Italian recipes Archives - Caroline's Cooking

Gnocchi alla Romana (semolina gnocchi)

Caroline's Cooking — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 14:26:18 +0000

Gnocchi alla Romana are different from the gnocchi you may be more familiar with as these are made from semolina and cut in rounds. They have all the same comfort factor, though, if not more, with a lovely soft texture and crisp, cheesy top. Gnocchi have long been a favorite meal in our house. In...

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Chestnut pasta

Caroline's Cooking — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 14:18:18 +0000

This chestnut pasta is a wonderfully tasty homemade pasta with a gently sweet, nutty flavor. It's easy to make and cooks up in no time. It pairs perfectly with simple sauces for comfort food deliciousness. I'll admit, once I had a nice new bag of chestnut flour, I found myself looking at a whole range...

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Tomatoes stuffed with rice

Caroline's Cooking — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Many places have some form of tomatoes stuffed with rice, and these pomodori ripieni di riso are a delicious, simple version. You don't need too many ingredients, as this dish is all about letting the tomatoes shine, and they make a great side or main dish. We don't always grow vegetables as our area to grow them...

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Piadina (Italian flatbread)

Caroline's Cooking — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0000

A piadina is a thin Italian flatbread that you often fold to make a sandwich. They're easy to make, and have a lovely soft, gently chewy texture that's perfect with simple fillings like prosciutto, mozzarella and more. A few years ago when my husband had the opportunity to go to a conference in Bologna, I...

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Pasta alla Norma (eggplant tomato pasta)

Caroline's Cooking — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Pasta alla Norma is a simple and delicious combination of pasta wrapped in a luscious eggplant and tomato sauce, topped with ricotta salata. It's an easy and satisfying vegetarian meal that lets summer produce shine. As is probably pretty common in a house with young kids, we're big pasta fans. Pasta with homemade arugula pesto is one...

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Sicilian swordfish with olives and capers (pesce spada alla ghiotta)

Caroline's Cooking — Tue, 23 May 2023 13:58:22 +0000

This Sicilian swordfish with olives and capers is a deliciously bright combination of tender fish in a tomato-based sauce. The slightly briny flavors of the olives and capers contrast with the sweeter onion and tomatoes. And what's more, it's so easy to make. As a child, I was lucky enough to visit various places in...

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Minestrone primavera

Caroline's Cooking — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Minestrone primavera is a wonderful bowlful of spring flavors, with lots of green vegetables, white beans and a light stock base. It's easy to make, adaptable to what you have and perfect on cooler spring days. Spring is one of those seasons that sometimes feels way too fast (here at least - I didn't necessarily...

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Ravioli dolci (sweet ravioli)

Caroline's Cooking — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000

These ricotta-filled sweet ravioli (ravioli dolci de ricotta) are a classic food for Carnevale in Italy. The sweet creamy filling, studded with chocolate chips, is wrapped in a gently sweet pastry and fried to become crisp outside. A little indulgent and so delicious! If you are in the US, when you think of the Mardi...

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Chestnut risotto

Caroline's Cooking — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0000

This chestnut risotto is a wonderfully autumnal rice dish. The chestnuts add a lovely gently sweet nutty flavor that helps make this a delicious, comforting vegetarian main, or you can enjoy it as a side. Chestnuts have long been a favorite of mine, but like some other favorites with relatively short seasons, I sometimes miss...

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Lemon granita

Caroline's Cooking — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 11:00:00 +0000

On a warm day, lemon granita is a wonderfully refreshing treat that's perfect to cool you down. It has a great sweet-tart balance, and is so easy to make at home. You'll want it on standby all summer long. My kids, not too surprisingly, are always up for ice cream on a warm day. And...

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Fresh spinach pasta

Caroline's Cooking — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Making your own fresh spinach pasta dough is easier than you might think and the result is so delicious. You can pair it with a variety of sauces for a simple, tasty meal. A few years ago now, I decided to gift myself a pasta maker. It was something I had thought would be nice...

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Florentine orange cake (Schiacciata alla fiorentina)

Caroline's Cooking — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Schiacciata alla fiorentina is a traditional Florentine orange cake. It is maybe better described as an aromatic sweet bread, but either way it is delicious. It has a lovely aromatic flavor and soft texture - perfect as a coffee time treat. Many places have traditional dishes for Mardi Gras or Carnival that tend to fit...

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Beef osso buco

Caroline's Cooking — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Osso buco is a traditional slow cooked Italian dish. You traditionally use veal shank but this beef osso buco is made in the same way with a cut you may find more easily (and cheaper). It has the same delicious meltingly tender meat and bright gremolata finish. Perfect comfort food. One thing I love about...

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Sicilian fennel orange salad

Caroline's Cooking — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 11:00:00 +0000

This Sicilian fennel orange salad is incredibly simple but has a fantastic mix of sweet juiciness and savory crunch. It makes a great side salad or light lunch. I know, a salad doesn't come as naturally to mind in the winter as in warmer months. Apart from if you're having a detox, of course (and...

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Pignoli cookies

Caroline's Cooking — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Pignoli are Italian pine nut cookies, with a sweet, chewy almond cookie base studded with crunchy pine nuts. They are easy to make, naturally gluten free and deliciously good. Much as I try not to encourage my kids' taste for sweeter treats too much, now and then I can't help but bake something they might...

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How to roast chestnuts

Caroline's Cooking — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

To me, the smell of street carts roasting chestnuts over hot coals is hard to resist. But you don't need a fire to enjoy these tasty nuts: I'll show you how to roast chestnuts in your oven, with plenty of tips along the way. Chestnuts were something I looked forward to every year when I...

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Chicken saltimbocca

Caroline's Cooking — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

This chicken saltimbocca is a delicious chicken version of the classic Italian dish. It's packed with flavor, both in the chicken and the sauce with it, yet all easy and quick enough for a midweek meal. Much as I love some slightly more "project" like cooking now and then, it's not realistic all the time....

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Panzanella salad

Caroline's Cooking — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Don't waste that leftover bread - follow the Italian tradition and make it into a delicious panzanella salad with some juicy tomatoes. It's incredibly easy to make, and makes a great appetizer, side or light lunch. During the summer, I love enjoying all the really good tomatoes that we get on the local farmers' market....

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Coffee granita

Caroline's Cooking — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Do as the Sicilians do, and enjoy your coffee in frozen form! This coffee granita is a wonderful combination of sweetened coffee flavors and icy coldness. It's refreshing and delicious. Italy may well be well known for its gelato (and rightly so), but in Sicily the frozen treat of choice is a little different. Given...

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Roman lamb stew (abbacchio alla cacciatora)

Caroline's Cooking — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 11:00:00 +0000

This traditional Roman lamb stew, abbacchio alla cacciatora, uses a relatively simple combination of ingredients including rosemary, garlic and vinegar to create a wonderfully comforting and flavorful dish. Easy and delicious. I know lamb is not typically as popular in the US, but since I grew up in Scotland, we had it fairly often. Since...

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Beet gnocchi

Caroline's Cooking — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 11:01:00 +0000

These beautifully colored beet gnocchi are as delicious as they are pretty. They have a mild flavor with a light creaminess from the ricotta in them. Perfect to brighten up your plate. Gnocchi have long been a favorite in our house. It was the first food my eldest became a big fan of and so...

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Fish Crudo

Caroline's Cooking — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 11:00:00 +0000

Fish crudo is a simple Italian preparation of raw fish. With only a few ingredients, it takes no time to prepare, but the result is elegant and wonderfully delicious. Perfect as an appetizer for a special occasion, or just because. If you're a regular here, you may have noticed I do quite like my raw...

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Homemade limoncello

Caroline's Cooking — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +0000

Sipping limoncello after a meal is very popular in many parts of Italy. It also makes a great ingredient in cocktails. Even better, you don't need to travel to get some: homemade limoncello is easier than you might think, and it makes a wonderful gift! If you have ever visited Southern Italy in particular, you...

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Cucidati (Italian fig cookies)

Caroline's Cooking — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +0000

These cucidati have a delicious fruit filling wrapped in a buttery cookie with a flourish of lemon frosting and sprinkles on top. It's no wonder these Italian fig cookies are a favorite for Christmas and special occasions. While I didn't grow up with the tradition, I have made a point of trying to learn about...

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Tortellini in brodo

Caroline's Cooking — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Tortellini in brodo is a classic dish from the Bologna area, with small meat and cheese filled pasta cooked in homemade broth. It's comforting, packed with wonderful flavor and worth every moment of effort. Before we went to Bologna a couple years ago, I naturally did a bit of research into food in the area....

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Ricotta and spinach gnudi

Caroline's Cooking — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Ricotta and spinach gnudi are a little like gnocchi without the potato. They're light, cheesy and incredibly comforting and delicious! Gnocchi have been one of my elder son's favorite meals for many years now. It was one of the first meals he gobbled down faster than us, and ate just as much. His younger brother...

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Pesto alla Trapanese (Sicilian tomato almond pesto)

Caroline's Cooking — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 10:00:45 +0000

Pesto alla Trapanese is a Sicilian sauce made with almonds and raw tomato. It's fresh, bright and so easy to make. Whip some up for a quick and simple pasta meal, perfect for summer. When you think of pesto, you probably think of basil pesto - pesto alla Genovese - which is arguably the best...

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Saffron risotto

Caroline's Cooking — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 11:57:12 +0000

Saffron risotto is one of the easiest versions of this traditional rice dish that's delicately flavored, comforting and delicious! Great as a side to so many dishes, too. For whatever reason, we got a bit out of the habit of eating risotto for a while. When my elder son was very young, I made various...

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Baked mussels

Caroline's Cooking — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 11:00:37 +0000

These baked mussels are easy to prepare and make a great appetizer for any occasion. Tender mussels with a tasty garlicy crumb topping - they're elegant finger food (that's budget-friendly too). When I first moved to Spain many years ago, it was a little overwhelming. I had lived overseas before, but this time was a...

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Pasta with Clams and Sausages

Caroline's Cooking — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 10:30:29 +0000

With a bit of a kick from the spicy sausage and delicate clams, all tied together with wine and garlic and delicious pasta, this pasta with clams and sausage is an easy fancy-feeling meal! This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Garofalo®. The opinions and text are all mine. If you're...

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Milk-braised pork (maiale al latte)

Caroline's Cooking — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 10:30:19 +0000

Maiale al latte is a traditional Italian milk-braised pork that's so comforting and delicious. The pork is incredibly tender and delicately flavorful. Plus it's easy to make too! While this milk braised pork is based on a traditional Italian recipe, I actually first had a similar dish in Spain many years ago. In fact, it's...

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Pumpkin risotto

Caroline's Cooking — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 11:00:04 +0000

Pumpkin risotto is such a deliciously comforting meal! This version is based on traditional Italian recipes and is easy to make, filling, but not overly heavy. It's a perfect plate of fall goodness. Many years ago, I made some baked pumpkin arancini which used pumpkin risotto as the base, but for whatever reason I then...

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Asparagus frittata

Caroline's Cooking — Fri, 03 May 2019 10:00:59 +0000

This asparagus frittata is easy to make and the kind of dish that's as good at breakfast as lunch or dinner. With simple flavors, it's both fresh and comforting - plus easy to adapt too! Omelette, frittata, tortilla... These are only a few of the names for the relatively simple beaten egg dish that is...

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Sardinian fregola with clams

Caroline's Cooking — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 10:30:20 +0000

This Sardinian fregola with clams only uses a few ingredients but has such a wonderful flavor. It's easy to make, comforting but not too heavy, and a delicious meal any night of the week. I don't know if it's just that I've become aware of it more recently, but fregola seems to be gaining popularity...

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Food in Bologna: what to eat & experience

Caroline's Cooking — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 10:30:08 +0000

Italy in general is great for food, but food in Bologna is truly special. The area is home to some of the most revered food products in the world, as well as homey classics. These are the food experiences you can't miss! If you're a regular here, you may remember me mentioning our trip to...

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Pumpkin ravioli (tortelli di zucca)

Caroline's Cooking — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 09:32:57 +0000

Pumpkin ravioli may take a little time to make, but they are so worth the effort. Comforting little pillows of deliciousness, they're addictively good! There’s a restaurant near us that serves pumpkin ravioli each fall, and I always have to get it at least once. It has such a wonderful comfort factor, and I’m always...

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Torta pascualina (Spinach ricotta pie)

Caroline's Cooking — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 10:00:05 +0000

Torta pascualina is originally an Italian pie that has taken up residence in Argentina and Uraguay as a popular Easter dish. Whenever you serve this, it's a delicious combination of cheeses, spinach and egg, wrapped up in crisp pastry. I originally came across this pie years ago and made it when my now 5 year...

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Lemon risotto with asparagus and zucchini

Caroline's Cooking — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 10:45:58 +0000

Lemon risotto has all the comfort factor you'd expect in a risotto, with the fresh flavors of spring. It's lighter and brighter, and a delicious meal. We went through a phase where we had risotto pretty often. It's one of those meals that's easy to make, you don't need to be too precise and you...

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Pasta puttanesca

Caroline's Cooking — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 12:00:27 +0000

Pasta puttanesca might not be as well known as some other Italian dishes, but it really should be. A little saltiness from anchovies and capers, a little heat from red pepper, fresh tomatoes and meaty tuna. This post may contain affiliate links, where we earn from qualifying purchases. See more details in the policy page....

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Strawberry tiramisu

Caroline's Cooking — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 11:00:03 +0000

Strawberry tiramisu is a fresh and fruity, family-friendly take on the classic Italian dessert. This version has a double doze of fruit, is a little lighter but super easy and so delicious. When I first got the idea to make strawberry tiramisu, I did a fair bit of thinking about how to get it just...

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Crab ravioli

Caroline's Cooking — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 10:00:57 +0000

These crab ravioli are delicately flavored, with a smooth, creamy filling jam-packed with crab, wrapped in tasty homemade pasta. Yes they take a little bit of effort, but the prize is so worthwhile. As I kind of predicted, now that I have started making fresh pasta again, it wasn't long until I made some more....

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Fresh pumpkin pasta

Caroline's Cooking — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 09:00:19 +0000

This pumpkin pasta is a delicious way to enjoy a touch of fall in homemade pasta with real pumpkin in the dough. If you're a pasta fan, you'll be blown away at how good it can taste. I'm not quite sure when it occurred to me recently, but I came to realize that it's been...

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Walnut sauce

Caroline's Cooking — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 10:00:57 +0000

Walnut sauce is a lesser-known Italian sauce for pasta that's easy to make and surprisingly creamy and flavorful given the humble ingredients. A great way to change up pasta night! Every now and then I get a little nostalgic for the farmers' market that was near where we used to live in London. It's not...

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Peach panna cotta

Caroline's Cooking — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 10:00:53 +0000

Smooth and creamy, with a delicate peach flavor, peach panna cotta is such a great summer dessert. It takes just a minute to prepare, it's made ahead and there's no heating up the kitchen. All you need now is an excuse to make it. This post may contain affiliate links, where we earn from qualifying...

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Scallop pasta with garlic and white wine

Caroline's Cooking — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 11:00:28 +0000

Sometimes the best meals are some of the simplest, and this scallop pasta with garlic and white wine is definitely one of those. A quick, easy yet delicious dinner equally good for a special occasion or a busy night. When it comes to food for Valentine's day, I often think simple is best. Not many...

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Fish ragu pasta

Caroline's Cooking — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 11:30:48 +0000

Fish ragu pasta is a tasty, simple combination of a tomato and fish-based sauce over pasta. Vary the fish for a fuller or fresher flavor, but all delicious. This post may contain affiliate links, where we earn from qualifying purchases. See more details in the policy page. So you could call this fish ragu pasta...

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Sicilian-style stuffed squid (stuffed calamari)

Caroline's Cooking — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 11:30:40 +0000

This Sicilian-style stuffed squid (stuffed calamari) has a delicious chard, pine nut, raisin and cheese stuffing with just enough bite from the anchovy & capers. It's easy to make, with no hint of chewiness, and completely delicious. Despite the fact we often have calamari as an appetizer when we are out I don't cook it...

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Pasta con sarde a mare - 'pasta with sardines at sea'

Caroline's Cooking — Sun, 03 Apr 2016 10:25:51 +0000

Pasta con sarde a mare is a Sicilian dish made with (wild) fennel, pine nuts, raisins & anchovies. So much flavor from such simple ingredients! This post may contain affiliate links, where we earn from qualifying purchases. See more details in the policy page. If you've read many posts here you've probably seen that my...

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Arugula pesto (rocket pesto)

Caroline's Cooking — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 13:00:28 +0000

Arugula pesto is easy to make and has a delicious slight peppery taste. Perfect stirred through pasta, spread in sandwiches and more. I'm sure we all have them: days when I am feeling uninspired or totally unmotivated to make anything complicated for dinner. On those days we often default to pasta with pesto as it's...

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Baked pumpkin arancini (risotto balls)

Caroline's Cooking — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 12:00:48 +0000

These baked pumpkin arancini are so flavorful and comforting with a gooey cheese center. A great appetizer or snack perfect for a festive party, game day and more. This post may contain affiliate links, where we earn from qualifying purchases. See more details in the policy page. October is well and truly in flow which...

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Spaghetti alla carbonara with mushrooms

Caroline's Cooking — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 12:00:44 +0000

Spaghetti alla carbonara, like many classic Italian pasta dishes, is definitely one of those dishes that makes a few ingredients into something special. This slight twist on the classic with mushrooms is easy and delicious! This pasta dish is a classic, simple and easy dish that you'll instantly love. You'll find carbonara recipes with a...

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Porchetta

Caroline's Cooking — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 12:01:26 +0000

Porchetta is a classic Italian pork roast that's also great in sandwiches. Left to infuse with herbs, fennel and salt overnight, the flavor is delicious, the fat crisp. So good. A few weeks ago when we were reviewing the add-on options for our meat delivery, I saw pork belly as one of the options and...

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Butternut squash risotto with chicken and arugula

Caroline's Cooking — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 19:00:49 +0000

This butternut squash risotto combines roasted squash with chicken and arugula for a smooth, warming and tasty fall/winter meal (and a great way to use leftovers!) Risotto has become one of the things I'll make if I am not quite sure what to have for dinner as chances are, I have the core ingredients in...

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