The secret to beautifully roasted potatoes is boiling the potatoes in water that has been laced with baking soda before roasting them, which gives them unbelievably fluffy interiors.
extra virgin olive oil
Giada De Laurentiis’ Cacio e Pepe with Pancetta and Arugula
What makes this dish great is its simplicity. Traditional cacio e pepe doesn’t include greens, but I find some arugula lightens up the dish. Feel free to swap the arugula for peas or asparagus spears or even artichoke hearts. It’s an all-in-one meal, no salad needed!
Giada De Laurentiis’ Grilled Chicken Involtini
The crunchy and cheesy bites that ooze out of the sides of this “rolled” chicken are irresistible. Most kids go crazy for this, but it has sophisticated flavors adults will enjoy, too.
Brain Food: Dad’s Lemon Roasted Chicken
In a tangy twist on a classic chicken recipe, a whole (organic free-range) chicken is rubbed inside and out with aromatic herbs, then baked with freshly squeezed lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil for a light and flavorful Italian dish. Paired with roasted potatoes, this dish makes for a perfect meal.
Brain Food: Sicilian Scrambled Eggs
This quick and easy Italian recipe is loaded not only with nutrients, but also with the robust flavor of fresh basil, pungent garlic, and extra-virgin olive oil.
Brain Food: Avocado Toast
Nothing beats classic avocado toast. Start with a silky avocado, chockfull of heart- and brain-healthy fats, and dress it with extra-virgin olive oil (or another heart/brain favorite like flaxseed oil) and a pinch of pink salt and chili pepper flakes to taste.
