Month: February 2013

Stay Healthy–Eat Italian

Stay Healthy–Eat Italian

You may have seen the news reports about the Mediterranean diet study just published in the New England Journal of Medicine. People who eat lots of beans, nuts, fish, vegetables and fruits, use extra virgin olive oil and drink wine with meals have a lower 

Oscar Worthy “Moonstruck” Eggs

Oscar Worthy “Moonstruck” Eggs

In anticipation of tomorrow night’s Academy Awards I cooked up some Oscar-worthy eggs this morning. Ever see Norman Jewison’s 1987 movie about a Brooklyn Italian-American family? “Moonstruck” won Oscars for Olympia Dukakis and Cher. There’s a kitchen scene where Dukakis is making these eggs for 

Beef Brisket Roman Jewish Ghetto Style

Beef Brisket Roman Jewish Ghetto Style

When I was in New York City a couple of weeks ago I ducked into a deli for a beef brisket sandwich before heading to the airport to come back home. Unfortunately, the sandwich sucked. I left most of it uneaten on the plate. Back 

Easter Comes Early

Easter Comes Early

Wow, Easter and Passover are early this year. I haven’t even started to think about my traditional food for this spring holiday season. There certainly will be Zeppole di San Giuseppe on the feast day of St. Joseph, March 19. I’ll make my 2 Easter pies, Pastiera Napoletana 

Farro with Tuna & Tomato

Farro with Tuna & Tomato

Farro is the new kitchen darling. A few years ago most people didn’t know anything about this nutty, nutritious ancient grain. I just love it. I usually make cold farro salads of one kind or another. But, here’s a delicious hot dish that you can 

Italian Grilled Cheese

Italian Grilled Cheese

Here’s an Italian twist on the wildly popular grilled cheese sandwich, mozzarella in carozza (mozzarella in a cart). My Dad made this Neapolitan treat when I was a kid and I still make it often. You have to construct the “cart” to carry the mozzarella. I 

Baked Ziti for Valentine’s Day?

Baked Ziti for Valentine’s Day?

Why go out for a “romantic” dinner on Valentine’s Day? The restaurants are crazy busy. Why tolerate the hassle of overbooked places and food pouring out of an overworked kitchen? All you’ll get is agita (heartburn). Don’t go out. Stay home and cook Valentine’s Day 

Fennel & Orange Salad with Oil-Cured Olives

Fennel & Orange Salad with Oil-Cured Olives

I’m hoping for spring. The quince blossoms are in bloom so spring can’t be far away. For me, this classic salad from Sicily is a prelude to the change of seasons. Start or end your meal with this perky salad. The licorice and sweet orange 

Saltimbocca: So Good It Jumps in Your Mouth

Saltimbocca: So Good It Jumps in Your Mouth

I’m in New York City and meeting up with friends. On a brisk, sunny Saturday morning we’re off to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, the true NYC Little Italy. We’ll spend the day cooking together, eating and drinking in northern Jersey. But first we have