Posts Tagged ‘Olive Oil!’

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 […]

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 grew up with Iavarone’s as one of my family’s go-to Italian markets. Located on Union Turnpike, Iavarone’s is a 5 minute drive from our house in New Hyde Park. I remember my Mom saying, “That’s were you get the good stuff”. Iavarone’s market sells imported olive oil and vinegars, picked goods,  fresh deli cut meats and specialty cheeses, prepared foods, stuffed peppers with prosciutto, antipasto salad – all the Italian culinary staples. When I moved to Ridgewood, I came across the Iavarone Brothers on Grand Ave in Maspeth. Were these the […]

Doctors and self-professed health experts have touted the benefits of a Mediterranean diet. People living in Greece or Italy are suspected of living with more fresh fruits and vegetables, along with an abundance of extra virgin olive oil. This, along with siestas and lots of good red wine seem to contribute to their longevity — and admirable lifestyles. More than fifty years ago my Italian family lived this fabulous diet without even knowing how smart they were. The genius behind the food eaten at my mother’s table was her father, […]

I love to cook during the week. It’s hard because I am getting home later and need some quick meals. If you can get a protein together, this is a great side. Ingredients: 1 head of broccoli 3 cloves of garlic 3 tbps of olive oil 1/2 – 3/4 cups of water * My mom puts in salt, but I don’t, tastes just as good. Directions: Heat olive oil on medium heat. When hot, add in the garlic. Let the garlic fry for about a minute, be careful not to […]

Part 2: “Old School Foods” Editor’s Note: Italians are so food-obsessed that even their insults and racial slurs are food-related. Cucuzza, mulignan, and unfortunately, “fanuk”. To be clear, this article is only about the actual food and there is no Italian food double-speak involved. Fennel and anise always caused confusion in my family. Similar flavors yes, but not the same thing. I’m sure this mix-up happened back in the day when my great-grandparents started speaking broken (Brooklyn) English, instead of their native Italian. If that’s not bad enough, I have […]

Of late, I’ve been into giving (and receiving) gifts of food and beverage. It’s a fun idea to consider this holiday season. Lets get the juices flowing… Wine, beer or alcohol: if you have a friend/family member that indulges in these pleasures, you just can’t go wrong with these gifts. Usually I pick up wine for 13 bucks or less, so receiving a fancy bottle is always a welcomed treat. Same goes for vodka, whiskey and other liquors. Peroni for your beer drinking paisans – so easy! I’m sure your friends […]

Some people say they love rock ‘n roll –  but I say, I love olive oil!  I think most Italians do and have had a kind of romance with olive oil that dates back centuries. We always seem to have this glistening golden liquid in our kitchens. It’s usually the first thing I grab when I begin to prepare a meal for my family. I love the way it tastes and the way it enhances the flavors of other foods.  I love the scent – it has a fruity, earthy […]