen

Taco Bento Box

  • Toss together tomatoes, corn, red pepper, olive oil, lime juice, salt and pepper.
  • Toss together chicken and pesto until well coated.
  • Divide tomato salsa, chicken, lettuce and tortillas between 2 bento boxes. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

 

Tips:

  • For a vegetarian taco, substitute black beans for chicken.
  • Add a couple dashes of hot sauce to the chicken for a spicy kick.