Italian Gravy (Spaghetti Sauce)

by Anne Papina on September 14, 2013

Italian Gravy | Webicurean

Growing up, the making of the “gravy” was a big production. Actually, it still is, but once your kitchen fills with the heady aroma of fresh herbs and garlic, you realize it’s worth all the effort. A simmering pot of meaty-tomatoey-herby deliciousness promises of good things to come. My mom would start her day early, and we would eagerly await a grand supper. Would it be ravioli? Spaghetti dotted with meatballs? Stuff-A-Roni? The possibilities were endless.

Read More

{ 14 comments }

Smoky Turkey Burgers #SundaySupper

by Anne Papina on September 8, 2013

Smoky Turkey Burgers #SundaySupper | Webicurean

It’s hard to believe a year has passed since our last virtual tailgate party, yet here we are. This week the #SundaySupper crew has another winning game day lineup in store, and Lane over at Supper for a Steal is hosting. Last year I whipped up a luscious potato salad with bacon and peas… and this year I bring you my almost famous smoky turkey burgers.

Read More

{ 51 comments }

Caprese Tortellini Salad #SundaySupper

by Anne Papina on September 1, 2013

Caprese Tortellini Salad #SundaySupper | Webicurean

Parades, picnics, and barbeques all go hand-in-hand with Labor Day, which for most simply marks the end of summer. There was a time, however, when American workers weren’t afforded the luxury of a day off, and Labor Day honors the contributions and achievements of those who struggled to improve working conditions for everyone. Of course, the last thing we want to do on Labor Day is think about work, so the #SundaySupper crew is dishing up quite the spread, thanks to the help of our very own Crazy Foodie Stuntman. I’m bringing a big, fat bowl of Caprese Tortellini Salad.

Read More

{ 46 comments }

Italian Stuffed Zucchini

by Anne Papina on August 30, 2013

Italian Stuffed Zucchini | Webicurean

Since relaunching Webicurean last year, my mother has been asking — “have you posted the stuffed zucchini yet?” I’ve been meaning to, honest, but other recipes keep getting in the way. I’m not sure why, though, given these are one of my favorite family treats. With zucchini so plentiful this time of year, now seemed to be a good time to whip ’em up.

Read More

{ 58 comments }

San Diego Style Rolled Tacos #SundaySupper

by Anne Papina on August 25, 2013

San Diego Style Rolled Tacos #SundaySupper | Webicurean

In Southern California, there’s a food phenomenon known as the rolled taco. For whatever reason, “rolled tacos” are exclusive to SoCal. Sure, we see “taquitos” and “flautas” on menus all over, but really, they’re not the same (even if technically they are). Could be in the way they’re prepared–tightly rolled corn tortillas filled with beef or chicken, fried to perfection. More likely it’s in the way they are served–three in a small paper food tray, topped with guacamole and shredded cheese. In any event, when I found out Heather over at girlichef and Bea from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen were co-hosting this week’s Global Street Foods for #SundaySupper, the first thing that came to mind were these rolled tacos.

Read More

{ 55 comments }

Martin’s Easy Mexican Rice

by Anne Papina on August 23, 2013

Martin's Easy Mexican Rice | Webicurean

Have you ever made Mexican rice? Let’s be clear. I’m not talking about one of those heavy, gloppy tomato rice concoctions we find all over the place. I’m talking about the authentic stuff. That light, fluffy, orange rice that adorns the plate at your favorite taqueria. I don’t know about you, but this sort of perfection has eluded me for years, and I’ve sampled quite a few recipes. Nothing has ever been close. Then along came Martin and his easy Mexican rice.

Read More

{ 41 comments }

Banana Bread with Candied Walnuts

by Anne Papina on August 19, 2013

Banana Bread with Candied Walnuts | Webicurean

Nothing beats the aroma of baking bread, although I suppose that could be said about most baked goods, not just breads. While nothing pleases me more than warm bread slathered in butter, I don’t do much baking myself. And when I do bake, I mostly stick with simple things such as quick breads and drop cookies or biscuits. Sadly, this has more to with laziness than anything else. Wait for dough to rise? Pass. Roll the dough out? Meh. Shape dough with cutters? Way too much work! That’s why this banana bread is so perfect for me–it comes together quickly and is super moist and delicious. It’s so easy, I decided to kick it up with some candied walnuts. Perhaps I’m not so lazy after all.

Read More

{ 10 comments }

Skinny Buffalo Chicken Strips #SundaySupper

by Anne Papina on August 11, 2013

Skinny Buffalo Chicken Strips #SundaySupper | Webicurean

Did I ever tell you about when Morgan and I met? You see, a mutual friend played matchmaker and invited us both on a ski weekend. One night, we were paired up to cook dinner, and a make-your-own taco bar was the plan. As we ran around the local market gathering ingredients, out of all the choices available (and there were lots), we both grabbed a bottle of “Kick Yo’ Ass Hot” Sauce. Kismet? Maybe. It definitely got us laughing, especially since neither of us had heard of it before. Spicy foods–the first item in a long list of things we have in common.  Lucky for us, this week’s #SundaySupper is all about cranking up the heat, so I’m bringing these Skinny Buffalo Chicken Strips. Amy over at Kimchi Mom is hosting.

Read More

{ 73 comments }

Classic Tamale Pie

by Anne Papina on August 7, 2013

Classic Tamale Pie | Webicurean

While folks in the surrounding areas are sweltering, I’ve been nestled in a cool blanket of fog–one of the “benefits” of living near the ocean. Of course, on cold, dreary days, my thoughts turn to comfort foods. Whether that comes in the form of a piping hot bowl of split pea soup, my mom’s roasted chicken, or even a platter of enchiladas, it all depends on my mood. It had been a while since I’d made a tamale pie, and boy did that sound good.

Read More

{ 7 comments }

Tangerine Sorbet #SundaySupper

by Anne Papina on August 4, 2013

Tangerine Sorbet #SundaySupper | Webicurean

Whenever I go on a cooking bender, I turn to music to help keep me motivated. Sometimes it’s classical or jazz, especially if I’m baking. If I’m prepping for a party, it’s probably going to be something with an upbeat tempo, such as rock. Unless, of course, it’s my annual holiday party, and then only holiday music will do. I’m funny like that. For this week’s #SundaySupper, Susan over at the Girl in the Little Red Kitchen is hosting virtual potluck of foods inspired by music, and I’m bringing this refreshing tangerine sorbet, inspired by Caviar’s Tangerine Speedo.

Read More

{ 42 comments }