Month: December 2016

Port Wine and Boxing Day – Perfect Holiday Duo

Port Wine and Boxing Day – Perfect Holiday Duo

In Britain, the day after Christmas is Boxing Day, which gives Anglophiles in Wilmington NC – anywhere, actually – a reason to extend the holiday for an extra day. Boxing Day was traditionally a day off given to the servants following a busy Christmas of 

Susan Jalbert | Chow Bella Cooks, Owner

Susan Jalbert | Chow Bella Cooks, Owner

Five Minutes with Susan Jalbert | Chow Bella Cooks: “Food is about what works best for you, whether that’s vegetarian, or pescatarian, or something else. You need balance. If it’s not something you are going to stick to and enjoy… life is too short. I 

Chow Bella Cooks Signature Suga di Compagna

Chow Bella Cooks Signature Suga di Compagna

chow bella cooks suga di compagna

Susan Jalbert, owner of Chow Bella Cooks, was gracious in sharing her signature Suga di Compagna, a red sauce – or gravy – to be served over pasta. Susan learned the base recipe in Italy, and tweaked it to perfection.

Simple to prepare, it will become your go-to pasta sauce recipe, a thousand times more appealing than anything out of a jar.

Suga di Compagna – Chow Bella Cooks Signature Red Sauce

1.5 Pound can (whole tomatoes)Tomatoes
¼ Cup olive oil
1 Tablespoon sugar
2 Pepperoncini (dried hot peppers)
3 Garlic cloves,minced
1 Small bunch parsley
1 Small bunch basil
1 Ounce Parmesan cheese freshly grated
* Salt and pepper to taste
2 Tablespoons of cream (can use ½ & ½ or milk) optional*

In a saucepan, sauté the tomatoes in the oil for 30 minutes on low heat, season with the salt and pepper. Add the garlic and cook for another 20 minutes.  If the sauce gets too thick, add a little boiling water or vegetable stock.

Add the pepperocini, sugar and cream and cook another 10 minutes.  Salt and pepper to taste.

Sauté the pasta in a clean sauté pan, with just a little of the pasta water added to it.   (about 1 minute).  Add the sauce directly into the pan and coat the pasta evenly for about 2 minutes.

Right before serving, add chop the parsley and tear the basil and add to the sauce.  Top with freshly grated
Parmesan cheese.

*If you are not going to use the Suga di Compagna right away, do not add the cheese or cream. Add it when you heat up the sauce and are ready to eat.

To store the sauce, place in a jar and top with a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil.

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Pecan Cheesecake Pie

Pecan Cheesecake Pie

The pecan cheesecake pie is a wonderful combination of two favorite desserts: pecan pie and cheesecake. If traditional pecan pie is on the too-sweet side for your taste in desserts, this is a super option because the cheesecake layer moderates the sticky sweetness you would 

Jules DeBord | Port City Farmers Market, Director

Jules DeBord | Port City Farmers Market, Director

Five Minutes with Jules DeBord | Director, Port City Farmers Market:

I always need something new to do. Once I get one thing figured out, it’s time to move to something else. I love the Tuesday night-time market, seeing all the people who show up. I’m like, I guess I did something right.

Continue reading Jules DeBord | Port City Farmers Market, Director

9 Inspiring Specialty Food Markets in Wilmington NC

9 Inspiring Specialty Food Markets in Wilmington NC

The opening of a new grocery store on Front Street has inspired us to remind shoppers about the great specialty food markets in Wilmington. This big handful of stores offers international foods, imported groceries, and exotic gift items for both foodies and armchair travelers. These