Tag: vegetables

Asparagus Frittata–Spring Has Sprung

Asparagus Frittata–Spring Has Sprung

Spring is taking hold so I thought I’d make something to celebrate, an egg pie with tender, thin asparagus. Actually “La Squadra”, is gathering at my house for lunch. My Rome and Naples traveling companions and I need to finish planning our final week in Campania 

Spaghetti all’Amatriciana

Spaghetti all’Amatriciana

Here’s one of my favorite spaghetti sauces that’s ready in the time it takes to cook the spaghetti. The recipe comes from the the small hill town of Amatrice in the Sabine Hills northeast of Rome. You see spaghetti all’Amatriciana in all the trattorie in 

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 

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 

Eggplant Rollatini

Eggplant Rollatini

You know how much I love eggplant and this is one of my favorite dishes. On my restaurant’s menu in the 80s, Eggplant Rollatini was a popular main dish. I ate it often at the end of the evening service. Make the marinara sauce, fry 

Green Bean & Red Onion Salad

Green Bean & Red Onion Salad

Add this recipe to your list of dishes that you can have on your table in less than 30 minutes. It’s healthy and delicious. I love the simple taste of green beans drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt and a 

Orecchiette with Cauliflower & Anchovy

Orecchiette with Cauliflower & Anchovy

April Bloomfield just bought North Beach’s iconic Tosca Cafe on Columbus and will soon be serving her food there. She has a cult following at her restaurant The Spotted Pig in NYC’s Greenwich Village. I wondered what was in store for us when she arrives here 

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 

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 

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 

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, 

Roasted Turkey & All The Fixings

Roasted Turkey & All The Fixings

Still undecided about your Thanksgiving dinner? Try my recipes for Roasted Turkey scented with rosemary, sage, lemon and garlic, chestnut/sausage stuffing and easy pan gravy. While the oven is hot, add brussels sprouts roasted with pine nuts and parmigiano and butternut squash roasted with honey 

Butternut Squash Roasted with Honey and Sage

Butternut Squash Roasted with Honey and Sage

I love butternut squash and make it often, especially in the fall. A favorite is roasted butternut squash lightly flavored with honey and sage. You can have this dish on your table in less than 30 minutes. The hardest part is cutting and peeling the 

Roasted Brussels Sprouts for Your Thanksgiving Table

Roasted Brussels Sprouts for Your Thanksgiving Table

I’m not cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year but I will be bringing some vegetables to add to my friend’s table. I know, you either love or hate brussels sprouts. I happen to love these crispy little orbs and I hope you will too. Coat the 

Braised Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Braised Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage stuffed with rice and flavorful browned ground beef braised in San Marzano tomatoes is a comfort food that helps me transition to early fall. I don’t give up late summer easily. Stuffed cabbage is easy to prepare and packs a ton of texture and