comfort food — Blog — Pear & Pecorino

Creamy Woodland Mushroom Soup

October goes by too quickly. It's the one month that feels fully immersed in autumn, without any feeling that the year is coming to a close, rather slowing its pace. Still colorful, full of bountiful apples, mushrooms, winter squash. It feels alive. Last weekend was the first that actually felt like autumn. Still-green leaves shivering in the wind, crisp air, the softest wisps of ashy clouds blanketing the sky, and warm auburn light of early sunsets.

Yet, the temperatures pop back into the 90s and we're back to eternal summer. Still, our big cat with his thick fur coat stopped hiding under the bushes for sanctuary from the sun. Maybe the length of his fur and the food we cook are the only signs of seasonal progression I need.

So long as it's cold enough for soup, I'm happy with October.

Main Dish, Side DishIsabellaOctober 18, 2020mushrooms, soup, autumn, fall, comfort food Comment

Baked Ricotta + Basil Stuffed Shells

Alright everyone, turn down the lights, put on one of your favorite spooky podcasts, and prepare for one of my favorite October dishes: Baked Ricotta + Basil Stuffed Shells! Now, I won’t say that there is anything particularly fancy or unique about this dish. It is one of those no frills, delicious household staples that is a joy to make. The kind of dish that I can make in my sleep, or while enjoying a glowing October evening. Ooey gooey cheese on top of giant pasta shells, stuffed with a creamy ricotta, parmesan and fresh basil filling, all blanketed in rich tomato and pancetta sauce. I hope you love this dish as much as I do; it truly is a treat for me to make!

Main DishIsabellaOctober 14, 2019italian food, pasta, baked stuffed shells, fall recipes, comfort food, yumComment

Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

It's hard to get into the season in LA, I'm not gonna lie. Most years September is one of the hottest months of the year, dragging the summer heat far past it's prime. All of the grocery stores, especially Trader Joe's, always seem to get into the spirit long before the weather turns. Which means a couple weeks ago, I came home with mini pumpkins, acorn squash, pie pumpkins, and a massive butternut squash. Not to mention an assortment of dried fruits, nuts, and seeds for another autumn treat.

Main DishIsabellaSeptember 28, 2019autumn, autumn recipes, Butternut Squash Mac n Cheese, comfort food, hello fall, mac n cheese, pastaComment

Creamy Kale and Mushrooms with Pancetta

The idea for my Creamy Kale and Mushrooms with Pancetta first came up when reviewing the plan for Thanksgiving a few years back. On the menu was the usual turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, along with some annual side dishes like yams, Brussels sprouts, and cornbread. Not to mention two desserts... It seems like every year we attempt to cut back the number of dishes, yet somehow end up expanding our ever-growing list of favorites.

Back when we had a dozen guests crowded around our table, 10+ dishes seem perfect for us. Our guests have dwindled down over the years, so we've been cooking for six; close family members and a few hungry kitties looking for scraps. But a cozy Thanksgiving dinner means more leftovers!

Side DishIsabellaAugust 1, 2019autumn, comfort food, kale, mushrooms, summer, thanksgivingComment