I don’t eat a lot of butter and full-fat cheese all too often, but when I do, it sure is glorious! There’s nothing like the rich and succulent ooey gooey goodness that comes with cheesy baked casseroles. Even just a nice little piece is more than satisfying. One of the top recipes I wanted to try in Giada’s new cookbook since getting to meet her, was cheesy baked farro. Of course, who wouldn’t love anything enveloped in cheesy goodness? I also wanted to try my hand at farro for the first time.
I really think farro is one of my new favoritest grains! It is awesome just plain on its own too. Super nutty, chewy and slightly bigger than barley. It cooks fairly fast too with a nice tender chew after about 20-25 minutes of a slow simmer. I could totally imagine this new found grain in a light and refreshing salad, as well as in a porridge concoction for breakfast. Lots of experimenting to do!
*Warning* this recipe is definitely not light and to be savored in moderation with each delicious succulent bite!
I couldn’t find farro in the bins at WholeFoods, but I did find this package which turned out to be the perfect amount for the recipe.
Farro is a grain from ancient Italy that is part of the wheat family. Per 1/4 cup (not cooked): 150 kcals, 1g fat, 32g CHO, 2g fiber, and 6g protein. Nice!
Fontina is definitely my favorite cheese if I had to choose, well it would be a close battle between fontina and goat cheese. It has a wonderfully nutty and smooth flavor. Yes, that’s 4 Tbsp of butta!
We’re going to have lots of leftovers!
In other news, I sold my bike!!! Yay! Actually I was kind of bummed as I saw it drive away in another car 🙁 But now I really have to find a new bike ASAP to get ready for the LiveStrong Century! I hope to continue my indecisive debate during the week and make a decision at least by this weekend, we’ll see 🙂 Thanks for all your help!
farro looks like wheat berries! this meal looks scrumptious! 😀
Comment by coco — April 13, 2010 @ 2:41 am
That does look indulgent! But completely worth the indulgence. Yum!
Comment by Shannon — April 13, 2010 @ 3:25 am
I have wanted to try farro, too! That sounds delicious!
Comment by Jessica @ How Sweet — April 13, 2010 @ 3:46 am
Oh yeah, this looks AMAZING!! I need to buy Giada’s cookbook, although sadly it may be hard for me to make half of the recipes since they mainly have wheat in them 🙁 I hadn’t thought about that. I have never heard of farro, but I see it’s a member of the wheat family, bummer.
Good luck finding a bike. That should be fun!
Comment by The Candid RD — April 13, 2010 @ 4:54 am
I’m so jealous you got to meet Giada, she’s so adorable. I was wavering whether or not to buy her new cookbook. When I was at Costco the other day, I bought the Alice Waters one instead. The recipe you made looks delicious, though.
Comment by Carrie (Love Healthy Living) — April 13, 2010 @ 8:05 am
That looks great. I love cheese which is a bad thing because it is everywhere here. Congrats on the bike selling, now find yourself your dream bike!
Comment by Melinda — April 13, 2010 @ 9:44 am
ohhh i must try farro! i know how you feel about the bike. i was sad when i had to say goodbye. but i love my ride now 🙂 get the cervelo!
Comment by kalli@fitandfortysomething — April 13, 2010 @ 9:48 am
That recipe looked like it turned out great! Love Giada!
Glad you ended up selling your bike!
Comment by Kristen (swanky dietitian) — April 13, 2010 @ 11:57 am
I’m so glad you posted the recipe! I’m no longer AS much so dying for Giada’s cookbook. This is the one recipe I was drooling over and made me NEED the cookbook!
Comment by Nicole, RD — April 13, 2010 @ 1:25 pm
@Nicole, RD,
Oh shoot, I was going back to C&P the recipe and I am mistaken. If you think of it sometime, I’d love to see the whole recipe. I have a good idea based on what I know and what ingredients are in there, but I want to the best! Giada rocks!
Comment by Nicole, RD — April 13, 2010 @ 1:26 pm
That bake looks so good x x
Comment by Tamizn — April 13, 2010 @ 2:20 pm
I’ve seen a few recipes on the Whole Foods website using farro…glad to hear it’s worth a try!
Comment by BroccoliHut — April 13, 2010 @ 3:17 pm
Don’t worry you will have another bike soon! Mummm i <3 anything with cheese in it!
Comment by Sana — April 13, 2010 @ 5:13 pm
Mmmmm this looks amazing. I bet that cheese is sooo good. I would eat it, even though my lactose intolerance would make me regret the decision later. lol.
Comment by Kelly at Local Foodie Fight — April 14, 2010 @ 9:11 am
Congrats on selling your bike! I can’t wait to see what you’ll pick out 🙂
I’ve been wanting to try farro since I saw it on Nicole’s blog, and now I want to try this recipe! I’ll have to look for that package at Whole Food, next time I go. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Comment by Jessie — April 15, 2010 @ 3:38 am
Ah Giada is so gorgeous and I do enjoy her ideas! Great replica on the farro! We made farro in lab last year (semester?) and no one knew what it was! Of course I loved it but then had horrible stomach pains after because of the wheat!
summer is almost here, final projects, final exams, ugh never ending school. hope all is well kristen!
Comment by bhealthier — April 15, 2010 @ 5:25 am
Wow that looks totally yummy. I can definately see me treating Jacob to this… we always love leftovers too! I’ve had farro once before and really liked it.
Comment by Heather @ Get Healthy With Heather — April 15, 2010 @ 6:56 am
I so need to try farro – thank you for reminding me! 🙂 Your casserole looks SO heavenly… *dreamy sigh* I adore fontina cheese too… a little bit of cheese heaven! 🙂
Comment by Astra Libris — April 15, 2010 @ 10:18 am
Yummy! What a creamy delicious dish! Question, I’ve always wondered if farro is a wholegrain?
Either way, it really does sound like it was worth every buttery bite 🙂
Comment by Lara (Thinspired) — April 15, 2010 @ 8:36 pm
Lara, yep it’s part of the wheat family with a fairly good amount of fiber/nutrients and very nutty tasting 🙂
Comment by Kristen :) — April 15, 2010 @ 9:53 pm
haha i totally agree w. you about the not eating fat and butter often..but when you cheat.. it FEELS SO GOOOOD! full fat mac and cheese is my FAV comfort food 🙂
Comment by katie — April 17, 2010 @ 6:53 am