Oh What A Night! Ricotta Gnocchi with Sweet-Fennel-Sausage Ragù at LUPA

Years ago when Mr.P and I were visiting New York one summer, we strolled around Greenwich Village aimlessly for several hours. Anyone who has been to the Village can understand how wonderful this unhurried walk can be. Meandering down one charming street after another, we found ourselves on Thompson Street...and hungry. The truth is, the wonderful rush of aroma coming from a sweet little trattoria drew us in. Ducking inside we realized this Italian eatery was packed to the gills and knew we would wait hours for a table.

Mr.P worked his southern charm and I crossed my fingers hoping it wouldn't be too long. An hour later we were sitting at a beautiful sidewalk table watching the city pass us by. I suppose southern charm does come in handy on occasion.

We split several courses as we always do: an appetizer, a pasta, a fish of the day, and of course dessert. Each was more savory than the one before, and we were oohing and aahing the entire time. The Ricotta Gnocchi with Sweet-Fennel-Sausage Ragù was beyond compare! It truly made our experience at LUPA memorable. I gladly share this phenomenal recipe with you. ENJOY!

Ricotta Gnocchi with Sweet-Fennel-Sausage Ragù

Chef Mark Ladner of Lupa

Serves 4 

INGREDIENTS

Gnocchi

• 8 ounces fresh drained ricotta
• 8 ounces fresh goat cheese
• 1 egg
• Salt and freshly ground white pepper
• 3⁄4 cup all-purpose flour, plus additional for rolling the dough
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated pecorino
• 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter

Sweet Fennel Sausage Ragù

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1⁄2 pound sweet Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds, toasted and ground
• 1⁄2–1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, or to taste
• 1⁄2 large red onion, cut into medium dice
• 1 stalk celery, cut into medium dice
• 1 medium carrot, cut into medium dice
• 1⁄2 fennel bulb, cut into medium dice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 15-ounce can Italian tomatoes, puréed until smooth
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

WHAT TO DO

Gnocchi

• In a large bowl, combine the ricotta and goat curd; mix well with a rubber spatula. 
• Add the egg, salt, and pepper and fold together. 
• Slowly add the flour and mix the dough until combined, but take care not to overwork it. Refrigerate until the dough has firmed up.
• Turn the dough onto a generously floured surface, as it may be a little sticky, and roll into cylinders approximately 3⁄4-inch thick. 
• Place the cylinders on a floured tray and refrigerate for 1 hour. 
• Remove the cylinders from the fridge one at a time, and with a sharp knife cut them into 1⁄2-inch lengths. 
• Flatten each gnocchi gently with the tines of a fork.

Ragù

• Heat the oil over medium heat in a thick, heavy-bottomed pan, and add the sausage. Sauté until the sausage is brown on the outside but still pink in the center, then add half the ground fennel and half the red-pepper flakes. 
• When the sausage pieces are just cooked through, remove them from the pan with a slotted spoon. 
• Add the onions, celery, carrots, fennel bulb, and garlic to the pan with the sausage fat and cook until they caramelize. 
• Return the sausage to the pan and stir in the tomatoes. 
• Simmer the ragù for approximately 30 minutes or until all the vegetables and sausage are tender. 
• Check and adjust seasonings to taste, adding salt, pepper, more pepper flakes, and ground fennel. 
• When the mixture has cooled, transfer to a blender. Pulse until just combined—the sauce should not be smooth.

To Serve

• Bring 4 quarts water with 2 tablespoons salt to a boil in a large pot. In a sauté pan, gently warm the sausage ragù with the butter. Add water to ragù to thin it if necessary.
• Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water a few at a time; stir to keep them from sticking. 
• Cook them for 4 to 5 minutes—they’re done when they have floated on the surface for about a minute. 
• Gently remove the gnocchi with a slotted spoon and immediately add to the sauté pan with the ragù. 
• Toss the gnocchi in the ragù and cook for 30 seconds Add a little pasta water if necessary to thin the sauce. Toss the gnocchi with pecorino and black pepper. Serve immediately.

A bit blurry, but you can just make out the 

back of Mr.P's head in the center of this photo.

My handsome view and dinner companion, Mr.P.

Mr.P's view and grateful wife...ME!

We always remember that first time and how special it was quite literally stumbling upon it, waiting at the bar for a table, the magnificent meal and incomparable service.We haven't been to LUPA in awhile and I think of it often like an old friend. I crave the ricotta gnocchi, the bavette cacio and  pepe, but mostly I crave the experience. And I think it's time to go back.

ENJOY!

Mr.P relaxing in Washington Square

~THE DOMESTIC CURATOR~

RONDA

P.S. LUPA Osteria Romana is Mario Batali's restaurant, it is by far my favorite place to eat in Manhattan. If you look closely at the photo above you can just make out the blurry image of a blue awning. This is Tomoe Sushi, Mr.P's FAVORITE place to eat. Patrons will stand in line at Tomoe for an hour JUST to get take-out. The NYC food critics say it's the best and Mr.P agrees....I wouldn't know, I don't DO sushi!

BEDECK THE HECK OUTTA YOUR COLLEGE DORM ROOM!

Our youngest is about to graduate from high school and will be heading to college in the Fall. Our last chick-a-dee to leave our feathered nest. It's been over 7 years since I helped decorate a dorm room and quite frankly I haven't given much thought to color schemes, inventive storage ideas, comfortable and space saving seating and the latest greatest small vacs. To my surprise, we have already been getting little flyers from Target, Walmart and Bed, Bath & Beyond in an effort to sell items earlier instead of later for so many new college students and their parents. Dorm Room decorating has carved out a nice little niche for itself in the world of designers and sellers of all things college. I'm not sure how long this has been going on, I don't remember being bombarded in 2007 when our son was a college freshman. However, I do remember dorm room decorating being a lot of fun and a great chance to be creative....FYI: most guys don't care whether or not their pillow matches their new suede comforter...just sayin'. I wonder if HGTV has a Dorm Room Decorating Challenge? If not, it should be, don't you agree?  

     The Average College Dorm Room

With a little fabric and simple sewing you can turn a drab dorm room into your own personalized home away from home. Black and white with a pop of color seems to be very popular for girl's rooms.  I love this room mainly because the accent color isn't pink! Ms.E doesn't DO pink. I also like the wall treatment. This furniture arrangement allows for some  much needed privacy.

Rev up your jigsaw, it's custom headboard time! SUCH AN EASY PROJECT! A little cutting, sanding and paint can turn an ordinary dorm room into a classy boutique-style room. Find a headboard shape that is characteristic of your child, after the cutting, sanding and painting, add a monogram for a nice touch. These girls obviously know one another....and isn't it smart? I love it. The matching lamps are an unexpected nice addition to their room.

These girls were smart and made good use of what little space they had. Nice futon for sitting OR sleeping....you never know when you might have a guest or two. It happens. 

Well, you knew I had to throw a little pink in.... This room has some nice features. The added cushion to the storage trunk for extra seating and  black & white fabric trim and tiebacks to the curtains are clever. Zebra and pink dorm room decor is EVERYWHERE, so if your daughter likes to be unique, she should head in a different direction.

Playing off the Tiffany's theme, this dorm room's decor is very tasteful. Pretty window treatment and the mismatched lamps are a nice creative touch.

Sophisticated and stylish, any college student would love living in this space. It reminds me of a small NYC apartment for the young professional set.

I LOVE THIS ROOM'S DECOR! I am a huge fan of the brown and turquoise  combination. Great wall decals help cover up  and soften the cinder block walls. Sewing simple panels into bed skirts is a wonderful decorating idea and resourceful storage as well. Your student can hide a multitude of sins under their bed and it's out of sight leaving an uncluttered room. Check out the card board chandelier...so ingenious!

Check out this fun & funky chandelier....adorable touch. 

Smart room for guys. It's Pottery Barn....would you expect any less from the PB people? Stack those beds for extra floor space. A space in which to be productive, live, play, think and socializing.

This student has great taste with these gold accents and perfectly layered bedding.  It seems like freshman girls really load up their rooms. This one is a bit more sparse, neat and clean....she must be an upper-classman!

Holy CATS! Talk about a fantastic space....I wanna go!

May I just say....SERIOUSLY?? Does the abominable snowman live here?

I do love this room.... and as much as my mother's heart hopes my child will be organized and neat while attending college, realistically, I know it is NOT happening. However, this ultra- contemporary room is sparse without all the distractions of college life. That's a good thing...the Swedes know their stuff. If your student is OCD, THIS ROOMS FOR YOU!

Well.....hello there! Although I adore this guys dorm room, it is SO unrealistic. But isn't it great???

PB strikes again! These giant pink cushions can sit up, like in the picture, or flat. You can find them all over the Internet or Bed, Bath & Beyond. They are the perfect accent for this rooms decor, adding a pop of color.

I love this 'Kermit the Frog' green room. One of the easiest ways to add sparkle to a dorm room is with a cozy rug. Kermit would be proud!

Moms and Dads do your best and be JOYFUL in doing so....but don't be surprised if this is what you find on Parent's Day! Now this is realistic!

Obviously dorm decorating has become a booming business and no wonder, college kids and their parents spent $3.6 billion last year to decorate dorm rooms. If you have to buy things for your student's 'room away from home', why not make it as special as you can? Use the same budget saving ideas you use in your own home decor. It's a great chance to do a project with your son or daughter. Maybe cutting out a headboard with a jigsaw and either painting a funky design on it or upholster it in a print that matches their comforter. Really an easy DIY project that will make your students room stand out and make a statement about who they are. I will admit, my son had absolutely no interest in his dorm room decor. I picked everything out. We went with a khaki and chocolate brown theme starting with a contemporary chocolate brown suede comforter. If your child does not share your 'dorm room vision', don't take it personally. Remember they are young adults going out on their own (insert tear here), let them show their individuality and independence. Your son or daughter will be using this decor for the next few years, it's easier AND cheaper to let them make their own decisions now. 

Decorating dorm rooms from my experience as a college mom, for what it's worth, my advice would be as follows:

• Encourage your child to start an open line of communication with their new roommate NOW! Facebook it. Try to get them to decide on decor....color, theme and layout of the room in general. If the roommate has no interest in decorating then just worry about your child's half of the room. 
• Storage can be attractive.  Look for things functional and beautiful.  Jewelry and scarves become "artwork" when hung on racks or hooks. Same thing with caps and jersey's for guys. Colorful sneakers can look good in clear storage boxes. Storage boxes also come in great colors and prints.  Even clothes hampers can be cute.
• If the room has window blinds, don't stop there. Window treatments don't have to be standard curtains. How about a grass table skirt from a party supply store as a valance over a long window. Add colorful party lights to it and have a party on the lido deck.
• Try to get quality bedding for a good price.  Your child will be spending a lot of time sitting, laying, eating and studying on that bed. Try to find a color or print that will hold up to dorm life. Sturdy, colorful comforters are very inexpensive and help to make a bold statement.
• Wall decals have come a long way in the last few years and what better way to dress the boring walls most dorm rooms have?  Hanging fabric or an interesting rug not only looks good but may keep the noise out or in!
• Add a taste of home with a favorite pillow, stuffed animal or several posters. In moderation this decorating technique can actually be an ice breaker. Our son had his favorite vacation photos enlarged and hung them on his wall. It was a real conversation starter when his dorm mates recognize where they were taken. 
• Enjoy the process and be prepared to spend some cash.  I have already started  buying things for our daughters dorm room. I don't want August to roll around and faint from sticker shock! Start collecting those 20% off coupons for Bed, Bath and Beyond. 

Take it from me, if you think the high school years fly by, wait until you experience the college years.  I know it made me feel better that my children's new home was a welcoming and functioning space where they could learn and laugh.  Makes my heart smile!

ENJOY!

~THE DOMESTIC CURATOR~

RONDA

and now for something completely different.....The VW Microbus

For what started off as an awkward looking vehicle, the VW Bus has turned into one of the most iconic automobiles ever produced. In the late 40's, Volkswagen began expanding its product line to include a micro-bus, which went into production in 1950.....and as they say the rest is history. A star was born. From movies to music to movements, the 'Microbus' has been there and done that for generations to love and enjoy.

One thing is for certain, there is a magic to these micro-minis that is beyond words, a love affair with what they have come to represent. So what is the magic? After 60 years of V-Dub Mini-Bus Luv, I think it may come down to one word....freedom. People embracing their own freedom, and with that comes a deep sense of love for life. The VW Bus was never just a vehicle, it was a way of life, a life of true freedom, a life many still continue to embrace. So forget driving a SUV, the microbus is better.....she has character!

Sad news folks, it appears that after 63 years, Volkswagen will soon cease production of this design classic. As of December 2013, the VW Microbus will no longer be rolling off the production lines in Brazil, the only country still manufacturing this iconic vehicle. 

From the Microbus' beginnings as a humble family wagon, its rise to counter-culture icon during the 60's and 70's to its current status as vehicle of choice for road trippers, festival goers, surfers and lovers of all things retro, there’s little doubt the VW Microbus will live on as a symbol of freedom, adventure and the wide open road. It will continue to keep on truckin' into the hearts and minds of people everywhere, because of course, it is a VW bus. Frankly, what else could it be?

Volkswagen history if you're interested.

ENJOY!

~THE DOMESTIC CURATOR~

RONDA

The Do's & Don'ts of Estate Sale Shopping

Estate sales differ from garage and yard sales in that when you go to a house for an estate sale, pretty much everything you see is for sale. Usually, the occupant of the house has passed away, or through other factors, is obliged to sell his/her belongings. The amount of sheer stuff at most estate sales can be overwhelming, but there are plenty of hidden treasures to be found. 

I’m sure that as frugal shoppers, many of you enjoy thrifting and shopping at flea markets as much as I do. It is such a rush when you get a great deal on something that someone else doesn’t want, but you recognize the treasure that it is. In addition to shopping at thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales, I’d like to draw attention to the estate sale as a great way to get your shopping fix for cheap. 

Estate sales can be a bit intimidating. I'm sure that most of you have heard the tales of antique dealers lining up at 6:00 in the morning in order to get first dibs on the goods.   There are days when I know I have to be aggressive to compete for the good stuff and hang with the real pros. But personally being an aggressive shopper is completely out of my comfort zone. Over the years as the intimidation factor has faded, a new hobby has grown.  

Part of the fun of shopping at thrift stores and estate sales is that you almost always find a  diamond in the rough. Using some old fashioned elbow grease, you can turn your 'trash into treasures'. If you’d like to try out this fun and rewarding activity, here are a few do's and don’ts to get you started.

Do look for estate sales ahead of time.

Search on Craigslist, in the newspaper, the community listings and on google. Don’t rely on driving around the neighborhood, as you’ll probably arrive too late in the morning to get the good stuff.

Do get there early, but don’t stress yourself out if you’re not the first in line.

Most estate sales begin at 8:00 or 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and the most seasoned shoppers will be there at least half-an-hour before. Most antique dealers, collectors and the most dedicated shoppers are looking for something specific, so even if you get the second pickings, there will still be many items of interest. If you get there very early, you may have to take a number and wait your turn to go in.

Do bring cash.

This tip goes without saying, but there have been a few times when I’ve arrived at an estate sale only to realize I have just $10 in my pocket. Sometimes, if you see something you really love, the organizers of the estate sale may hold it for you while you go to the ATM, but there’s no guarantee this will be the case.

Do have a few items in mind, but be open to others.

At an estate sale, there is so much to look at that you may feel overwhelmed, and having a few items in mind can help you to focus your search. I usually take a list and measuring tape.  However, be open to that perfect item that you may find while browsing.

Do be prepared for sticker shock.

Not everything at an estate sale is a good bargain, and most likely the prices will be higher than at a thrift store or garage sales. Keep in mind that the family or the owner of the items is looking to make some needed cash on the sale. If the sale is run by a company that specializes in organizing estate sales, prices will be higher as they want to make a cut of the money too.

Do consider going on Sunday.

Usually, most of the best stuff is gone by Sunday, so prices are typically marked down by 50%. You’ll have to rummage and dig, but you just might find that perfect, overlooked vintage dress in your size.

Don't buy for the sake of buying.

If you don’t see something you really like, don’t buy anything. There will always be another estate sale.

Don't overlook diamonds in the rough.

Just because it’s covered in a layer of dust doesn’t mean that colorful Pyrex bowl won’t be gorgeous when it’s cleaned up. Learn to look for the beauty underneath the dirt.

Don't buy something with flaws.

If something is broken, chipped, or otherwise flawed, it may not be reparable, or it may not be worth your while to repair it. Of course, there are exceptions, like maybe an awesome Herman Miller lounge chair that just needs a few screws to be as good as new.

Don't be pushy.

It’s always annoying when shoppers in search of a deal are brusque and cutthroat. Be courteous. If someone is looking at something, it’s off-limits until they step away. It becomes especially important to be polite if the estate sale is crowded.

Don't be rude while haggling.

While there generally is a little room to discuss the price of an item, typically prices have been set at a level the organizers think is fair. If they’re not budging, let it go, and come back on Sunday when prices are lower and there’s more room for bargaining.

Estate sales are not just the domain of antique collectors and dealers anymore — lots of regular people are finding hidden gems. It’s a great way to give new life to an unwanted item, to reduce the amount of new junk that gets manufactured, and to save yourself a penny or two as well. 

Find an estate sale and do a little browsing...

...you'll be glad ya did!

ENJOY!

~THE DOMESTIC CURATOR~

RONDA