Kittencals Seasoned Dry Italian Breadcrumbs Recipes

KITTENCAL'S SEASONED DRY ITALIAN BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Slice the loaves of bread into quarters and leave out on the counter for 1-2 days (or you may also oven-dry the bread slices).
• Cut or break the bread in small cubes and place in a processor (you might have to do this in two batches) process until fine.
• Place the breadcrumbs into a bowl and add in all the remaining ingredients; mix gently.
• Pour the crumbs into a ziploc freezer bag and store in the freezer to use as needed.

KITTENCAL'S ITALIAN TOMATO PASTA SAUCE AND PARMESAN MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Prepare the meatball recipe as directed on the recipe; transfer to a plate cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use (the meatballs may be prepared up to 1 day in advance).
• Drain the diced tomatoes over a strainer.
• Coat bottom of large heavy-bottomed pot with olive oil, heat over medium heat.
• Saute onion with bay leaf, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper and crushed chili peppers for about 5-7 minutes or until the onions are transparent.
• Add in fresh garlic; cook stirring for 2 minutes.
• Add the tomato paste;mix and stir for about 2 minutes or until well combined with the onion mixture.
• Add in the wine; stir well to combine.
• Add the 2 cans crushed tomatoes (can use 3 cans if you are freezing some sauce) and the drained diced tomatoes, stir and bring to a light boil; boil for 5-8 minutes then reduce heat to low.
• Add in uncooked meatballs to the sauce (if you are adding the meatballs uncooked do not stir for 30 minutes or you may run the risk of them falling apart in the simmering sauce).
• Simmer uncovered on low heat for about 3-5 hours (the longer you simmer uncovered the thicker and richer your sauce will be so don't be afraid to simmer even 6 hours!) adding more salt if desired.
• Skim off any fat that might gather on top of sauce.
• Allow to cool to room temperature then refrigerate (with the meatballs in the sauce) a minimum of 1 day or up to 4 days before using.
• Use as much as desired then freeze the rest for another meal, just reheat the sauce on top of the stove or heat in microwave (this will freeze well for up to 6 months).
• Note: if desired, you can bake the meatballs in the oven before adding to the sauce.

ITALIAN BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, tossing to blend thoroughly.
• Store in an airtight container and use in any recipe calling for Italian breadcrumbs.

KITTENCAL'S ITALIAN-STYLE BREAD

Steps:

• Prepare a heavy-duty stand mixer with the kneading attachment.
• Pour in 2-1/2 cups flour, cornmeal, 2 teaspoons sugar, olive oil and salt into the stainless steel mixing bowl.
• In a measuring cup proof the yeast with 1-1/4 cups warm water and 1 teaspoon sugar for about 8-10 minutes or until foamy.
• Pour the water/yeast mixture into the bowl with the flour mixture in it, then start kneading adding in more flour 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough leaves the sides of the bowl, and dough is soft and smooth not sticky and wet (kneading should take about 6-8 minutes).
• Transfer the dough into an oiled bowl.
• Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 45-50 minutes, or until doubled (watch the dough closely since you are using a smaller amount of flour, and using 3 teaspoons of yeast, the dough rises a little quicker!).
• Punch down; cover and let rest for about 10-12 minutes in the bowl (this is important, the dough must rest for 10-12 minutes after punching down and before shaping!).
• Transfer the dough onto a lightly-floured surface and evenly divide in half.
• Shape each half into a thin 10-12-inch long loaf (or you can shape in one thicker shorter loaf if desired).
• Place the shaped loaves onto a 15 x 10-inch baking sheet that has been lighly greased and then sprinkled with about 2 tablespoons cornmeal.
• Cover with a clean tea towel and let rise for about 25-30 minutes.
• Spray the tops of the bread with cooking spray (I use Pam olive oil spray for this).
• Bake at 400°F for about 20-22 minutes for 2 small long loaves, or until golden brown (adjust baking time longer for 1 large loaf).
• Cool on a wire rack.

KITTENCAL'S CREAMY ITALIAN SALAD DRESSING

Steps:

• In a blender or food processor blend all ingredients together (except Parmesan cheese and black pepper) until well blended, starting with 2 teaspoons sugar and adding in more if needed after mixing.
• Season with black pepper then mix in Parmesan cheese (if using).
• Adjust all ingredients to taste.
• Cover, and refrigerate for 6 or more hours before using.