Yay, it’s almost Friiiiiddaaay! I cannot wait for the weekend! 
For dinner this evening, I tried one of Giada’s recipes: Pasta Ponza. I actually think it was the first time I’ve ever made one of her recipes. I realize that some people think Giada’s a bit annoying, but I’m a fan so far– at least of her recipes! 
As always, I made a bunch of changes to the recipe:
- I nixed the capers and parsley.
- I added broccoli florets, scallions, and arugula.
- I used whole wheat penne instead of ziti.
- I used a blend of Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago instead of Pecorino Romano.
Ok, so I’m curious what you guys think. With all of the changes that I made to this recipe, is it still considered Giada’s or is it my own recipe brainchild? Isn’t there a rule about changing at least 3 ingredients? What makes a recipe your own?
I really enjoyed this meal, but the next time I make it, I’ll definitely add more breadcrumbs. The bread-y texture + bold cheese flavors were outstanding– I just wanted more of it coating my penne and roasted veggies!
For dessert, I’m planning to break into a bag of Peanut Butter & Milk Chocolate Morsels. They’re currently “chilling” in the refrigerator. I swear, there’s no other way to eat ‘em!
For the record, I snacked on a zillion crackers before dinner this evening. I was a bottomless pit today! This photo only shows the final few crackers that I finished off. Oh, well. At least I got some fiber and whole grains in my diet today!
Mal and I have The Lovely Bones on DVD to watch this evening. I LOVED the book, so let’s hope the movie isn’t a letdown like The Time Traveler’s Wife. Has there ever been a movie that’s better than the book?!?
Good night, blog friends! 
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Bad news, movie sucks
doesn’t capture the darkness of the book. Btw I would kill for giada’s voice and boobs!
Sounds like it has officially become your recipe! I’m sure yours tops Giada’s by far!
I have the same movie & the same hope. I look forward to seeing what you think about it.
I’d say it’s yours now that you’ve changed so much about it! I love Giada! My mom makes me her recipes whenever I visit. They’re so good!
Giada’s rose pots de creme = AMAZING!!!
Have you ever tried your yummy chocolate chips in the freezer? To me, that’s even better.
Looove Giada! I say it’s inspired by hers, but ultimately your own!
The Bourne movies kicked those book’s butts, but that may be the only example I can think of…
The jury’s still out on Giada–I like her in theory (holy olive oil and balsamic muffins!!!!!), but then she’s a little fussy for my taste. And it bugs me when her husband and his guy friends go cycling and she stays home and cooks for them. Seriously, girl? As for your recipe, I might say it’s “inspired by Giada”, but definitely a Tina original.
That’s YOUR recipe Sweetpea!
I mean you basically changed the whole concept!
Your recipe was HEALTHY!
I am sure SHE adapted her version of the recipe from someone…don’t you think!?
I just love a big ole bunch of green veggies to HEALTHY up a dish!
ANd the breadcrumbs sound perfect!
Good for you!
Wish I had this to whip up for my hub tonight!
He’s getting an egg frittata made with anything I can find in the fridge!
But I do think it will be yum!
Thanks for admitting that you ate all those crackers before dinner! ;o)
xo
Ive totally heard the 3 ingredient thing about a recipe and that’s what I follow. Seriously, if you change three ingredients.. that’s a lot and now you’re own recipe
I’m sad you didn’t like the Time Travelers Wife!! I loved the movie, but I didn’t read the book — so maybe then I would understand!
I didn’t like the Lovely Bones. I didn’t read the book either but the group I went with did and didn;’t care for it either.
I would say that you could make it your own recipe since you changed so much. I agree with you about Giada, though. I have nearly all of her cookbooks and watch her show. I’ve never made a recipe by her (and I have made many) that did not turn out well.
Personally, I thought the Lord of the Rings movies were better than the books. The books were just about the heroes traveling, and traveling some more, and then they were at war, and the army moved here and the other army moved there and meanwhile the heroes were /still/ traveling…yeah. I’m sure it was stimulating if you’re the type who likes military history and all, but the movies went faster and looked prettier.
Giada’s kind of creepy in my opinion. She’s ALWAYS smiling in such a fake way. A lot like Paula Dean…
I just watched that episode yesterday! It looked scrumptious – so does your though. It seems to me you changed most of her ingredients so I would rename it and call it your own…
I thought the movie was long and drawn out, but the exciting parts (like in the den and in the guy`s house) were very suspenseful. I was on the edge of my seat even though I knew what was coming.
Too bad the suspense was few and far between
Giada isn’t annoying she is a beautiful creator of deliciousness! I recently just finished the book Shutter Island and then watched the movie. Eh, entertaining but as you said, nothing ever compares to the book!!
I have always been under the impression that measurements are never copywrited…only the directions (ie specific phrasing etc). So I’d say this one is yours sista! Nice work
As I’ve been going through the cooking magazines in my kitchen and seeing all of the delicious combinations of food and amazing recipes it made me wonder how people come up with things “on their own” without using someone else’s idea as their inspiration. I’m interested in hearing what the “verdict” is too!
When I was in my dietetic internship, we were told that if you change only one ingredient in a recipe, the recipe is yours!
this looks delicious..we have been wanting to make this too! needs more noodles in there though!
p.s. i say you have made enough changes to the recipe to call it your own. i like giada too (except when she says mozzarella as if she has a strong italiano accent ahha)
I love Giada and have 3 of her cookbooks. All her recipes are amazing! We’ve been wanting to try this particular one for a while, I’m glad you liked it! By the way, I think you can definitely call the recipe your own with all those changes!
I like Giada, cooking but I have yet to try one of her recpies. I came across this and as soon as I saw it I thought of you
http://www.healthyfoodforliving.com/?p=8826
I’ve always wondered about that ingredient rule!! I mean isn’t the recipe for chocolate chips cookies printed in about half a million cookbooks?!?!
I keep all of my baking chips and nuts in the freezer. The main idea is to keep them fresh longer, but you’re right…a handful of ice cold chocolate chips is the best!!
How about Princess Bride? The book is awesome, but I think the movie is even better. Let us know what you come up with regarding the recipe. I never know if I am original or not.
Peanut butter and chocolate morsels?? It is so deeply unfair that you get food like that in America! Gah!
I’d say that it’s more like you’re using other recipes for a general gist/inspiration, but the end result is really quite your own…
The only movie I have seen that is better than the book is “What Dreams May Come” with Robin Williams. It reminds me of the premise of Lovely Bones but the movie is so much better than the book.
The recipe thing is a blurry line because aren’t all recipes pretty much adaptations of other recipes?? I’m not sure but am curious what everyone thinks. I like Giada!
I loveee Giada – she’s seriously my culinary idol!! That recipe looks yum – love the colors.
I’m curious to know what you think of the movie. I didn’t read the book, but I thought the movie was so so so scary — I’m a wimp, but OMG!
A Walk to Remember – the movie is WAAAAY better than the book! That’s the only time a movie has ever been better: I’ve been researching!
I wonder the same thing about recipes, because I always change a few things depending on my taste and what I have on hand. I love Giada’s recipes! That one looks awesome, I love pasta mixed with lots of veggies, it makes it much more filling.
I love, love, LOVE Giada. LOVE. Words cannot express! Lol!
I love Giada! I think her little Italian-y words are cute. Probably because half my family talks that way, but still!
I think at that point you can just say the recipe was inspired by her but it’s yours.
I LOVED the Lovely Bones. I did read the book a good couple of years before watching the movie, but overall I think they covered everything and I really liked the way they portrayed Susie.
my cousin used to be the food editor for bon appetit, and she told me the same thing about changing and authorship. it’s yours, baby!
Chocolate morsel chips are THE best dessert snack!
I would classify that as “your own recipe, inspired by Giada.” Is that avoiding the question? Haha.
I really like Giada, she is so enthusiastic about food and I like her travelling programmes! She also has an amazing body, she must follow a good healthy balanced lifestyle.
With your modifications that recipe sounds delicious! Have you ever tried her recipe for Lasagna Rolls? They’re so good, but better with fresh spinach.
I love Giada’s recipes, her love for cooking and entertaining really shines through.
As for movies and books. I think the movie Girl Interrupted is far better then the book. Devil Wears Prada I think the movie is better, except for Andy’s friends in the movie are much less interesting and far more annoying to me.
Giada always has such delicious recipes.
It’s tricky trying to figure out who “owns” the recipe. Usually if I tweak a recipe a lot, I’ll just say something like “inspired by” so and so. Because I feel they deserve the credit for that, even though there was some major tweaking going on.
It looks amazing, by the way!
I absolutely ADORE Giada! I’ve made several of her recipes and have been happy with every single one. =D I also find her to be one of the most adorable creatures ever, haha.
I have yet to see “The Lovely Bones”, due to the fact that I wanted to read the book first, which I have failed to do. Maybe there’s a goal hidden somewhere in my weekend to crack open the book and get some sun.
…It is decided. Thanks for reminding me.
Chocolate in the Freezer= Heaven
I have to recommend a great dessert. Make “no pudge fudge” I am sure you have heard of these non-fat brownies, but I always Dr. them and add almond extract and instant espresso (great flavor and virtually no calories). Then freeze them, you can enjoy the cold but chewy texture slowly.
Ps. The Lovely Bones Movie- Awful for me. Possibly because it was such a heavy topic, and such a long movie.
Can’t wait to hear about The Lovely Bones. I loved that book too! I also loved Time Traveler’s Wife, but am scared to see the movie since I’ve heard so many negative reviews…
PS- I think the recipe is now a c ‘n c original
I did a bunch of research on this topic and here is what I do:
http://www.honormyhealth.com/2010/04/14/recipes-a-legal-vs-ethical-debate/
I took a food writing class and yes, technically 3 changes make the recipe your own. However, our instructor told us, “You know if the recipe is really your own…” So I think that you have to weigh how much you invented the idea yourself and how much you borrowed from another person. Don’t want to spoil your reputation, you know!?
I feel the recipe would probably be Giada’s, because it was her idea in a book in the beginning. BUT who cares Tina…your’s looked great and I really liked your changes WAY better! Enjoy!
P.S. how were those chips?….he he!
The lord of the rings movies are better imo because the books are SOOOOO long and the movies are more action packed.
Another movie that was better than the book is Stardust. They did change the story a bit, but again, they took a fairly boring book and made a fun movie.
I think Giada is adorable – and my boyfriend doesn’t mind watching her either…but I’m thinking that’s because she’s also gorgeous.
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