As a kid growing up in a New York Italian–American neighborhood, our family always looked forward to the church bazaars during August and September.
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It is now August, and most of us have consumed our fair share of BBQ. So, in anticipation of weekend dinner guests, I chose to create a summer pasta dish that reminds me of the Amalfi coast with a “twist.”
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As home cooks, we often forget how the use of one herb can alter the flavor and experience of recipes we routinely create. By experimenting with herbs used in different cultures, we can take a chicken piece and transform it by adding herbs indigenous to any given country.
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Please do not be afraid of making the dough. The filling is my Nans recipe, and the dough recipe is an adaptation from Nigella Lawson’s cookbook, and it is foolproof!!.
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It has always been hard for me to start or end my day by eating a muffin. After all, aren’t they cakes labeled as breakfast food? If I were to make these muffins in the shape of a cake, I might have a second slice, but I would never eat two muffins. I remember a time when this was not a conundrum for myself or my friends.
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Recently my husband printed out this recipe and placed it on my desk. I have become accustomed to these tactics, translating to “can you make this for me.” It was shared on Instagram by my relative in Italy, Lucia Bove. When the Bove’s suggest a recipe, you make it. They know good food and dessert.
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There are two nights of the year you won't find me soireeing in my favorite dining establishments. Those two nights would be New Year's Eve and Valentines' Day. I don't particularly appreciate paying for disappointment.
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During the holidays, I received a box of Brigadeiros as a gift from my Brazilian friend. This wonderful fudgy truffle-like confection is a famous chocolate treat in Brazil. How had I not tasted this before?
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Week one of our month-long stay in Italy began on the Amalfi coast in the town of Atrani. The VRBO my husband Richard and I rented was as pictured and described. Villa Rose #5, our one-bedroom apartment, was appointed with all the necessities and delivered a majestic view
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Visually I travel down memory lane through the hills of Tuscany and the medieval town of San Gimignano, southwest of Florence. I find a picture of a pair of red panties hanging outside an apartment window.
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We will be a smaller group for Christmas Eve this year, yes, Covid impacting another holiday. For my psyche and that of our family joining us, I intend to keep the most precious of family traditions.
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The tradition of eating seafood on Christmas Eve was brought to America by Southern Italians in the early 1900s. The custom, derived from Ancient Rome and Catholicism, was intended to abstain from eating meat in anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ.
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My choice of appetizer was the Carrot-Ginger Soup. I dipped my spoon into this pale orange soup topped with maple honey cream. The layering of flavors used to create this soup was different from the ordinary mirepoix (a saute of carrots, celery, onions, and herbs). I needed this soup in my life.
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In my opinion, Saturday afternoons lend themselves to strolling with my husband through an artsy town, coffee in hand, exploring the non-mainstream. It is said that you come across the most unique things when you’re not looking.
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It is was a cold October evening, the first real chill of the season. I turned on the fireplace and truly wanted to plop on the couch with a glass of wine. Then, reality hit. It was five-thirty, time to prepare dinner. I could have been happy with a few slices of aged Manchego and crackers, but that's not the general consensus around here.
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During the shut-down due to COVID 19 this Spring, yeast was nearly impossible to obtain. While most people pursued toilet tissue and other household basics, yeast and flour became my obsession. I decided the pandemic was the ideal time to hone my dough making skills or lack thereof. Apparently, with most of the country on lock-down sharing the same sentiment, there was no yeast to be found on supermarket shelves or on the internet.
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Breakfast enjoyed al fresco, provided both healthy and traditional options. When at home, its generally a protein shake for me. At the Emerson Resort & Spa, I chose the baked oatmeal accompanied by Greek yogurt and fresh berries, and it wowed me! I immediately asked the waitress if she thought Chef would provide me with the recipe to share with my readers.
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For most, Labor Day weekend signifies the end of summer. I will fight the impulse to eat indoors, put “real” shoes on, or wear long pants until frost!
This year we are invited to parties on both Sunday and Monday. When I’m not hosting, I am more than happy to help my host or hostess with an appetizer, dessert, or side dish.
Summer yields quite a display of eggplant varietals. When grilling, my favorite is White Eggplant. When cooked, it is creamy, mild and imparts a slightly sweet flavor. Sicilian eggplant is a light shade of purple with some stripes of white and is similar in taste and texture to the white.
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Today I am sharing with you a salad that is perfect for lunch or appetizer or dinner on a hot summer day or night. My husband and I enjoy this salad with a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc and for dessert, a slice of my homemade Peach Yogurt loaf, recipe on the blog.
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