“Pasta Shells with Uncooked Tomato, Avocado, and Shrimp” For "Wordless Tuesday"

Welcome to “Wordless Tuesday!” Where there are no stories just a fabulous and delicious recipe or two….. 

Consider the Avocado to be something of a secret sauce ingredient because it is not a typically associated with pasta.  Although avocados are never used cooked in pasta sauces, their creamy texture is enhanced by the heat of the cooked pasta. They are pared with shrimp in this recipe by adding body and a delightful distinctive flavor. Other suitable pastas for this dish are Cinese Rigata, (ridged med shells) spaghetti, orecchiette, and eliche (pasta spirals).

“Conchiglie Con Pomodoro Crudo, Avocado, E Gamberetti” or in English “Pasta Shells with Uncooked Tomato, Avocado, and Shrimp”

Ingredients:
2 1/4 lb. fresh, vine ripened tomatoes, or ripe cherry tomatoes, blanched, peeled, & cored.
3/4 lb. cooked, peeled, small shrimp, cut in half lengthwise or larger cooked shrimp, diced
1 tbsp chopped fresh basil or flat leaf parsley
1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 large or 2 small ripe avocados
1 lb pasta shells or your choice of pasta

Directions:
Cut the tomatoes into quarters lengthwise then push out and discard the seeds. Cut the tomatoes into rough dice or chop coarsely. Place them in a serving bowl. Add the shrimp, basil or parsley, garlic, olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and freshly ground pepper, to taste, to the tomato pulp. Insert a knife into the avocado at the top, where the navel is. Cut into the avocado until you reach the pit, and then make a clean incision all the way around the length of the fruit. Twist the halves in the opposite directions to open the avocado. The pit should fall right out. Peel and thinly slice each half crosswise; then cut the slices each half crosswise; next cut the slices again into small strips or dice. Add the avocado to the bowl with the other sauce ingredients. Toss to mix well and let stand at room temperature while the pasta cooks. Taste for salt before combining with the pasta. Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil and add the pasta and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Cook until al dente stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Drain and toss with the sauce.
    

This recipe is taken from a cookbook that I have for a long time called, “Pasta, Recipes, and Techniques,” by “Cooking Club of America.” I have the pleasure to participate in my food blogger friend Louise‘s, “Months Of Edible Celebrations.” She is posting to her blog recipes that are taken from cookbooks, magazines, booklets, etc. on Wednesday as “Cookbook Wednesdays.” She also has posted meatball recipes that I participated in as yesterday was "National Meatball Day" So stop over at her blog and tell her that I sent you....

 
Till Next Time………

Copyright © 2015 “Family Plus Food Equals Love” All Rights Reserved

"Italian Sesame Cookies” & A “Mimosa Cocktail” To Celebrate "Festa della Donna"

Daylight Saving Time starts at 2am this Sunday March 8th. This means you will “spring ahead” and move your clocks forward one hour, which unfortunately because of the time change you lose an hour of sleep.

Here we are in March and the East coast just came through another big snow storm. But there is light through the tunnel. This coming week we are supposed be in the 40’s. So maybe Spring will be right around the corner. Everyone is tired of all of the snow and the cold. We all need to see that Spring has sprung! This month has many fun and wonderful holidays, like “La Festa della Donna,”(this Sunday) St. Patrick’s Day, St Joseph’s day, first day of Spring, Palm Sunday, and we can’t forget my mom’s birthday. Before we get to those special days of March, this month is also known as “National Flour Month.” Come, join me as we take a look at many different types of flour and how can we use it?   

Flour is an essential ingredient in baking and cooking. In European and American culture it is a defining ingredient that is used for making breads, pies, cakes, cookies, pastries, pancakes, and can be also used as a batter for frying foods. When brought together with the help of a few basic ingredients flour can be transformed into a delightful treat. Flour is a fine powder made by grinding grains that is high in starch. It is commonly made from wheat but also can be made from corn, rye, barley, and rice. Ground legumes and nuts such as soy, peanuts, almonds, and other tree nuts are also called flours. Grinding stones from Italy, Russian and the Czech Republic have been found embedded with starch grains, suggesting that 30,000 years ago people processed roots from cattails and ferns into flour.

In today’s world we have different types of flour that comes in many varieties of flavors, textures, and colors. Some of them I know you have used but some you haven’t and may want to try experimenting with. All purpose flour or plain flour is the most widely used. Bleached or non-bleached, that is the question? Bleached flour is when they put bleaching agents to whiten the flour which also gives it more gluten-producing potential. In my opinion, I use only non-bleached, but it is your preference. Bromated flour is another type that also has bleaching agents added to its finely milled flour. Bromated flour has been banned in much of the world, but remains available in the United States. Then there is cake flour, Graham flour, Pastry, Cookie, or Cracker flour, and Self-Rising or Self-raising flour, and Wheat flour. Some other types include; Corn, Rye, Tapioca, Brown Rice, Noodle, Buckwheat, Chestnut, and Chickpea flour. Did you know that Pillsbury began its annual “Bake Off” in 1950 to promote its “Flour” line?

Besides using flour for baking my family uses it as an egg and bread technique for frying fish, chicken, pork, and vegetables. Flour is added to the breadcrumb mixture as that will help the egg and breadcrumbs stick to the food. It also helps the fish, etc. not stick to the frying pan, and makes your foods crispy. 

“La Festa della Donna, “is also called “International Women’s Day,” and it is celebrated on March 8th, (this Sunday) which honors the equality of all women. This holiday originates from ancient Rome to celebrate the first day of spring and the goddess called Ariadne. It is a day of remembrance and history for women all over the world. 

Festa della Donna is also known to commemorate both the social, political, economic achievements, and rights of women. In Italy, this celebration was held for the first time in 1911. Most Italian men say with feeling and expression “Auguri alle signore!” This means “Best Wishes to the Ladies.” With that being said, the men in Italy, (the country of romance and food) prepare special dishes and baked goods for the women in their life.

There is another custom for this day, which men present flowers to the women in their lives. This custom started in Italy, some sources say, Rome in 1946. The particular flower of choice is called the “Mimosa,” and was chosen by Italian feminists. This flower was chosen because of its bright yellow color, fragrant scent, it is inexpensive, and it blooms this time of the year.  The Mimosa is cultivated for its flowers and honey production. The essential oils are used in perfumes and cosmetics.

As we celebrate women this month I can not forget to include my mom in this post. Tuesday, is my mother’s Birthday. My mom is the heart of our home. She is the one that gets everyone together for Birthdays and Holidays. She loves to cook meals for the family especially her grandchildren. She exhumes Love, Joy, and Faith plus has the patience of a Saint. Everyone in the family can attest to her strength, her honesty, and her warmth. My mom embodies what a mother should be and shares her wisdom with everyone she meets. I have so many memories of my childhood with my mom, but these thoughts are a special way to wish my mom a “Happy Birthday!!!” 

My mom and myself

My recipe this week is a perfect way to celebrate “National Flour Month” and my mom’s birthday with some “Italian Sesame Cookies!” These tasty authentic Italian cookie, are very simple and fun to make. You can even have your children help by coating the cookies with the sesame seeds before baking. Children love to help cook and bake. Let your family help and create many memories together. Enjoy this cookie with a cup of coffee or tea. To store them, put them in a covered tin, for long lasting flavor. (If they last that long) Then to celebrate La Festa della Donna is a delicious drink called “Mimosa Cocktail.” 

"Italian Sesame Cookies”

Ingredients:
4 cups of unbleached flour
1 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon of baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of solid Crisco
2 eggs
1/2 cup of cold milk
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla
Sesame seeds

Directions:
Cut in 1 cup of shortening. (Crisco) Beat slightly 2 eggs. Add to eggs and 1/2 cup of milk. Combine dry and liquid ingredients. Pinch off a small amount of dough and roll in your hands. Shape into a size of a finger and taper at each end. (You can also create any shape to make these cookies in example: crescent, star, round, etc.) Now roll in the sesame seeds. Bake at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes depending on your oven and the type of pans you use.  

                                                                   ***************************************

“Mimosa Cocktail”

8 oz of chilled orange juice (fresh squeezed or in bottle)
4 oz of chilled Champagne or Prosecco

Pour orange juice into a chilled fluted Champagne glass over two ice cubes. Fill with the chilled Champagne or Prosecco, stir gently. Serve with a cherry, or a twist of an orange slice.

(Please Drink Responsibly) 

 


Till Next Time………………….

Copyright © 2015 “Family Plus Food Equals Love” All Rights Reserved

What's For Dinner? “Honey Dijon Chicken,” & “Green Beans Amandine,” & “Mulled Wine”

Welcome to “Wordless Tuesday!” Where I have a fabulous and delicious recipe or two, or three, waiting for you to try …..

“What’s for dinner?” You may ask…….............

Chicken broth adds a savory note to this perfectly balanced sauce of sweet honey and piquant Dijon mustard that is served on top of sautéed chicken breasts, called “Honey Dijon Chicken.” To add to your chicken a side dish “Green Beans Amandine.” Beans tossed with toasted almonds and a lemon-butter sauce, a pure classic. But this dish has much richer almond flavor because the beans are sautéed in the butter mixture in which the nuts were toasted. Plus, today is Mulled Wine Day! So a warm and yummy “Mulled Wine” is an added special touch to “What’s for dinner!”

“Honey Dijon Chicken”

Serves: 4
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/4 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 shallots, chopped (1/2 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup Chicken Broth
1/3 cup Pure Honey
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

Directions:
Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 15 minutes or until well browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet, cover and keep warm. Add the shallots and garlic to the skillet and cook until they're tender, stirring occasionally. Stir the broth, honey, mustard, and red pepper flakes in the skillet. Now heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cook for 10 minutes or until the broth mixture is slightly thickened and reduced to about 1 cup. Serve over the chicken on a bed of rice.

                                          ************************************************

“Green Beans Amandine”

Ingredients:
1-1/2 lb green beans, trimmed
2 Tbs. unsalted butter
2 Tbs. pure olive oil
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 tsp. minced or pressed garlic (1 medium clove)
1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice (from 1 small lemon)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
Bring a 6 to 7 quart pot of water to a boil. Add the beans and cook until bright green and barely crisp/tender, about 2 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold running water until completely cool. Spread the beans on a clean kitchen towel and dry thoroughly. In a 12-inch skillet, heat the butter and oil over medium to low heat until the butter melts and the foam subsides. Add the almonds and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden-brown all over, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the almonds to a plate. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the beans, increase the heat to medium, and cook, tossing occasionally, until crisp-tender and lightly browned in some places, 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with the almonds, and serve.

Make Ahead Tips: The beans can be blanched (boiled until barely crisp-tender) up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate wrapped in paper towels in a plastic bag.

                                      ****************************************************

“Mulled Wine”

Ingredients:
4 cups apple cider
1 bottle red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon
1/4 cup honey
2 cinnamon sticks
1 orange, zested and juiced
4 whole cloves
3 star anise
4 oranges, peeled, for garnish

Directions:
Combine the cider, wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, zest, juice, cloves and star anise in a large saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Pour into mugs, add an orange peel or slice to each and serve.

(This “Mulled Wine” Recipe is courtesy of Ina Garten from Food Network)


 



Till Next Time………

Copyright © 2015 “Family Plus Food Equals Love” All Rights Reserved

Antioxidants & Superfoods To Boost Your Immune System With An “Eggplant Parmesan” Recipe

So, here we are into the last days of February! Didn’t this month go by really fast? Most of the country is in an arctic freeze this past week again. Snow, wind, and temps in the teens with below zero in many places. Whether you are searching for ways to boost your immune system, or recovering from a cold or flu, doctors often recommend healthy lifestyle changes. Prevention and management of symptoms can be helped through the foods that we eat. Experts say a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, can help you ward off infections and help your body heal faster. They call these foods “Super Foods” due to the fact that they contain immune-boosting antioxidants. 

Antioxidants are vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that protect, and repair cells from damage. Fighting off damage with antioxidants helps keep your immune system strong, making you better able to ward off colds, flu, and other infections. Where do you find these antioxidants? Well, some foods are higher in antioxidants than others. The three major antioxidant vitamins are beta-carotene, vitamin-C, and vitamin-E. You will find them in colorful fruits and vegetables-especially those with purple, blue, red, orange, and yellow hues. To get the best benefits of these foods eat them raw or lightly steamed, don’t overcook or boil them.

Beta-carotene include: apricots, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, corn, green peppers, kale, mangoes, turnips, collard greens, nectarines, peaches, pink grapefruit, pumpkin, squash, spinach, sweet potato, tangerines, tomatoes, and watermelon.

Vitamin-C include: berries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, cauliflower, grapefruit, honeydew, kale, kiwi, mangoes, nectarines, orange, papaya, red, green or yellow peppers, snow peas, sweet potato, strawberries, and tomatoes.

Vitamin-E include: broccoli, carrots, chard, mustard and turnip greens, mangoes, nuts, papaya, pumpkin, red peppers, spinach, and sunflower seeds. 

Other foods that are called “Super Foods” and are rich in antioxidants include: prunes, apples, raisins, all berries, plums, red grapes, alfalfa sprouts, onions, eggplant, and beans.

Vitamins are not the only antioxidants in food. Other antioxidants that may help boost your immunity include: Zinc: found in oysters, red meat, poultry, nuts, seafood, whole grains, fortified cereals, and dairy products. Also there is Selenium: which is found in Brazil nuts, tuna, beef, poultry, breads, and other grain products.

If you can’t get enough antioxidants in your diet by eating fresh produce, some experts recommend taking a multivitamin that contains minerals, too. But be cautious about taking individual immune supplements to boost immunity. With antioxidants as with most anything, moderation is the key. Getting too much of Vitamins A and E for example are stored in the body and eliminate slowly. Getting too much can be toxic. Remember, if you don’t have good nutrition, get plenty of rest and exercise you are missing a key weapons against colds and flu. Hands washed? Yes, Flu shot? Yes, eating an immunity-boosting diet? Yes!!!!!

*******Remember; always check with your doctor before taking any supplements or vitamins, just to make sure that the doctor approves of what you are taking.

My recipe this week is “Eggplant Parmesan” This recipe is one of my mom’s recipes and it is a total immune-boosting meal. Remember, eggplants are one of the “Super Foods” that have antioxidants included in it. Besides, it is delicious and very tasty. Made with the freshest ingredients and of course “Love.” As you take a bite of this wonderful dish, the cheese oozes and the eggplant with tomatoes are an awesome combination! Extremely flavorful and very satisfying. You would never know that you are eating something that was good for you. Enjoy, Mangia!

“Eggplant Parmesan”

Ingredients:
1 eggplant, cut into 3/4 inch slices
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 cup of canola, vegetable, or peanut oil
1 lb of shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano grated cheese
2 eggs, beaten
3 cups of plain bread crumbs with about 2 tablespoons of flour added
4 cups or more of your favorite Marinara sauce (click on this and it will bring you to my mom’s sauce recipe)

Directions:
Sprinkle both sides of the eggplant slices with salt. Place slices in a colander and place a dish underneath the colander to capture liquid that will sweat out of the eggplant. Allow to sit for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Rinse the eggplant in cold water until all salt is removed. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Now dredge eggplant slices in egg and then in breadcrumb/flour mixture. After egg and breading them place one layer of eggplant in the oil and brown each side. When browned place on paper towel to drain. Repeat with the remaining eggplant slices, using additional oil if necessary. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, evenly spread Marinara sauce on bottom of dish, and then arrange a single layer of eggplant slices on top of sauce. Top the eggplant with some of the mozzarella cheese and grated cheese. Repeat process until all the eggplant and cheese is layered. Pour remaining sauce on top of layers and sprinkle with remaining Pecorino Romano grated cheese or more mozzarella. Bake 30 to 45 minutes in your preheated oven, until sauce is bubbling and cheese is melted.

Till Next Time…………………….

Copyright  © 2015 “Family Plus Food Equals Love” All Rights Reserved

“Sour Cream Raisin Coffee Cake” To Celebrate My Dad's Birthday!

Welcome to “Wordless Tuesday!” Where I have a fabulous and delicious recipe waiting for you to try ….. 

Last Sunday we celebrated my dad’s 88th birthday. Even though his real birthday was February 9th, all of us couldn’t get together for dinner because of everyone’s schedule and the snowy, cold weather. But everyone braved the cold and made sure that we made time for this family gathering. My dad loves my “Sour Cream Raisin Coffee Cake,” so I surprised him and made this for his birthday. 

My dad & mom summer of "2014"

This cake is simple, only takes about 30 minutes, and is so moist plus has a marvelous flavor. So today for this Wordless Tuesday I am sharing this cake recipe with everyone. If you make this delicious tasty cake, I guarantee that you will want to make this all the time. It goes very nicely with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Enjoy! 

                                          “Sour Cream Raisin Coffee Cake”

Unbaked

Ingredients:
3 Large Eggs   
1 1/2 cups of sugar
1/2 cup of Vegetable oil
3 cups of all purpose sifted flour                     
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon of cream of tarter
1 cup of dairy sour cream
1/2 cup of raisins
1/4 cup of sugar for top of cake before baking

Directions:   Oven Temp: 350°F 
In a bowl beat the eggs until thick and lemon colored. Gradually add sugar beating until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the oil. Add the sifted dry ingredients alternately with the sour cream. Add the raisins. Pour into greased and floured pan (9 x 12 x 2) pan. Sprinkle the last 1/4 cup of sugar over top of batter in pan. Bake: for 30 minutes or so depending on if cake tester comes out clean.

Serves: 12 or more depending on how you cut it. Cutting it on a diagonal makes it look like a diamond shape. I didn't have a chance to cut it in a diagonal shape, my family just started to cut it in pieces, as they love this cake!

Till Next Time………

Copyright © 2015 “Family Plus Food Equals Love” All Rights Reserved

“Love Your Pet Day” Celebrate With A “Pupcake Recipe” & “Homemade Cat Treats”

            “Until one has loved an animal, part of one’s soul remains unawakened”
                                                          By Anatole France

Most of the homes in the world have at least one or more pets. It may be a cat, dog, fish, or even a rabbit. In many rural areas, pets may include chickens, pigs, ducks, or even a horse. Pets give us valuable friendship and love. Our pet’s continual presence is the owner’s solid companionship. In return pets need love and care.

So with this being said today, February 20th is, “Love Your Pet Day” which is observed worldwide. The purpose of this day is to remind all pet owners to show their pet, appreciation and a day dedicated for their love. This special day gives us a perfect excuse to focus their time to their pets needs. They give us unconditional love and many health benefits which include stress relief and lower blood pressure.

In return for the pets loyalty this day may be spent giving gifts, such as a biscuit or treat, saloons for grooming, bathing them, a long walk, and playing with them, would be a wonderful way to celebrate the day. Make sure your pet has the proper vaccinations or a check up at your local veterinarian, which is very important, not only for your pet’s health but for your family as well. Also remember especially now that winter and the sub freezing temperatures are upon us, so please keep your pet inside and protected from the cold.

For those of my readers, who have no pets, it is a perfect time to adopt a pet from a shelter or if that is not possible may be you can help these rescued pets by making a donation to animal shelters or the ASPCA association. I know that would be so appreciated for some of these animals. Try to spread awareness of lost animals and abused pets.  Don’t forget these special days:
“National Cat Day” is October 29th, 2015
“National Dog Day” is August 26th 2015
St. Francis Day-”Blessings Of All Animals” October 4th 2015.

"Puffy" 1977

I remember when I was a young child, my family did not have any pets. As the years went on, we had fish in a tank, and I remember my brothers having small turtles. When I was about 15 or so I recall I had found a small kitten behind our local grocery store. I took it home and asked my mom if we could keep her. First she said no, but we could keep her till we found a home for her. As the days went into months and then years we keep her, and named her Puffy. So you can say that was my first experience with a fur baby. She was white and black and my whole family loved her very much. She became ill at some point and the veterinarian said that she had to be put to sleep. Well you can imagine how that felt. So one day when my brothers were in school, my mom and I drove to the ASPCA and they put Puffy down. It was so devastating for my whole family, and we never forgot our first kitten Puffy.

"Gizmo"

As the years went by, we lived in a rural area in upstate NY, and had many animals cats, dogs, and fish. Among the many pets we had there were two that were very special to me, my cat called Angel Kitty, and Gizmo, the dog. Beautiful, loving, and extremely rewarding to have had these fur babies in our lives. Gizmo was my husband’s dog and she was so sweet and loving. My cat Angel Kitty was also very sweet, loving, and understood every word I would tell him, but like most cats he was very independent. Just like humans and all the other animals’ time and illness takes over. Gizmo became ill and my Angel Kitty also became ill with cancer, so they both are in pet heaven now. It is so hard to have lost many pets in my life. The years that we had them were years of love, happiness, comfort, and also the most rewarding years in this short life that we all live. Being a religious person, I do believe that someday I will be reunited with all of my pets I have had in my lifetime.

"Angel Kitty"

Humans shouldn’t eat processed junk food all of the time, so why should your dog or cat? Show your pet some love by whipping up one of these surprisingly simple and healthy treats. This recipe for your dog is courtesy of Paris Permenter and John Bigley, authors of the book, “The Healthy Hound Cookbook” 

REMEMBER THIS RECIPE IS FOR YOUR DOG ONLY!

“Pupcake Recipe”
                                                                       Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose (unbleached) flour
1 egg
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup Pumpkin Purée (not pie filling)
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 tbs (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup water

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray or grease a large cupcake tin. In a large bowl, combine all cupcake ingredients, mixing thoroughly. Divide mixture into cupcake tins. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.


Frosting: (optional)
4 oz cream cheese, softened nearly to room temperature
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons peanut butter (optional)

Directions:
In a large bowl, add yogurt and flour to cream cheese, mixing until smooth. Frost cupcakes as desired. For peanut butter-obsessed dogs, add two tablespoons of creamy peanut butter to frosting.

Recipe yields: 4 large treats for dogs 65 lbs & up, or cut into pieces for smaller dogs.

                                  ********************************************************

REMEMBER THIS RECIPE IS FOR YOUR CAT ONLY!

Homemade cat treats with coconut oil, coconut flour, egg, gelatin and tuna will be a big hit with the felines in your life! These homemade treats contain coconut oil and other healthy ingredients that cats love. They are simple to make and store really well in the fridge. Author: Wellness Mama 

                                                    “Homemade Cat Treats” 

Ingredients:
2 medium size sweet potatoes, mashed
1/2 cup coconut flour
1 egg 
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup gelatin powder
1 can (drained) tuna or sardines

Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients in a medium size bowl. Use a fork to mash everything together until evenly mixed and until all large pieces of fish and sweet potato are mashed up. Add a little extra coconut flour if needed to get the dough resembling roughly the consistency of play dough. Roll into 1 inch balls and mash down with a fork to form little "cookies." Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Store in the refrigerator for several weeks or in the freezer for several months.


Till Next Time………………………………..

Copyright © 2015 “Family Plus Food Equals Love” All Rights Reserved

Buon Carnevale a tutti!! Italian "Cenci" Cookies & “Frittelle” Doughnuts For Carnevale!

It’s Carnevale time !!! Being an Italian American, Carnevale is celebrated much like Mardri Gras, but with an Italian flare to it. Carnevale which means in Italian “goodbye to meat” is celebrated before the beginning of Lent. It is the last chance to party-hardy before the days of abstinence. Traditionally during Lent, people refrained from eating, meat, dairy, fats, and sugars. So to dispose of these types of foods and drinks they involved the whole community to consume this food many years ago. You could say a giant party thus became Carnevale.

The Lenten season officially starts on February 18, (this year) Ash Wednesday and continues till Easter Sunday. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the faithful, as they await the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. This is done by prayer, penance, and giving up certain types of luxuries for this season. A favorite food or drink for example; chocolate or soft drinks may be what someone would give up for Lent.

I remember when I was a young girl my parents always made sure that we would give up something that was important and special to us. I remember the one thing that I would give up every year which was chocolate. As you, my readers know, I love chocolate and this was extremely hard for me. Then on Easter Sunday we would get a basket filled with goodies like a chocolate bunny and I was able to enjoy my chocolate fix once again.

Carnevale is a festival traditionally held by Christians, but many cities and regions worldwide celebrate with large events leading up to Ash Wednesday. In fact the last day of Carnival is called "Mardi Gras" in New Orleans and precedes Ash Wednesday. This day also is called by other names as “Shove Tuesday,” or “Fat Tuesday.” Most Christians celebrate Shrove Tuesday - in particular Methodists, Roman Catholics, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Lutherans, and Episcopalians. It is not a traditional part of the Baptist church. For Christians it is a time to reflect, confess and ready one's spirit for the forty days of repentance that is Lent. That's where the term "shrove" comes from. "To shrive" is to hear confessions. Thus, Shrove Tuesday is a day of feasting as well as penance. In England, it is also called “Pancake Tuesday” because of the traditional pancake meal that occurs on that day.
 

There are many places that these festivals take place. To name a few famous ones which are held in the cities of Venice, Viareggio, Ivrea, Acireale, Milan, Verona, and Putignano, in Italy. They have a variety of celebrations which include floats, parades, stilt walkers, throwing confetti, and masquerade balls. Masks are worn to allow people of the lower class to be mixed and undetected with the aristocrats.  

The traditional colors of the masks are purple, green, and gold. These colors capture the essence of the Holy Trinity. In the Christian faith it is related also to the Three Kings of the Orient. The colors represent purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power. The Carnival is a colorful, joyful party during which tasty and rich dishes are traditionally prepared. Loved by young and old, it is celebrated with masks that create a humorous and playful atmosphere. Like any self-respecting party, Carnival is also an excellent opportunity to share something special like the recipes. 

Today I have two sweet desserts for Carnevale! The first one is called “Cenci” in Italian which means “rags/ribbons.” When I was young I remember my grandmother “Nanni” used to make this type of Italian cookie. Instead of long strips she would take up the two ends and make a knot in the middle before frying them. They would look like bow ties or bows but how sweet and yummy they were especially with some powdered sugar or honey on them. Delizioso!
    
“Cenci”

Ingredients:
3 eggs
3 Tablespoons of sugar
1/2 tsp of vanilla or almond extract
1/2 teaspoon of salt   
2 cups of unbleached all purpose flour   
1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons of unsalted softened butter
Oil for deep frying
Confectioner’s sugar or honey

Directions:
In a bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and salt until frothy. Stir in vanilla or almond extract. Sift flour with baking powder and gradually add to batter. Add butter and mix well. Turn out on a floured surface: knead for at least 10 minutes. Divide dough into half; then roll each as thin as possible (noodle thickness) Cut into 5” x 1” strips with a knife or scalloped pastry wheel. Preheat oil to about 375°F; then fry strips until golden brown about 1 minute per side. Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar or drizzle honey on top. Cookies are best served the same day.

My second recipe is called Italian Fritters or Frittelle. “Frittelle” are Venetian fried doughnuts served during Carnivale. Yummy for sure!! 

“Frittelle”

Total Time: 20 Minutes
Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Oil for deep frying
Confectioners' sugar
Granulated sugar

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. In a small bowl, combine the egg, milk, and butter. Add to dry ingredients and mix well. In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°F. Drop dough by heaping teaspoonfuls, five or six at a time, into oil. Fry until browned, about 1-2 minutes, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Roll warm doughnut holes in confectioners' sugar or granulated sugar.

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