A deliciously uncomplicated dish to make with just the right amount of spice and heat to add excitement to a simple meal. 2 tsp. Cornstarch2 Tbsp. Light Brown Sugar1 tsp. Rice Vinegar1 tsp. Garlic Powder4-5 Chinese Eggplants – about 5 lbs total4 Scallions – thinly slicedSalt & Pepper2 tsp. Soy Sauce – low sodium only1 Tbsp. Hoisin… Continue reading

Fresh shrimp is pan-fried with a zesty, spicy, garlic, tasty sauce and served over rice or noodles in a quick and easy recipe. SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS: 1 ¼ POUNDS JUMBO SHRIMP, PEELED AND DEVEINED – tails on or off3 TABLESPOONS SALTED BUTTER – divided and more if needed1 LARGE CLOVE FRESH GARLIC – minced or more to taste1 SERRANO PEPPER, ABOUT ¼ CUP – sliced, seeds removed… Continue reading

Bucatini, also known as Perciatelli, are a thick spaghetti-like pasta with a hole running through the center. 1 lb. Bucatini2 Garlic Cloves – diced1/2 tsp. Dried Chili Flakes1 Can (28 oz) Crushed Tomatoes1 Bunch Basil – tornCaciocavallo or Romano – grated4 Tbsp. Olive Oil1/2 C. Onion – chopped4 oz. Prosciutto – chopped1 Bunch Fresh Parsley… Continue reading

(In our house better known as the Feast Day of the 3 Kings and Little Christmas) January 6th is known as the Epiphany across many parts of the world, but for Italian children its main significance is the celebration known as “La Befana”. Traditionally, this is the day that an elderly, witchlike woman visits houses,… Continue reading

2 lbs Potatoes – mixed – 1 lb sweet and 1 lb russet1 Egg2 C. All Purpose FlourFreshly Grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese – for servingSea Salt or Kosher Salt to taste Put the potatoes in a pot of salted water with enough water to cover them fully and bring to a boil over high… Continue reading

1 lb. Ricotta – whole milk, drained3 Eggs – large 3 Cups Presto Flour3 Tbsp. Sugar 2 tsp. Baking PowderPinch of SaltHot Vegetable Oil – for fryingPowdered Sugar – for dusting This is a type of Sicilian fritter very similar to Zeppole. Mix ricotta, eggs, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt all together in a… Continue reading

Here’s to New Beginnings. As We Ring out the Old and Ring in the New, May Love and Laughter fill your year And May the New Year Bless You and  Those You Hold Dear,  With Peace, Joy, Health and Happiness. Anita, Charlie The Entire Augello Family Continue reading

Ever give any thought to how the Christmas season was orchestrated in Italy! Gift giving was always a big deal for Italians—something many still enjoy during the holiday season. But they also exchanged little New Year’s gifts called strenae, a term still occasionally used in Italy, though it feels a bit old-fashioned. These gifts were simple,… Continue reading

At Christmas….our hearts growtender with childhoodmemories and loveof kindred, and weare better throughoutthe year for havingthe spirit to becomea child again,at Christmastime! Laura Ingalls wilder CHRISTMAS PLATES Eons ago when our children were young, I would make Christmas plates that we would use at Christmas time and always for Christmas morning breakfast. As the years… Continue reading

No matter where you live or how old you are, at this season Christmases from the past come to mind and have different meanings for each of us. For me it is mostly about food and aromas. We were a family of extremely modest means.  We always had a tree and there were always presents underneath.… Continue reading