Category Archives: Pasta

Cavatelli with Eggplant Sauce

I truly believe Sicilians, more than anyone, worship the eggplant. Many regions of southern Italy and Mediterranean chefs cook with the purple jewel but, at least in my house, the eggplant ruled supreme. We fried them, baked them, roasted them, … Continue reading

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Linguine with Tuna, Capers and Olives

It’s hard to believe summer is officially over. Lots of things change after Labor Day. Living in the Poconos in North East Pennsylvania, Labor Day is the last hurrah of vacationers that come here to play. The next day you … Continue reading

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Cavatelli with Broccoli and Italian Sausage

This dish has all the flavors I grew up eating from my grandmother’s kitchen. Pork and broccoli with garlic and oil with the olives. The cavatelli turn this into a complete meal that is very tasty and satisfying. This is … Continue reading

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Pasta all’Amatriciana

When you get a hold of guanciale from Italy you put it to good use. Guanciale is produced with whole pork cheeks. It is rubbed with salt, sugar , and spices and cured for three weeks. It has an earthy … Continue reading

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Authentic Pasta Carbonara

My Mother always made Pasta Carbonara when I was growing up in Brooklyn. But she made it her own way. Unlike the original way, she would include regular bacon, onions, garlic and butter. The rest of the ingredients were the … Continue reading

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Tomato Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes

Most backyard gardeners have picked their last tomato by now. This time of year is when I love to make fresh tomato sauce using the Roma and plum tomatoes I grew myself and allowed to ripen on the vine. It’s … Continue reading

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Macaroni with Zucchini and Mint

Here is another classic Sicilian dish that you can throw together with a few seasonal ingredients and walk away with a satisfying meal, that’s tasty and fresh.  This time of year the mint should be plentiful from your garden and … Continue reading

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Pasta alla Norma- Macaroni with Eggplant

This has to be one of my all time favorite macaroni dishes. And it’s pure Sicilian. When I was 14 years old and traveled throughout Italy with my brother Richard we spent two weeks with my Aunt Angie and Uncle … Continue reading

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Fresh Tomato Sauce

I’m posting this recipe now to encourage you to grow your own tomatoes, and at the least, try making a fresh tomato sauce from fresh, ripe, Roma tomatoes. There is nothing quite like growing your own tomatoes, then taking those vine ripened beauties and … Continue reading

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Spaghetti con Aglio Olio e Alici

My friend Tommy Abatemarco reminded me of this dish the other day. I have not had this in a long time, spaghetti with garlic and oil and anchovies with toasted breadcrumbs. Man! This takes me back to Christmas Eve in … Continue reading

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