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  • A FRESH FIG CAKE

    This all started with a fig tree in Castrofilippo, Sicily. Many, many years ago, my father-in-law, somehow was able to bring a small part of that Sicilian tree back home with him to New York City after a visit there.  It was planted In the back yard at 321 East 48th Street.  Over the years,… Continue reading

  • FERRAGOSTO: ITALY’S FAVORITE SUMMER DAY

    FERRAGOSTO: ITALY’S FAVORITE SUMMER DAY

    AUGUST 15TH IN ITALY…..is quite an experience as our family joyfully witnessed several years ago, when we were visiting our relatives in my most favorite hamlet in Italy, Montefollonico.  However, the story that follows is quite fascinating in the history of this event. Unfortunately, this year August 15th is not a Sunday and we will… Continue reading

  • EGGPLANT MEAT CASSEROLE

    (My Very First Company Meal as a Young Bride) 1 lb. Ground Beef Round6 Italian Mild Pork Sausages – removed from casing3 Tbsp. Butter3  Onions Chopped2 C. Tomato Puree½ tsp. Basil½ tsp. Oregano½ C. Chopped Yellow or Orange Pepper1 tsp. SaltPinch of Freshly Ground Black Pepper1 Clove Garlic – crushed2 Eggplants – large, peeled and… Continue reading

  • LOBSTER OR CRAB QUICHE

    LOBSTER OR CRAB QUICHE

    An elegant quiche satisfyingly filled with chunks of lobster or crab. A great recipe and so well suited for a great brunch or midday meal. 1 Tbsp. Butter – unsalted1 Shallot – minced½ tsp. Curry Powder¼ Fresh Parsley – minced2 Tbsp. Dry Sherry¼ tsp. Nutmeg1 9-in Deep Dish Pastry Shell – baked and cooled slightly1… Continue reading

  • SHEET PAN CHICKEN SOUVLAKI

    SHEET PAN CHICKEN SOUVLAKI

    A quick and delicious dinner. Serves 4 2 pounds skin-on chicken thighs, bones removed 1pound small red potatoes, halved 1teaspoon kosher salt, divided 2tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 11/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 2tablespoons dried oregano 1tablespoon dried basil 1clove garlic, minced 2 medium red or yellow bell peppers, cored, seeded, and sliced into 1/2-inch… Continue reading

  • FRANCESCA AND HER RECIPES

    FRANCESCA AND HER RECIPES

    How fortunate I was when I moved to Erie, PA to have as a wonderful, loving neighbor and friend someone who not only cooked but was an accomplished cook.  Everything Francesca made was neither ordinary nor complicated and always delicious.  Francesca was a doctor, as was her husband, Tony, but when she moved to Erie,… Continue reading

  • CANNOLI NAPOLEONS

    CANNOLI NAPOLEONS

    Something special to do with pizzelles! When making pizzelles my recipe will make around 10 dozen, so I will save a dozen and make this special dessert which is always a big hit. 1 – 15 oz. Container Ricotta – whole milk1 ½ tsp. Grated Orange Zest1/3 C. Chocolate – semisweet6 Tbsp. Chopped Toasted Pistachios… Continue reading

  • UNBELIEVABLY WE ARE MORE THAN HALFWAY THRU THE YEAR!

    UNBELIEVABLY WE ARE MORE THAN HALFWAY THRU THE YEAR!

    August is the 8th month of the year in our calendar and is named after the Roman emperor Augustus. Leo and Virgo are the zodiac signs. It is also National Sandwich Month as it was invented in 1762 by the Earl of Sandwich, hence the name. Summer is the season when the sun shines the… Continue reading

  • PINEAPPLE PIE

    A quick and easy creamy pineapple pie that uses canned fruit and whipped cream creating a rich, sweet filling. 1 9-INCH GRAHAM CRACKER PIE CRUST 1 CAN (14 0Z) SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK 1 CAN (8 OZ) CRUSHED PINEAPPLE – undrained 1/4 CUP LEMON JUICE – freshly squeezed 1 CARTON (8 OZ) FROZEN WHIPPED TOPPING –… Continue reading

  • VIDALIA ONION-RICE CASSEROLE

    We don’t usually associate rice as being an integral part of the South. However rice is an essential part of the South just as sure as grits is and is found in many low-country dishes such as jambalaya and a myriad of casseroles. And then too, is the Vidalia onion. Mix the two together and… Continue reading