i heart andrew carmellini

Yes I do.  Here's a couple more of the recipes from his Urban Italian. So freaking excited that I'll get to see the chef at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival in a few weeks.  I'm going with a couple of my favorite women and one recently told me to settle down. She's a little worried that I might frighten him.  Not sure if I can be calm, but will work on keeping to the right side of admiring fan versus freaky stalker.  

So. Lamb Meatballs Stuffed with Goat Cheese. This one is amazing.  The best meatball recipe I've tried in recent memory.  It calls for a combination of ground lamb and spicy Italian sausage.  Plus a little ball of goat cheese in the middle that oozes out when you bite into it.  Mmmmmmm...

                                                     Lamb Meatballs Stuffed with Goat Cheese

Then my friend Annie wanted me to bring a  healthy non-meat option to her Super Bowl party.  This is basically a shrimp-scampi-flavored-salad.  And I love that it is good hot or cold, nice option if it is going to sit out at a party for a bit.  

                                                                  Shrimp with Cannellini Beans

                                                                           Ricotta Cheese with Herbs

What about his ricotta cheese appetizer? I couldn't find the sheep's milk ricotta specialty that his cookbook calls for, but Charlotte's got a great cheesemaker, UAV.  Used their fantastic fresh ricotta instead.

                                               Peperonata Modo Mio with Ricotta Cheese

Then I made his Peppornata Modo Mio and smeared both together on a fresh baguette.  Mmmmmmmmmmm....this was good.