It's been a rough month. I was in desperate need for the ultimate comfort food...the food of life...il pane...bread. I had a passionate craving for really good bread with extra virgin olive oil, smothered with soft, creamy Italian cheese, home-grown-fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes, grilled veggies, and mouth-watering, stomach-warming pappardelle in a creamy vodka tomato sauce.
I sliced a baguette and drizzled some Academia Barilla Italiano extra-virgin olive oil on both sides. I grilled one side over indirect heat until brown and toasty. I flipped the bread over and layered each slice with a thin layer of heavenly taleggio cheese. If you haven't had taleggio before it's similar to brie but with a richer flavor...very creamy and decadent. I dipped the bread in a little more of the flavorful olive oil and paired it with fresh garden tomatoes. So ridiculous! I was in foodie heaven.
I made my usual grilled veggies: red onion, scallions, asparagus, and bell pepper dressed in extra virgin olive oil and French sea salt. Mouthwatering goodness and so good for your body and soul.
The pasta was a last-minute addition. This isn't just any ordinary pasta. Really good homemade pasta made with semolina wheat from Italia is the only way to go (besides my mom's). I had bought a jar of vodka tomato sauce from Convito Italiano market in Wilmette. The sauce is made with the superior San Marzano tomatoes...it tastes so delicioso. I topped it all off with some grated Grano Padano cheese. Instant joy.
Mangia!
