Saturday was one of those days when I just wanted to cook. Even though it’s technically not soup weather here in South Carolina (we’re still hanging out in the 80s and 90s), I couldn’t resist. Growing up in New Jersey, cooler weather always meant soup season—but honestly, I’ll break out the chicken broth anytime the…
Tag: Recipes
A Cozy Day in the Kitchen: Bread Machine Pretzels & Mushroom Ravioli with Pancetta, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Spinach
Learn how to make homemade bread machine pretzels and a comforting mushroom ravioli with pancetta, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Two wholesome, flavorful recipes perfect for snacking and dinner. Some days are made for cooking, and today was one of those days. I treated myself to a little snack and a cozy dinner—soft bread machine pretzels…
Sheet Pan Giambotta – An Easy Twist on an Italian Classic
Giambotta (pronounced jam-BOAT-ah – we pronounce it jahm-bawt) is one of those rustic Italian dishes that feels like home to me. Growing up, my mother made it just about every week. Her version was a big pot filled with veal, peppers, zucchini, onions, garlic, and of course, crushed tomatoes. Later, she swapped in hot Italian…
Spaghetti all’Assassina (Killer Spaghetti): Crispy, Spicy, Burnt-to-Perfection Pasta
Move over, spaghetti and meatballs—this dish is for the bold. Spaghetti all’Assassina (literally “Killer Spaghetti”) hails from Bari in Southern Italy, and it’s nothing like the pasta you grew up with. Instead of boiling pasta in water and finishing it in sauce, this recipe cooks the spaghetti directly in the sauce until it chars on…
Hearty Sausage & Chickpea Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Rice
When the weather cools down (or when you just need a bowl of comfort), nothing hits the spot like a rich, flavorful stew. My Sausage & Chickpea Stew is loaded with bold spices, tender sweet potatoes, carrots, and plenty of garlic. Add in chickpeas for protein and heartiness, and you’ve got a balanced one-pot meal…
Chicken & Eggplant Milanese with Warm Shiitake Mushroom Salad
The ultimate weekend comfort dish that’s worth every minute If you’re looking for a show-stopping meal that combines crispy breaded chicken, tender eggplant, savory mushrooms, creamy ricotta, and a touch of fresh greens, my Chicken & Eggplant Milanese with Warm Shiitake Mushroom Salad is a winner. Yes — it takes a bit of time to…
Cajun Shrimp & Buttery Garlicky Steamed Clams
A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Feast Straight from My Kitchen There’s something about buttery clams and spicy Cajun shrimp that instantly takes me back to summer nights, sipping wine and cooking with the windows open (but not in the South LOL). This meal is one of my absolute favorites to throw together—it feels indulgent but is surprisingly…
Peppers and Eggs: The Breakfast of My Childhood Dreams
There’s something magical about food that takes you back—back to a specific kitchen, a familiar voice, or even just a time when things were simpler. For me, one of those dishes is Peppers and Eggs. Growing up in an Italian-American family, this humble but soul-satisfying meal was a staple. My mother would make it for…
Shrimp & Grits Italian Style
If you’re a fan of classic Southern shrimp and grits, get ready for a delicious twist you didn’t know you needed! This Italian-style shrimp and grits recipe swaps traditional grits for creamy, cheesy polenta and infuses the dish with bold, smoky Italian flavor. Low Country meets Little Italy.
Grandma’s Gravy… not sauce!
Gravy is my comfort food. When I talk about gravy, I’m talking about the RED stuff you put on macaroni – not brown gravy. If you’re a North Jersey Italian-American, GRAVY is where it’s at. I was always taught that tomato sauce comes out of a can. What you put into that tomato sauce makes it gravy. I firmly…
Jacq from Jersey... 