Ever since I could eat solid food I have been memorized and delighted by Italian pastries and cookies. Every now and then my fireman and I get in the car and head to Jersey City, and we make two stops from my childhood. 2nd Street Bakery for the most amazing Pepperoni Bread, and a pepper…
Category: Holiday Fare
Patti’s Nut Cups
My family has been making these for over 40 years. This recipe was given to my sister by a friend’s Mom, many years ago, and we have not deviated one bit from it. It is wildly popular now, but back in the day it was one of the newer kids on the block and seemed…
Triple Chocolate Biscotti
I love nothing more than to sit and enjoy a nice cup of Cappuccino with a decadent chocolate biscotti. I feel so connected to my Italian roots when I do this. For as long as I have been baking I have made biscotti. It is one of those things that you can make and vary,…
Italian Calamari Salad
I love squid or calamari if you will! Now growing up I had this salad quite a bit or my Dad would make squid in a spicy red sauce and we would have it served over linguine. Both equally delish! It wasn’t until I was in my 20’s that I began eating fried calamari. Now…
Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu
One of our family’s favorite desserts is Tiramisu. Now I’ll be honest, growing up Italian I never had this at any family parties or special occasions. I had many Italian desserts at Sunday dinner but not this. It wasn’t until When Harry Met Sally, that I needed to try my hand at this dessert, and…
Danielle’s Favorite Buffalo Chicken Wontons
By now it’s no secret that I love cooking for my family. My kids are so use to telling me they are craving a particular food knowing I will whip it up for them most times on the spot. It’s one of the many joys of motherhood to me, making my family happy and making…
Diablo Eggs
I can remember learing to make deviled eggs in what was known as Home Economics back in the day, (yes I’m old I embrace it). My teens know it simply as “Cooking” in their cirriculum. One of the things we made back in 6th grade was Deviled eggs. I was not a huge fan of hard-boiled eggs…
Cheesy Jalapeño Beer Bread
One of my Oktoberfest appetizers to make is a cheddar beer dip and serve it with chunks of glorious beer batter bread. To kick things up I decided to try putting sliced jalapeños into the batter, and you know what? It is amazing. You can totally use this bread for sandwiches or as a fondue dip accompaniment, or…
Best Bolognese Sauce
There are so many variations to this dish. I like to use cream instead of milk, but milk is authentic to this dish, in Italy. But cream gives it a richer taste. I vary this too by using a mix of ground chuck, pork and veal. In this dish I will be using ground chuck. …
Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach Ricotta, & Provolone Cheese
What can be done to chicken that hasn’t already been done? Everyone has a stuffed chicken recipe or at least should have one or two in there repitore. This combination works fabulously, and is perfect for the glorious lemony sauce that accompanies them. I served these with pan seared Brussels sprouts made with sausage and…
