Blood Orange Cocktail and Blood Orange Infused Water Beverage

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 The white snow blanketing our surroundings this winter for me, was pretty up until snow storm #5.  Yesterday for a split second while shopping in the produce section at the market,  I caught myself daydreaming as if I were on a tropical island surrounded by  lush greenery, vibrant colored flowers and aromatic fruit trees.  A split second  latter I disappointedly returned back to winter’s reality pushing my cart wearing my new wrist warmers and wool hat.  After enjoying that daydream, I decided to shopping a little slower taking a few extra moments to soak in the beautiful colors lining the aisle surrounding me. The colorful fruits and vegetables appeared to be extra pretty yesterday.  They brighten my day and inspired me to create a few recipes last night using Blood Oranges. I greeted my husband  at the door last night with this “Stay-cation” Blood Orange Cocktail, click see more for three new recipes inspired  by yesterdays shopping experience. 

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Spicy Italian Sausage Pepper and Onion Bow Tie Pasta

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Spicy Italian Sausage Pepper & Onion Bow Tie Pasta

I created this recipe one night while in the middle of making a batch of my homemade sausage. With a kitchen full of hungry family waiting to be fed, and 2 giant bowls of fixed sausage meat waiting to be stuffed into soaking casings, I decided to halt sausage production and feed the family. Using what I had on hand, I threw together this delicious pasta dish in less than 30 minutes and resumed production.  Although I may have used my own homemade sausage meat to create this recipe, it can easily be duplicated by using any “Sweet Italian” sausage meat. For those living close to Gloucester, I highly recommend buying Trupiano’s Italian Sausage sold at The Cave on Main Street. The Cave regularly carries Sweet Italian “Trupiano’s Italian Sausage”,  and Trupiano’s “Tomato Parsley & Cheese” variety can be specially pre-ordered by calling a few days in advanceClick see more for Joey approved recipe!

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Continue reading “Spicy Italian Sausage Pepper and Onion Bow Tie Pasta”

Strawberry-Licious White Hot Chocolate

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Strawberry-Licious White Hot Chocolate~Todays Third Valentine Recipe!… For Details click see more Continue reading “Strawberry-Licious White Hot Chocolate”

White Chocolate Spoonful’s of Valentine Love

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Todays Second Valentine recipe!

White Chocolate Spoonful’s of Valentine Love~The Perfect Spoon for Hot Chocolate!…

For recipe details Click see more Continue reading “White Chocolate Spoonful’s of Valentine Love”

Fried Ravioli with Sunday Pasta Sauce

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My Son BJ has a heart of gold and is always the first to share whatever he has with those around him, but when it comes to my homemade Fried Ricotta Cheese Filled raviolis’…Watch Out!   For recipe details click see more Continue reading “Fried Ravioli with Sunday Pasta Sauce”

Roasted Tomato Soup

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Are you looking for the perfect main course, or side dish to serve to your Valentine this week?  Get closer to their heart with the delicious roasted flavors packed into this simple soup! For Recipe and Photos, click see more Continue reading “Roasted Tomato Soup”

A Magical Moment Just Occurred in my Kitchen

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… this share is for all who know the story behind why I hosted my First St. Joseph Altar last year… yesterday while driving to my Cousin Amy’s baby shower my mother Pat,  Aunt Gina Ciaramitaro and I set a schedule for this years St. Joseph’s Day preparations, activities and Feast. Opening your home and hosting a feast for a small army takes precise orchestration and teamwork.  While at the bridal shower I announced the dates to my family members, so they could block off their calendars.  Today  I began sending private text messages to others between preparing Sunday Dinner. While I was preparing twice baked potatoes, I was texting my life long friend Michele Tocco the dates while the potatoes cooled for a moment.  At the same time I began humming to myself The St. Joseph Rosary in Sicilian.  I picked the first potato to cut, and reached for my camera to snap a shot for a future recipe post, an action I do dozens of times throughout my days cooking. I snap a shot depicting the cut, then let the potato fall open in my hand to snap a second shot of the potato halved. To my surprise 2 identical cross shapes appeared on each half…. I could feel a warmth around me.  My eyes filled with tears as I looked up towards the heavens and said out-loud…” So I guess your all happy with the dates we selected for our Families St. Joseph Festivities this year❤️

I like to think of happenings like this to be little  gifts from my guardian angels above. Thank You Grandpa & Grandma with the Wharf, Nono & Nona with the Store, Uncle Mick & Auntie FeFe  Militello  and Uncle Charlie<3

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Happy Valentines Day Testosterone, Love Estrogen

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Learn how to easily create my “Kiss My Butt Valentine Cookies” by following Step-By-Step decorating tips, click see more Continue reading “Happy Valentines Day Testosterone, Love Estrogen”

Breaking St. Joseph News From Sclafani Bakery

PrintThis morning while doing my weekly Saturday morning shop at  Sclafani Bakery to pick up a fresh Italian bread, Cartoccioo~ Ricotta Filled Italian Donut, and Italian specialty items.

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Click see more to have a peek at what owner Gus unveiled …. 

Continue reading “Breaking St. Joseph News From Sclafani Bakery”

Sista’s Favorite Kitchen Gadget Of The Week

PrintYes I’m always on the hunt for a new kitchen gadget that can help make my job in the kitchen a little easier.  Thousands are sold every year, and  I’m sure hundreds have experienced buying a dud that eventually ends up in the back of a kitchen draw or cabinet.  I find it extremely exciting when I  find gadgets that actually works, making a culinary task a breeze.  Several years ago I purchased a tool that not only saves me time but makes my food look as if it  were prepped in a commercial kitchen.

Have you ever wanted this professional look at home ? 

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With this tool you can … Continue reading “Sista’s Favorite Kitchen Gadget Of The Week”

Lobster Rangoon

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Patrick @LobsterGuyPat Tweeted ~ @ Sista Felicia I need a good lobster recipe…

Hey Patrick… this ones for you! Continue reading “Lobster Rangoon”

Making Sunday Dinner with My New Favorite Kitchen Gadget

PrintA few weeks ago while shopping the clearance section at our local Marshalls I spotted a marked down ravioli press, a kitchen gadget  I have always wanted to try. I tossed it in my drawer of cutters and kinda forgot about it until being inspired to make homemade pasta during my trip to Boston’s North End yesterday.  For years I have cut and pressed ravioli by hand just like my Grandmother Felicia did.  I am beyond thrilled to have stumbled across this ravioli press. I am even more thrilled by how incredibly easy it was to use and how well it cut and sealed each raviolis edge, at the same time.  I give this gadget a double thumbs ups and I know my grandmother Felicia would have too!

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Yesterday after returning home from Boston I headed straight to the kitchen to find that ravioli press and whipped up 74 ricotta filled ravioli for todays Pre-Game Sunday Dinner

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Today we enjoyed the fruits of my yesterdays labor, and according to my husband son BJ  and princess Coconut…they were “the best I have ever made!”

Four Cheese Super Bowl Potato Skins

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 Only four key ingredients needed to make a winning touchdown recipe… Continue reading “Four Cheese Super Bowl Potato Skins”

Super Bowl Appetizer… Sista’s Twist on Buffalo Chicken

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Are you looking for a new recipe for Super Bowl Sunday?

The men in the family can never seem to get enough buffalo flavoring on game days.   Buffalo flavored chicken wings, drumsticks, tenders, dip, pretzels and potato chips served mild to hot are always a crowd pleaser.  Although our beloved Patriots will not be a part of this years Super Bowl game, the viewing parties will go on as planned.  This Sunday I’m changing up our usual football appetizer menu with a recipe twist on the widely popular combination of Buffalo chicken and Blue Cheese flavors everyone in the family seems to adore.  My daughter Amanda and I developed this recipe last month after a shopping trip to The Cave Cheese shop on Main Street to find some new cheeses to get creative with in the kitchen.  Laura, owner and cheese expert  offered us a sample of a St Agur Blue cheese.  The bright blue veining running through it’s creamy white cheese looked amazing and tasted incredible delicious.  That same day Amanda and I concocted 3 recipes using cheeses we sampled with Laura at The Cave. This recipe  is one of them and it now holds a spot on my son BJ’s top 5 game day appetizer food list. Continue reading “Super Bowl Appetizer… Sista’s Twist on Buffalo Chicken”

Creamy Roasted Garlic Spread with 3 Serving Suggestions

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No better time of year to post a garlic recipe then the present. We are well into flu and cold season and researchers are report that the antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties that are found in garlic all can be beneficial in preventing and treating colds. So I thought I share one recipe with three serving options to help us creatively get more garlic into our daily diet!

Creamy Roasted Garlic Spread Continue reading “Creamy Roasted Garlic Spread with 3 Serving Suggestions”

Keeping Dinner Simple Side Dish Of Broccolini

PrintBroccolini Sauté With Garlic Infused Olive Oil has been a family favorite side dish for as long as I can remember.  Grandma Felicia prepared it countless times, her no fuss no measuring recipe is still making it’s way onto our dinner table several times a month. Can also be done with Broccoli Rabe!

Broccoli Rabe Step-by-Step

1  Slice a few cloves of garlic thinly; toss in a fry pan with a 2-3 tablespoons olive oil, and one bunch broccoli rabe; sprinkle with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper; sauté over high heat  3-4 minutes untill rabe turns bright green; squeeze a little lemon juice over top; serve warm or cold

Breakfast Toast with Lemon Infused Goat Cheese & Fig Preserves

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Oh My!….Have you tried this heavenly bread yet? …Put it on your grocery list this week…Best Whole Grain Bread I have ever tasted!

Continue reading “Breakfast Toast with Lemon Infused Goat Cheese & Fig Preserves”

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

PrintThe “GMG Cook” list continues to grow! This weeks GMG Cooks are Bruce & Linda, and Linda Rae Castagna!

Bruce and Louise from St. Catharines, ON Write~Hey Joey!

Is Spring ever going to get here? We’ve been getting extreme
weather in the Niagara Peninsula, much the same as Cape Ann.

You can tell
Sista Felicia that her receipt last week of the Peppercorn Flank Roast was
Splendid! Very tender, extremely tasty and a big hit at our Sunday supper, even
though I had to bundle up when facing the BBQ.

The Pork Chops are next
on the winter-time cook list!

All the best,

Bruce & Louise –
St. Catharines, ON

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Continue reading “The Gift That Keeps On Giving”

Who Wouldn’t Like A Banana Split Sundae For Breakfast ?

Why

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Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, and more often than not, we either skip it or load up with boring quick carbs like bagels, donuts, muffins, or frozen waffles.  Shouldn’t the most important meal of the day get a little more attention that?  Let’s change it up with Banana Split Sundae Parfaits that will nourish your body and keep you energized until lunch time. Why can’t breakfast food be healthy fun and delicious?

Banana Split Sundae Breakfast Parfait

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Ingredients

1/2 cup plain greek yogurt

1/2 banana; cut into bite size pieces

2 large strawberries; cut into bite size pieces

2 teaspoons crushed pineapple in natural juices

2 teaspoon granola

1 teaspoon toasted coconut

5 dark chocolate morsels

1 teaspoon thinly sliced almonds

1 mascherino cherry

1 tablespoon local honey

Step-by-Step

1  mix banana and strawberries pieces together; reserve mix

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2  fix ¼ cup yogurt in bottom of sundae glass, top with 1-2 tablespoons mixed fruit and 1 teaspoon crushed pineapple; sprinkle 1 teaspoon granola, ½ teaspoon toasted coconut, ½ teaspoon sliced almonds

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3  repeat step 2

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4  arrange dark chocolate morsels; top with cherry and drizzle honey over entire top

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Grilled Basil Chicken & White Bean Salad

 

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This week “diet-healthy” food posts have been popping up all over the internet. After cringing at the bland, boring, and unappetizing shares, I decided to headed to the grocery store to pick up some key healthy ingredients that will put bland and boring on the back burner once and for all.  Healthy can be tasty, why do so many believe in the myth…”if it taste too good and can’t be good for you”?  It is Simply  not true…and I’m on a mission to prove it! Meals packed with flavors that are easy to prepare, will be showcased in a way that even non- dieters will want to give them a try!  I will share easy to prepare, breakfast, lunch and dinners recipes, packed with flavorful combinations of fruits, vegetables, and protein. This weeks focus is healthy eating that will satisfy your appetite, nourish your body and tantalize your taste buds! First up ~ Grilled Basil Chicken & White Bean Salad, perfect dish for lunch or dinner!

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Grilled Basil Chicken & White Bean Salad

Ingredients

6-8 chicken tenders

1 cup chopped vine ripe tomato ; chopped

1/2 cup red onion; thinly sliced

1  16 oz. can chickpeas; drained and rinsed

1  16 oz. can cannellini beans; drained and rinsed

1 cup Feta cheese

2 large garlic cloves; minced

3 cups broccolini; steamed and cut into 1 inch pieces

¾ cup basil; cut Chiffonade style

Basil Marinade Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil

juice of one large lemon

8-10 large fresh basil leaves; cut Chiffonade style

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Dressing Ingredients

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Step-by-Step

1  combine chicken tenders, and Basil Marinade ingredients in ZipLoc bag; marinate in refrigerator overnight; grill chicken 5-7 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked; reserve

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IMG_1372IMG_13762  combine all dressing ingredients in mixing bowl; whisk well; reserve

3  combine tomato, onions, beans, feta cheese, broccolini, garlic and basil in large mixing bowl

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4  cut reserved chicken tenders  into bite-size pieces; add to salad

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5  pour reserved dressing over top; toss; mix well; serve

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Note~ Will keep an airtight container refrigerated 2-3 days

Note~ Chiffonade,  is a long  fancy cut of leafy vegetables, or herbs.

 Chiffonard  Step-by-Step

1  Simply stack, and tightly roll leafs; cut roll into thin strips; gently toss cut strips to loosen ribbon like lengths

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