Tag Archives: LA

CHEF ALE’S POTATO & ZUCCHINI LASAGNA

by on July 11, 2019 in Chef Ale Gambini, Chef of the Month, Recipes

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Lasagna is one of the tastiest dishes out there. Potatoes and Zucchini make the world go ’round. Together, they create a recipe for satisfaction! Chef Ale has shared her delicious Potato & Zucchini Lasagna recipe, and once you try it, you’ll crave it every single day! Get the recipe below:

Ingredients 

  • 1 package (12 oz) fresh lasagna sheets
  • 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2 large zucchini
  • 2 medium potatoes
  • 1 cup water, warm
  • 2 cups whole milk, warm
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp flour
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated

Directions

1. Preheat oven at 350 F degrees.

2. Wash, dry and cut the zucchini into thin rounds. Peel, wash, dry and cut  the potatoes into thin rounds.

3. In a large skillet, brown the garlic with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Remove the garlic and add zucchini and potatoes. Sauté for a couple of minutes, then add 1 cup of warm water, salt and pepper to taste and cook at medium heat until tender.

4. In the meantime, prepare the béchamel sauce by melting the butter in a medium sauce pan over low heat. Remove the butter from heat then add the flour and stir until smooth. Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking continuously. Return the mixture over medium heat, add nutmeg and cook until just thick. Set aside.

5. Boil the lasagna sheets on a large skillet of salted boiling water for a couple of minutes, then remove and lay on a kitchen towel to dry.

6. To assemble the Lasagna, grease the bottom of a rectangular baking dish with a knob of butter, then spread over a couple of tablespoons of béchamel sauce. Place the first layer of lasagna sheets then some zucchini and potatoes, spread over some béchamel sauce and sprinkle with Parmigiano Reggiano.

7. Repeat (lasagna sheets, béchamel sauce, zucchini and potatoes, Parmigiano Reggiano) for 3 more times or until all the ingredients are gone. (I usually prepare my lasagna with no more than 4 layers).

8. Cook for 35 minutes.

9. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Connect with our July Chef of the Month: 

Instagram: @alegambinidt

Facebook: @aqueeninthekitchen 

Twitter: @alegambinidt

Website: https://aqueeninthekitchen.com/

July 2019 Chef of the Month- Ale Gambini

by on July 3, 2019 in Chef Ale Gambini, Chef of the Month, Interview with a Chef

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We are proud and ecstatic to introduce our July Chef of the Month- Ale Gambini, also known as a Queen in the Kitchen! Chef Ale is not only a cookbook author and a cooking instructor, but she’s also a LA-based food writer AND an Italian food ambassador! Chef Ale also frequently travels the United  States and Italy as Keynote speaker for food-related events, a Queen in the Kitchen indeed! Read below to learn more about Chef Ale (prepare to be fascinated) and shop her look!

 

1. Where were you born?

100% Italian, born and raised in beautiful Milan (Italy).

2. Where do you work and where are you based?

I’m a LA-based food writer, Italian food ambassador, cooking instructor and chef in online food programs. I also travel the U.S and Italy as a keynote speaker for food related events.

3. What is your favorite kitchen tool in creating your masterpieces/dishes?

I’m a huge fan of the Kitchen Aid stand mixer, such a great help but as I always say to my students, your hands are your best tools in the kitchen.

4. What is your sharpest sense out of all the 5 senses?

The smell! Everything about my cooking starts from the smell. I want my dishes to be a bouquet of flavors through the nostrils first and then to the palate.

5. What advice would you offer for aspiring chefs?

Passion and hard work are the key ingredients to succeed in the food industry.

6. What is one culinary tip every chef should know and perfect?

I don’t have a tip, but a suggestion: always use the BEST quality ingredients.

7. What does good food mean to you?

Family, health and love. I grew up in a typical Italian family watching my Nonna prepare food for the whole family every single day. Cooking is one of the greatest acts of love. For us Italians, it is much more than fuel for the body, is sacred.

8. What features are important to you when selecting your chef outfit? 

The fabric is the most important thing, I love lightweight coats made with natural fibers. The colors hot pink and black are A Queen in The Kitchen colors.

9. Favorite ingredient to work with?

Flour. I love to bake especially bread and baked goods.

10. Favorite City to dine out in?

Bologna in Emilia Romagna region (Italy), the capital of the Italian food: fresh egg pasta, lasagne, ragù, gnocco fritto, Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella and so much more.

11. Best Dish you have ever made?

People say that my Lasagne alla Bolognese is to die for.

12. What you like to eat most often on your days off? 

I try to eat as good as possible every day, but if I have to choose something not Italian, I would say ceviche de pulpo.

13. Person you would most like to cook for? 

My daughter, when she cleans her plate I’m the happiest person on this planet. Mangia, mangia is my motto!

14. What made you decide to become a chef?

The love for the good food.

 

Connect with our July Chef of the Month: 

Instagram: @alegambinidt

Facebook: @aqueeninthekitchen 

Twitter: @alegambinidt

Website: https://aqueeninthekitchen.com/

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