• 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 not be able to… Continue reading

  • GIARDINIERA SMOTHERED CHICKEN THIGHS

    GIARDINIERA SMOTHERED CHICKEN THIGHS

    An unusual combination to wake-up chicken thighs with an interesting slightly vinegary flavor. 16 oz GIARDINIERA or 16oz JAR GIARDINIERA With brine5 TBS EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL2 TBS PARSLEY – chopped1 TB FRESH BASIL – choppedRED PEPPER FLAKES – to taste8 CHICKEN THIGHS – skin-on, bone-inSALT – to tasteFRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER – to taste PREHEAT… Continue reading

  • Caponata: Sicilian Eggplant Salad

    Caponata: Sicilian Eggplant Salad

    1-2 lbs Eggplant – skin on, cut into bitesize cubes4-5 Celery Stalks – roughly chopped, use inner stalks1/2 C. Black Olives – roughly chopped2 Tsp. Sugar – or to taste1/2 C. Capers – rinsed2 Tbsp. Sea Salt1/3 C. Good Italian Olive Oil1 Onion – finely sliced6-8 oz Canned Tomatoes – roughly chopped1/2 C. Green Olives… Continue reading

  • SAUSAGE PAELLA

    SAUSAGE PAELLA

     SAUSAGE PAELLAPaella con Salsiccia Rice dishes are common in Italy and Paella is very similar to Risotto.You will find some of the most delicious Paella in Venezia. ½ CUP OLIVE OIL3 CLOVES GARLIC – minced2 ONIONS – chopped3-4 PEPPERS – yellow, red, orange – chopped2 1/2 – 3 LBS ITALIAN SAUSAGE MEAT1 CUP CHOPPED PANCETTA1 TSP SAFFRON… 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 milk ¼ CUP MASCARPONE CHEESE 2/3 CUP POWDERED SUGAR 1 ½ TSPS GRATED ORANGE ZEST… Continue reading

  • FISH GRILLED IN FOIL

    FISH GRILLED IN FOIL

    Easy, delicious and quick clean-up! 4 SHEETS HEAVY ALUMINUM FOIL 1 LB FRESH FISH – your favorite 2-3 TB BUTTER – plus extra for spreading 1/3 CUP LEMON JUICE 1 TB FRESH BASIL – minced  1 TSP DILL or to taste 1 ONION – thinly sliced PINCH OF GARLIC POWDER SALT and FRESHLY GROUND BLACK… Continue reading

  • It is August Already!

    It is August Already!

    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… Continue reading

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  • ZUCCHINI PIE in a RICE CRUST

    ZUCCHINI PIE in a RICE CRUST

    Of all the things you can make with Zucchini when your garden is overflowing, this is a most interesting one. 1 CUP INSTANT WHITE RICE – uncooked 1 CUP CHICKEN BROTH 1 CUP CHEDDAR CHEESE – shredded 1 EGG – lightly beaten 1/3 CUP MAYONNAISE ½ TSP RED PEPPER FLAKES – or to taste 2… Continue reading

  • Pici and the Sienese Hills

    Pici and the Sienese Hills

    PICI AND THE SIENESE HILLS If you could take a leisurely trip into the enchanted land of the Tuscan Sienesi hills you would find yourself in the midst of some incredible wine country rolling from San Gimignano thru Poggibonsi and all the way to Monterpulciano, Pienza and Chiusa. Not only would you be able to… Continue reading

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  • Sicilian Chicken with Spinach and Olives

    Sicilian Chicken with Spinach and Olives

    All done in one pan so no need to turn the oven on! 1 CAN (14oz) PETITE DICED SEASONED TOMATOES 1 ½ CUPS FROZEN SPINACH – thawed, chopped, drained¼ CUP SICILIAN GREEN OLIVES – sliced1 TBS CAPERS – or to tasteSALT – to season, lightly FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER – to season to tasteGARLIC POWDER – to… Continue reading