We go bonkerz for food!
Chocolate Tutu cookies are a staple holiday dessert in most Southern Italian/Sicilian families. The spelling actually varies by region and family. Joe’s family uses the spelling tutu, but tetu, toto and even dodo are common variations. They all describe this little round chocolate cookie covered in a thick icing. This […]
My mother made these Gingerbread Cookies every year at Christmas time. They are made with a nice blend of spices, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves and are sweetened with molasses and brown sugar. These cookies are thin, crunchy and addicting! A Holiday Tradition I still uphold the Christmas tradition of […]
Chicken Marsala over Spaghetti Squash is a rich and satisfying dish. It makes the perfect intimate dinner for two, but can be a great dinner party entrée as well. It is a variation of traditional Italian scaloppini dishes, of which there are many varieties throughout Italy. What is Chicken Marsala? Scaloppini is […]
Mrs Maltezos Lentil Soup is warm and comforting. Its perfect on a cold day with a crusty piece of toasted bread for dunking. This light soup is lightly seasoned with bay leaves and finished with a little tomato juice. Its takes less than an hour to make this easy soup. […]
These cinnamon apple filled cupcakes topped with a maple swiss meringue buttercream encapsulate all the delicious flavors of fall in one yummy treat! They take a few steps to make, but are totally worth it! The cupcakes are light and fluffy with just a hint of cinnamon. Then, they’re packed […]
Pumpkin Oat Cherry Cookies are full of fall flavor! They remind me of fall’s version of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (my favorite cookie). I like all the different flavors and textures. The pumpkin and warming spices have a nice comforting taste that doesn’t take over the cookie. The oats and pecans […]
Herbed Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy reminds me of the fall season. The pork chops are marinated with fresh thyme, rosemary and sage, then seared to perfection. While the pork chops rest, we make a quick mushroom gravy that’s seasoned with thyme and finished with a touch of cream. We […]
Nannu’s Sicilian Escarole soup is a dish that Joe remembers fondly from his childhood. It is simple yet comforting and very easy to make. Joe’s grandfather made this dish for lunch on a regular basis. Nannu is Sicilian for Grandfather. Sicilian is one of the many different dialects of the […]
Who doesn’t love Taco Tuesday or Wednesday or Thursday for that matter? Pairing this Mexican spice rubbed steak with my light and refreshing slaw is a quick and easy weeknight meal! I like to use this steak in tacos, but you can eat it on its own or dress it […]
Pasta with Romanesco and Pancetta is a light pasta that is quick to toss together making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal. I combine penne pasta with Romanesco aka Roman Cauliflower and diced Pancetta. Top it with lots of Pecorino Romano cheese and you have a simple and tasty […]
Joe’s Favorite Chicken Pot Pie may not be Italian, but it’s definitely one of his go to comfort foods! This chicken pot pie has a creamy filling full of onions, carrots, peas and chicken. It is so comforting that it makes you feel like you are getting a big hug. […]
Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Parfaits are the perfect no-bake dessert for fall! They’re a simple pumpkin cheesecake mousse filling that you layer with a crunchy, crushed Amaretti cookies and fresh whipped cream! These parfaits are sweet, creamy and crunchy. Everything you want in a delicious fall inspired dessert! Lightening the pumpkin […]