Tuna Stuffed Roasted Pepper Roll-Ups (Peperoni Ripieni con Tonno)

Tuna Stuffed Roasted Pepper Roll-Ups (Peperoni Ripieni con Tonno)

This is getting to be a habit. Another gathering of friends and another request to bring an appetizer. “No meat and no cheese please, and make sure the appetizer is “finger food.” OK, I’ll take the challenge. I’ve been thinking about these stuffed pepper roll-ups 

Una Pizza Napoletana’s Mangieri Back in the News

Una Pizza Napoletana’s Mangieri Back in the News

I’ve been following Anthony Mangieri for years on both coasts. Actually I’ve been following his pizza. The guy had a reputation for making pizza Napoletano, pizza as made in Naples where it all started, my personal favorite. Some even said that Anthony’s pizza was better 

Pasta with Broccoli & Garlic

Pasta with Broccoli & Garlic

My friend Susan called from Jersey and the subject of her renowned cavatelli with broccoli came up during our conversation. Actually, we talked about “gavadeal” and broccoli, as cavatelli is known in the Jersey southern Italian-American argot. The broccoli in my fridge had to be 

Fried Fritters (Pasta Cresciuta)

Fried Fritters (Pasta Cresciuta)

Frying is an important Neapolitan cooking technique practiced by generations of southern Italian-Americans. One of my fans wrote that he continues his wife’s grandmother’s Christmas tradition by making savory fried fritters with an anchovy filet in the middle for the family to enjoy every year. 

Year of Italian Culture in America

Year of Italian Culture in America

2013 is the Year of Italian Culture in America, a campaign by Italy’s Foreign Minister to create renewed buzz and help Americans learn more about Italia. Events are planned throughout the U.S. San Francisco will play a leading role in the festivities. I can’t wait for spring 

Spaghetti Squash with Sage and Garlic

Spaghetti Squash with Sage and Garlic

A friend suggested a winter squash as a side for my New Year’s Eve veal roast stuffed with spinach. Spaghetti squash was a perfect choice. The yellow spaghetti squash balanced the colors on the plate. The slightly sweet squash accented by mild sage and garlic infused 

Veal Roast with Spinach Stuffing

Veal Roast with Spinach Stuffing

North Beach’s Little City Meats was an inspiration for my New Year’s Eve dinner. A boneless leg of veal caught my eye. Mike trimmed it up for me to make a stuffed roast. This is a butterflied roast. Lay it down flat, spread on a 

Celebration Crab Salad on My New Year’s Eve Menu

Celebration Crab Salad on My New Year’s Eve Menu

San Franciscans love dungeness crab this time of year. The crabs are big and meaty this season. I’m making a celebratory dungeness salad with celery and shallot, EVOO and Meyer lemon. The lemon perks up the briny sweetness of the crab bathed in mellow olive 

A Lucky New Year’s Eve Dish

A Lucky New Year’s Eve Dish

Just back from Christmas with friends and family in Jersey. Now it’s time to plan my New Year’s Eve menu. I’ll share this year’s menu when I’m done. In the meantime, here are a couple of classic dishes to get you started with your planning. I 

Christmas Eve Seven Fish Feast

Christmas Eve Seven Fish Feast

Cena di Vigilia (Christmas Eve meal) is a Neapolitan tradition. I’m cooking with my friend Susan in her New Jersey kitchen. Along with her brother Joe, we’ll prepare our Christmas Eve Seven Fish Dinner for 20 friends. I’ll miss the dungeness crab this year. The 

Neapolitan Christmas Salad

Neapolitan Christmas Salad

I just love this classic Neapolitan Christmas Salad, insalata di rinforza, in Italian. Insalata di rinforza translates into Reinforced Salad. How did such an important part of the Christmas table get such a silly name? Here’s the tale. Giardiniera, vegetables stored in a vinegar bath, 

Holiday Lunch at My House

Holiday Lunch at My House

It’s a Jersey Christmas this year. I’m cooking a Seven Fish Dinner on Christmas Eve with friends. Christmas Day is with my sister Rose’s branch of the family. We’ll be 3 generations in the kitchen. My office-mates convinced me to cook for them before I 

Holiday Sausage @ Little City Meats

Holiday Sausage @ Little City Meats

I was excited when I walked into North Beach’s Little City Meats this morning. The Christmas sausage stuffed with pork, fennel, imported provolone and basil was in. Run, don’t walk. Get some before they’re all gone. I absolutely love these holiday sausages and can’t wait for 

Strufolli (Holiday Honey Balls)

Strufolli (Holiday Honey Balls)

It wouldn’t be Christmas in a Neapolitan house without struffoli, little round fritters bathed in a boiling honey glaze and then topped with colorful sprinkles. The little marbles are crispy outside with a nutty flavor sweetened by the honey. The inside is light and airy. 

Pignoli Cookies

Pignoli Cookies

Want an easy and sweet treat for your holiday table? Bake some almond cookies topped with pine nuts. We always have a stash of pignoli cookies for our Christmas table. You can make them in less than an hour. A fan asked for this recipe.