Veal Marsala

Veal Marsala was one of the first fancy veal dishes that I added to my repertoire of “company worthy meals” as a young, home cook. It scared me at first, and I’m not sure why. Maybe it was the Marsala wine that seemed exotic to me at the time. Now, I consider this a very … Continue reading →

Peppers and Eggs Sandwiches

Since we’re on the topic of delicious sweet peppers (last week’s blog), I simply had to blog my favorite sandwich of all-time. I don’t even know where to start with this “love of my life” sandwich. It all began when I was a young girl, maybe eight years old or so. In the summer, my … Continue reading →

Sausage and Peppers

Who doesn’t love a big, greasy sausage and peppers sandwich on an Italian roll? Well, me for one.   While others sigh as they bite into an oil-soaked, crusty roll, making sure they get a piece of sausage and some peppers and onions in each bite, I look on in wonderment. How many sausage and peppers … Continue reading →

Penne with Tomatoes and Balsamic Vinegar

Who would think to combine rosemary and balsamic vinegar, together with tomatoes, garlic and olive oil, to create a lusciously light and simple sauce to put over penne or any other short tubular pasta? Marcella Hazan, the “Mother of Italian Cooking” sure did. I’m so glad she did, as this is one of my favorite … Continue reading →

Ann & Bev’s (Noodle) Pastiera

If you were to look up “pastiera” in any Italian cookbook, the recipe would most likely be translated as “ricotta and grain pie.” But if there is one thing I’ve learned about Italian cooking, it’s that these names vary from family to family.   In my long- time, dear friend’s family, “pastiera” meant something completely different.   … Continue reading →

Alberto’s Barbecued Chicken (Italian Style)

A few weeks ago I shared Sandy’s Barbecue Sauce with you, and I hope you’ve tried it by now. I would be remiss if I didn’t give equal time to my husband’s barbecued chicken. Of course, it’s Italian style. Why would it not be? He just has to turn everything, even something as American as … Continue reading →

Spaghetti al Limone

The temperatures are finally warming up here in New Jersey, and I, for one, have had all the heavy, winter Sunday dinners that I can bear. So what did I do the first Sunday that it hit 80 degrees? I brought out the lemons and made one of my favorite, light pasta dishes of all … Continue reading →

Frittata

I love to just say the word “frittata.” It has such a lyrical sound. Such a beautiful word for a dish made up of eggs and potatoes and vegetables.   The combination of ingredients is endless.    Of course, everyone has a favorite choice of possibilities.   I have so many combinations that delight my palate, but I … Continue reading →

Mom’s Pizza

Homemade pizza is really so simple. Every time I make it, I wonder why I don’t do it more often. I guess it’s because I’m always cooking for a crowd when I make pizza, but if you’re only going to make a pie or two, it’s quite easy.  Any Italian bakery will provide excellent dough, … Continue reading →

Orecchiete with Broccoli rabe and Sausage

Even though this dish is traditionally from the Puglia region of Italy, and this is the region where my father’s family originated, I have no memories of anyone on this side of the family ever making this dish.  Even the pasta shape, orecchiette, is a home-made pasta typical of this region.  I’m sure you already know … Continue reading →