Arrivederci Giada: A Recap of Some of My Favorites Along The Way

I've had so much fun cooking Giada's recipes with the I Heart Cooking Clubs group over the past six months.  I've found so many great new recipes that have become popular staples in my house. In fact, with so many great recipes, I decided a recipe recap was in order so that I could highlight some of my absolute favorites. 

As we say goodbye to Giada this week, I don't have a new recipe to share.  Instead I have seven of my absolute favorites from the past six months.  I realize that seven is a rather strange number of recipes to choose, but in the end I only went with the ones that completely bowled us over.  Of the seven recipes, four of them are pasta dishes.  Proof positive that pasta is always a favorite no matter what size or shape.

(Click on the highlighted recipe titles below to be directed to my original post for each recipe) 

Orecchiette with Mini Chicken Meatballs
Although the chicken meatballs can be a little tricky to work with (sticky, etc.) this recipe is well worth it.  With a little tweaking, and quite a bit of extra garlic, this dish was one of my personal favorites during our six months with Giada.  I confess to being a total kid when it comes to cute little mini meatballs and fluffy little puffs of mozzarella cheese.  I've made this recipe at least 6-7 times.  It's a real staple at my house. 

 Orecchiette with Sausage, Beans and Mascarpone
This recipe is also another personal favorite of mine.  Not only does this recipe combine some of my favorite things (pasta, beans, cheese) it's also economical, quick, and delicious.  I love the creamy texture and the heartiness of the dish.  This is another recipe that I've made over and over again, so much so that I have the recipe memorized.

Turkey and Cranberry Ravioli
This recipe for Turkey and Cranberry Ravioli is so good it will knock your socks off! The filling is absolutely flavorful and spot on, but I will admit that it is the gravy that makes this dish so good.  This recipe is fantastic and will be made again in my kitchen this fall for Thanksgiving.

Giada's Pot Roast with Porcini Mushrooms
This recipe for Pot Roast is hands down the very best pot roast I've ever ate in my life!  This recipe also happens to be my family's favorite during the six months spent with Giada.  The roast is tender and succulent and the flavor from the porcini mushrooms is unparalleled.  I would probably go so far as to say this is my very favorite Giada recipe ever.  This is a must make recipe!

Honey-Mustard Pork Roast with Bacon
This Honey-Mustard Pork Roast with Bacon was another family favorite.  The roast turned out perfectly tender and moist and the flavor from the bacon was phenomenal. This is an easy, yet very impressive recipe, that is great for entertaining and special family dinners.  I guarantee everyone will love it (unless they're a vegetarian).  

Stuffed Baby Peppers
These little stuffed baby peppers are genius and make the most wonderful appetizers.  Not only are they completely delicious and addictive, but they are fantastic served warm and room temperature, which makes them perfect for parties and gatherings.  And, as a bonus, they are pretty healthy too. I've made them a handful of times since my original post and I'm not tired of them yet!

Pastina with Peas and Carrots
Last, but not least, is yet another pasta dish to conclude my top seven Giada recipes. This recipe is perfect for spring and well-suited for kids and family dinners.  The recipe includes mascarpone cheese and is so very creamy.  It's kinda like a ramped up version of macaroni and cheese with veggies and I LOVE IT!  You can bet I'll be making this one over and over again.

There were a lot of other tasty dishes along the way, but these seven were my absolute favorites. Arrivederci Giada!

Cooking with Jamie Oliver as of next week!