tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15658048640451674062026-06-09T02:42:30.996-04:00Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.comBlogger2784125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-38210918373759989872026-05-09T16:39:00.002-04:002026-05-09T16:39:11.549-04:00

I've been away from this blog for so long, and I am sorry.I have just returned from Seville, Spain, where I enjoyed 2 weeks of culinary delights in a Hacienda with Stirred Travel.        I'm headed to the Veneto in a few weeks with the same group to continue to sharpen my cooking skills.Upon my return, I catered a party in my town at J. McLaughlin clothing store (which I

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-41405240972500094212026-03-31T07:00:00.002-04:002026-03-31T09:19:15.899-04:00

Another delicious cake for the books........This cake came out so moist and delicious.  Who doesn't love a citrus cake?  (I'm sure there is someone out there).Just a few ingredients all pulsed in a food processor and voila!  You have a gorgeous cake.You are using a whole orange, rind and all, just make sure you remove the pits.Of course I glazed it with blood orange icing,

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-23288874556655149352026-03-25T09:34:00.003-04:002026-03-25T10:03:07.686-04:00

Growing up in New Jersey, I had a lot of Italian American friends (still do!!).   Their mothers were the BEST cooks and I couldn't wait to go their homes after school to see what was cooking.Most of them were Southern Italians and served Torta Rustica for Easter, however, every once in a while this Torta Pasqualina would make its way into my belly.........it hails from Liguria.Of course

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-46908139757478782162026-02-19T19:59:00.003-05:002026-02-19T19:59:27.069-05:00

This recipe has "me" written all over it.   Agrodolce.   Sweet & Sour.Anchovies, capers, raisins......my favorite flavor profile.  I must've been Sicilian in a former life.Here, I roasted butternut squash with kosher salt, pimenton & olive oil at 400F for about 25 minutes (flip after 15 minutes) on a parchment lined sheet pan.While the squash is roasting, make

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-44833311529943025902026-01-12T10:16:00.001-05:002026-01-25T12:14:57.422-05:00

I spend way too much time on instagram.   Posting and looking at feed.   One would say I am addicted.But scrolling has its advantages.   I find great recipes and content and love oversharing.This weekend I saw Bianca from Brooklyn's post about Entenmann's Chocolate Chip Crumb Loaf.It brought back memories of my father bringing home that white box with the blue

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-87261862140401529192026-01-02T15:48:00.008-05:002026-01-03T11:05:54.285-05:00

Growing up in NJ has its perks.    We are close to NYC and the beautiful Jersey coastline.  We have great Italian restaurants and fabulous pizza......(by all means, chime in if you feel that I am missing something!).Growing up with Italian American friends also had its perks.  I thought I was Italian. Adapting to their customs like "The Feast of Seven Fishes"

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-15446787554595520792025-12-15T13:00:00.001-05:002025-12-15T15:21:53.818-05:00

Fennel (aka Anise) is so delicious and I crave it all winter long.   It is wonderful roasted with breadcrumbs and cheese, or just sliced on a mandolin with oranges and olives.  I throw it in my chicken soup and it gives it the best flavor.   It is a healthy veg, high in potassium, fiber and vitamins......supposed to be good for digestive health and lowering

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-41454589761753514772025-12-07T20:34:00.004-05:002025-12-09T21:06:07.151-05:00

Cooking and Eating (and drinking!).....it seems that is all I do lately!I've been to 7 countries in 2025!......all with groups of like minded men and women who love to cook, drink good wine, learn about different cuisines and just enjoy life.Last week I had the privilege of spending a few glorious days in the beautiful city of Turin (Torino) with Mimi Thorisson to celebrate the launch of her new

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-83799639722937917082025-11-06T09:50:00.004-05:002025-11-19T09:58:32.653-05:00

For those of you who have been following me since the inception of this blog (2008) know my love for Paris is real.I go at least once a year, and though my French is terrible, I have made it my second home in a way.I know the city pretty well by now, and have made long lasting relationships and friends, so I feel very comfortable traveling solo.I rent an apartment each year, usually the same one

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-22792092987023838852025-10-06T08:56:00.001-04:002025-10-06T08:56:12.769-04:00

This cake is a winner, but all of my upside down cakes are!   (Nothing like being overly confident!).I am not an expert on pears, but I recommend using Bosc pears for this cake.  They hold up nicely in the baking, and stay sweet and firm and are a good small size.I will be making this again for the holidays since it is so pretty and so damn good!   Pears are just pretty,

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-74611108030178951272025-09-24T12:45:00.002-04:002025-09-24T15:15:10.582-04:00

This may not appeal to many of you, but will you trust me?    These are DELICIOUS!   We loved them better than my salmon cakes if that is possible!This is a weeknight meal that will save you.  Kids love them too.I use this brand of tuna called Genova Tonno.    Not made in Italy, but the name makes you think that it is.......I had the opportunity to try a new

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-83645221337089888892025-09-14T09:36:00.002-04:002025-09-15T08:47:03.801-04:00

Here we are again.  Another September filled with my beloved FIGS!I think I eat them everyday in my yogurt......with fresh mozzarella for lunch and I make as many fig cakes and tarts as humanly possible while they last.The deer are eating most of my figs from my tree this season, so I have been buying them at Whole Foods and they've been scrumptious.  If you have a bunch of fresh

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-44922901976701858892025-08-14T10:09:00.003-04:002025-08-14T10:26:06.499-04:00

I think I have eaten this combo at least 3x a week during peach season.Local peaches have been the BEST this summer, and I am happy about it.Paired with tomatoes and mozzarella is a good thing, but this salad is even better.This is an August thing, when the days are hot and sticky and you only want to eat local produce with very little fuss.Here's how:Slice up some peaches and shallots in a bowl

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-59029272304356632132025-07-22T09:33:00.004-04:002025-07-22T09:39:08.445-04:00

Why have I never thought of this before???? I make Salade Nicoise often, with green beans, potatoes, tuna and olives, it's one of my favorite summer salads.Here, I swapped pasta in for the potatoes to make a perfect summer party dish.I used special Ventresca Tuna that brought back from Portugal.   Ventresca is the belly of the tuna, rich and fattier, no mayo is ever needed. 

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-13748469674049177182025-06-09T07:00:00.000-04:002025-06-09T07:00:00.115-04:00

I love using fresh herbs in baked goods........basil, rosemary, thyme.......they give something special to sweets.Here, I made a lemon basil loaf cake and garnished with fresh roses from my garden.I grow 6 different varieties of basil in the garden, all in pots.This is a super MOIST cake and pretty too!It is one of my best!Here is how I made it, I hope you try it.  xoLemon Basil Loaf:1 cup

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-87062303778183031172025-06-02T09:09:00.001-04:002025-06-02T09:09:00.125-04:00

On a recent trip to Italy, I ate VIGNAROLA.     I had never heard of this spring vegetable dish before, but I was hooked.I had it in Abruzzo as well as Rome, and it is very popular in osterias, family owned restaurants serving regional cuisine.Artichokes and fava beans at almost every meal, since they were bursting and showy at the markets.Italians eat what is in season.So what

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-33028909835233674052025-05-21T16:32:00.002-04:002025-05-21T16:32:09.611-04:00

Since coming back from Spain I have had so many great recipes on the brain.(I was also in Abruzzo and Rome last week!!!....more on that later).Romesco sauce is that luscious Spanish sauce made from roasted red bell peppers and sometimes tomatoes, nuts and bread.I pair it with asparagus as well as with fish.   It is simple to make in the food processor and is also great spread on

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-20368344023421475372025-04-24T18:43:00.014-04:002025-08-14T09:15:33.898-04:00

I have just returned from the most magical trip to Madrid and Andalusia with Stirred Travel.   My 3rd trip with this 5 star luxury culinary travel company.I am still on Cloud 9 from the experience and have Spain on the brain.   We stayed in an historic Hacienda with hundreds of lush acres of olive & almond trees......used olive oil from the estate and cooked everything

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-62097763845098205842025-04-02T17:23:00.002-04:002025-04-02T17:23:57.292-04:00

While there is still a chill in the air, I thought I would give you a quick dinner recipe.There's not much too this.....but it's oh so good!You are dumping everything onto a sheet pan and adding in your favorite seasonings and some olive oil, kosher salt & pepper.   That's it.I threw in some fresh sage at the end, because I had it.Make this before the warm weather hits.Here is

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-21425949068367520332025-03-24T07:00:00.001-04:002025-03-24T08:39:26.144-04:00

This is one of those quick weeknight meals that really saves you. There are so many variations of this recipe, using all different spices.The basic ingredients here are chicken and onions.   Don't try and get all fancy by adding peppers or tomatoes.  Not necessary.   I will allow poetic license when it comes to the spice blend.I will not, however, allow using chicken

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-83320537891717213542025-03-10T07:00:00.000-04:002025-03-10T07:00:00.230-04:00

Grapes are my go to all winter long.   I roast them on a tray along with carrots (throw on the last 5 minutes of cooking)......roast them with butternut squash (so good!) and use them in desserts.    They are a wonderful surprise!Here, I created this FABULOUS ricotta cake using grapes and fresh rosemary.   Don't skip the rosemary, it makes this cake special.Ricotta

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-65774842039505626382025-03-03T07:00:00.001-05:002025-03-03T20:18:36.060-05:00

                                                 I love these easy weeknight pantry meals.   Just open your cupboard and use what you have!Here, I made that delicious arugula pesto, fried up some canned artichoke hearts (THE BEST!), and served them over a can of

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-67146650495258882522025-02-10T07:00:00.001-05:002025-02-13T12:58:11.631-05:00

I'm always searching for that perfect carrot cake.......it hasn't happened yet, but this one is pretty close.I love this one because it has dates vs raisins (though I love raisins in my cakes), and there is no need to ice it with that cream cheese icing (but it's ok, if you must).It is Yossi Arefi's recipe (with some twists from me) from her book Snacking Cakes.The only real changes I made were

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-43219670150679319452025-02-03T07:00:00.009-05:002025-02-03T07:00:00.117-05:00

I am fancy.   But you know that about me by now.I try and make everyday a bit fancy and special, because why not?  Life is short.I know your hatred of anchovies, but can you be open minded and try a CANTABRIAN Spanish anchovy?They are not salty, have no hairy bones and are special (like me).A bit more expensive and not as easy to find, but they might change your mind.(Click here to

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1565804864045167406.post-50254750859115613512025-01-21T07:00:00.001-05:002025-01-21T09:03:37.460-05:00

Healthy eating is always on my mind in January, after a holiday season full of too many indulgences.  But how can something so simple be this good?IT IS!  Trust me!  Simple is best, and it's winter, and this crunchy salad is so wonderful (and healthy).I can eat it 5 days in a row for lunch.  Sans cheese, or with.  (sorry for all the Frenchy words).Doesn't matter

Stacey Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957289962927855954noreply@blogger.com3