L'amore Italian Restaurant

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5 Italian Dishes MOST Kids Love

Do you have a child who is a picky eater? Or just the opposite? A kid who loves to try new foods?

Either way, you’ll score big in the kitchen when you make these Italian dishes that most kids love.

They’re easy to make at home and your kids can even help! Read on to discover some Italian meals that will please everyone’s palate at lunch or dinner time.

1. Spaghetti and Meatballs

Mmmmmm. Noodles. Who doesn’t love noodles? And when you pair them with hearty marina sauce (it’s ok you can use it from the jar) and meatballs, they’re even better. This is an easy meal to make, as well as inexpensive, that your kids will surely love. Give them some tasks, such as stirring the sauce, helping form the meat into balls, and setting the table. Finish the meal with a yummy, fresh salad to help with digestion – the Italian way.

2. Italian Style Pizza

Otherwise known as Neapolitan, this Italian style pizza is sure to make a hit. It is made from a round and flattened (can you say thin crust?) base of leavened wheat-based dough. Top it with tomatoes, cheese, and any other toppings you want. Then bake it. For the kids, have them “decorate” the pizza with their favorite toppings.

3. Roasted Veggies

It can be hard sometimes to get your kids to eat vegetables. But with this Italian recipe, they’ll love their veggies. You can use any veggies you want, so have the kids choose which veggies they’d love to roast, such as baby potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms, zucchini, and more. Cut and place them together in a large mixing bowl. Add your favorite Italian seasoning and olive oil and then transfer to a lightly-oiled baking sheet and stick them in the oven. Yum.

4. Calzones

Calzones are basically folded pizza. They are made from salted dough and baked in the oven. Stuff them with your kid’s favorite meats and cheese, like pepperoni, salami, ham, parmesan, and mozzarella. Sneak some veggies in there too.

5. Gelato

For dessert, offer this Italian favorite. The main ingredients are milk and cream. The best flavors are vanilla, chocolate, or anything fruit based. If you decide to make it at home, have the kids do the churning. Otherwise, pick some up in the frozen dessert section at your local grocery store for a new twist on dessert time.

 

 

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5 of the Best Italian Dishes for “Comfort Food”

Whether you’ve been working non-stop, the weather has you down, or you just need some warmth and comfort any time of year, Italian food is the perfect choice.  The term comfort food first appeared in the 1960s in an article published by the Palm Beach Post.

Here is the excerpt:  “Adults, when under severe emotional stress, turn to what could be called ‘comfort food‘—food associated with the security of childhood, like mother’s poached egg or famous chicken soup.”

Whether you grew up eating Italian food or not, chances are you love at least one of these Italian comfort foods on our list.

Read on to discover the five best Italian dishes for “comfort food”.

1.  Lasagna

This hearty, filling meal can be stuffed with extras that really make it a personalized comfort food. Besides the basic ingredients of lasagna noodles, cheese and tomato sauce, you can add mushrooms, vegetables, and meats like sausage and ground beef.  Top it off with a yummy salad with spicy Italian dressing.

2.  Spaghetti and Meatballs

This classic recipe is served all over the world and most of us have grown up eating it.  Spaghetti is a warm, filling meal that pairs great with meatballs and a loaf of buttered bread.  Help yourself to seconds and even thirds but don’t forget to save room for dessert.

3.  Stuffed Shells

This recipe may take a bit of time to make, but it’s worth it.  Stuff the shells with a mixture of ricotta and parmesan cheese along fresh parsley. Drizzle with yummy tomato sauce and savor any leftovers for days. This is one recipe that tastes better and better from day one to day three.

4. Stuffed Manicotti

The cousin of stuffed shells, manicotti has a very different taste and texture due to the shape of the pasta.  Stuff your manicotti just as you would your stuffed shells and pour over your homemade spaghetti sauce.  Refrigerate the leftovers for yummy comfort food any time of the day.

5.  Minestrone

A hearty soup is always good comfort food and minestrone soup is no exception. It’s packed full of deliciousness with beans, pasta, vegetables, and more.  Make it from scratch at home in the crock pot and pair it with crusty bread.  Offer a bowl to your neighbor.  You just never know when someone else needs some Italian comfort food.