Happy Mother's Day 'la festa della mamma' & “White Clam Sauce with Pasta”

Mother’s Day is an annual holiday that recognizes mothers and motherhood. In the United States we celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May. The holiday was created by Anna Jarvis who lived in West Virginia. The year was 1908 and she wanted to accomplish a dream her mother had, which was to have a celebration for all mothers. She kept promoting the idea and even enlisted John Wanamaker, a wealthy businessman from Philadelphia. Her persistent promoting finally paid off, because President Woodrow Wilson made it an official holiday in 1914. Eventually, the holiday became so commercially publicized that Anna Jarvis ended up opposing the holiday she helped to create. When she died in 1948 she regretted that it had become a holiday in the United States. Today, Mother’s Day still remains one of the biggest days for selling flowers, greeting cards, and other gifts to celebrate mothers. It is also the biggest holiday for long -distance telephone calls. Carnations, became the traditional flower to represent the celebration of Mother’s Day. Anna Jarvis, chose the carnation because it was her mothers’ favorite flower. As florist sales expanded the more types of flowers were sold. Florists promoted wearing a red carnation if your mother was living or a white one if she had passed on.

In Italy, Mother’s Day was celebrated for the first time on May 12, 1957, in the city of Assisi. Throughout Italy, it is usually celebrated on the second Sunday in May just like the United States.  Italian Mother’s Day is not as commercialized as the United States. It is a day for families and for very personal expressions of love. Italian mothers, traditionally celebrate Mother’s Day by bringing the whole family together. La Mamma is not allowed to do any housework on that special day. She will have breakfast made for her, (fresh pastries and coffee/tea.) Greeting cards are not as popular either. It is far more common for children to write their own poems or thanks for Mother’s Day than to buy a store bought card. As for Italian mothers, attending church on Mother’s Day morning is still an important part of their tradition. In Christianity, the word “mother” is referred to the mother church, the giver of spiritual life.

I remember, as a young girl many a Mother‘s Day that my brothers and I would try to make breakfast for our mom. We attempted to make eggs, toast, waffles, (toaster waffles) and if we really got creative maybe some pancakes. (with the assistance of our dad) I was the oldest, plus the only girl so I was the one who was more responsible. Our breakfast was not the best, but it really showed our mother that we loved and appreciated all that she did for us. Then after breakfast we attended Church, and back home to prepare for our family dinner celebration. Once in a while we would go out to eat with the family so my mom could enjoy her day. There was a restaurant on Long Island called Patricia Murphy’s and the whole family would gather there for a special Mother’s Day dinner. These restaurants were legendary and famous for their incredibly luscious popovers. There were waitresses dressed in gingham walking around with baskets of popovers, and you were welcomed to take all the popovers you could eat.

My mom and myself

Well, Mom here’s to you! “Auguri per la Festa della, Mamma” (Happy Mother’s Day) I just want you to know that you are very special to me and so blessed to have you in my life. Thanks for always being there for me, and I love you very much. So “Ti Viglio Bene Mamma” (I Love You, Mother) to you, enjoy and relax. It is your day to celebrate!

Here is a recipe that my mom really enjoys. She loves pasta of any kind. If she was lost on an island and could bring only one kind of food with her it would be Pasta. This is the quintessential Italian dish especially in Naples and Rome. This pasta classic is so tasty; you might think you were dining at the neighborhood Italian restaurant. You can serve this with garlic bread and a tossed salad. So this one is for you mom…Hope that you enjoy your day. Love your daughter Dottie xx

“White Clam Sauce with Pasta”

Ingredients:
8 ounces of linguini or spaghetti
3 cloves of finely chopped garlic
1/4 cup of Olive Oil
2- 6 1/2 oz chopped clams,
(each drained and reserving liquid)
1- 8 oz. bottle of clam juice
3/4 cup of chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/4 teaspoon of Red Pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:
Cook pasta as directed on package. In medium saucepan cook garlic in oil till tender. Add reserved clam liquid and remaining ingredients except clams. Bring to a boil; and reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add clams and heat thoroughly. Serve over hot pasta of your choice.

Another great addition to your White Clam Sauce with Pasta is a nice bottle of Chardonnay, Chablis, or Sauvignon Blanc. Delicious!

As I close this post for now, just a wish for all of my readers who are Mothers to have a wonderful and relaxing day. Every day should be Mother’s Day. Enjoy and make many memories with your family and friends. Auguri!

Till next time………………………………..................... 


Copyright © 2014 “Family Plus Food Equals Love” All Rights Reserved

“Caroline’s Golden Pennies Salad” For Wordless Tuesday......

Welcome to “Wordless Tuesday!” Where there are no more words, just a mouth 

watering recipe which I know you have been waiting for….. 

Caroline Mengert

"May" is National Vinegar Month: This cold carrot salad is very appealing and colorful. The sweet and sour flavor marries nicely together which gives it a pungent taste. This delicious side dish is what I call, “Caroline’s Golden Pennies Salad” and was taught to me by a very close friend and colleague of mine, Caroline. Sadly she is in a better place, so I would like to dedicate this recipe and blog post to her. Don’t forget to come back and visit on Friday for another mouthwatering recipe! Thanks, Enjoy!!

“Caroline’s Golden Pennies Salad”

Ingredients:

2 lbs of raw carrots, sliced in rings
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 large white onion sliced in rings
1 (10.75 once) can condensed tomato soup (no water added)
1/2 cup of vegetable oil
3/4 cup of distilled white vinegar
1/4 cup of granulated sugar
Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

Bring a pot of salted water to boil, then add washed sliced carrots and cook until they are tender (not soft) approximately 10 minutes. Drain well and cool in a bowl.

Mix rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Stir well. Then add the carrot while liquid is hot. Mix all of the vegetables until coated. Cover and refrigerate to allow flavors to marinate.

Can be served as a cold side salad dish. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, if you still have leftovers.



Till Next Time…….

Copyright © 2014 “Family Plus Food Equals Love” All Rights Reserved.

Delicious, “Easy Raisin Walnut Biscotti” For National Raisin Week

As I started to think about what I would write about this week, I took a handful of granola, and I ate a raisin.  I love raisins in anything, from breakfast cereal, to salads, to baked goods, and even in a main entrée. Ironically I realized the first week of May is “National Raisin Week.” And there it is! My post is right before my eyes. There is so much information on raisins and how good they are for you nutritionally. So come with me and let’s celebrate the Raisin!

What is a raisin? A raisin is a dried grape. I know that they are plump and sweet, some are light golden colored and some are dark colored. Then there are “currants,” and they are from dried small Black Corinth grapes. The word raisin dates back to Middle English and a word that was borrowed from Old French. 

As I contained to do my research on raisins, I was not aware that raisin varieties depend on the type of grape used, and are made in a variety of sizes and colors including green, blue, purple, and even yellow. Raisins are traditionally sun-dried, but may also be artificially dehydrated. Raisins can contain up to 72% sugars by weight, most of which is fructose and glucose. They also contain about 3% protein and 6.8% dietary fiber. Raisins, like prunes, and apricots, are also high in certain antioxidants, but have a lower vitamin C content than fresh grapes. Raisins are low in sodium and contain no cholesterol.

Raisins are actually considered nature’s healthy alternative to candies. Raisins have come to be known as a healthy snack food. So, the next time you crave for that something sweet, try eating raisins instead and take into consideration the following health benefits that they can offer:
 

1. Raisins increase your energy supply and help to build up your immune system.

2. Regular intake of raisins helps and aids to digestion, thus promoting a laxative effect.

3. Enhances mouth health, which provides protection against cavities and tooth decay. They also prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause gingivitis and periodontal diseases.

4. Enhances bone health due to the rich source of calcium that is bountiful in raisins. Especially if you are a postmenopausal woman, eating them helps to prevent the development of osteoporosis.

5. Helps with acidity reduction due to its potassium and magnesium contents. Raisins, helps remove toxins from the body, which may cause diseases such as arthritis, gout, kidney stones and heart disease.

6. Treats Anemia, because raisins are rich in iron and copper, and are necessary in the formation of red blood cells. Raisins also help to correct iron deficiency anemia and promote blood clotting during wound healing.

7. And lastly for Cancer prevention. Antioxidants in raisins, known as catechin, provide protection against free radicals, which causes the development of tumors, specifically colon cancer.

So, just think all this fantastic information from a dried grape! Can you believe it? Mother Nature is so amazing. To celebrate and honor this small dried grape called a “raisin”, my recipe this week is a delicious Italian cookie that is called, “Easy Raisin Walnut Biscotti.” Just a perfect way to end your day, with a crunchy, tasty, and sweet, Biscotti along side a cup of coffee or tea. Ciao!  

“Easy Raisin Walnut Biscotti”

Ingredients:
1/4 cup softened unsalted butter
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup Sun-Maid Natural Raisins

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat together butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking powder, and cinnamon: mix well. Next stir in walnuts and raisins. Divide dough in half and shape into two long loaves, 1-1/2inches in diameter. Place on greased baking sheet; flatten slightly. Bake 18-20 minutes, until firm. With sharp knife, cut loaves diagonally into 3/4-inch thick slices. Place cut sides down on baking sheets. Bake 10 minutes longer or until lightly browned.

Yield: about 2 1/2 dozen, depending on the size.

Till Next Time………………………………..........
Copyright © 2014 “Family Plus Food Equals Love” All Rights Reserved

“Shrimp, Avocado, and Grapefruit Salad” For "Wordless Tuesday"

Welcome to “Wordless Tuesday!” Where there are no more words, just a mouth watering recipe which I know you have been waiting for….. 

                                     “Shrimp, Avocado, and Grapefruit Salad”

Yield: Serves 4
Total: 48 Minutes

Ingredients:
2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
12 ounces peeled and de-veined uncooked medium shrimp
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
1 grapefruit (red)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon chopped shallots
6 cups chopped romaine lettuce 
1 peeled avocado, cut into 12 wedges

Preparation:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons oil to pan; swirl to coat. Sprinkle shrimp with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Add shrimp to pan; cook 3 minutes or until shrimp are done, stirring frequently. Remove from pan; keep warm. Peel and section grapefruit over a bowl, reserving 3 tablespoons juice.

Combine grapefruit juice, remaining 2 tablespoons oil, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper, tarragon, brown sugar, and shallots in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Add lettuce; toss. Arrange 2 cups lettuce mixture on each of 4 plates. Top each serving with 3 avocado wedges; divide shrimp and grapefruit sections evenly among servings.

 
 

***Wine pairings for recipe: Sparkling Wine, or French Chablis (White)





 






…..Recipe adapted from: “Cooking Light” December 2011

Till Next Time………………………………..................................

Copyright © 2014  “Family Plus Food Equals Love” All Rights Reserved

10th Annual "Fritto Misto" Italian Festival & “Mamma’s Fried Cardoons” Recipe

This weekend is the 10th Annual Fried Foods of Italy Festival called “Fritto Misto all’Italiana.” Thousands of foodies flock to the delightful Le Marche, a town of Ascoli Piceno in Italy, from April 25 - May 4, 2014. The meaning of Fritto Misto translates as follows; “fritto” means “fried” and “misto” means “mixed.” This fried finger food festival, (try saying that 3 times fast) includes regional treats from all around Italy. 

Ascoli Piceno is a town in the Marche region of Italy and the capital of the province is the same name. Ascoli Olives are one of the most famous products of the Le Marche region. These stuffed olives date back to the 1800s and are a great accompaniment to a glass of regional wine. The olives are served hot and are stuffed (without the pit) by mixing together three types of meat, beef, pork, turkey or chicken. Added to that mixture are cheese, nutmeg, eggs, and then blended with herbs, celery, carrot and onion. Once the olives are filled they are then coated first in flour, then egg and breaded with breadcrumbs, which are fried to perfection. Sounds really very tasty and a great appetizer.

Stuffed Olives

While strolling through the streets at the Fritto Misto festival you can see booths where visitors can taste fried food samples or better known as the Palafritto, (fried food to pass) from different regions of Italy. Various foods that you would be able to sample include fried vegetables such as, cauliflower, artichoke hearts, asparagus, eggplant, and calamari. Some other specialty foods that you would enhance your taste buds would be the Sicilian Arancini or rice balls, zucchini, plus you cannot forget the fried Zeppole.

There are also samplings of the local wines and liquors along the streets. Some booths have demonstrations everyday as well as delightful dinners with a concert in the Piazza Arringo every night. Workshops and lectures are also events that take place which combine the culture and tradition not only the fried foods of Le Marche but also of the other regions within Italy. Some of these lectures include insights to dispel all myths and prejudices that specify the word “FRY” as a cooking technique to avoid. These fried foods should be eaten sparingly, to avoid cardiovascular problems and liver disease. Just like anything else you eat, moderation is the key word.

Fried Cauliflower

My parents are both 100% Italian. I can’t remember a holiday that would not have some type of fried foods on the menu. My mom still to this day includes fried vegetables with our family dinners. The veggies are cut up in smaller pieces, which make them more appealing to young children. They also cook better when they are the same size. My mom uses the freshest ingredients and when she is frying them on the stove, she can see with the corner of her eyes that some of the fried veggies are being stolen from the plate. So, it seems that we are eating them as fast as she is making them. I must confess that I was the thief one time, ok, maybe twice but I can not take the blame for all the other times, and you know who you are! This past Easter I did most of the frying, and everyone ate them up as fast as I was putting them on the platter.

Fried Artichoke

One of my family’s favorite vegetables to fry is the Cardoon. The Cardoon is a celery-like looking vegetable that is closely related to the artichoke. It comes from the thistle family and is grown in southern Italy. It's unique flavor tastes like the artichoke. The Cardoon is found in most grocery or Italian specialty stores. They are harvested in the spring. The best months to purchase Cardoons from a farmers market would be in May, June, and July. Once the outer thick stalks are removed, you can cut them in small pieces or length wise, and they can be fried, steamed, and even added to soups.

My recipe this week is “Momma’s Fried Cardoons” which my mom taught me when I was younger. It is really delicious, sweet, but crunchy. You can serve these hot with any meal as a side dish or even as an appetizer. So enjoy Fritto Misto this weekend as you make your own “fried finger food frenzy." Now that’s a mouth full!!

“Mamma’s Fried Cardoons”

Cardoons

Ingredients:
1 bunch of cardoons (looks like celery stalks) about 2 lbs
1 cup of flour
2 to 3 beaten eggs
1 to 2 cups of flavored breadcrumbs
1/2 cup of Pecorino Romano grated cheese
vegetable oil (add more if needed)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:
Prepare cardoons by first removing the excess leaves, roots and rough parts of the stalks. Rinse with cold water, scrub with vegetable brush to remove “string” from other parts of the stalk. Boil in salted water for about 10 minutes or until knife tender. Avoid overcooking or stalks will be mushy. The younger the plant, the shorter the boiling time. Prepare 3 dishes; one with flour, one with beaten eggs, salt and pepper to taste; and the third dish with the mixture of breadcrumbs combines with cheese. Bread the stalks very gently, first with the flour, then the egg mixture and the last with breadcrumbs. Pre-heat pan and add a small layer of vegetable oil. Fry cardoons till golden brown and crispy by turning them in the oil. Remove then from pan and drain on a paper towel. You may want to add more salt and pepper (to taste) serve while hot, if they last till dinner.

Till Next Time……

Copyright © 2014 “Family Plus Food Equals Love” All Rights Reserved

"Ham and Mushroom Carbonara" For Wordless Tuesday.......

Welcome to “Wordless Tuesday!” Where there is just a mouth watering recipe or two which I know you have been waiting for…..

I hope that everyone enjoyed their Easter weekend! If you made a ham this Easter for dinner, I have an easy and delicious way to enjoy your leftovers. Mangia!


                                             
                                         "Ham and Mushroom Carbonara"

"Ham and Mushroom Carbonara"

Serves: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:
16oz linguine or spaghetti
1 cup cubed ham
1 cup sliced button mushrooms
1 cup cream
5 oz grated Pecorino Romano Cheese
2 eggs
A large pinch of chives
1 tbsp. butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Melt the butter in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, stir gently until cooked and tender. Remove and keep warm. Combine cream, eggs, and three quarters of the Pecorino Romano, chives, and a generous amount of freshly ground pepper. Place linguine/spaghetti into a saucepan add a pinch of salt bring to the boil then simmer until cooked. In another pan add the egg mixture, mushrooms, and ham. Toss in the pasta, over low heat until sauce thickens. Season to taste. Serve with remaining grated cheese.


***** Optional: You can also add peas, or chopped asparagus, or even broccoli….. 

++++ Wine pairing: A nice glass of Riesling: A semi-sweet wine with peach & citrus or a chilled glass of Moscato: A sweet white wine with fruit-forward flavors of peach, apricot and pear. Great wines for ham and pasta.


Till Next Time………………………………..........


 
Copyright © 2014 “Family Plus Food Equals Love” All Rights Reserved

Buona Pasqua! "Braciole" & "Bunny Buns" Recipes For Easter Sunday Dinner

Buona Pasqua! Happy Easter! “May your Easter basket be filled with blessings and joy. I wish you, your family, and your friends a day filled with loving memories.”

Here on Long Island and many other places the weather is not cooperating with the time of the year. It is taking Mother Nature much longer to see the flowers starting to bloom, the sun should be getting warmer, and the air should have that hint of freshness that only spring can bring. Easter falls in the spring, which is when the earth renews itself after winter. Easter is a day to dress in your Sunday best, go to church, celebrate life, enjoy traditional foods with your family, and of course eat way too much chocolate. Sometimes we forget that Christians all over the world celebrate Easter as a religious holiday, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the son of God. In Italy, the church bells stop ringing on Holy Thursday and Good Friday to remember the death of Jesus on the cross.

Then on Easter Sunday morning, the church bells ring out once again, telling people that Jesus has risen. Italian children wake up on Easter morning and find eggs scattered in their rooms. Eggs, rabbits, and young animals are thought to represent re-birth and fertility in the spring. Easter is considered the most important religious event of the year in Italy, even shadowing over Christmas in its religious and cultural importance.

In my family we always had an Easter egg hunt for the small children. I recall back, taking those plastic colored eggs and filling them with some change plus candy or chocolate eggs. Then we would go outside in my parent’s yard and hide them. My nieces, nephews, and my son would all go out and see who could find the most. It was so funny to watch the really small children find the eggs; they would get so excited when they found one.

Throughout the world the most popular Easter symbol is the lamb. The reference to the lamb in Christianity goes back to the book of Genesis, from the Bible. In past centuries it was considered a lucky omen to meet a lamb, especially at Easter time. In the 7th century the Benedictine monks wrote a prayer for the blessing of lambs.  Little figures of the lamb are made of butter, pastry, cakes, or chocolate have been substituted for the meat, forming Easter table centerpieces. Many Easter Sundays, I can remember my mom cooking lamb for dinner along with our Italian traditional dishes.

Easter celebrations have many customs and legends that have nothing to do with the religious Christian celebration of Christ’s rising. Did you ever think of where and how these traditional celebrations of colored eggs, cute little bunnies, leg of Lamb dinners and Easter Lilies come from? Let’s start with the Easter Bunny, which was a symbol of spring and fertility, due to the rapid reproduction habits of the rabbit. 

This custom originated in Germany and brought to America particularly to Pennsylvania. The German children would eagerly await the arrival of the Oschter Haws, a rabbit who delighted children on Easter morning by laying colored eggs in nests. The German’s baked cakes for Easter in the shape of bunnies they spread the tradition of chocolate bunnies and eggs across the country. The practice of making nests for the rabbits to lay its eggs in became decorated baskets and colorful eggs which were swapped for candy, treats and small other gifts. The white Easter Lily has come to symbolize the spiritual values of Easter; purity, life, and renewal. The flower’s trumpet shape is a reminder of the heralding of Jesus, returning to Jerusalem. 

Christians consider eggs to be “the seed of life” and so they are symbolic of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter eggs are colored and decorated to represent the sunlight of spring. Different cultures have developed their own ways of decorating Easter eggs. The most celebrated workshops are Faberge. They created exquisite jeweled Easter eggs for the Russian Imperial Court, and they are still the most sought after eggs in the world.

I have two recipes for you this week. One is my mom’s “Braciole” recipe. My mom would add this delicious rolled up beef to her sauce or “gravy” for our family dinners. My whole family loved this little rolled tasty stuffed meat. The flavor of all the spices and the sweetness of the raisins give it a taste of heaven. Remember, Italian‘s do not need a holiday to have a feast, or have family over. Braciole is an Italian Sicilian dish that has many variations to its ingredients.

"Braciole"

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:
1 - (1 1/2 lbs) of top round beef (thin slices of meat for rolling)
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
2 tablespoons of minced fresh garlic
Salt and Pepper to taste
3/4 cup of Pecorino Romano grated cheese
1/2 cup of dark raisins
Vegetable oil for browning
Butchers twine to tie and secure the rolls
Tomato sauce recipe (my mom’s)

Optional: you can add Pignoli nuts, ham, prosciutto, spinach, bread crumbs, hard boiled egg, etc.

Directions:
Lay the top round on your work surface. Cut into 4-6 pieces and pound to make the pieces thinner, if they are thick. Sprinkle on top of each piece of meat evenly, grated cheese, parsley, garlic, salt & pepper to taste, and raisins. Starting at 1 short end, roll up the steak, like a jelly roll to enclose the filling completely. Using the butchers twine, tie the meat rolls to secure, and then do the same on the long side. The tighter they are the better as you do not want the ingredients to come out while cooking. Heat some oil in a heavy large flat pot, (like a Dutch oven) over medium heat. Add the Braciole and brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. After browned, add to your tomato sauce recipe and cook for about another hour or longer on a low simmer. After cooked, take out of pot and cut off the twine. Serve with your favorite sauce and pasta. 

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My other recipe this week is called “Bunny Buns” by Rhodes Bake and Serve Rolls. This is an easy recipe and the children can help make these little delicious warm rolls for your Easter table.

"Bunny Buns"

Ingredients:
12 Rhodes Dinner Rolls, thawed but still cold

Directions:
Cut a small piece off of one roll for a tail. Roll remaining piece into a 12-inch rope with pointed ends. Twist top of rope together. Place on a large sprayed baking sheet and pull pointed ends apart for ears. Roll small cut off piece into a ball for the tail. Make an indentation with your finger at the spot for the tail. Moisten the tail with water and place in the indentation. Repeat the above steps with remaining rolls. Cover with sprayed plastic wrap and allow to rise 30-45 minutes. Remove wrap and bake at 350° F 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy with butter for your Easter Dinner. Serves: 6

Till Next Time…………………..

Copyright © 2014 “Family Plus Food Equals Love” All Rights Reserved

"Bunny Cake" And "Peeps On The Beach" An Adult Drink For "Wordless Tuesday"

Welcome to “Wordless Tuesday!” Where there is just a mouth watering recipe or two which I know you have been waiting for….. 

I do have a fun and easy recipe that you can do with your children for a really cute Easter "Bunny Cake." My niece Lauren made this Bunny Cake for my parents one Easter when she was young. She used 2 snowballs (coconut cupcakes for the bunny cheeks) that are optional. I am sure most of my readers have seen this cake and may have made it before, but for those of you that are not familiar with this recipe I will be happy to share it with you.

 "Bunny Cake"

Ingredients:
1 pkg cake mix (any flavor)
2 cans ready to spread vanilla frosting
3/4 cup of marshmallow fluff (which you combine with vanilla frosting)
2 cups Baker's angel flake coconut
2 snowballs (coconut cupcakes: white for the bunny cheeks) Optional
Food coloring
Licorice
Candy to decorate (jelly beans (for eyes) M&M’s etc.)

Directions:
Prepare and bake cake in two 8 or 9-inch round cake pans as directed on package. Pour batter evenly into pans. Cool completely. Prepare fluffy frosting with food coloring. Cut one of the cake rounds as shown in first diagram to form ears and body. Frost sides of each cake piece. Assemble pieces as shown in lower diagram on cookie sheet, large tray or 18x15 inch cardboard covered with aluminum foil. Frost top of cake. Sprinkle about 2-2/3 cups coconut evenly over top and sides of cake, gently pressing coconut onto sides.

To Tint Coconut:
In small bowl, toss 3/4 cup coconut with 2 to 3 drops red food coloring until evenly colored. Repeat with 1-1/4 cups coconut and 2 to 3 drops green food coloring. Sprinkle pink coconut over ears and bow tie; outline with chocolate chips. Use snowball cupcakes for cheeks. Decorate bunny face using jelly beans for eyes (and maybe even a pink nose!). Sprinkle green coconut evenly around cake for grass. Surround the bunny with foil wrapped chocolate Easter eggs. Let your imagination go wild.

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I also have a fun ADULT drink to celebrate Easter which is called, “Peeps On The Beach.” We all know what marshmallow “Peeps” are. They are more popular than ever. A web site called peepdrinks.com has many different adult drinks that use Peeps as a garnish for their cocktails. Try this one as we are getting into the spirit of the warmer weather.

“Peeps On The Beach”

Ingredients:
1 oz vodka
1 oz peach schnapps
2 oz orange juice
2 oz of cranberry juice
1 marshmallow peep

Directions:
Fill a highball glass with ice (or chardonnay glass). Add vodka and peach schnapps, and then fill glass with equal parts of orange juice and cranberry juice. Garnish with a peep. Not only delicious but colorful as well. Enjoy!

******I wish each one of my readers a very “Blessed” and “Happy Easter.” Try this recipe, it is easy and fun. It gets your kids involved. They really love to help and it gives them self esteem that they have created a wonderful dessert. I hope that new traditions will be born with your family and friends. 

Lauren's Bunny "Molly"

Till next time…….

Copyright © 2014 "Family Plus Food Equals Love" All Rights Reserved

Happy Palm Sunday & "Cuzzupa" Traditional Italian Easter Cakes

Spring has finally arrived, even though the weather is still cool. But that is not going to stop the coloring of eggs, bunny rabbits, Easter bonnets, parades, and egg hunts as Easter is right around the corner. It’s also time to start thinking about baking Easter cakes and sweet desserts for your Easter dinner. Christians in over 80 nations will be celebrating Palm Sunday this weekend, and Easter Sunday next weekend. “Happy Easter” is translated in Italian as “Bouna La Pasqua,” and “Happy Palm Sunday” is “Felice Domenica delle Palme.” 

On Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday as it is often called, Christians celebrate the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, the week before his death and resurrection. The Bible reveals that when Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem, the crowds greeted him by waving palm branches and covering his path with palms. In Italy, this Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, Mass will be celebrated by Pope Francis I. 

Chris coloring eggs

On Palm Sunday when I was growing up, we would go to church, and receive the Palms. When we returned home, I can recall creating palm crosses and beautiful braided wreaths. My mom and grandmother’s would show me how to design these beautiful handmade Palm creations. We would take these crosses and braided items, and place them around religious photos, statutes of Mary the mother of Jesus, or other holy objects.

Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week and it is the holiest of all the weeks in the Roman Catholic faith. We would go to church on Holy Wednesday, Holy Thursday, and most of all we went on Good Friday. That was the last day of eating a meatless meal. On this day, Jesus died on the cross at 3:00 pm. Sometimes I would go with my family to the Easter Vigil. This took place on the Saturday night before Easter Sunday. I remember that it was a beautiful, impressive, but solemn mass.

Also want to wish all of my Jewish friends out there a “Happy Passover” as well. Passover begins at sundown on Monday evening, April 14th. Passover is a beautiful and meaningful holiday. It allows the Jewish community to relive its past, celebrate the present, hope for its future by lovely rituals, and by being together with family and friends which is bound by tradition.

During Holy week, between going to church, we would do all of our Easter baking. I have a wonderful recipe for a very traditional Italian Easter cake called Cuzzupa or Cruzzupe. This is a time-honored recipe from my great-grandmother Sofia and comes from Calabria, Italy. It is made with Anise seeds (licorice flavor) and made into a braided wreath or nest with a hard boiled colored eggs placed into the dough. Then colored sprinkles are added to top off the cakes. The consistency is a cake type of dough not a bread.

Basket from Academia Barilla

This recipe won first place in a contest for Easter Cakes on “Cooking With Nonna.” Rossella Rago, who is the owner of “CWN” chose my recipe last year, and what I won was a huge, beautiful basket filled with all delicious items from Academia Barilla. Thank you Rossella for the honor of posting my families favorite Easter Cakes.  

I remember a time when I was about 9 or 10 years old…………….
We had a large kitchen and we would prepare for baking day with a large wooden board that we used to roll out our dough, and create our special cakes and cookies, for holidays throughout the year. This antique pastry board was passed down through the years, which I have inherited to create my own delectable sweet treats. As I roll out my dough, I think back to a simpler time. The smells in the kitchen would always give me that warm and toasty feeling. It was a feeling of love, family, and food. Food was and still is a big part of my family.

"Cuzzupa"

Ingredients:
6 cups of flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
Pinch of salt
Anise Seeds (between 1/3 and 1/2 oz of crushed and cleaned anise)
4 heaping tablespoons of Crisco (room temperature)
1 cup of sugar
6 eggs (save 1 egg white to brush on cakes before baking)
3/4 cup of milk
Confetti candy sprinkles

Directions:
Color hard boiled eggs (amount is up to you) a few days ahead of time. Preheat oven to 350°F- -375°F depending on your oven. Grease flat cookie sheets or pans. Crush Anise seeds and put into a dish (before, use a cotton handkerchief to gather anise and twist hanky under it. Then rub hard on the ball of Anise. After rubbing it rolled up in between both hands (make fists.) Open carefully and sort out Anise from brown husks and sometimes small stones.)

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Then mix in Anise. Mix in Crisco with sugar and after make a well shape. (Remember, this is the traditional Old Italian way, but you can also use a bowl to mix all ingredients.) Put in eggs (save/1 egg white) and milk. 

Gradually take flour from the sides of the well and mix with eggs and milk. Don’t break the wall as all liquid will run out. When all mixed you knead dough till all mixed good and a smooth texture. Might have to put a little flour on board or counter, so it will not stick. Not too much flour or the cakes will be too dry. Then cut a chunk and leave the rest on the side of a board or counter.

Roll out dough in a long and thin strip. Make the strip the thickness of a wooden spoon handle, not any thinner as the dough will break. If you twist 2 strips together to make a braid make each a little thinner than your finger. They will swell as they bake. Put your colored eggs in the braid, nest or dolls, whatever you decide to create. Be careful as you put them on a baking sheet so they don’t break or crack. Roll small pieces of dough and then flatten out with the palm of your hand to cover around the side of the egg on dolls or nests. This helps keep the eggs more secure. If you make dolls, put a slit on feet and hands.

Now beat saved egg white and with a pastry brush, brush egg white on all parts of your cakes. (Careful not to get egg white on cookie sheet as it will burn and also try to keep egg white off of colored eggs as they will be spotty after they bake)  After the egg whites are on brushed on the cakes, dip a finger in egg white mixture and then dot with candy confetti sprinkles on the dolls, crosses or what ever you made. 

Then bake in oven for about 20-25 minutes, depending on your oven. They should be lightly browned. Let them sit about 10 minutes to cool off before taking them off the cookie sheet/pans, they may crack or break so be careful removing them from the pans. You can store in an airtight cookie tin for about a week, if they don’t get eaten before that. Enjoy! Ciao!

Till Next Time……………………………….........................

Copyright © 2014 “Family Plus Food Equals Love” All Rights Reserved

“Italian Stuffed Mushrooms” & “Mama’s Meatballs” For "Wordless Tuesday"

Welcome to “Wordless Tuesday!” Where there are no more words, just a mouth watering recipe or two which I know you have been waiting for…..


“Italian Stuffed Mushrooms”

Ingredients:
48 oz large white button mushrooms
2 cups of plain dried bread crumbs
1/3 cup of Pecorino Romano grated cheese
3 teaspoons of minced garlic fresh or jar
2 tablespoons of fresh chopped Italian parsley
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/3 cup of olive or vegetable oil

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350° F. Clean mushrooms and take the stem off. Do not soak in water. Mix the bread crumbs with the parsley, garlic, Pecorino Romano, salt and peeper in a small bowl. Now add some oil (about 2 tablespoons) and mix with hands. If you need more oil put in small amount each time until you are mixing the right consistency. When it feels like a sandy consistency then you are ready to stuff the mushroom caps and place on a large cookie/pan sheet. Now, drizzle a small amount of the remaining oil over the top of each mushroom. (This is so they do not dry out, but do not soak) Bake until mushrooms are browned and tender about 25-30 minutes.

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“Mama’s Meatballs”

Yields: 30 meatballs-(10 meatballs per pound)


Ingredients:
6 eggs
3 lbs of beef chuck chopped meat
1 1/2 teaspoons of minced garlic
2 cups of bread crumbs (if too stiff add a sprinkle of water)
3/4 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper
3 fistfuls of fresh parsley-chopped
Vegetable oil or Canola oil

Directions:
Place oil about 1/4 to 1/2 inches in frying pan. Heat oil before placing the meatballs in pan. Put the beef chuck in a med-sized bowl and add all ingredients except the oil. Gently combine the meat using your hands until evenly mixed. The mixture should be slightly wet and workable, not too sticky. Using your hands, gently shape meat into balls. Don’t worry if they are not perfectly round, but try to make them all uniform for even cooking. Don’t roll them over and over, be gentle.

Add the meatballs to the pan and fry them until they are brown on one side then turn. Keep turning with tongs until they are completely and evenly browned. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a paper towel to drain. Now it is time to place your meatballs into your sauce to cook for a while and then serve with pasta of your choice.

Tip: In place of bread crumbs, take chunks of stale Italian bread and soak in a bowl with milk. As it softens remove crust and squeeze milk out of bread chunks. Separate into small pieces and add to chopped meat mixture.

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JUST IN!! HOT OFF THE PRESS!!

Hi, friends and followers, as you know, I am a super fan and close personal friend of Micheal Castaldo. Micheal is an Award-winning songwriter/producer, recording artist, Composer, Italian Cultural Ambassador, and Entrepreneur. I have the pleasure of posting an official Press Release that was sent out to announce that Micheal Castaldo won First Place as TOP ARTIST on Artistsignal.com for the month of March. Congratulations to you Micheal! Thank you everyone. Dottie :)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2014

Micheal Castaldo announces First Place Win as TOP ARTIST on Artistsignal.com

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Michéal CASTALDO, the award winning, independent classical crossover artist won Top Artist for March 2014 on the pop-culture music website, ArtistSignal.com, just after midnight on April 1, 2014. The monthly winner is awarded a prize of $10,000 USD to be used to further their music careers. After a month of hard work by Michéal Castaldo’s fans, family and friends, their efforts paid off.

The site, ArtistSignal.com, was created by several tech savvy entrepreneurs and launched to allow artists a location to promote their music. Unlike crowd funding, the site allows emerging artists to post their music and create a fan following, based on Facebook contacts, who then vote hourly for the artist of their choice. The Fan wins rewards and is constantly engaged in the artists’ progress. Over the course of 3 months, indie artist Michéal Castaldo, researched the social media music network, uploaded his music, posted updates, invited fans to sign up, started to use the site to vote, met other wonderful artists and developed mutually beneficial alliances.
During Michéal’s 3 months of interaction with the site, he was able to rally fans to move him to the number 1 position in March. It was not an easy month, wrought with much trial and error, but due to the diligence of his amazing team, fans, careful calculation and research by previous winners Joe Gande (Oct. 2013) and Rebecca Newman (Feb. 2014), the Castaldo fan base was able to vote Micheal through to a win as TOP ARTIST.

“We accumulated a total of 92,488 votes for the month of March with just over 1338 voters, which is an unbelievable achievement unto itself, and we WON with honesty and integrity. “This is an ‘all time’ record of votes in 1 month since AS started in 2012.” Michéal continues to say…“I may be $10,000 richer but the amount of love and friendship that has been gained is immeasurable.” We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Fans and Supporters of Michéal Castaldo for their valiant efforts over the past 3 months. This win could not have happened without them. Michéal plans to pay it forward and help/mentor other worthy indie artists who want to go for the win on ArtistSignal. The monetary reward totaling $10,000 USD, will be used for the promotion and marketing of Michéal’s new CD, to be released in the fall of 2014.

For questions or comments, contact Charlotte Jayne directly at jayne@optonline.net  631 256 6515. www.michealCASTALDO.com


Till Next Time………………………………..................

Copyright © 2014 “Family Plus Food Equals Love”  All Rights Reserved