The sauce for this pasta is more of an Italian-American Meat sauce made with ground beef and veal.  I usually use a mixture of beef and pork.  I think the veal gives this sauce a more authentic italian taste. Sugo di Carne Three 35-ounce cans Italian Plum Tomatoes 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 large…

I’ve been hearing alot lately about grilled romaine and have seen it in a few magazines and I thought I’d give it a whirl.  Grilled lettuce you say?  Grilling this green brings out a beautiful smoky flavor and it’s one of the best things I’ve tasted lately.  With a little grated Parmesean it’s a perfect…

Today is my pasta day, and so is Friday, Monday, anyday.  I love my macaroni!  This velvety soup is hearty and filling and tastes better a day or two after being made.  You can add the pasta just before you serve it, or cook the pasta in the soup, as I did.  1 pound cannellini…

The turkey and dressing get all the attention on Thanksgiving, but it’s the sides that really make the meal. This is a favorite “stuffed mushroom” recipe that we have every Thanksgiving.  Instead of regular breadcrumbs for the “stuffing” – why not use stuffing! Researchers at Mrs. Cubbison’s Kitchen  did a survey that uncovers the latest…

Bring out the early flavor of autumn’s root vegetables. Root vegetables are one of fall’s best bargains, and they’re deliciously versatile, especially when roasted.  Stock up on carrots, potatoes, onions and garlic – not to mention parsnips, beets and turnips – for flavorful side dishes and tasty additions to salads, pastas and risottos. To roast…

My sister gets full credit for this recipe.  She didn’t feel like making meatloaf one night, and decided to make meatballs instead.  Wallah! (Her exact words).  These meatballs are so tender and moist – that they DO melt in your mouth.  Simmering in the flavorful onion gravy is the trick.  Serve with mashed potatoes or…

Who can ever get enough Macaroni & Cheese?  This is the quintessential family-friendly meal.  Our lives are busy now and it’s sometimes difficult to have a quick meal or snack that satisfies and keeps you going!  Instead of macaroni alone, add lots of cauliflower that is loaded with lots of vitamins and minerals.  Another trick…

It would be a mistake to judge apple fritters by their appearance. Once you bite into that crunchy crust, you’ll find a moist, fluffy dough filled with pieces of Granny Smith apples and the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. Fritters are usually served covered with powdered sugar, but in the recipe  we double the…

Besides the pink ribbon, there are other ways to raise awareness of cancer.  One of them is as “easy as pie” – literally. Chantal would like to encourage us all to Bake for a Cure!   We have the opportunity to work with Chantal Cookware for this fun #SundaySupper event.  The newest product from Chantal…

Due to the Twinkie scare, I decided to try to make Yankee Doodles at home.  Any of these snack cakes can be made at home.  The quality of the store-bought cakes are not what they used to be.  Nothing like homemade! CUPCAKES: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 cup…

The following recipe for Blueberry Overload Muffins are extra-large and yummy with the sugary-cinnamon crumb topping.  I doubled the recipe and filled jumbo muffin cups just to the top edge for a wonderful extra-generously-sized muffin. 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. baking powder 1/3 cup canola oil 1 egg…

I must confess that this is my favorite recipe for holiday cookies.  The original recipe…just changed slightly to satisfy my craving for salty/sweet.  With a crisp, buttery, cream cheese pastry and pecans coated in cinnamon caramel – touched with a hint of sea salt – these little pies are heaven sent.   Pastry: 1 cup…

This month’s CRAZY COOKING CHALLENGE  – Spaghetti with Red Sauce.  I could eat this everyday.  This recipe is a little unusual as we are making our meatballs…..with no meat! These crispy, savory, balls, simmering in tomato sauce, are delicious and surprising.  They have all the texture and flavor that a meatball-lover would ask for, there’s…

This is a quick, yummy little stocking stuffer that can also be given to teachers, the mailman, anyone that you might have forgotten at Christmas time.  You will need: 2 disposable cake decorating bags 1/2 cup instant Hot Cocoa mix 1/4 cup white chocolate chips 1/4 cup mini marshmallows Candy cane or small ornament Chenille…