Monthly Archives: July 2010

Pasta With Broccoli Rabe and Sausage

When I eat broccoli rabe today I think of my Uncle Sal Arestia and my Aunt Mary. They lived in Brooklyn in an apartment on 16th Avenue and 75th Street, about two blocks away from where I used to live. … Continue reading

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The Way To A Man's Heart Is Through His Stomach – Manicotti

It’s been said that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”. Through my personal experience , as of lately, that quote has been severely neglected, or totally ignored. But back in the day when my sister Annette … Continue reading

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Pastina with Ricotta

It was our little piece of Heaven. The block, 77 Street Brooklyn. It’s where we all grew up, had fun together, spent our early years together. Some of the best years. Before marriage, before growing up and having responsibility. Before having … Continue reading

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Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

 There was no one that made a better sauce than my mom. It’s what I grew up with. It’s what I ate at least twice a week. Mom’s sauce was always thick and rich. I remember she used Red Pack brand crushed … Continue reading

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Scarola e Fasoli – Escarole and Beans

As much as I love to cook, there are just some things I just don’t make as good as Grandma Isabella, as far as my sons are concerned.  My son Joseph even says that my chilled espresso does not taste … Continue reading

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Aunt Mary’s Cassata Catanese – Italian Cheese Cake

Everyone in my family called Italian cheese cake casssata. Traditionally, Cassata Siciliana is made up of a round sponge cake flavored with liquor and layered with ricotta cheese, candied peel and a vanilla or chocolate cream similar to cannoli cream. … Continue reading

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Pasta Fasoli

In the Sicilian dialect that is what we call it, Pasta Fasoli. Macaroni and beans. A simple dish my grandmother made at a moments notice. At a high priced Italian restaurant they call it Pasta Fagioli, and charge you plenty. It’s … Continue reading

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Linguine Puttanesca

The first time I had this dish was over my Aunt Phyllis and Uncle Sal’s house in Paterson, New Jersey. My uncle was a wonderful cook and whenever we went to visit he would always prepare something new and delicious. … Continue reading

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Pasticciotti

Pasticciotti, one of my all time favorite Italian pastries. This is a very popular Italian Pastry in Sicily and in this country as well.  Goes great with an espresso or capuchino.  It has a tart like shell with a vanilla creme … Continue reading

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Gnocchi Di Patate – Potato Gnocchi

HELLO MUDDA, HELLO FADDA! My brother and sister used to go to camp when they were young. My grandfather had a niece who was a nun, Sister Lucille, who was in charge of Camp Saint John in Peapack-Gladstone New Jersey. … Continue reading

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