Here’s an easy and elegant meal you can pull together at the last minute, sure to receive "Ooohs" and "Aahhhs." It'll serve as a super alternative to the usual baked ham and scalloped potatoes. Your MenuYour Signature Drink: Sherbet Cocktail (leaded or unleaded—your choice)French Onion SoupBourbon SteakHerb-Roasted PotatoesBaby Spinach Salad with Lemon VinaigretteDessert: purchase your favorite baker’s specialtyCoffee with Liqueur of choice (we like Bailey’s or Frangelico) RECIPES: Signature DrinkIngredients:1 container of Orange Sherbet1 liter Club Soda Directions:In a mixer, combine 1 …

Our dad worked for years as a warehouseman at the Regional Public Market in western New York, while our mom was busy working in the local grocery store. We also grew veggies in our home garden. We were quite fortunate to always have a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables on hand. We each had a row in our garden to try our hand at whatever we wanted: romaine, eggplants, peppers, zucchini and tomatoes, just to name a few. We even grew garlic on the side of our garage. Dad said the sun was perfect for it there! As a result, from a young age, we learned about all the different varieties, how to…

According to Auntie, dark green and leafy vegetables are the most nutritious of any food and are incredibly rich sources of vitamins and minerals. Back in Italy, our Gramma was able to get many of the greens she used for her main dishes, soups and salads just by picking them as they grew wild alongside the road. We, however, recommend going to the market or your local grocers.One wonderful benefit is that they help to prevent cataracts and improve the overall health of the eyes. No wonder she could always see what we were up to. We enjoyed this recipe and ate it pretty much every week. It was…

Christmas is almost here, which means there are just a few days left for holiday entertaining. So we put together three of our favorite appetizers that can be prepared in minutes and are sure to please any crowd. Bacon Wrapped Dates with Blue Cheese Ingredients:Bacon, regular or thin cutLarge Pitted Dates (from your grocery store's produce department)Blue Cheese crumbles  Toothpicks Recipe:Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Place a cooking rack on a tray lined with aluminum foil and arrange slices of bacon on the rack. We want to partially cook the bacon—check the package directions for cooking …

Our grandparents were born in southern Italy, an area known for its many varieties of seafood dishes. We were introduced to family favorites at a very young age. Walking with Gramma to the public market to see Guido, "The Fish Man,” was quite an experience. After a lot of hand-waving, we would purchase the freshest “catch.” Clams and mussels were always sitting in ice to keep them alive on the walk home. After all, we had to stop for lemon ice cones. Gramma would immediately put them in the refrigerator—which she called "the ice box”—until she was ready to clean them for dinner. To clean, she…

When we were little, we loved watching Gramma create her homemade pastas—and she never even used a bowl! She’d pull out a huge wooden board and mix everything together right on the board. She started with a mound of flour (she never had to measure), make a well in the middle, and add her ingredients: eggs, cheese, olive oil, and whatever else she liked. Then she'd mix it all together, and the magic would begin. She gave us a little piece of dough to work with and showed us how to knead and roll. We always knew a fun time and a delicious meal were in store when “the board” came out. One of the…

Here's your turkey grocery list: Turkey (determine size based on Tip 1 below)Stuffing (see package for amount needed based on turkey weight)Chicken BrothOnionsCeleryButterSpices: Sage, Thyme, Poultry Seasoning, Basil, Salt, PepperAluminum FoilThermometer (if you don't already have one)Roasting Pan Tip 1: When purchasing your whole turkey, figure 1-1-½ pounds per person, which allows ½ pound for leftovers.  Tip 2: Frozen turkeys should be defrosted in the refrigerator for 2-5 days prior to cooking depending on the size. Figure approximately 1 day for every 4 pounds. Never defrost at room …

Since the kids are grown and out on their own, we decided to bring everyone together by throwing a yearly picnic. We play games, take lots of photos, share stories, and, of course, eat. Family, fun and food—what could be better? Of course, we always want it to be memorable, so this particular year we chose Dad’s Pulled Pork Recipe. The video shows how we do it. With so many of us in the kitchen, it’s bound to get interesting. Enjoy!   Dad’s Pulled-Pork Recipe1¼ cups ketchup                                ½ cup chopped onion1 cup water                                          ¼ cup parsley …

We’ve just returned from southern Italy! One of the highlights of our trip has to be the Margherita Pizza. This classic pizza is so flavorful. The use of the best simple ingredients gives you a truly elegant crunch.  The pizza was initially created in Naples for Queen Margherita of Savoy by the Italian Chef Raphael Esposito in 1899. The ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil imitate the colors of the Italian flag. The Queen loved the pizza so much that she wrote a special letter to Chef Esposito, who immediately named the pizza after her.  See for yourself. No need to wait forever for …

In our family, it’s absolutely unthinkable to bring an antipasto or any type of relish tray to the table without including the homemade roasted red peppers. It’s just not done! They’re so easy to do yourself, and you’re rewarded with a really robust flavor. Growing up, we always had such an abundance of peppers from our home garden and the farmers’ market that our dad used to roast them in batches on the outside charcoal grill. He’d put them in jars with extra virgin olive oil and garlic and give them as gifts to family and friends.  We roast them under the broiler to have with cheeses and …

So, what is polenta? Simply, it’s ground corn meal that’s boiled in water.  Originated in Northern Italy as peasant food, you do need to have a little patience because it needs to be stirred constantly while cooking. But it’s so worth the effort.  In our family, our parents used to serve it up on Fat Tuesday. They would cover the entire table with large serving boards, and the whole family would gather around.  They poured the polenta on the board, topped it with tomato sauce, and put cooked Italian sausages in the middle. Everyone would eat, tunneling their way to the center to reach the …

We heart pesto! Created in Genoa, Italy, its literal translation is “to pound or to crush," referring to the crushed herbs and garlic in the sauce. Pesto was originally—and sometimes still is—lovingly prepared using a marble mortar and wooden pestle. Don’t worry, we’re using a food processor. This recipe is a classic, one of our family's must-haves. And using the same technique, the possibilities are endless.  Don’t be afraid to experiment using your favorite fresh herbs, cheeses, and nuts. Try a jalapeno or green onion pesto, mint and pistachio, even strawberry-basil pesto. Serve over pasta…

While preparing this recipe, we began talking about the change of season, the upcoming holidays, and how people are quite passionate about their green beans. When celebrating with family and friends, the conversation around our table inevitably turns to “Who makes the absolute best green bean casserole?” Everyone chimes in with their choice, Aunt Thelma or Uncle Chipper, but we know our sister Mary’s beans reign supreme.  We’ll see if we can persuade her to share her secret with us! In the meantime, we bought local, home-grown beans for this basic dish. Be good to yourself and your family and…

Who doesn’t enjoy a delicious tomato and cheese sandwich out on the back porch, or a Caprese salad—tomato, mozzarella and basil—made from freshest ingredients? Americans eat more than 22 pounds of tomatoes each year. Wow! We suspect that most are eaten in the form of tomato sauce. Here’s a recipe for a flavorful, light sauce: roasted tomatoes on a bed of basil leaves with garlic and oil—it’s that easy. Serve over rice or angel hair pasta. You’ll love the garlic. It’s so sweet! Recipe: Slow Roasted Tomato Confit Ingredients: 4 large Tomatoes1 large bunch of Basil4 Garlic Cloves½ cup Extra …

Apparently, we overestimated "just a touch" and had roasted about 100 ears of corn for our reunion party the day before, so naturally we had a few left over. Hmmm…what to do? Cilantro, lime and tomatoes come to mind. Add red onion, spices and olive oil, and an ultimate explosion of flavor is the result. It's delicious with chicken, fish, tacos, chips—use your imagination. The recipe below calls for just 2 ears of corn, which is probably what you would normally have on hand. So use the cilantro and lime juice for a Mexican flair, “swap” flat-leaf parsley and lemon juice for an Italian twist. …

Ever notice how food allows you to stay connected, appreciate where you come from, and keeps your family memories and stories alive? We began to make these meatballs when we suddenly broke out into shrieks of laughter recalling Mom vs. Dad—the meatball discussion.Every Sunday, Mom and Dad got up early to start the “gravy” for dinner, which included sausage, short ribs, and meatballs. We almost always had company and, no matter what, the conversation turned to, “Guess who made the meatballs?" Our guests, with puzzled looks on their faces, were expected to weigh in.  We sat in silence as we …

So you just got home from work, the kids are running around, and you’re trying to come up with something quick and easy for dinner that they will actually eat. John and Patty to the rescue.  This marinara is sure to be a hit, and all the vegetarians you know will love it. You will be the family hero, with or without the cape.   To make sure we always have sauce on hand in the refrigerator for unexpected guests, we double the recipe. Add a crisp, mixed green salad and you’re all set. Just for fun, try the new kid-friendly pastas in all colors and shapes. Enjoy! Recipe: Every Day Marinara Sauce…

The family had spoken! Our dad made the absolute best chicken—tender, juicy, flavorful. No matter the occasion, he was always expected to bring his special Italian chicken, made from a blend of his secret ingredients. The real secret is that it’s easy to prepare, and most likely, you have all the ingredients in your cupboard right now. This dish is a robust, delicious, figure-friendly alternative to our beloved fried chicken. Surprise your family and friends, and serve up a basketful at your next picnic or party. WARNING: Be sure to make enough because everyone will be back for seconds and …

Just smile and accept the compliment when your guests call you a real jerk. Just kidding! Jerk is actually the process of spicing and grilling meats, poultry, seafood and even veggies—resulting in a tender, spicy-sweet or spicy-hot flavor. In Jamaica, each cook develops his or her own special rub by adding ingredients: scallions, thyme, cinnamon, cloves, and so on.  We love the island flavors and in tribute have put together a few of our own favorite spices to create this marinade. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor.  While each Jamaican family closely guards their secret recipe, we’re …

Reached the summer halfway mark and can’t possibly look at another macaroni salad dripping with mayonnaise? We've got a solution for you!We all anxiously await the arrival of summer to catch up with family and friends and enjoy all the picnics and barbecues. But after a few weekends of over indulging in the same old potato, macaroni and tossed salads, your taste buds—not to mention your waistline—are ready for a change. These salads are a refreshing upgrade, easy to prepare ahead of time, and travel well. By the time the kids are ready, the car is packed, you’ve picked up Aunt Mary, and …