Posts Tagged ‘recipe’

It’s been so hot and humid. The other day I wanted an ice pop so bad but I knew I didn’t have any. Instead, I pathetically stuck my head in the freezer for a minute to cool down. I remember as kids, my sisters and I would make icy pops at the kitchen table. It gave us something to do and we would anticipate enjoying the cooling treat after the long summer day  playing outside. My mother gave us those small bathroom cups to make our ices with and she […]

I’ve never had much luck with zucchini but this year, the squash gods granted me bounty. I said to myself as I peered down over the plant, “Wow, they look like real zucchinis.” Have you ever seen the plant? The vegetables grow outwards on an angle. They seem to defy gravity. The fruit is bulky yet the large yellow flowers are so delicate. I recently learned from Pam, the Market Manager of Edgemere Farm that there are male and female flowers. Female zucchini blossoms are directly attached to the fruit. […]

I spent some time this past week tackling a big clean out of the basement, which, up until that point, was a very dusty 30x60ft storage space. How does one collect so much stuff?  The plan is to transform the basement into guest quarters, for friends and family that visit this summer. I was sifting through some boxes and came across one labeled books – containing mostly my art history books from college. Distracted and tired from organizing, I started flipping through. A work by Italian Baroque painter Annibale Carracci […]

Previously published in The Wave. A few weeks ago on the drive to my cousin Sarah’s baby shower (Yay! Sarah and Dan!), I was talking with my Aunt Brenda about dieting. I told her since I’m not eating much meat, I’ve been munching on way to many carbs. Brenda said she’s been experimenting, using cauliflower as a bread substitute. “It’s really trendy now Paula, you should give it a shot!” And so I did! If you’re looking for a creative low-carb bread alternative, make a batch of cauliflower “bread”. I was […]

Eggs, for thousands of years and in many cultures are symbolic of birth and renewal. Deviled eggs* are commonly made as an appetizer (pickys!) on Easter Sunday for this reason. My family follows this custom every year. My mother has always used a traditional mix of mustard, mayo and egg yolks for her deviled eggs. She garnishes with a sliced black olive and paprika “for color”, as Flo always says. But there are many contemporary variations – you can use combinations of garlic, horseradish, pickles, turmeric, relish, chilis, salsa, thyme, cilantro, […]

My brother-in-law JUMBO says it’s like eating a salty wet sponge. This is highly upsetting to me. He and other olive-haters are missing out on one of the most delicious of Italian pleasures. The olive tree is native to the Mediterranean region, Asia, and Africa. It was one of the first trees harvested by humans some 7,000 years ago.  Now, it’s grown in warm climates worldwide. There are hundreds of cultivars with distinct, rich, savory flavors. Olives are commonly served in all manners of deliciousness – marinated, cured and stuffed. They’re […]

Shortly after my sister Natalie got married she hosted her first family party. “Bryon, can you go to the food store and get the pickies?” she said to her husband. Bryon was happy to help and went to the store. An hour passed. Bryon came home frustrated and empty-handed. “I asked everyone in the supermarket where the pickies were and know one knew what the hell I was talking about??!” Natalie realized he was clueless about what she meant, and rightfully so. “Pickies” is a DiGioia-ism, a word used by […]

Previously published in The Wave. I was selling some stuff on eBay last week, and in a little slip of the tongue, I asked my husband if the money was “in escarole”, which sent him into a hysterical laughing fit. “I think that might be the Sicilian-est malaprop possible.” he said. In any case, it gave me the idea to share with you an old family recipe for Zuppa di Scarola e Fagioli, or escarole and bean soup. “Uhh, but what’s escarole?” you ask? It’s a leafy green that sort […]

I’ve been making this tomato salad for a decade, at least. Gosh, that sounds like a long time doesn’t? The weather is getting colder and my inclination is to eat cheese, bread and meat but I’m really trying to keep the veggies in the forefront this fall.  I over-bought  tomatoes last week and thought this was the perfect dish to make with them. This salad doesn’t take much time to prepare. I like making it in advance so when I’m hungry and looking for something  to eat, it’s ready to go. […]

I found this recipe for onion dip on marthastewart.com. I’ve made it twice so far – for Jumbo’s JUMBAQ and my niece Annie’s Christening party. It was a crowd pleaser at both events. You can make this dipping sauce in advance, which is always a bonus when you’re having company. You would think using one pound of onions is overkill but it’s not. The flavor is sweet because of the caramelization of the onions. I added a healthy amount of fresh oregano. The oregano’s peppery kick works nicely with the sweetness of the onion mixture.  I used […]