This is not your typical banana bread.  Although the ingredients may be the same, this recipe packs 5 bananas in the batter (and one for the top).  It’s the best banana bread you will ever make. 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 6 large very ripe bananas 8 Tbsp. (1…

I love cauliflower, but I know not everyone would agree with me.  Let’s face it – it’s bland.  If I buy a jar of pickled Giardinera, I pick out all the cauliflower.  This is a nice summer salad that can sit at room temperature for hours. This would also be good as part of an…

Who would not bow down to butter, cream and cheese!  Alfredo di Lelio, after whom this dish was named was a restauranteur in Rome in the early 1900’s.  Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, on honeymoon in Rome, dined on this dish every night at Alfredo’s restaurant.   Once you try this recipe, you will never…

This diner favorite – ground beef, caramelized onions, and melted cheese between slices of grilled rye bread is easy to make at home.  If you can find fresh Russian Rye, it’s the best rye bread!  It’s usually found near the Deli and not in the bread aisle of the supermarket. 1-1/2 lbs. ground beef Salt…

You won’t be disappointed in this garlic bread. It’s cheesy It’s warm and crunchy It’s just waiting for some warm marinara to dip into 5 garlic cloves, grated 8 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened (1 stick) 1/2 tsp. water 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1/2 tsp. oregano 1 baguette, sliced in half…

A few weeks ago, I decided that I wanted to go to Lidia’s Restaurant in New York for my birthday.  New York City is only about a 25 minute train ride from here, and the train brings you right into Penn Station. Felidia’s is a renovated brownstone on E. 58th Street.  Warm and cozy, first class…

Enchiladas made easy!  This pie is topped with tortilla chips and while it bakes, the lowest layer transforms into a beefy-enchilada-like base while the top layer stays crisp.  Everyone asked for seconds! 1-1/2 lbs. lean ground beef 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup) 2 garlic cloves, minced One 10-ounce can of enchilada sauce 1/2…

It doesn’t get any simpler than this classic Italian dish. 1 lb. spaghetti or vermicelli 5 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 10 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano Bring 6 quarts of salted water to a boil…

Amidst the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, we all have to use whatever we have available in the pantry and fridge until the stores re-open and shelves are stocked again.  Lentils provide plenty of protein and makes a great vegetarian dinner. 1 large onion, chopped 1 cup shredded carrot 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/4 tsp. onion…

One of the most common symbols in the lives of all moms is the need to feed our families.  Packaged foods and take-out are ruining our health and it’s hard to fight to keep your kids from turning to those quick microwave meals when you don’t have the time to prepare something.  Weeknight dinners are…

I think most of us will agree that LEFTOVERS are the best part of Thanksgiving Dinner.  After all the hustle and bustle and preparation of  the feast, we can all sit back now and enjoy all the delicious sides, sandwiches and gravy that are a cinch to put together.  This week Isabel of Family Foodie…

It’s the middle of summer and I get a craving for a turkey dinner.  When the summer season starts, you can’t wait for that first grilled hamburger or hot dog!  When November comes, you can’t wait for that Turkey!  Never a happy medium!  You can make a delicious turkey dinner in your slow cooker without…

Some recipes are one and done – but this one keeps you coming back for more!  An Italian comfort food favorite, Pasta Fagioli has been on many Italian tables on a weekly basis.  It’s filling, nutritious, and if you can find the best ingredients, this is more than a simple pasta and bean soup. San…

Originated in Austria, the term “Linzertorte” refers to a rich, buttery pastry that is filled with fruit preserves.  Traditionally the pastry is made into a tart, but cookies are also common. My mom always loved these cookies.  So in honor and memory of her and Mother’s Day, Linzer Tarts – made with love.   Ingredients:…