BELLA CUCINA’S
SEASONAL FAVORITES MENU
2007

SOUPS/STEWS/CHILI:

  1. Boston-Style Clam Chowder:
    This creamy Chowder is simmered with Onions, Celery & Red-skinned Potatoes. Topped with crispy Bacon. Comforting & delicious!
  2. Classic French Onion Soup Gratinee:
    Sweet Onions simmer in Chicken Stock & Sherry. Topped with a Toasted Baguette slice & grated Gruyere Cheese then broiled just till cheese is melted & golden. This traditional soup is a perfect way to warm up a cool evening!
  3. Italian Sausage & Pasta:
    Mild Italian Sausage, White Wine, Shell Pasta & Cannelli Beans meld together to create a delicious soup. Topped with a grating of fresh Parmesan Cheese.
  4. Minestrone With Pesto:
    A hearty Tomato-based soup with a lovely combination of Vegetables and Cannelli Beans. Topped with Basil-Garlic Pesto, which adds another delicious layer of flavor!
  5. Pumpkin-Mushroom Bisque
    A thick, rich Bisque prepared with pureed Pumpkin, sautéed Mushrooms, a splash of fresh Orange juice, and a hint of Cinnamon. Topped with fresh-snipped Chives.
  6. Creamy Chicken Stew:
    Diced boneless Chicken Breasts are sautéed together with Mushrooms, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Carrots & Onions, then simmered with dry White Wine, Chicken Stock, fresh Herbs and a touch of Cream.
  7. Spicy Turkey & Mixed Bean Chili:
    A hearty Chili prepared with lean ground Turkey, Jalapeno Peppers, Beer, Spices and, yes, even a touch of grated Chocolate! The Black, Northern & Kidney Beans are added and then simmer together. Served with toppings of sliced Green Onions, grated Cheese & Sour Cream.

BEEF & LAMB:

  1. Beef Bourguignonne:
    This French-style dish is prepared with Beef braised in Burgundy Wine, with Button Mushrooms and White Onions. This is a rich and hearty entrée!
  2. Beef Stroganoff:
    A classic Stroganoff prepared with thin slices of tender Beef sautéed with Mushroom, Onions, Garlic & Beef Stock. Sour Cream is added for a smooth, creamy finish!
  3. Lamb Chops w/Honey-Balsamic Reduction:
    Petite Loin Chops are seasoned, then broiled and served with a sweet Reduction prepared with Honey, Rosemary & Balsamic Vinegar.
  4. Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Chops:
    A dry Moroccan Spice Rub is blended with Olive Oil on tender Loin Chops, then pan-grilled to medium-rare.
  5. Roasted Beef Tenderloin w/Wild Mushroom Ragout:
    Tender Beef Loin is lightly seasoned, and then oven roasted to medium-rare. Accompanied with a hearty Ragout of Wild Mushrooms, Shallots, Thyme, Vermouth & a splash of Cream.
  6. Roasted Flank Steak Roulade:
    Flank Steak is marinated, and then filled with Roasted Red Peppers, sliced Provolone Cheese & Scallions. The steak is rolled and roasted till tender and juicy, and sliced into delicious pinwheels.
  7. Shallot-Thyme Marinated Tri-Tip:
    This juicy Beef Roast is marinated with Shallots, Soy Sauce, Balsamic Vinegar, Brown Sugar & fresh Thyme, then oven roasted to medium-rare and thinly sliced.
  8. Steak Diane:
    This is one of Julia Child's favorite recipes! Tender Rib-eye Steaks are pounded and pan sautéed in Butter. Served with a savory sauce prepared with Beef Stock, Butter, Lemon juice and Shallots. (Adding sliced Mushrooms is optional.) Simple enough for every day, but elegant enough for entertaining!

PASTA:

  1. Cajun-Spiced Chicken or Sausage:
    Boneless Chicken Breast or Andouille Sausage are blended with Cajun seasonings and sautéed with Red Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, Scallions, fresh Herbs and Cream. This spicy sauce is served over Fettuccini and topped with grated Parmesan Cheese.
  2. Cheese Ravioli w/Pumpkin-Sage Créme:
    Tender Cheese-filled Pasta are topped with a creamy Pumpkin and fresh Sage Sauce. Garnished with Toasted Walnuts.
  3. Lasagna Rolls w/Béchamel Sauce:
    Lasagna Noodles are stuffed with a Ricotta, Spinach & Prosciutto filling. Rolls are topped with a creamy white Béchamel sauce and grated Mozzarella, and then oven baked till the cheese is melted and golden. (Marinara Sauce may be substituted in this recipe.)
  4. Linguine w/White Clam Sauce:
    Tender Clams in a light Garlic-Cream Sauce served over a bed of Al’dente Linguine.
  5. Penne w/Shrimp & Creamy Pesto:
    Tender Shrimp are gently sautéed, and then tossed with Penne Pasta & Sundried Tomatoes in a light creamy Basil Pesto sauce.
  6. Spicy Ziti Al’ Forno:
    Spicy Italian Sausage is layered with Ziti Pasta, Herbed-Tomato Sauce & grated Mozzarella Cheese, and then oven baked till the cheese melts into a golden crust!

PORK:

  1. Citrus-Rosemary Grilled Pork Chops:
    Boneless center-cut Pork Chops are marinated in a sweet-tangy Citrus-herb marinade, and then pan grilled.
  2. Garlic-Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin w/Dried Fruit Chutney:
    Herb-roasted Pork Tenderloin accompanied with warm Chutney of mixed Dried Fruits & Fresh Apples, sweetened with a touch of Maple Syrup.
  3. Pork Chops w/Cranberry-Thyme Sauce:
    Boneless Pork Chops are sautéed, and topped with a savory-sweet Cranberry Reduction prepared with a touch of Wine.
  4. Roasted Pork Loin w/Apricot-Dijon Glaze:
    A juicy Pork Loin is oven roasted, and basted with a sweet and tangy glaze of Apricot preserves, Honey, Dijon Mustard and diced Jalapeno Peppers.
  5. Sweet or Hot Italian Sausages w/Sautéed Onions & Peppers:
    Your choice of either Sweet or Hot Italian Sausage sautéed in Olive Oil with a combination of Sweet Peppers & Onions. Serve these on a crunchy Roll for a light Italian supper!

POULTRY:

  1. Balsamic-Grilled Chicken over Spinach Salad:
    Marinated pan-grilled Chicken cutlets are served over a fresh Spinach Salad prepared with Mushrooms, Radishes & Scallions. Topped with a warm Bacon Dressing.
  2. Chicken Piccata:
    This lovely Italian classic is prepared with thin slices of sautéed Chicken Breast, and gets it's distinct flavors from Capers, Lemon and White Wine.
  3. Chicken Pot Pies w/Puff Pastry:
    Cubed Chicken Breasts, Red-skinned Potatoes, Green Beans & Carrots meld together in a creamy Chicken gravy. Topped with a flaky Puff Pastry shell and baked until golden.
  4. Herb-Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts:
    Pounded Chicken Breasts are stuffed with mild Goat Cheese, fresh Herbs and a touch of Lemon. Breasts are rolled, dipped in Egg/Flour and pan seared. These lovely Chicken rolls are then oven baked to finish.
  5. Lemon-Rosemary Cornish Game Hens:
    Young Game Hens are marinated with fresh Lemon, Garlic & Herbs, and then oven roasted to perfection!
  6. Racheal's Chicken w/Cherry Glaze:
    Tender boneless Chicken Breasts are sautéed, and then lightly braised with Red Wine and Cherry Preserves. This entrée is sweet, savory and delicious!
  7. Roasted Turkey Breast w/Wild Mushroom-Marsala Reduction:
    Lightly seasoned fresh Turkey Breast is oven roasted, and basted with a light Soy-Butter sauce. Accompanied with a creamy Wild Mushroom sauce prepared with a touch of sweet Marsala wine.
  8. Sundried Tomato-Basil Roasted Chicken Breasts:
    Split- whole Chicken Breasts are rubbed with a tasty Sundried Tomato paste with fresh Basil and Herbs. The Breasts are oven roasted till juicy and tender. This entrée is great served cold for a warm evening or weekend picnic!

SEAFOOD:

  1. Blue Cheese-Hazelnut Crusted White Fish:
    Tender White Fish fillets are roasted with thinly sliced Zucchini & White Wine. Topped with a crunchy Blue Cheese & Hazelnut crust.
  2. Lemon-Parmesan Crusted Tilapia:
    Mild Tilapia is breaded with fresh Herbs, Lemon Zest & Parmesan Cheese and baked just until fillets are light and flaky.
  3. Red Snapper w/Basil Cream:
    Lightly breaded fillets are sautéed and topped with a creamy sauce prepared with fresh Basil.
  4. Shrimp Etouffe:
    A southern-inspired recipe with sautéed Shrimp in a spicy roux with Onions, Bell Peppers, Celery & Garlic.
  5. Spice-rubbed Salmon w/Black Bean & Corn Salsa:
    Spicy pan-grilled Salmon fillets are served with a fresh Corn, Black Bean & Cilantro Salsa.
  6. Spicy Shrimp Diavolo:
    A Shrimp sauté with diced Tomatoes, Garlic & Brandy, and a zip of heat from crushed Red Pepper flakes.

SIDE DISHES:

  1. Apple & Onion Bread Stuffing
  2. Classic Saffron Rice
  3. Chive Mashed Potatoes
  4. Creamy Polenta
  5. Fluffy Jasmine Rice
  6. Gremolata Noodles (Olive Oil, Garlic & Lemon Zest)
  7. Herb-Roasted New Potatoes
  8. Orange-Almond Couscous
  9. Orzo w/Roasted Vegetables
  10. Oven Baked Risotto
  11. "Smashed Potatoes" w/Sour Cream & Parmesan
  12. Spicy Roasted Potatoes & Asparagus

SALADS:

  1. Apple-Raisin Cole Slaw
  2. Baby Spinach w/Oranges & Almonds (Citrus Vinaigrette)
  3. Butter Lettuce Wedges w/Creamy Blue Cheese & Toasted Walnut
  4. Cucumber-Tomato-Feta w/Mint (Herb Vinaigrette)
  5. Marinated Green Beans w/Currents & Pine Nuts
  6. Mixed Baby Greens w/Apples, Pecans & Gorgonzola (Apple Cider Vinaigrette)

VEGETABLES:

  1. Caramelized Sweet Potatoes
  2. Carrots Vichy
  3. Garlic-Roasted Cauliflower
  4. Green Beans Amadine
  5. "Loaded" Baked Potatoes
  6. Roasted Asparagus w/Parmesan
  7. Roasted Carrots w/Shallot-Pepper
  8. Roasted Vegetable Ratatouille
  9. Seasonal Vegetables w/Orange Butter
  10. Zucchini w/Garlic
BELLA CUCINA'S DESSERTS MENU IS LISTED SEPARATELY

SPECIAL SERVICES:

Bella Cucina will gladly assist with small dinner parties from 2-25 persons. We will help you custom design the menu, shop, cook & plate, and then clean up after our preparations. Bella Cucina will also provide "Servers" as needed. This way, you can really enjoy your guests and the party!

Looking for that Special Gift? Bella Cucina offers Gift Certificates for a variety of Personal Chef Services. We can provide delicious, healthy weekday meals, or a unique "Gourmet Dinner" for that special someone!

Bella Cucina will also prepare Entrees, Side Dishes or Desserts for a Special Occasion or Picnic.

Let Bella Cucina satisfy all your culinary needs!


BUON APPETITO!

Strawberry-Blackberry Torte