Fabulicious!: On the Grill Read online

  cutting, 93, 103

  doneness of, 85, 86–87, 99, 101, 115–116

  forking, 84–85

  Italian sayings about, 81, 87, 96, 115, 117

  mistakes, 81–86, 93, 115, 117

  precooking, 84

  raw, handling, 30–31

  serving, 86

  temperature, 84, 85, 86, 115–116

  tenderizing, 81–82, 84, 117

  thickness of, 82, 117

  tools, 81, 82, 93

  touch test, 86–87

  Mediterranean. See also Italy

  diet, 151–152

  peaches, 183–184

  Salad, Leg of Lamb, 110–111

  Milanese, Steak (or Chicken), 88

  minestre (soup). See soup

  Minestrone, Summer, 78

  mistakes

  cleaning, 25

  grilling, 22, 25, 30, 65, 84–85, 136

  meat, 81–86, 93, 115, 117

  pizza, 52, 53

  seafood, 136

  serving, 86

  Mozzarella

  about, 35, 75

  Grilled Eggplant with Pesto and, 173

  Tomato and Baby Bocconcini Salad, 75

  mushrooms

  Chicken Spiedini with Basil Glaze, 132

  Grilled Marinated Portobello, 48

  Marsala, 108

  Penne with Grilled Portobellos and Creamy Pesto, 160

  mussels (Jersey Shore Seafood Pasta), 166–167

  N

  New Jersey, 20, 28, 67, 109, 135

  Nutella (Baci Semifreddo), 195–196

  nuts, toasting, 192. See also pine nuts

  O

  obesity, 151

  octopus (Seafood Salad), 72–73

  olives

  Olivada, 42

  Pepper Relish, 141

  Spaghetti with Grilled Tuna Puttanesca, 163–164

  onion

  “The Quickie” Tomato Sauce with, 54, 56

  Zucchini and Red Onion Pizza, 57

  oranges, picking, 184

  organic produce, 184–185

  oven mitts, 26

  ovens, 27, 51, 152–153, 192

  P

  pancetta

  buying, 103

  Crumbles, 68

  and Kale Bruschetta, 37–39

  -Wrapped Pork Loin, 103

  pans

  disposable aluminum, 145, 153, 166

  perforated, 26, 95, 136, 158

  paprika

  about, 172, 177

  and Parmesan Corn on the Cob, 177

  Sweet and Spicy Rub, 130

  Parmesan

  about, 35

  in bread crumbs, 128

  Gabriella’s Grilled Chicken, 127

  Grilled Eggplant, 173

  and Paprika Corn on the Cob, 177

  Scallop Spiedini, 147

  parsley, 90

  pasta

  Fusilli with Grilled Sausages, Zucchini, and Ricotta, 165

  Grilled Vegetable Lasagna, 155–157

  importance of, 151–152

  Italian sayings about, 17, 151, 159

  leftover, 153–154

  Macaroni Salad with Pepperoncini, 70

  Penne with Grilled Portobellos and Creamy Pesto, 160

  Seafood, Jersey Shore, 166–167

  Spaghetti with Grilled Tomato and Basil Sauce, 168

  Spaghetti with Grilled Tuna Puttanesca, 163–164

  vegetarian dishes, 155–157, 160, 165, 168

  Ziti with Grilled Meatballs and Tomato Sauce, 158–159

  Patata Rossa (Red Potato) Salad, 71

  peaches

  Grilled Peach Sundaes with Caramel Sauce, 191–192

  Grownup Fabellini Sorbet, 193

  Mediterranean, 183–184

  picking, 184

  “Sangria,” 189

  Pecorino Romano, 35. See also Parmesan

  peels, baking, 52

  Penne with Grilled Portobellos and Creamy Pesto, 160

  Peperonata, Grilled, 179

  Pepperoncini, Macaroni Salad with, 70

  peppers (bell)

  Chicken Spiedini with Basil Glaze, 132

  Giudice Burgers with Gorgonzola and, 99–100

  Grilled Peperonata, 179

  Grilled Steak Pizzaiola, 90–91

  Grilled Vegetable Lasagna, 155–157

  grilling tips, 91, 178

  Italian Gazpacho, 77

  Mini, with Sausage-Ricotta Stuffing, 47

  Olive Relish, 141

  Pork and Vegetable Spiedini, 101

  peppers (red flakes), 13, 172. See also paprika

  perforated grill pans, 26, 95, 158

  pesce (seafood). See seafood

  Pesto

  Dressing, 75

  Grilled Eggplant with Mozzarella and, 173

  Sauce, 160, 161

  pigs, 105

  pine nuts

  Pesto Sauce, 160, 161

  Summer Salad, 74

  toasting, 192

  Pistachios, Grilled Sea Bass with Lemon-Wine Sauce and, 138–140

  pizza

  Dough, Pronto Presto, 52–53, 55

  doughless, 173

  Fig, Prosciutto, and Gorgonzola, 61

  mistakes, 52, 53

  par-cooking, 53–54

  process, 52–53

  Sauce, “The Quickie” Tomato, 54, 56

  tools, 52

  vegetarian, 57, 173

  White (Bianca), 58, 59

  Zucchini and Red Onion, 57

  Pizzaiola, Grilled Steak, 90–91

  plating, 166

  pollo (chicken). See chicken

  pork

  Chops, Apple-Stuffed, 104–105

  doneness, 86–87, 101

  Grilled Peperonata for, 179

  Loin, Pancetta-Wrapped, 103

  Marinated, with Grilled Apple Rings, 122–123

  orchard pigs, 105

  and Vegetable Spiedini, 101

  Portobellos

  Grilled, Penne with Creamy Pesto and, 160

  Grilled Marinated, 48

  potato(es)

  Alici Baked, 180

  Casserole, Mama’s Smothered Lamb and, 112–113

  Salad (Patata Rossa), 71

  potholders, 26

  pots, 152–153. See also pans

  prepping

  emergencies and, 113

  meat, 84

  pizza, 53–54

  seafood, 135–136

  side burners and, 152

  timing and, 36, 152, 165

  vegetables, 91, 108

  produce, 17–18, 64, 184–185. See also food

  Prosciutto, Fig, and Gorgonzola Pizza, 61

  Provolone, 35

  Puttanesca, Grilled Tuna, 163–164

  R

  raspberries

  Grownup Fabellini Sorbet, 193

  picking, 185

  raw meat handling, 30–31

  Raymond, Richard, 116

  red pepper flakes, 13, 120, 172

  red wine

  marinades, 65, 92, 97, 110, 111

  Marsala, 108, 109

  “Sangria,” Italian Peach, 189

  sauce, 97

  Vinaigrette, 110–111

  vinegar, 65

  Relish, Pepper-Olive, 141

  ribs

  Italian Spareribs, 106

  Marinated Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce, 97–98

  Ricotta

  about, 35

  Fusilli with Grilled Sausages, Zucchini, and, 165

  Sausage Stuffing, 47

  Summer Cassata Cake, 186

  ripeness, 17–18, 64, 65, 171, 184–185

  Roast Chicken, Whole, with Herb Rub, 118–119

  Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette, 74

  Rosemary Marinade

  Apple, 122

  Basil, 124

  Red Wine and, 110, 111

  rubs

  herb, 118

  paprika, 130

  red pepper, 120

  S

  safety, 24, 25, 36

  salad
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  Caprese, 75

  Grilled Fig and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese, 66

  Iceberg Lettuce Wedge with Gorgonzola and Pancetta Crumbles, 68

  importance of, 63

  Leg of Lamb Mediterranean, 110–111

  Macaroni Salad with Pepperoncini, 70

  as main entrée, 65

  Mama’s Frutti di Mare Seafood, 72–73

  Patata Rossa (Red Potato), 71 seasoning, 64

  Summer Salad with Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette, 74

  Tomato and Baby Bocconcini Salad with Pesto Dressing, 75

  Salmon Involtini, Crab-Stuffed, 137

  salsa

  about, 149

  Cherry Tomato-Caper, 142

  Verde, 148

  “Sangria,” Italian Peach, 189

  sauce

  Caramel, 191–192

  creamy, 138, 151–152, 160

  Grilled Peperonata, 179

  Grilled Steak Pizzaiola, 90

  Grilled Tomato and Basil, 168

  Grilled Tuna Puttanesca, 163–164

  Italian vs. American-style, 151–152

  Joe’s Juicy Applesauce, 190

  leftover, 140

  Lemon-Wine, 138, 140

  for pasta, 151–152

  Pesto, 160, 161

  pizza, 54, 56

  “The Quickie” Tomato, 54, 56

  Red Wine, 97

  salsa as, 149

  Summer Tomato, 90

  for vegetables, 140

  Whole Roast Chicken, 118–119

  sausage

  Fusilli with Zucchini, Ricotta, and Grilled, 165

  Ricotta Stuffing, 47

  Summer Spaghetti with Grilled Tomato and Basil Sauce, 168

  sayings

  American, 14

  about bread, 43

  about chicken, 115, 117

  about eating in general, 14, 51

  exclamatory, 20

  about family and friendship, 17, 198

  about fish, 135

  about fruit, 17, 171, 183

  about kitchens, 33

  about meat, 81, 87, 96, 115, 117

  about pasta, 17, 151, 159

  about seafood, 96

  about soup, 63

  about steak, 96

  about vegetables, 171

  about wine, 189, 192

  scallops

  Jersey Shore Seafood Pasta, 166–167

  Spiedini, Parmesan-Crusted, 147

  Scapece, Grilled Zucchini, 181

  scungilli, 72–73

  Sea Bass, Grilled, with Lemon-Wine Sauce and Pistachios, 138–140

  seafood. See also fish

  Clams with Lemon-Caper Butter, 145

  cleaning, 136, 166

  Crab-Stuffed Salmon Involtini, 137

  Italian saying about, 96

  Mare e Monti (Surf & Turf), 95–96

  mistakes, 136

  Pasta, Jersey Shore, 166–167

  prepping, 135–136

  Salad, Mama’s Frutti di Mare, 72–73

  Salmon Involtini, Crab-Stuffed, 137

  Scallop Spiedini, Parmesan-Crusted, 147

  Shrimp Skewers with Salsa Verde, 148–149

  seasoning. See herbs; rubs

  Semifreddo, Baci, 195–196

  sexiness, 18–19

  shopping

  fruit, 184–185

  grill, 28, 29

  meat, 83, 97, 103

  produce, 17–18, 65, 184–185

  specialty items, 45, 73, 146, 196

  shrimp

  Jersey Shore Seafood Pasta, 166–167

  Mare e Monti (Surf & Turf), 95–96

  Seafood Salad, 72–73

  Skewers with Salsa Verde, 148–149

  Summer Spaghetti with Grilled Tomato and Basil Sauce, 168

  side dishes

  Alici Baked Potatoes, 180

  entertaining and, 126

  Fabellini Glazed Carrots, 174

  Grilled Eggplant Parmesan, 173

  Grilled Eggplant with Pesto and Mozzarella, 173

  Grilled Peperonata, 179

  Grilled Zucchini Scapece, 181

  Parmesan and Paprika Corn on the Cob, 177

  timing of, 36, 152

  vegetable growing and, 171

  skewers, 26. See also spiedini

  skin care, 77

  slang. See sayings

  snails, 72–73

  Sorbet, Grownup Fabellini, 193

  soup

  importance of, 63

  Italian Gazpacho, 77

  Italian saying about, 63

  Summer Minestrone, 78

  spaghetti

  with Grilled Tuna Puttanesca, 163–164

  Summer, with Grilled Tomato and Basil Sauce, 168

  Spareribs, Italian, 106

  spatulas, 26

  spiciness

  arugula, 67

  hotness and, 13–14

  of paprika, 177

  of red pepper flakes, 13, 120, 172

  of salsa, 149

  spiedini (Italian kebabs)

  Chicken, with Basil Glaze, 132

  Pork and Vegetable, 101

  Scallop, Parmesan-Crusted, 147

  Shrimp Skewers with Salsa Verde, 148–149

  tips, 149

  tools, 26

  spreads

  bean, 41

  olive, 42

  starter, chimney, 27

  steak

  club, 95

  doneness, 85, 86–87, 116

  filet mignon, 95

  Flank Steak alla Sala Consilina, 92

  Grilled Steak Pizzaiola, 90–91

  grilling, 84–85

  handling, 84–85

  Italian saying about, 96

  Mare e Monti (Surf & Turf), 95–96

  Milanese, 88

  selecting cuts for, 83

  serving, 86

  temperature, 84, 85, 116

  tenderizing, 81–82, 84

  Tuna, with Pepper-Olive Relish, 141

  sticking, 25, 30, 90, 136

  strawberries

  growing, 64

  Grownup Fabellini Sorbet, 193

  picking, 185

  Summer Cassata Cake, 186

  Summer Salad, 74

  stuffing

  Crab, 137

  Sausage-Ricotta, 47

  substitutes

  American, 34, 35

  cake, 186

  vegetable, 37, 132

  summer, 13–14, 17–18, 64, 171, 183–185

  Summer Cassata Cake, 186

  Summer Minestrone, 78

  Summer Salad with Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette, 74

  Summer Spaghetti with Grilled Tomato and Basil Sauce, 168

  Summer Tomato Sauce, 90

  sun-dried zucchini, 171

  Surf & Turf, 95–96

  Sweet and Sour Dressing, 179

  Sweet and Spicy Rub, 130

  Swordfish with Cherry Tomato-Caper Salsa, 142

  T

  temperature. See also heat

  control, 22

  measuring, 26, 30

  meat, 84, 85, 86, 115–116

  pizza, 52

  touch test for, 86–87

  tenderizing, 81–82, 84, 117

  testing

  doneness touch, 86–87

  grill leaks, 25

  thermometers, 26

  timing, 36, 152, 165, 166

  toast. See Crostini

  toaster oven, 192

  tomato(es)

  benefits of, 77

  freshness of, 17–18, 64, 65, 171

  Grilled Tuna Puttanesca, 163–164

  history of, 59

  Italian Gazpacho, 77

  paste, 92

  Salad, Summer, 74

  Salad, Tomato and Baby Bocconcini, 75

  Salsa, Cherry Tomato-Caper, 142

  Sauce, Grilled, 168

  Sauce, “The Quickie,” 54, 56

  Sauce, Summer, 90

  Sauce, Ziti with Grilled Meatballs and, 158–159

  tongs, 25

 
tools

  bad, 52, 81, 84–85

  cutting, 93

  grilling, 25–26, 52, 84–85, 145

  meat, 81, 82, 93

  pizza, 52

  tenderizing, 81, 82

  toasting, 192

  touch test, 86–87

  Tuna

  Puttanesca, Grilled, 163–164

  Steaks with Pepper-Olive Relish, 141

  Tuscan White Bean Crostini, 41

  V

  Valentine’s Day, 196

  Veal Chops, Grilled, with Marsala Mushrooms, 108–109

  vegetable(s). See also side dishes; specific vegetables

  dips for, 41

  growing, 64, 65, 171

  Italian saying about, 171

  Lasagna, Grilled, 155–157

  prepping, 91, 108

  richness balanced with, 47

  sauces for, 140

  scapece-style, 181

  Spiedini, Pork and, 101

  substitute, 37, 132

  sun-dried, 171

  vegetarian dishes. See also salad; side dishes

  pasta, 155–157, 160, 165, 168

  pizza, 57, 173

  soup, 77–79

  Vichy, 174

  Vinaigrette. See also dressing

  Red Wine, 110–111

  Roasted Garlic, 74

  vinegar

  for scapece, 181

  types, 64–65

  wash, 113

  W

  walnuts, toasted, 192

  watermelon

  benefits of, 194

  Granita, 194

  grilled, 63

  picking, 185

  whelk, 72–73

  White Pizza, 58, 59

  white wine

  Fabellini dishes, 174, 193

  Italian marinade, 106

  Jersey Shore Seafood Pasta in, 166–167

  Lemon Sauce, 138, 140

  Lemon-Caper Butter, 145

  vinegar, 64–65

  Whole Roast Chicken sauce, 118–119

  wine. See also red wine

  corks, 72, 73

  as dessert, 183

  Italian sayings about, 189, 192

  winter, 13, 17–18, 64

  Z

  ziti

  with Grilled Meatballs and Tomato Sauce, 158–159

  Juicy Joe’s Chicken and Broccoli Rabe with, 128

  zucchini

  Chicken Spiedini with Basil Glaze, 132

  Fusilli with Grilled Sausages, Ricotta, and, 165

  Grilled Vegetable Lasagna, 155–157

  Pork and Vegetable Spiedini, 101

  and Red Onion Pizza, 57

  Scapece, Grilled, 181

  sun-dried, 171