2024-01-13 18:21
It is rare to find this lobster dish in a restaurant that is affordable and chock full of lobster.It was $23.00 for two large lobster tails and the canned tomatoes and fettuccine, I had in m… Read More
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Italian-American Family Recipes
2023-10-08 12:32
To butterfly a chicken for roasting, you remove the backbone, make a slit in the breastbone, also known as keel bone, and flatten it before cooking. The chicken cooks faster and the skin bro… Read More
2023-09-07 14:16
2 small too medium size boneless chicken breasts halves½ cup all-purpose flourSalt and freshly ground black pepper2 T peanut oil or avocado oil, for frying8 oz cremini or white mushro… Read More
2023-08-31 14:49
I prefer this dish with pancetta, but If you are a purist, make it with guanciale (pork cheeks). If you don't have pancetta, go ahead and make it with bacon. Authentic spaghetti… Read More
2023-06-03 13:10
I had this wonderful crispy chicken recipe in a restaurant in Amalfi, Italy. Arugula is also known as rocket in Italy and probably comes from the French word roquette. You can also make… Read More
2023-05-19 13:26
This recipe for eggplant Parmigiana resembles southern-style fried green tomatoes, with all the crunch, and they are not fried. You stack them together and bake a final time for about 10 min… Read More
2023-05-18 16:54
This is now one of my husband's favorite bruschette.Bruschetta (with an "a") is singular and bruschette (with an "e") is plural. Since it was just the two of us, I only made 4 appetizer… Read More
2023-02-15 17:49
I have been making these green beans for 30 years. It is one of my daughter's favorite. It's also great to take to a potluck dinner. 2 lbs green beans, trimmed and broken in half2… Read More
2022-12-08 15:22
Here is another classic Italian-American breakfast...eggs in tomato sauce with grated cheese and grilled Italian bread. You can use any good-quality marinara sauce from your grocery store or… Read More
2022-10-18 14:16
I prefer spaghetti carbonara made with pancetta. If you are a purist, make it with guanciale (pork cheeks). If you don't have pancetta, go ahead and make it with bacon. Authentic… Read More
2022-09-06 19:12
Italian Giardiniera can be served as a small salad or spread on grinders, subs, hoagies, heroes, or muffuletta sandwiches. This is so easy to make and so very delicious! Golde… Read More
2022-03-15 17:26
The first time I tasted Bolognese sauce was my first visit to Italy in 1969. I had it again in a restaurant located near Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C. It was only on their "Primi… Read More
2022-02-13 16:56
This is one of America's favorite Italian dishes. In Italy, they make it with veal.Lee's Kitchen Tips:You may wonder what the difference is between marinara sauce and tomato sauce… Read More
2021-12-18 18:26
Cioppino, pronounced “chuh-Pee-no,” is an Italian-American seafood stew made with the catch of the day. San Francisco Italian-Americans invented this recipe in the 1800s, and it… Read More
2021-08-12 16:11
I prefer spaghetti carbonara made with pancetta. If you are a purist, make it with guanciale (pork cheeks). Authentic spaghetti alla carbonara does not contain cream. The creamines… Read More
2021-08-02 19:10
Farfalle (butterflies or bowties) are one of my favorite pasta types. Serve with grilled salmon or chicken. . .even as a complete entree.1 lb farfalle pasta or your favorite¼ cu… Read More
2021-07-27 14:57
In my Italian-American cookbook, I make serve this Italian Sausage Sauce over pappardelle pasta. I love the way the sauce gets into the rigatoni, and now this is my favorite pasta with… Read More
2021-07-26 12:28
This is one of my favorite salads. Sometimes this salad is on the menu in a pizza restaurant. Add whatever you like to make it your own. Garlic-Parmigiano Salad Dressing2 cloves g… Read More
2021-07-06 12:21
This is the time of the year, if you live where it is now the summer season, to make Caprese salad at its best. It is so simple and all you need is homegrown tomatoes, fresh basil, and… Read More
2021-07-06 04:58
This traditional seafood stew (pronounced cah-choo-co) is popular in the western port town of Livorno in Tuscany, Italy.It is similar to San Francisco's Cioppino, but less expensive to make… Read More
2021-06-12 13:01
To butterfly a chicken for roasting, you remove the backbone, make a slit in the breastbone, also known as keel bone, and flatten it before cooking. The chicken cooks faster and the skin bro… Read More
2021-06-09 18:31
This is one of my Go-To meals on a weeknight. It is so delicious, you may want to serve it for company. . .after this pandemic is over. This recipe includes Italian sausages (pork or t… Read More
2021-05-20 12:31
If you love tomato sauce and chicken marsala, you will love this version. This comes together in less than 30 minutes. It's a perfect weeknight and weekend meal served with pasta… Read More
2021-05-11 06:06
It is asparagus season here in the south. Here is another recipe to enjoy, if you like cheese . . . and who doesn't?1 lb fresh asparagus, ends snapped or cut off3 T olive oil2 cloves g… Read More
2021-04-25 12:14
Fra Diavolo is an Italian-American creation which translates to 'brother devil'.All'Arrabbiata is an Italian creation from Rome which translates to 'angry'. They are both spicy, us… Read More
2021-04-22 12:29
Tiramisù roughly translated means "pick me up" or "lift me up". It is a traditional dessert from Italy made with espresso, mascarpone cheese, whipped cream, Savoiardi (… Read More
2021-04-07 18:58
I don't know the reason but East Coast scallops are the sweetest scallops I have ever tasted, especially scallops from the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia. This is a simple and delicious way to… Read More
2021-03-05 21:54
Ricotta cheesecakes are easy to make and they are so very delicious. This one has a graham cracker crust on the bottom and partially up the sides. I found a box of graham cracker crumbs in t… Read More
2021-03-02 18:12
Pizza Dough¾ cup warm water2 t active dry yeast2 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour½ t sea saltPour half of the warm water into the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the yeas… Read More
2021-02-21 23:29
The first time I tasted Bolognese sauce was my first visit to Italy in 1969. I had it again in a restaurant located near Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C. It was only on their "Primi… Read More
2020-12-02 16:20
The eggplants are so crispy and are baked in the oven. I made a marinara sauce with canned cherry tomatoes and sautéed some Swiss chard and that was spooned under the… Read More
2020-09-01 15:09
I love spring asparagus and this is a delicious way to serve them. Use can substitute French green beans and it will be equally delicious.2 T avocado oil1 cup pignoli (pine nuts)2 clov… Read More
2020-08-23 16:06
This Sunday with breakfast, we felt like having a nice iced coffee with chocolate hazelnut spread and the little kick of grated ginger. Make your coffee the night before and pour into… Read More
2020-08-18 17:33
In this recipe for Pesto sauce, I added some spinach to tone down the strong flavor of basil and to make it even healthier.You can make it with just basil leaves and just one type of grated… Read More
2020-06-07 17:20
This recipe has a lot of fresh middle neck clams (from the Chesapeake Bay) and clam juice infused with white wine, olive oil, and finished off with butter. Serve this with crusty bread… Read More
2020-04-11 12:44
Many years ago I served my first homemade, Neapolitan-style pizza to my husband and children. The dough was pressed into a large sheet pan, like pictured. It was served sizzling… Read More
2020-03-26 08:49
If you've ever been to Digby, Nova Scotia, you probably have eaten those wonderful large scallops. They are harvested from the Bay of Fundy, which has the highest and lowest tides in the wor… Read More
2020-01-05 00:13
Chicken Piccata is on the menu in most Italian restaurants, and it is so easy to prepare at home. The recipe originated in Italy with veal. Serve this with pasta or Risotto alla Mi… Read More
2019-11-09 11:38
Chicken Cacciatore is a hunter's stew. This is definitely one of my Go-To recipes. It is perfect for cold autumn or winter nights. It is definitely a heartier dish with the addition of… Read More
2019-07-24 18:45
When raspberries are in season, why not make ice cream with mascarpone cheese? If you love raspberries, you will love this ice cream.4 large egg yolks½ cup granulated sugar½ cu… Read More
2019-06-11 19:40
The eggplants are so crispy and are baked in the oven. I made a marinara sauce with canned cherry tomatoes and sautéed some Swiss chard and that was spooned under the marin… Read More
2019-05-28 18:50
This makes an excellent side dish (contorni) or lunch with a glass of red wine. No need to salt eggplant before baking. They get deliciously crisp with just a little oil.Tomato-B… Read More
2019-05-06 17:49
Frittate are Italian open-faced omelets. Use any smoked fish you prefer, such as tuna or trout. Frittate is plural for frittata.4 large eggs¼ cup half-and-half or milkSea salt… Read More
2019-04-28 17:17
Do you want something different, delicious, and easy to put together for an appetizer? This is just the perfect little bite.1 log plain polenta, cut into 12 roundsOlive oil or avocado… Read More
2019-04-16 16:12
This is a delicious way to get dark greens into an appetizer or lunch. I made only 6 slices and saved the rest of the chard for another day.3 bunches Swiss chard, trimmed of tough stems and… Read More
2019-03-18 20:38
Here is a recipe that includes Italian sausages, sun-dried tomatoes, and fennel. Farfalle (pronounced far-fa-lay) translates to "butterflies". Get the onion, fennel, peppers, and garlic… Read More
2019-03-04 22:32
Use your favorite seafood in this gratin. I used my favorites and my husband loved this. I made four and there were two left over for another dinner; just bake the two you don't want to eat… Read More
2019-02-22 21:13
This is now one of my husband's favorite bruschette.Bruschetta (with an "a") is singular and bruschette (with an "e") is plural. Since it was just the two of us, I only made 4 appetizer… Read More
2019-02-20 19:35
This is such a delicious and easy salad to make. Toss it all together in a bowl and serve.1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half1 cup black Cerignola or Kalamata olives, pitted1 small red onion… Read More
2019-02-13 22:06
Sometimes I can't make up my mind if I want scallops or shrimp over pasta. I love sun-dried tomatoes in anything and this was a hit with my husband.6 sea scallops12 large shrimp peeled and d… Read More
2019-02-03 22:44
Everyone has heard of bagels and lox...well this is an Italian version of that breakfast or brunch entree.4 oz package of thinly sliced brined salmonThinly sliced multi-grain bread½ c… Read More
2019-01-05 16:56
This hearty meal was introduced to me by my mother-in-law, Marie Noviello Casazza.Pollo alla Cacciatora in Italy actually means “chicken of the hunter's wife”. When the hunter ca… Read More
2018-12-28 17:38
This is the classic soup of pasta and beans from Southern Italy, especially popular in Napoli and the Amalfi coast. Don't be a fool...eat pasta fazool! It is truly amore!2 oz pancetta… Read More
2018-12-11 22:38
If you would like to add a few breakfast sausage links to the frittata. Cook the sausages until done then cut into small pieces and add to the egg mixture. This frittata will serve 4 people… Read More
2018-11-28 18:35
My husband's favorite meal is pasta with seafood in a tomato sauce. This dish is somewhat spicy but you can adjust the heat by the amount of red pepper flakes you add. ½ lb lingu… Read More
2018-11-09 13:20
Cannellini beans are popular in Central and Southern Italy, especially in Tuscany. They are an excellent source of iron, magnesium, folate, and a good source of protein. You can also serve t… Read More
2018-11-03 17:17
Chicken Cacciatore is a hunter's stew. This is definitely one of my Go-To recipes. It is perfect for cold autumn or winter nights. It is definitely a heartier dish with the addition of… Read More
2018-10-28 17:04
If you like Italian sausage and eggplant, you will love this sauce over pasta. Dinner ready in 30 minutes! 1 medium firm eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes1 T sea salt¼ cup avocado oil1… Read More
2018-10-15 21:32
Frittatas are a delicious breakfast or brunch dish. It's even good for dinner! If you want to make this for only 4 people, cut the recipe in half and bake in a smaller skillet for only 30 mi… Read More
2018-10-14 19:33
2018-10-09 17:34
Mascarpone is a creamy Italian cheese made from cow’s milk. The cows are fed special grasses filled with herbs and flowers so they produce milk that is perfect for making this cheese… Read More
2018-09-26 19:08
When in Italy, my favorite meal to order in a ristorante is Chicken Milanese. You will also see Veal Milanese on the menu. Serving it over a bed of arugula and fennel is a very pop… Read More
2018-09-22 19:29
We have popcorn almost every Saturday night and watch a movie. Our parents did the same when we were kids. I like flavoring popcorn with different spices, such as chili powder, Cajun se… Read More
2018-09-06 18:05
2018-09-06 11:29
This sandwich makes a delicious dinner accompanied with a salad or soup. There is enough left over for another couple of dinners or lunches. The entire house had the amazing aroma of that ch… Read More
2018-08-14 14:45
Chicken Paillard is pounded thin so that it cooks evenly. I prefer to grill mine on a grill pan and make a lemon dressing to drizzle over the bed of arugula and tomato salad and then a littl… Read More
2018-08-07 15:40
If you cannot find guanciale or pancetta in your supermarket, use unflavored bacon. I bought my porcini ravioli at a local pasta store on the island owned by Max Del Vecchio.6 oz guanc… Read More
2018-08-07 15:33
This is one of our favorite weeknight salads. It is easy to make and so delicious!¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil &nb&hell…Read More
2018-07-30 20:17
The first time I tasted Bolognese sauce was my first visit to Italy in 1969. I had it again in a restaurant located near Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C. It was only on their "Primi… Read More
2018-07-28 17:20
The first time I tasted grilled zucchini was at the home of Carmine Pallone and Giuseppina "Pina" Cappiello. Pina grilled the zucchini on the terrace of their home in beautiful Pos… Read More
2018-07-22 16:51
This recipe for eggplant Parmigiana resembles southern-style fried green tomatoes, with all the crunch, and they are not fried. You stack them together and bake a final time for about 10 min… Read More
2018-07-13 15:49
The red sauce in this recipe is pureed red bell peppers from a jar. This is a new favorite pasta and clam dish for my husband. We do like grated cheese on our pasta and seafood dishes. My mo… Read More
2018-07-06 16:02
I don't know the reason but East Coast scallops are the sweetest scallops I have ever tasted. This is a simple and delicious way to pan fry them.10 East Coast sea scallopsSea salt and freshl… Read More
2018-06-26 18:49
Every pizza parlor has their own pizzeria salad. This is one of my favorites. Add whatever you like to make it your own. Garlic-Parmigiano Salad Dressing3 cloves garlic, pressed or min… Read More
2018-06-04 18:15
You can serve this tapenade over toasted bread slices or polenta. Another delicious way to serve tapenade is spread some goat cheese on toasted bread (crostini) and top with the tapenade. Yo… Read More
2018-05-30 16:56
This is a classic Italian-American pasta dish you find on the menu in most Italian restaurants. You can make this at home and it will be even better and definitely less expensive than in res… Read More
2018-04-02 18:47
Zucchini is such a versatile vegetable. I have grilled it and added a vinaigrette. I've also cooked and baked it. Raw zucchini is also delicious and is so healthy. Zucchini and fennel are lo… Read More
2018-03-29 00:46
You can make this meal in 30 minutes. Chop up everything and place it on a platter so it is ready to add to the skillet. We love Spaghetti alla Puttanesca and this sauce is excellent over fi… Read More
2018-03-22 15:15
If you love chicken or veal marsala, I think you will love this recipe made with pork chops and topped with Prosciutto di Parma and mozzarella.Lee's Kitchen Tips:In 2011 the new guidelines f… Read More
2018-03-19 19:21
Here is a different pasta sauce using a ragù recipe with fennel. Ragù is a meat based sauce.2 T avocado oil or extra-light olive oil1 large fennel, finely diced, plus chop… Read More
2018-03-15 23:43
You probably haven’t heard about this passenger ship wreck. It happened off of Sable Island, Nova Scotia, on July 4th 1898, in dense fog at dawn’s early light. It occurred 14 yea… Read More
2018-03-03 23:52
In my Italian-American cookbook, I have this recipe but with pappardelle. I made the sauce but served it with rigatoni. I like it even more because the sauce gets inside the rigatoni.1… Read More
2018-02-26 16:00
When in Italy, one of my favorite dinners is to have a rotisserie chicken on a bed of arugula dressed with a simple lemon vinaigrette. This is so delicious as a complete dinner. I first made… Read More
2018-02-14 18:31
These little mini sweet pepper poppers, make a delicious hors' d'oeuvre (appetizer).You could used Gorgonzola cheese in place of the goat cheese, if you prefer. You can also replace the panc… Read More
2018-02-10 19:30
If you love shrimp and risotto, you will love this recipe. Serve with a green salad for a complete meal.Lee's Kitchen Tips:I always use plastic cutting boards for uncooked seafood and meats… Read More
2018-02-09 19:50
In America, twice baked cookies are known as biscotti. The word biscotti comes from the Latin word biscoctus, meaning twice baked or cooked. Biscotti made with a fat, such as butte… Read More
2018-02-01 00:11
Boneless chicken breasts stuffed with delicious sun-dried tomatoes, crispy pancetta, & Asiago cheese is a real treat for two. Serve them with mashed potatoes or risotto and a green veget… Read More
2018-01-22 20:51
If you love the woody flavor of cremini mushrooms, vinaigrette, and Pecorino Romano cheese, you will love this mushroom salad.8 oz cremini mushrooms,¼ cup extra-virgin olive oilZest a… Read More
2018-01-22 20:44
For many years, I tried to find the maiden name of Caterina (Catherine) Casazza. One of my husband's cousins sent us this photo and told us her maiden name was also Casazza.Her parents were… Read More
2018-01-18 13:19
Cacio e Pepe is a pasta dish from Rome. It translates to "cheese and pepper". I added pancetta for extra crunch and flavor. I also added lemon zest and juice to brighten up the dish. This is… Read More
2018-01-17 21:43
Ernesto Noviello (Ernest Novello) was born in the little village of Montefalcione on 2 Aug 1895. He was only fourteen years old when he first arrived in New York on 12 May 1910 as a st… Read More
2018-01-13 16:28
Shrimp come in so many sizes and are usually sold by count per pound. Here is a helpful guide. Extra Jumbo = 16-20 Jumbo = 21-25 Extra Large = 26-30 Large = 31-35 Me… Read More
2018-01-06 11:28
2018-01-05 22:57
This is such a delicious weeknight meal to make. This is just another way to make a quick ragù. ¼ cup extra-light olive oil or avocado oil1 large bulb fennel, fi… Read More
2017-12-26 19:15
Margaritas are generally associated with summer but with cranberry juice and fresh cranberries, it is a perfect winter or holiday cocktail.Course sea salt2 limes, cut in half6 oz silver tequ… Read More
2017-11-27 22:10
No need to buy expensive Crème Fraîche in your super market. You can easily make this at home.1 cup heavy whipping cream1 T fresh lemon juice Pour cream into a clean cannin… Read More
2017-11-26 19:23
This is a classic Italian-American pasta dish you find on the menu in most Italian restaurants. You can make this at home and it will be even better and definitely less expensive than in res… Read More
2017-11-18 11:05
Somewhere in Virginia, summer of 1944 Read More
2017-10-25 21:51
You can make this delicious pasta dish with any pasta you prefer and in under 30 minutes. I I think it works best with a flat ribbon-type of pasta. This is perfect for a weeknight meal.8 oz… Read More
2017-10-21 22:58
This is such an easy, quick, and delicious recipe to make. You can't find it any better in a fine restaurant. Lee's Kitchen Tips: Ask your fishmonger if your mussels are wild or cu… Read More
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