For those that know me, I am somewhat pedantic about prepackaged items. Yes, I’m finicky, and a bit of a purist, but I have found some very good and healthy quick to prepare items lately that I’m not ashamed to say that I use; sometimes 😉 With all of the Whole Foods, Trader Joes and…
Category: Meats
Tuscan Crock Pot (Or Not) Smoked Virginia Ham, White Bean & Potato Soup with Thyme
It’s Soup Weather!! Warm, scrumptious and satisfying to the soul. This hearty concoction (with a touch of northern Italian influence) can be prepared either stove-top or in a crock pot. Full of fresh root veggies and their wonderful, crisp Autumn flavors. The fundamental essences are even more incredible dished up the next day. I serve it with…
Copy That! Popular Copy Cat Clone Recipes “Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana”
I remember making this incredible, scrumptious creamy soup for my sisters several years ago and they both highly approved. At the time I didn’t have a Copy Cat recipe for reference, just my creativity and imagination I believe the only variation was that I used curly endive or was it spinach? Either way it was…
The Magical Meatloaf: Spicy Red Pepper Meatloaf with Zesty Brown Sugar Tomato Glaze
What’s magic about this meatloaf? This deliciously slightly spicy meatloaf, kissed with warm spices such as ginger, allspice and cinnamon, will keep them coming back for more and they won’t even know why! It’s my most requested! This little loaf of love wears a brown sugar, ketchup allspice glaze to keep it moist and packed…
Lebanese Hushwee—The Simplicity of Spices
Cinnamon in a savory dish? Yes, absolutely! The marriage of flavors in this delectable dish compliment each other in deliciously unimaginable ways. I was taught this simple and scrumptious dish by my eldest sister whose recipe was passed down by her Lebanese mother in law. It soon became a household favorite, even in our Italian household,…
Louisiana Cajun Creole Style Red Beans & Rice
While I didn’t grow up in Louisiana I simply love Cajun fare especially red beans and rice. I remember watching Creole Chef Justin Wilson as a teen—‘memba him?? He was a wonderful cooking inspiration and I looked forward to each of his programs with great anticipation. Justin’s Deep- South Cajun style and mannerisms made him…
“The Sicilian” The Ultimate Italian Burger!
Every time I develop something Sicilian inspired “The Godfather” theme rings incessantly in my mind and memories of my Sicilian father weigh heavily into the equation as well 🙂 Grazia, Daddy! Obviously, this burger is an indulgence rather than every day fare, but as they say “variety is the spice of life.” And today I…
Brine Instead of Marinade? Why Brine? Because Nature Loves Equilibrium…
No worries, today is not a Science lesson, but I want you to understand the full benefits and differences between brining and marinades. So, why brine? Today we have a visual crash course. I’m allowing the charts to tell the story because they are thorough and all inclusive. So make room on your frig for…
Sicilian Sausage & Alfredo Cheese Braided Pizza Bread
Another Saturday Night Special at home! I’ve converted Mama Carmela’s ham bread recipe into a “busy chef” version using Alfredo sauce as the base and also for dipping. Most pizzerias will sell pounds of their dough to the public. Find your favorite place and ask for a couple of pounds. This luscious bread is best…
Italian Savory Pies–Molto Bene!
Today is dedicated to savory cakes, pies and tarts. In Italy, there are variety of Italian savory cakes, pies and tart recipes for all occasions. They can be served warm or cold, as starter or one-plate meal accompanied with a green salad. The most used ingredients are meats, fish, vegetables and eggs and can be…
Once Upon a Spice 