[Billie]

May 19, 2009

Flying over the landmark "Leaning Tower of Pisa"
listening to the romantic sounds of Luciano Tajoli,
Amy's Place is on our way today to......
Rome, Italy ~ The City of Eternal Love!

It's difficult to describe the romance of Rome in a few words;
a city so vast and rich in art, monuments and exquisite views;
a city of enormous historical significance, which has preserved
its charm and independence throughout the centuries. Love is
forever in the air in this "Eternal City"!

[Billie]

Good morning, Amy's Place. I'm going to check my mail and browse yesterday's posts and will be back.

Yorkie and Jaycee, thank you for being such gracious hostesses yesterday. I knew you would be!

Now, I am as American as they come, but I LOVE Italian food and thought we might share some of our favorite Italian recipes today. Below is my favorite Italian dish to make for company, though I could eat pizza or spaghetti, lasagna, fettuccine with alfredo sauce, or any other Italian food at least once a week!

Chicken Tetrazzini

2 cups cooked, diced chicken 8 oz. thin spaghetti 4 Tbsp. butter 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper 2 cups chicken broth 3/4 cup half-and-half 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided 1 Tbsp. lemon juice 1/2 lb. sliced mushrooms

Cook pasta "al dente" according to package directions.

As pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons butter in saucepan. Add flour. Cook, stirring, a few minutes. Add pepper and salt. Slowly stir in broth.

Bring to a boil. Simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in half-and-half, chicken and 3/4 cup cheese.

In a skillet, heat lemon juice and remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add mushrooms. Saute' until juice cooks off, about 5 minutes.

Drain pasta. Combine with cream mixture. Place half in shallow baking dish. Spread mushrooms over pasta, reserving some for garnish. Add remaining pasta/sauce. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and mushrooms.

Bake at 375 F for 20 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned.

Serves: 4

[jaycee]

Wonderful graphic and excellent music. Today sure sounds like a lot of fun and excitement and I will try to participate when I can. I do have lots to do as yesterday was chilly and windy. I need to work outside...NOT NEED TO, I HAVE TO! I will be checking in sometime though.

I looked at your recipe and can’t wait for more. The one you posted sounds ‘out of this world’. I love everything Italian!

Thanks for your sweet compliment! We had fun and thats what is important! See ya when I can....

[jaycee]

CELEBRATING ITALY
I always thought I would like to visit Venice.

The Hotel Cipriani in the Giudecca section of Venice, Italy. Doesn't that look romantic?