1001 MEATBALLS SERVED

I'm Back!

2012-01-31T08:34:00.003-05:00

I stopped blogging because life got a little busy and the blog was pushed to the back burner. Well, I realize now how much I miss it! I'm ready to begin sharing my life with all of you again. While I probably will never be that everyday blogger(my life isn't that interesting!) I will attempt to post at least twice a week. I'll bring you recipes of course, pictures, and funny things that occur in my life on a daily basis living with two teenage boys and my husband all of which have the ability to make me laugh everyday. And sharing laughter is a good thing! We have a new family member since I last posted. SANTINO! Santino is a cockapoo with a huge personality. For years I've been asking my husband if we could get a puppy, the answer was always no. Louie didn't grow up having a dog or any pet. He didn't disilike dogs, he just wasn't a dog guy! I bought a stuffed animal dog that was adorable and I would put it around the house. I would put it near the door when my husband was expected home to greet him, put it on the bed, under the kitchen table at dinner..my husband thought I was nuts, I thought I was funny. Then one day my cousin sent me a picture of a litter of puppies that was for sale. Didn't those puppies look exactly like my little stuffed animal? I showed Louie the picture, he said, "if you want one, go get one!" He said he only said yes because they looked like the stuffed animal and he was used to that! Who knew my tactic of a fake dog would work! Well Santino came home last February and he is the biggest daddy's boy ever! My husband loves him! He fit right in and we all fell in love with him as soon as he got here. He fits right in and he has a great lovable personality.

I'm gathering pictures and recipes this week to post soon. I hope to really get this blog off the ground and really running! I'm always up for a challenge and I'm always in need of projects to keep me busy!!

MANGI BENE

Feast of The Seven Fishes! A Traditional Italian Christmas Eve

2010-12-09T10:34:00.004-05:00

Christmas Eve dinner is not just a meal, but a feast. A Feast of the Seven Fishes! It is tradition not to eat meat on this day. The significance of the number 7 has a few variations of the reason for 7, and depends on who you ask. Some say it has to do with a commemoration of the last seven of the Ten Commandments, which prescribe rules of human interaction -- as opposed to the first three, which address human relations with God. Others say it is to remind us of the seven deadly sins. In any case, seven fish dishes is a feast!

What fish you use is entirely up to you and what your family traditionally uses. In my family growing up we had many courses. We would have fried shrimp, smelt, baccala, stuffed calamari, calamari pie, octupus salad, cuttle fish, sardines, and of course the fish sauce. The fish sauce is made with all the sea food thrown in there including lobster and crab. The meal itself takes hours to eat. There is time between courses to drink wine, laugh, talk, open presents, and be reminiscent about the old days!

Dessert is always something spectacular and special during the Christmas season. The many many homemade Italian cookies, stroffoli, pannetone, cannoli, and more. Baking is started long in advance of Christmas. Some of the cookies that are made special for the holiday are very time consuming and take more than one baker to handle!

At midnight it's time to go to mass. One of the children gets to put Baby Jesus in the cradle when we return home. After returning from mass we are now allowed to eat meat and so pans of Italian sausage with peppers and onions are brought out for a snack! All of the children are sleeping and the adults are drinking wine, or espresso and playing cards, cleaning, talking and getting things ready for Christmas Day which is just a few hours away!

Buon Natale!! Recipes will follow soon!!

ANTIPASTO DINNER!

2010-04-13T17:56:00.008-04:00

There is nothing better than the warm weather and lazy summer nights!! Though on those nights the last thing you feel like doing is cooking and eating a heavy meal! Why not try a super easy but oh so fabulous antipasto dinner??
So simple. And there is no recipe. Its all up to you and what you like to serve and eat!! Here is a recent nights dinner at my house.A plate of some good Italian cheeses
Some prociutto wrapped mozzarella Thinly sliced eggplant and zuchinni that I simply brushed with olive oil and grilled, and then tossed with a splash of red wine vinegar, salt and pepper.
Grilled asparagus, tossed in olive oil and sprinkled with some fresh pecorino romano
Marinated mushrooms.
Melon
Italian sausage grilled and sliced in half
Fresh Italian bread brushed with olive oil and grilledCaprese Salad. Simply tomato, Mozzarella and fresh basil, salt, pepper, drizzled in olive oil.I love to drizzle a bit of good balsamic over everything. Gives it a little extra love!
And whatever else I had on hand. We love to top this meal off with a cold bottle of prosecco.
Give it a try and you'll see that it really doesn't take long to put together and you will be more than satisfied at the end of your meal.

San Gennaro 09

2009-09-29T12:31:00.005-04:00

As much as I love to travel, I love coming home!

I have no pictures. YET. I didn't bring my camera. I forgot it. Stupid I know. Good news is Mom brought a camera. BUT its not a digital so I'll have to wait for prints I guess and then scan them into the computer.

We had a BLAST! I swear it was the best time I've ever had in NY. My parents hung out like champs. Considering their ages they did amazing!!(68 &70) My father even put me to shame one night!

Fri we took my parents to the 9/11 memorial site. My Dad is a retired firefighter so this was a very touching moment for him. He even had a group of firefighters at the fire station talking to him. (this is the firehouse right across the street from where the building were). So after that we went to the feast. YUMMMMY....we ate our way down the streets. Italian sausage sandwiches, stuffed hot peppers, pizza, braciole, and lots more. We watched a very good and very funny doowop band, The Elegants(they had the one hit "Little Star") We ended down at the Mulberry St. Bar. Louie and I always hang out here. All the guys know him here. They refer to him as Upstate Louie. Its pretty funny.

So now its about 8pm, the bar is packed. And I mean packed like sardines and they are doing Karaoke. I swear these were some of the best karaoke people I've ever seen!! We call my little cousin(hes 24) in Brooklyn and tell him to come down. He makes it down there about an hour later and brings his buddy Phil. At this point my mother is sitting on the only bar stool in the joint. Someone went and got her one. But her and Dad were drinking and eating and singing and laughing and having the time of their lives. My mom could not stop eating fried shrimp doused in hot sauce. Me and my mother decide were wiped out and are going back to the hotel. My dad, louie and my cousin are staying out. Well they didn't get bacck to the hotel till almost 3 am!! I yell at my husband for keeping my daddy who is 70 years old out so late!! He informs me that my father kept him out!

Sat. We went to the cutest diner. Ellens Stardust Diner. All the singers are actors and actresses from broadway who are either waiting for a break or in between gigs. They all take turns singing. It was amazing! Mom and I go shopping and Louie and my Dad go up to the Bronx to see a buddy of Louies and then to Arthur ave. Mom and I also had lunch at Serendipity. OMG frozen hot chocolate is to die for..DIE! So freaking good!

Sat night was absolutely AMAZING!! We all got dressed up and had dinner at Patsy's and then walked down the street to The Carnegie Club. What a cool joint. Such a throw back. Its a cigar bar so we could smoke there. And even my Mom who quit smoking years ago was smoking and drinking and having a blast. There was an 11 piece orchestra and the singer,Steve Maglio who spoke and sang just like Frank Sinatra..he was amazing. He sang right to my Mom. After the show he and his wife came at sat at our table..we had the best spot in the house. All couches and cocktail tables right up front. He and his wife were very cool, bought a round of drinks and sat with us for a long time. He then gave us all cd's of his. Oh and we met a boxer that was there..can't remember his name right now.

Sunday we went to brunch at this place right on the water.PJ Clarke's On the Hudson So pretty and the weather was perfect. We then went to see the statue of liberty and ellis island. Went back to the hotel to rest a bit and then off to the feast again. We had dinner at IL Cortile then went tshirt shopping at the feast and to the Mulberry street bar again and then to the Spring St lounge to watch the Giants game. Mom and Dad left early Monday and Louie and I did some shopping, ate mile high pastrami sandwiches at a Jewish Deli, and sat and people watched while we killed time before going to the airport. All in all it was a wonderful (and expensive) trip!! I can't wait till next year!
stay tuned for pictures!

San Gennaro Feast This Week!

2009-09-15T07:05:00.013-04:00

Well were off to NYC and to the San Gennaro Feast this weekend!!! The 82nd Annual Feast of San Gennaro, New York City’s longest-running, biggest and most revered religious outdoor festival in the United States! The festival attracts more than 1 million people all over the world to salute this patron saint of Naples. The festival runs for 11 days. We'll be going the second weekend and be there for the end. The official website for the San Genarro Feast says it best:
“This Feast of San Gennaro holds a special place in the hearts of Italian people everywhere,” says Joseph Mattone, President of Figli di San Gennaro, Inc. “It is a festive period of faith and redemption, a time for remembrance and reconciliation, and a time for celebration. The delicious food, the free musical entertainment that reflects Italian-American culture and heritage are all there. The Feast brings the world to Little Italy and Little Italy to the world.”
My husband and I go each year and this year we will bring my Mother and Father with us. They too are looking forward to the food, the music, the atmosphere...there really is nothing like it!
Come back next week for a full detailed report and review of this years trip! We have many things planned in our weekend. From a Frank Sinatra show to checking out Arthur Ave. in the Bronx! Heres a small sample of photos from past trips!

Italian Fest '09

2009-08-18T22:24:00.014-04:00

Perhaps I should say "first annual Italian fest 09!" Yup, its been decided, declared, and ordered, that I do this every year! Good Lord help me!
It really was a huge success! Of course there were a few mishaps!

Rain. No thank you God not during the party! But the morning was horrible! I sat at the window and prayed and prayed and prayed. Then I went and lit a candle, hung my rosary outside, and prayed some more. By the grace of God the clouds parted and the sun shined in time to dry up the rain!
Since it was raining, I was delayed to finish the decorating and last minute details. So like a crazy woman I was in panic mode and running around, barking orders and pretty much was a complete lunatic. But nothing a couple of glasses of good chianti couldn't handle!
Guest arrived, and were greeted by the smells of Italian sausage and the sounds of Louie Prima!
Here was the menu
Antipasto platters
Sheets of different pizzas
Italian sausage with peppers and onions
baked ziti
greens and beans
eggplant parm
salad
coffee
cannoli
italian cookie trays
lemon ice (huge hit!)
beer
wine
pop(soda!)

CHOLESTEROL KING HEART STOPPER

2009-08-16T09:02:00.001-04:00

Its all about the bread. Finding good crusty bread can be difficult in some areas but worth the effort!!

Cholesterol King Heart Stopper

The ultimate party sub. This is intended to feed approximately 8 people and weighs in at over 6 pounds.

Remember to lift with your legs, not your back. Serve with chips and a cold dill pickle.
Makes 8 servings.

1 (1 pound) loaf French bread, halved lengthwise
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 head lettuce, shredded
1 pound sliced cooked ham
1 pound prosciutto or mortadella
1 pound sliced cotto salami
1 pound sliced mozzarella cheese
1 pound sliced Swiss cheese
1 pound sliced Provolone cheese
2 tomatoes, sliced
1 sweet onion, sliced
1 (10 ounce) can pitted black olives, sliced (optional)
1 (4 ounce) jar sliced mushrooms, drained (optional)
1 green or red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced or one small jar of roasted red peppers drained and sliced (optional)

1 Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In a
small bowl, mix together the butter and garlic. Spread garlic butter on both halves of bread, and sprinkle liberally with Parmesan cheese. Place in preheated oven until cheese is golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.

2 On the bottom half of the bread, place a layer of lettuce. Alternating between meat and cheese, arrange layers of ham, prociutto or mortadella, salami, mozzarella, Swiss cheese and provolone. Add a layer of tomatoes, onion, black olives, mushrooms, green peppers and anything else you like. Place the remaining half of bread on top.

3 Place the sandwich on a cutting board, and slice into individual servings.
Alka Seltzer for dessert!!!!!

How To Throw An Italian Festival In Your Yard!

2009-07-02T08:55:00.006-04:00

Well I wish I knew! I'm attempting to do this myself in August. The plans are in full swing right now and so is my panic!
I started out by making a guest list. Of course this list grew and grew. You know the routine, you invite Uncle Guido then you have to invite Uncle Luigi. Or If you invite Aunt Stella you better not invite Aunt Josephine, they haven't spoken in 56 years! So not unlike planning a wedding, the guest list is very important to the success of you festival! You want to also be sure to invite the Fun and Crazy friends and relatives, it will cut down on your entertainment expenses!

After fine tuning the guest list, its time to make out the invitations. I decided to just do a simple flyer type invite on the computer. It came out great. I added some Italian flags to it, and the whole "what, where, who, when" information that was needed.

Envelopes stuffed and addressed and mailed. Now onto the decorations.
After doing some research on the Internet I found tons of great decorations. There will be no doubt what the theme of the party is when the guest arrive. Here is one site that I found a lot of great decorations! This is another one.

Now onto the rental company for tents, chairs and tables! Once I found the company I am going to use, it became obvious I was in need of more than just some tables and chairs! I decided to rent a large grill also. Oh, I better get that 100 cup coffee maker too, unless I want to be standing at my 12 cup coffee maker for 3 hours! Oh look they rent EVERYTHING!! I had to reel myself in and not over do it! I am a woman after all and love to shop!! I got what I needed and that was that!

And the most important aspect of any good party is the food!!! In the beginning stages of planning this I though I would do ALL the food MYSELF. Silly silly silly me. What on earth was I thinking. Do you know how much macaroni you have to boil to serve 125 people? Or how many greens you have to wash for the greens and beans? Its not that I can't do this, I just think I might want to actually enjoy the party and not worry about ALL the food. So I've decided to cater out most of it and do a bit myself. I'll take care of the Italian sausage (because its not an Italian Festival without the smell of Italian Sausage wafting through the air) and the steamed clams and probably a few other things. Mom is making her stuffed banana peppers, and another friend is making pizza. The rest will be catered by a good friend from our favorite Italian restaurant.

So far planning this festival has been fun. Everyday I get a new idea! Everyone has been very excited about attending. Pretty funny how much different a response you get when you call something a festival instead of a party!!! Hope their expectations aren't tooo high!!

Don't forget the bocce ball!! Its a must! Great game for all ages. Maybe you can set up a tournament! We Italians can be a bit competitive you know!!

Last but not least the music. You have to stay true to the theme!! There will be plenty of Al Martino, Louie Prima, Frank Sinatra, and the like playing in the backround.

When the night is coming to a close and you sit back and enjoy that last cannoli and cup of coffee or espresso, pat yourself on the back for pulling off a unique and fun party...I mean festival!!
I will be sure to update my progress and meltdowns of our upcoming festival! And of course plenty of pictures of the big event!!!

Memorial Day Cookout Italian style!!

2009-05-18T14:42:00.009-04:00

I love the warm weather and grilling season! Nothing is better than cooking outside on the grill and eating al fresco!! The warm sun shining down on you while you enjoy the smells of Italian sausage, peppers and onions wafting towards you making your tummy growl and mouth water! Yum! This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day! I will be celebrating my sons 15th birthday also. So the family will be over and we will be cooking outside! Here is our menu! I have a lot to do this week!

Appetizers:
Antipasto tray
grilled eggplant
grilled marinated shrimp
Bruschetta
MAIN COURSE
Chicken and Veal Speidini
Italian Sausage with peppers and onions
Grilled Veggies
Caprese Salad
DESSERT
Grilled Peaches with Raspberry Sauce
BEVERAGES:
Bellini

Bellini

1 ounce white peach puree

5 ounces chilled prosecco

Pour peach puree into a champagne flute, then add the prosecco. The peach puree can either be made from ripe fresh peaches that have been peeled and pureed or you can use a commercial peach puree.

Mixed Grilled Vegetables
Verdura Mista

3 small yellow squash (about 3/4 pound)
6 Vidalia onions or large shallots, peeled and cleaned and sliced
4 yellow and/or red bell peppers, seeded and each cut into 6 pieces
2 medium red onions, peeled and each cut lengthwise into 6 wedges with root ends intact
2 tablespoons olive oil
In a large bowl toss vegetables with oil and salt and pepper to taste. Grill vegetables in batches on a rack set about 4 inches over glowing coals turning them, 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender, transferring them to a platter as they are done.
Serves 6.

Bruschetta Grigliata

Olive oil flavored with garlic, fresh basil, or rosemary.
1 loaf of crusty Italian bread cut into 1-inch thick slices
1/4 cup extra -virgin olive oil
Prepare barbecue (medium-high-heat). Brush both sides of bread generously With oil; season with salt and pepper. Grill until golden, about 1 minute per side. 6 servings.

Scampi Grigliati

1/4 cup finely chopped garlic, mashed to a paste with 1 teaspoon coarse salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves plus sprigs for garnish
3 tablespoons olive oil plus oil for brushing shrimp
16 jumbo shrimp (about 10 per pound)
four 12-inch bamboo skewers
lemon wedges as an accompaniment
In a large bowl stir together garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, and 3 tablespoons oil and add shrimp. Marinate shrimp, covered and chilled, at least 8 hours or overnight.
In a shallow dish soak skewers in water to cover 60 minutes and prepare grill.
To grill, thread 4 shrimp on each skewer and brush with additional oil. Grill shrimp on an oiled rack, set about 5 inches over glowing coals, 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until just cooked through.
Alternatively, brush shrimp with additional oil and grill in a hot well-season ridged grill pan, covered, over moderately high heat 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
Garnish shrimp with rosemary sprigs and serve with lemon wedges.
Serves 4.

Pesche Dolci

5 oz raspberries,- preferably fresh (frozen will do if fresh not available)
1-1/2 tsp lemon juice
2 medium fresh peaches, peel, halved
5 tsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp butter
In a blender or food processor, process raspberries and lemon juice until pureed. Strain and discard seeds. Cover and chill. Place the peach halves, cut side up, on a large piece of heavy-duty foil (about 18 x 12"). Combine brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle into peach centers. Sprinkle with vanilla; dot with butter. Fold foil over peaches and seal. Grill over medium-hot coals for 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also place in a broiler for 8-12 minutes for a similar result. To serve, spoon the raspberry sauce over peaches.

Mothers Day Breakfast Italian Style!

2009-05-06T10:30:00.004-04:00

Make Mom breakfast on Mothers Day!! Don't forget the espresso!!

Spinach and Ricotta Frittata
Makes 8 servings

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups white mushrooms, thinly sliced
2 cups baby spinach, thinly sliced
8 large eggs
4 ounces (1/4 cup) whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
4 ounces (1/4 cup) grated Grana Padano cheese, divided
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg or fresh grated nutmeg
a liberal helping of salt and freshly ground black pepper

Melt butter in an 8-inch non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add mushrooms; saute 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add spinach and cook just until wilted. Season with salt and black pepper.

In a medium bowl beat eggs. In a small bowl, mix the ricotta, 1/2 of the Grana Padano, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Add to the eggs and lightly mix. Pour into the skillet.

With a fork, gently move the egg mixture from side to side allowing the egg to seep to the bottom of the pan. Do this for 5-7 minutes, until the eggs start to solidify and a crust begins to form around the edges. Give the pan handle a jiggle, and when the eggs appear nearly set, evenly sprinkle the second half of the cheese over the top of the frittata.

Remove the pan from the stove top and place under the broiler for 4-5 minutes, or until the top puffs up and turns golden brown. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Let cool for a couple of minutes before slicing into wedges. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Optional garnish: In a small bowl toss 1 cups of halved cherry tomatoes with a little extra virgin olive oil, salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs such as basil, dill, or parsley. Serve atop the frittata.

grilled chicken spiedini

2009-05-04T12:13:00.000-04:00

I love this recipe for the great flavors and for the convenience of being able to make them in the morning and throwing them on the grill for dinner. My boys and husband love these. It is my oldest son’s favorite dinner. I usually make up extra of the breading and use some veal cutlets in this recipe too. I also double this recipe as they disappear so fast!

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves or chicken cutlets
2/3 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1/3 grated pecorino Romano cheese
2 Tbs chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
3-4 tsp lemon zest
2 garlic cloves, minced
Good quality mozzarella (not shredded or sliced)
Fresh bay leaves or fresh basil
Olive oil
Melted butter

1. Place chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap and pound until very thin. If you are using the cutlets, they do not need to be pounded.

2. Combine bread crumbs, cheese parsley, lemon zest and garlic

3. In another bowl combine even amounts of olive oil and butter

4. Dip chicken into butter mixture and then into the bread crumb mixture

5. Place a chunk of the mozzarella on the meat and roll up tight

6. Slice into 1 inch thick pieces

7. Skewer, using two skewers on each end of the meat to keep it from turning. Using two will make it easier to turn and handle on the grill, as the chicken won’t just roll around the skewer. Skewer the bay leaves around the chicken.

8. Grill over med hot coals, covered, and cook about 5 minutes per side. I use charcoal and have a bottle of water handy for any flare-ups.

It is very important to use fresh ingredients in this recipe. Do not use dry parsley, garlic powder etc. Do not leave out the lemon zest…It is the key ingredient!

Dads 70th Birthday!

2009-04-16T18:00:00.005-04:00

As we gathered to celebrate my fathers 70th birthday, all I could think of was, WOW! My Dad is 70? How did this happen? Where have all the years gone? While I feel blessed that my Dad is here with us, I just can't imagine him being this, well, old! In my eyes he still 30 years old. (which is odd since I'm in my 40's). I don't look at either of my parents and see age. I just see Mom and Dad.

This month is also a year since my father in law passed away. So while we celebrate my Dads birthday, we mourn that we lost my husbands father a year ago. Its a bitter sweet time.

Dads birthday party was a huge success. My father grew up in a family of 12 kids, 6 boys, and 6 girls. My grandparents immigrated from Italy to give their children a better life. The stories that my aunts and uncles shared at the party, had us all laughing and reminiscing. My children sat and listened to the stories of their grandfathers childhood in awe. They were amazed that he would wake at 4am at the age of 6 to go deliver bread before school. They didn't understand what life was like for them, and that their grandfather was very poor. But even though they didn't have a lot, they had each other and many many memories. For the most part, they were happy.

Breakfast for my father growing up was a bowl of hot chocolate with a slice of Italian toast in it. Lunch may be a pepper and egg sandwich. Dinner would be macaroni and beans, or macaroni and peas, or macaroni and some other vegetable. Rarely did they eat meat. Only once a week, on Sundays, would there be meatballs, pork and sausage in the sauce. So they learned to appreciate what they had, when they had it.

My father worked all through school doing different jobs. When he graduated he joined the army and was stationed in Germany. He fell in love with the country and has fond memories of that time.
When he returned to the states and was discharged, he met my mom and two years later they were married. By that time Dad had a job with the city fire department. Mom stayed home, as was the norm back then, and raised her children, kept her home, and cooked with a vengeance!
We never knew if our parents were struggling or not financially. We never felt like we did without anything. But Dad sometimes was working 3 different jobs to make ends meet, all without complaint. He wanted to give his children what he didn't have growing up. Eventually Dad went to college, graduated, and became a Lt. on the department. Later he would become the Union President and hold that position for over 20 years.

Dad is funny. He has an amazing laugh, and he is a huge story teller. Even if he may stretch the stories a bit to make them a little more entertaining!

Growing up, my father was not the disciplinarian in the house. That was mom. Dad was busy working. But if Dad got mad, we knew we were in big trouble. Rarely did he get angry with us.

When my parents became grandparents I was amazed at the amount of love that they had to share! I saw my father differently. Now he had the time to spend with my children and he did so willingly, lovingly and eagerly! He has a lot of fun with them. Taking them everywhere, and spoiling them rotten! I don't think I would have ever saw the day that my father and my son would be jamming on guitars together, but they do!!

I cherish my family and thank God every single day for giving me the best parents in the world! I couldn't ask for more loving, caring, accepting and honorable parents.

roast leg of lamb for Easter

2009-04-11T10:11:00.000-04:00

While some recipes call for boneless legs that may be stuffed and rolled, I find that this recipe keeps more flavor of the lamb with the bone in. For a great holiday lamb, this is the best. It may take some time, but your guests will rave over it, I promise!

6 pound leg of lamb
Salt
1 ½ Tablespoons of dried rosemary
4-6 garlic cloves cut into medium size pieces
1 ½ Cups good olive oil
2 cups chopped onions
2 cups chopped carrots
Cups chopped celery 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups dry white wine
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups hand crushed, canned, imported San Marzano Italian plum tomatoes
Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375 F.Trim the lamb of fat. Generously salt and season the lamb with rosemary, pushing the seasonings into all the crevices. Do the same with the garlic, make little slits, and push the garlic into the slits. You can use more garlic if you prefer.

Heat oil in a large, heavy bottomed roasting pan over medium heat on top of the stove. Add the lamb and roast in preheated oven for 30 minutes.Stir in the onions,carrots, and celery and roast for another 20 minutes or until vegetables are beginning to brown.

Remove pan from the oven and lift the lamb onto a plate. Lower oven temp to 350 degrees Farenheight.Drain the vegetable through a fine sieve, allowing all excess oil to drain off. Return drained veggies to the pan. Stir in the flour and combine. Stir in the wine. Add chicken broth and tomatoes and mix together well.

Return the lamb to the roasting pan, and roast for another 20 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 155 degrees, for medium.Remove lamb to serving platter. Pour all the vegetable liquid through a fine sieve into a saucepan, pushing on the vegetable to get all the flavors and juice out. Place the gravy over medium heat and bring to a boil. Taste, and add salt and pepper if needed.

Pour the gravy over the lamb and serve, or serve the gravy on the side.

panzanella

2009-04-01T20:47:00.001-04:00

This is a great salad where the bread is the star. Great lunch time meal, and so full of flavor. I always make this when I have left over Italian bread.

8 Cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
1 small red onion, sliced thin
1 clove garlic, smashed, peeled, and chopped fine
1 cup torn fresh basil leaves
1 1/2 cups extra virgin olive oil
3-4 tbs balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
salt and freshly ground black pepper
6-8 thick slices of Italian bread, (crusty baguette, or day old bread, not too soft) torn into bite size pieces
fresh grated parmesan

In a large bowl, put the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, garlic and basil. Drizzle with the olive oil and then pour in both vinegars, add salt and pepper to taste, and toss well. Refrigerate for one hour. Adjust the seasonings as needed. Add the bread and toss well.

If the bread is too dry, add a little more of the oil and vinegar and toss. Top with fresh grated parmesan cheese. Feel free to add whatever you have into this salad. I sometimes add red peppers, garbanzo beans, or cubed mozzarella. Whatever you have in the fridge, throw it in!! Don't let that stale bread go to waste!

THE BEST CAKE IN THE WORLD

2009-03-24T20:37:00.005-04:00

I love love love this cake! I swear it will be your favorite if you try it. And if you bring it to someones house you will become famous for it!! If you don't like coconut than stop reading now...its in the filling. Personally anything that has chocolate and coconut in it is a winner for me. Make sure its really cold before you serve it..oh its so goooood!

Cream Cheese Chocolate Bit Ring Cake

2 Cups sugar
1 Cup oil
2 Eggs
3 Cups flour
3/4 Cup unsweetened cocoa
2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 cup hot coffee
1 cup sour milk (just squeeze some lemon juice in and let sit a few minutes you'll see it start to look funny)
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts

FILLING
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 pkg 8oz softened cream cheese
1 egg 1 pkg 6oz semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup flaked coconut

In a small bowl, beat sugar, vanilla and cream cheese and egg until smooth. Stir in coconut and chocolate chips
Set aside

In another bowl, mix together sugar, oil and eggs, beat 1 minute at hight speed. Add remaining ingredients except filling and nuts, beat 3 minutes at medium speed, scraping the bowl occasionally. Stir in nuts. Pour half of the batter into a greased 10 inch tube pan or bundt pan. Carefully soon prepared filling over batter, then top with remaining batter. Bake in 350 degree oven for 70-75 min. or until done. Cool upright in pan for 15 minutes. and then remove from pan. Cool completely and drizzle with glaze:

Glaze
1 cup confectionery sugar
2 TBS unsweetened cocoa
2 TBS butter melted
2 tsp vanilla
1-3 TBS hot water

Making gnocchi!

2009-03-23T22:13:00.006-04:00

MAKING GNOCCHI WITH AUNT MIMI, MY BROTHER DANNY, AND MYSELF!

Set on trays and freeze. When frozen we seperate them and bag them..when ready to cook, we throw them into the water, still frozen, when they float they are done! Louie and the boys helped to seperate and bag them!

Aunt Teresa

2009-03-17T10:54:00.003-04:00

This is my 80 year old Aunt Teresa talking about zeppole and easter bread! She is just too darn cute!

St. Joseph Day and Zeppole!

2009-03-15T22:20:00.007-04:00

Every year Aunt Teresa makes zeppole and invites the family over to celebrate St. Joseph's day. Aunt Teresa is 80 years old, but she can run circles around most people half her age..and the woman is on no medications at all, shes in perfect health!! So heres a small peek into a family gathering with some pictures!! I have a video but had some problems loading it..maybe I'll have better luck tomorrow!
ZEPPOLE
UNCLE GENNARO
MY BROTHERS DANNY & VINNY

THE ZEPPOLE WITH HONEY AND POWDERED SUGAR

ST. JOSEPH

Typical Sunday Dinner?

2009-03-02T18:34:00.006-05:00

So the day started normal. Got up, put the sauce on the stove to simmer till dinner. I had about 14 people showing up at 2pm. Took a shower, ran to the store ( I forgot paper plates for dessert!) and came home to get the antipasto onto the table.Nothing fancy, some prosciutto, some provolone and a bit of caprese, some olive salad and nice crusty bread. I'm all set and pour myself a glass of wine and wait for the arrival of the family and friends.
Everyone arrives on time! 2pm!!We pour the wine, eat a bit, and laugh and catch up. By the time dinner arrives, I've got a buzz, but can't figure out how that could be..until I notice a guest pouring wine into my glass..damn, no wonder I never seemed to have an empty glass!!
During dinner we usually have heated conversations. But someone said something that just hit a nerve with me. I couldn't tell you who said it or even exactly what was said. But it had to do with my choice to stay home with my kids and take care of my family and home, instead of work. I lost it. It was pretty much down hill from there. I was sensitive to everything anybody said. By the time the dishes were cleared and loaded into the dishwasher, I was crying. Now everyone who knows me knows..I do not cry..ever. Was it built up frustrations, or pent up anger that just blew? Probably...but it didn't help that I had drank too much wine either. Thank God that my boys were playing rock band upstairs and didn't witness my melt down.
The more people tried to calm me down, the harder I cried. It was crazy. I just could not stop crying.
After several strong cups of coffee I settled down. It was back to normal, business as usual. Everyone laughed and teased me and I felt like a jerk. I had to call everyone today and apologize to them. They were laughing and said it was no big deal. And then they were apologizing to ME..saying they were sorry if they said something. But that is my family. Thats how we roll.
I spent most of this morning feeling ashamed and mortified! But after talking to everyone, I'm good. My husband, bless his soul..had no idea what to do last night. He wasn't going to win no matter what he said, so he just stayed clear of me and handed me off to my mother! Smart man I married! So was this a typical Sunday dinner? No, but it was the typical response from my family..love, understanding and accepting me and my melt down!

BLOG OVERLOAD and BLOGGER GREED

2009-02-27T22:23:00.003-05:00

I'm overwhelmed by blogs. I've been bombarded with blogs. So many to read and so little time. How on earth do you keep up with it all? And then theres the blogger comment guilt! I feel like I have to leave a comment on every blog I read..they know I was here..why didn't she comment they're thinking!! And so I comment. Don't get me wrong, I usually want to comment and do. But sometimes, I just feel like I HAVE to. That kinda sucks. But I don't want the writer to think I didn't enjoy the blog...you know what I mean???
I love the blog world. But Lord have mercy there a trillion blogs out there. Weeding through them is daunting thats for sure! I mean, I do it because I like it. No other reason. Its not even on my mind to make money. I don't need cash, I do it as an outlet, thats all. I couldn't even imagine trying to do it as a source of income, thats crazy!! Way to much competition out there!! Besides I would starve if thats why I was doing it!!!
So how many blogs do you read??
How long does it take you?
Do you comment on all of them?
Do you have that blog comment guilt that I suffer from?
Don't you think people should blog because they love it and are passionate about what they write for? Not for an income. I actually tend to stay away from those blogs that are filled with ads..kinda drives me nuts, totally turns me off. You can tell all they are doing is looking for a way to make a buck.
I say love what you do and do what you love. If you love to write than go for it..but don't do it to make a buck..it shows.

The Economy and Shoes!

2009-02-24T08:25:00.007-05:00

While unemployment is up, costs for many things are down. I have little to no will power. Apparently all the online retailers know this. My inbox is stuffed full of advertising to entice me! 80% off, 75% off..SHOES! Be still my beating heart!! I have just a slight obsession with shoes. Don't most women? Wonder why? I'll tell you! Because they always fit!!! Always! Doesn't really matter if I gain that 5 pounds during the winter...my shoes will fit! When going shopping and looking fat in everything I try on..shoes will always look good..shoes can't make your ass look fat! And of course the higher the heel..the longer and thinner my legs look..then I think..hmm if I'm overweight at my flatfoot 5'0 inches tall...then the 5 inch heels would put me at an ideal weight for a 5'5" woman..right?? Well in my bizarre way of thinking it works!! Don't rain on my parade!
I've decided that for now we don't call it shopping..that seems a bit taboo..I have taken to calling it "stimulating the economy"!!
"Yes, dear, I'm going to stimulate the economy, stop at the post office, and then the dry cleaners today."
Sounds pretty good doesn't it?? I'm doing my civic duty! And I'm doing it wearing a fabulous pair of shoes...so there!!

2008-12-01T14:49:00.006-05:00

Who doesn't love a contest! I just entered these cookies into the contest over at The Coupon Coup! Check out some fabulous cookies HERE The site Kindred Spirit Sweets has THE BEST looking cookies ever...my personal Favorite is the Ralphie in the bunny costume...Best Christmas Movie ever!!! Join the contest~ And win adorable snowmen cookies..much better than the boring frosting and sparkles that I make!

Time to start baking for Christmas!! This is my favorite Christmas cookie and always the first one I bake. My youngest son Ronny and I made these this past weekend. MMMMM So yummy!! The smell while baking reminds me of my childhood, and Christmas time. Mom and Grandma always had these on the cookie tray.

ITALIAN MEATBALL COOKIES

1 ¼ Cup Crisco

1 ½ Cups Sugar

3 Eggs

1 Cup Milk

1 tsp vanilla

5 Cups Flour

5 tsp baking powder

1 TBS each of

Cinnamon

Cloves

Allspice

Nutmeg

¾ Cup Hershey cocoa

1 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup chocolate chips

1 cup raisins

Cream shortening and sugar.

Add eggs and milk and vanilla a little at a time.

Add dry ingredients and spices. Mix well.

Add nuts, chips, and raisins and mix.

Roll the dough into balls, a little smaller than a golf ball. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

Cool and glaze. I just use powdered sugar, a little water and a little milk for the glaze and just dunk the cookies in the glaze and let dry on rack.

I HAVE BUT ONE HEART

2008-11-29T08:58:00.003-05:00

As I sit here and listen to the music of my blog, I can't get over how much music has changed. Its so sad that the lyrics of today are so filled with filth, and sex, and just no good. Are there really any love songs out there today. Songs that really speak from the heart in a poetic way?

The lyrics to I HAVE BUT ONE HEART...wow. Could you imagine a man writing this song for you? They just don't write them like this anymore. This is what a love song should sound like. Not the crap that they have out there today! Gotta love Dean Martin!
>
I have but one heart, this heart I bring you,
I have but one heart to share with you,
I have but one dream that I can cling to,
You are the one dream I pray comes true.
My darling, until I saw you, I never felt this way,
And nobody else before you, ever has heard me say,
You are my one love, my life I live for you,
I have but one heart to give to you.
(musical interlude)
*Dicimo o mari, facimu l'amore,
*A curi a curi che ci passa,
*Ca u mare parla e na' carezza,
*Ma a tia la brezza, fina murir.
You are my one love, my love I live for you,
I have but one heart to give to you.

*Not Italian, not Sicilian, but Neapolitan, the free translation of which is:
Let us tell the sea that we are making love,
Heart to heart till the end of time,
Because the sea whispers and caresses us,
So does the breeze till the time we die.

I just LOVE the Italian lyrics of this song..so so pretty.

THANKSGIVING!

2008-11-15T19:12:00.003-05:00

With all that is happening in the world we really need to bow our heads and give thanks for what we have. We need to stop wishing for what we don't have and be grateful for we do have. Be thankful that you woke up this morning in a bed. In a warm house. Be thankful that you could go make coffee. Don't complain that you had to get up and go to work. Be thankful that you have a job. Don't complain that your kids are driving you crazy. Be thankful you have healthy children. We are all so busy running around chasing the brass ring that we don't realize that most of us already have it. Its there, if you look for it. If you look at your life through the eyes of someone less forutnate you are a king. My Father always used the saying " I complained that I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet." Take this time to not only give thanks, but also to just give. Be it a dollar or a meal. Giving back is what keeps us humble, keeps us thankful and is the ultimate thing that one can do for another. Don't turn your back and pretend that you don't see. Lend a hand, lend a dollar, an ear or a shoulder. Give your time or your old coat that never gets worn. Thanksgiving isn't just about the turkey on the table. Its not all about gathering as a family to be thankful. Its about giving thanks as well as giving hope. Giving hope to someone who is less fortunate than us. Giving them something to hold onto...maybe their own brass ring.

YUMMY DINNER TONIGHT

2008-10-28T19:29:00.004-04:00

Those of you who follow my recipes at www.happyhousewivesclub.com get a sneak preview! This will be on an upcoming menu! Sooo good, and pretty easy too! Its all about the wine people!! A little for the stew and a little for you!

SPEZZATEDDU
Sicilian Beef Stew

Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients

1/3 cup vegetable oil

2 1/2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 2 inch cubes

3/4 cup flour

1/3 cup olive oil

2 medium yellow onions, diced

1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch strips

1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into 1 inch strips

2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

3 medium Yukon gold potatoes, diced

2 cups chianti or medium-bodied red wine

2 cups beef stock

1 cup fresh Italian parsley, roughly chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Fried capers and parsley sprig for garnish

Method

Heat vegetable oil, on high, in a large stew pot. Season the beef with salt
and pepper then dredge in flour and brown in two batches. Remove beef and drain on paper towel.

Add olive oil to same pot and heat on medium-high. Sauté onions until
slightly soft, about 3 minutes. Add peppers, rosemary and garlic and continue to cook another 3 minutes. Add meat back to pot, along with tomato paste and potatoes. Stir to coat. Turn up the heat to high and add red wine. Reduce by 1/3, about 5 minutes.

Add beef stock and bring back to a boil for 3 minutes. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until meat is fork tender. Stir in the fresh parsley. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.

To serve, ladle into large bowls and garnish with the fried capers and parsley sprigs.

The fried capers give this dish its incredible flavor. But of course it may not be for everyone, so feel free to leave it out, its optional. I like to serve this with Italian bread that I've warmed in the oven, and a simple side salad with olive oil and red wine vinegar. So filling and satisfying on a cold night! Leftovers are delicious!