What I Buy From DeRomo's Market + My Fancy Pizza Recipe!
I don’t venture to Bonita Springs often but when I do, it is almost always because I’m stopping by DeRomo's Market. This market is a hidden gem located in the predominantly vacant Promenade at Bonita Bay and is filled with authentic Italian pastas, sauces, meats, seafood, cheeses, wine, produce, deli items, bakery, coffee, and more. They also have the best selection of pizzas (whole or by the slice), calzones, sandwiches, soups, etc. that are perfect for lunch or to pick up on the way home for dinner.
So why make the trek to Bonita Springs to shop at this market? Because everything is made by hand, on site, daily! The last time I tasted such authentic pasta was on our honeymoon when we spent a day at a vineyard in Ravenna, Italy. Their prosciutto? Melt in your mouth. Their mozzarella? Made daily by hand in the middle of the market. Their knowledge of wine? Expert to pair the perfect bottle with this evening’s dinner. Their meats and cheeses knowledge? All you need to create a charcuterie board like a pro!
So what do I buy from DeRomo's Market?
Fresh Pasta
Again, the most authentic pasta aside from dining in Italy. The best part? You can make it at home and enjoy while catching up on your favorite TV show. They offer every type of pasta you can imagine but my favorites are gnocchi, cheese stuffed ravioli, fettuccine, and cavatappi!
Marinara Sauce and Pesto Sauce
I top pasta, pizzas, salads, and more with these sauces and they taste straight from the garden. What I love most is that you can tell the freshness of the ingredients used by the fact that they do spoil so plan your meals accordingly because you don’t want to waste a drop of these sauces!
Fresh Mozzarella
Skip the container mozzarella and grab a log or 2 of the mozzarella because chances are it was just made since they make it throughout the day. I use DeRomo's fresh mozzarella in my fancy pizza recipe (see below), for caprese stacks, charcuterie, salads, and even on its own because it is just that darn good!
Micro Greens
I used to sprinkle my fancy pizza with regular size arugula but then I discovered micro greens and I LOVE how tender and flavorful they are! I also love that I don’t have to buy a full size container of arugula and risk wasting it if I don’t have a few salads planned for that week’s meals.
Prosciutto
DeRomo’s Market has THE BEST PROSCIUTTO I have found on this side of the world. I don’t know how or why but the prosciutto is so tender and the flavor is such buttery perfection that it is often hard to not eat the slices before getting them on my fancy pizza. I also love to use their prosciutto in salads or wrapped around cantaloupe wedges, chicken breast, and chunks of mozzarella!
Hostess and House Warming Gifts
DeRomo’s Market has a cute little shop across from the main market where they design beautiful gift baskets but I love going rouge and choosing my own oils, jams, sauces, wines, and more to gift whenever I am invited for dinner somewhere or to welcome someone into their new home! Don’t be afraid to ask for help when DIYing your creation because the staff is SO friendly and often introduce you to a new item that you might have never picked or paired on your own!
Other Miscellaneous Items
While this list could go on and on, I will keep it to just my “I can’t leave without!” items.
Red Pepper Jelly (to pair with a soft cheese and thin crackers)
A Variety of Stuffed Peppers from the Prepared Foods Counter
Canned Rose (Perfect for the beach!)
A Variety of Biscotti + Italian Cookies (All made fresh and great for breakfast when we have guests in town!)
And finally, a slice or two of pizza or a calzone to go!
Fancy Pizza Recipe
This was a Frankenstein creation that turned out delicious and has become a go to for an easy yet delicious dinner!
Ingredients:
1 Frozen Cauliflower Crust (We buy ours from Trader Joes!)
Marinara Sauce
Mozzarella
Pesto Sauce
Prosciutto
Arugula (Micro or Regular)
Instructions:
Bake crust according to directions.
Spread desired amount of marinara sauce over crust.
Add slices of mozzarella.
Cook on top rack for 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted and begins to bubble.
While pizza is in the oven, crisp the prosciutto slices in a pan over medium heat (1-2 minutes per side).
Remove pizza from oven and add prosciutto, drizzle with pesto, and top with arugula!