Zip Zip Hooray to Gloucester!

TheFox 25 Zip Trip to Gloucester flowed beautifully and was so well-organized by the Zip Trip Team. The challenges of producing live television are many and, I imagine, ten times more demanding when broadcasting from a different Massachusetts town each week. All went perfectly; seemingly without a hitch. The newscasters were inundated with fans and gifts, the producers countless hurdles, and all the while the cameramen were trying to film in an open setting dodging everyone who was running in and out. Despite these many challenges, the newscasters and production team were gracious, considerate, professional, and patient. Thank you Sarah Unis and the Fox 25 Zip Team for visiting Gloucester!

Click the last photo to see slideshow.

Good Morning Gloucester Team, from left to right: Felicia, Donna, Melissa, Ed, Joey, Amanda, BJ, Pat, with Ron center front.

Making Sista Felicia’s to-die-for-amazingly-delicious-homemade-ricotta doughnuts

VB, Gloucester’s Own Fox 25 Producer Sarah Unis, and her Dad Joe Unis

Gene Lavanchy and fan

Mayor Kirk and Producer Sarah Unis

Donna, Sista Felicia, Joey, and BV ~ where Joey explains to VB the perfect lobster roll.

VB looks skeptical!

Joe was asked to represent Gloucester in the live trivia segment. He did beautifully, or as he would say, “Boom, we nailed it!”

Sista Felicia, Joey, VB, Gene Lavanchy

Shannon Mulaire and Gene Lavanchy

John McElhenny from Matter Communications and Donna

Cindy Fitzgibbon and fans

Mayor Kirk and VB

Gloucester’s CFO Jeffrey Towne and Cindy Fitzgibbon

Future newscasters

BJ Mohan taking a break after the early morning (4am) set-up.

Sarah Unis

Click the last photo to see the slideshow

Sista Felicia and The Mrs Will Be At Stage Fort With Iced Tea Mason Jars For Today’s Cape Ann Farmers’ Market!

She’ll also have GMG T-Shirts available for all you FOBs!

Stage Fort Park from 3-6:30

For a complete list of vendors check out the Cape Ann Farmer’s Market website by clicking the photo below-

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FINALLY……You too can have a chance to see Sista Felicia in action and be a part of a Traditional Sicilian Dinner Preparation

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After repeated requests, lots of begging, and downright cooking-night crashers…Sista Felicia has agreed to open her kitchen to the public.

Felicia will be cooking in her kitchen, with friends and family, at least 2 x a week and you now have an opportunity to watch Felicia in action, help with the food preparation, and finally eat all together at her famous dining room table.

The menus will be set with Mohan/Ciaramitaro traditional family favorites such as Sunday Zuggo, Braciule, and Meatballs, Dishes created from Gloucester’s Local Waters, Arancini Rice Balls and Pasta Bolognese Sauce, Chicken and Beef Speddini and Pasta, Homemade Pasta (Mmm), Homemade Sausage, Zucchini Night with 4-5 different Zucchini recipes, or Mudiga Bread Crumbs, Steaks, and Sangies.

Every meal will be accompanied by pre-dinner nibbles, specialty side salad, bread and dessert of Felicia’s choice. You will literally be eating your way through the evening.
The choices will be endless and you can feel free to request items you have seen on the Good Morning Gloucester blog site. You may also feel free to bring your favorite Italian wine or spirits to accompany your meal.

The Demonstration Classes will kick off on Wednesday, September 12th, at 6:30 PM… with Felicia’s all time favorite meal of a Traditional Sicilian Dinner. The cost will be $75 a person and the Space is Limited to 10 people.

Menus and Dates for Future Classes will be posted on Sista Felicia’s Kitchen’s Facebook Page and Good Morning Gloucester.

Special Demonstration Nights for Groups of 10 can be arranged.

To reserve your spot in Sista Felicia’s Kitchen….email sistafeliciaskitchen@gmail.com
Hope to see you there.
Mangia!!!

Sista Felicia Pasta Bolognese Featured on GDT

Click here for the entire story video and recipe at the Gloucester Daily Times Site

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August 15, 2012

Bolognese Sauce

By Times StaffGloucester Daily Times

There are many variations for what is known as Bolognese sauce, and every Italian American home usually has its own.

Felicia Ciaramitaro Mohan’s version is typical. In her home, as in most other Italian American homes that take their Italian food seriously, it is a staple sauce, especially for the traditional Sunday dinners.

Felicia says that the best way to think of this sauce is as “a meat sauce, it is thick and not juicy.” There are two types of meat — ground hamburger and ground veal — but relatively little tomato sauce.

“I use it as the stuffing along with some peas for my arancini,” she says. “It is almost always served on pasta for Sunday dinner as well.”

Sista Felicia’s Penne Pasta with Gorgonzola Cheese Spinach & Cherry Tomato

Part of Her weekly Fresh from the Farm and Farmer’s Market Series

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Ingredients:
4 cups fresh spinach
2 cup cherry tomatoes
1 lb. Penne pasta
1 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 cup pasta water

Directions:
Step 1: bring large pot of water to a boil; add 1 tablespoon kosher salt

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Step 2: bring water to a second boil, add pasta, and cook penne pasta until it’s soft but still holds its shape, al dente

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Step 3: while pasta is cooking place cleaned spinach into a large pasta serving bowl

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Step 4: Using a paring knife, cut each tomato in half

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Step 5: scatter cut tomatoes over fresh prepared spinach leaves

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Step 6: Crumble Gorgonzola cheese over the top of the spinach and tomatoes

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Step 7: using a large spider spatula carefully transfer al dente pasta over the spinach tomato and cheese

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Step 8: pour reserved pasta water over the top, and toss well using kitchen tongsimage

Step 9: top with a dusting of Parmesan cheese and freshly ground pepper

 

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Enjoy!

Felicia and Coconut

I am even further behind in sorting through photos from Fiesta and the Horribles Parade than Father Green. I hope to be done tomorrow!

Sister Felicia taking a moment to snuggle Coconut before departing for the parade.

Preparations are Under Way For The 2012 GMG Horribles Day Float and Props To Our Sponsors!

Sista Felicia and Ed are 100% in charge of building the float but are looking for FOB’s to come help make this the best GMG Horribles Float to date!  Huge thanks to our sponsors listed below the pics!

GMG 2012 floar 004GMG 2012 floar 017GMG 2012 floar 018

Props to our awesome sponsors!!!!

Please patronize these GMG Approved Community Minded Businesses

gimmesound_final

gimmesound.com — local live music listings.  Find every live music show in Gloucester and Cape Ann — listen to music on-line & download — all for free.

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The Lone Gull is a family owned coffeehouse located on Main Street in historic downtown Gloucester, Massachusetts. Our ideal location makes us a great place to stop for a drink or a bite to eat, to chat with friends, or to have a business meeting. We offer free wi-fi to our customers, extremely comfortable couches and chairs, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

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Stones Pub

Stones is a small comfortable neighborhood pub in Gloucester, MA, America’s oldest seaport! We offer homemade soups, sandwiches and desserts all made on premises before your eyes in the open kitchen. The delicious smells welcome when you come in the door to a warm greeting.

Ed Collard House Doctors Handyman Services

Passports Restaurant

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Noble Electricians

978-283-0750

Steve Noble who does so much community work donating his time toward many great causes.

Robert Heidt

The new executive director of the Chamber of Commerce says that Good Morning Gloucester does so much for the community that he wanted to personally be a sponsor of the 2012 GMG horribles parade float

Circle Consulting

Donna Ardizzoni and Rick Moore

With Circle Consulting, small and mid-size companies can cost-effectively leverage world-class technology experience. We keep up with the latest developments in the rapidly changing technology sector, so you can focus on your core business. Let us do what we do best so that you can do what you do best.

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Greg Harris Brierwood Landscaping (978) 281-7564

for letting us use his trailer

Sista Felicia’s Fresh From The Farm Weekly Recipe- Radish Mango Cole Slaw

Note from Joey C: I tried this a couple of days ago on that hot hot day and this was the perfect cool dish to pack in a cooler for the beach.  Outstanding recipe!

Every week Sista Felicia will be featuring recipe’s made with stuff caught at the CSA we belong to- Appleton Farms.  Most or part of the ingredients will be in season and abundant at your local Farm Stand or CSA so eat up- it’s local, it’s fresh and it’s abundant RIGHT NOW!

Sista Felicia’s Radish Mango Cole Slaw

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Ingredients:
2 large ripe mangos skin removed and diced into bit size pieces (reserve ½ cup for dressing)
1 ¼ cup sliced radish
1 /2 head green cabbage shredded
1 cup shredded carrot
Dressing:
Reserved ½ mango diced into bit size pieces
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
2/3 cup Mayo
Juice of 1/2 lemon
2 large garlic cloves minced
1teaspoon Dijon Mustard


Directions:
Step 1:  shred Cabbage using shredding blade on Cuisinart Food Processor and reserve in a large serving bowl

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Step 2: shred carrots in food processor and add to serving bowl with cabbage

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Step 3: using slicing blade of food processor slice radish and add to mixing bowlimage

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Step 4: using a pairing knife remove mango skin and cut flesh away from pit

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Step 5: dice mango slices into bite size pieces, reserve ½ cup for dressing and reserve remaining mango pieces in a separate bowl

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Step 6: season with salt and freshly ground pepper

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Step 7: place all dressing ingredients into a mini chopper and puree into a smooth dressing

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Step 8: pour dressing over vegetable mixture

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Step 9:  add reserved mango, mix well

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Enjoy!

Sunday Dinner At Mammaw’s House

 

One thing I can count on weekly is that all the clean eating I do all week long will fly out the window once I get to Sista Felicia or my Mother’s house.

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Spedini-

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Breaded red pepers

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Breaded chicken cutlets

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Made Fresh With Stuff From Our Appleton Farms Farm Share Making Shrimp, Sausage and Sugar Snap Pea Spring Rolls With Habanero Pepper and Garlic Scape Pesto Video With Sista Felicia

Sista Felicia will be bringing you a weekly recipe with stuff that is in abundance at your local farm.  In our case we have a Farm Share at Appleton Farms.

Click the picture for the video we made at Ma’s house-

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Ingredients:
60 Won Ton Wrappers
½ cup shredded cabbage
¼ cup shredded carrot
½ cup minced sweet onion
½ lb. sweet Italian sausage, casing removed
½ lb. cleaned shrimp cut into bite size pieces
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley sausage in a bowl
1 package Good seasons dry dressing mix
1 tablespoon fish sauce
4 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3-4 cups La Spagnola Oil for frying
Egg wash: 1 large egg plus 1 tablespoon water beaten well

Habanero Garlic Scape Dipping Sauce:
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2 Habanero pepper seeded
2 garlic scapes coarsely chopped
1 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoon dark brown sugar
2 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoon sesame oil
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Dipping Sauce Directions:
Step 1: place all ingredients into a mini chopper and pulse chop 30 seconds
Step 2: carefully transfer into a serving bowl

Spring Roll Directions:
Step 1: heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium size fry pan over high heat
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Step 2: add sausage meat and cook thoroughly, scrambling often during the cooking process, using a slotted spoonimage

Step 3: transfer cooked sausage to a colander and drain excess juices
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Step 4: return sausage to pan, add Good Seasonings Dry Dressing mix, and parsley, mix well, and cook 1 minute, reserve mixture in a large mixing bowl
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Step 5: return frying pan over high heat and add 2 tablespoon olive oil, add carrots, onion, celery  and garlic cook 2 minutes

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Step 6: add cabbage, cook one minuteimage

Step 7: add fish sauce, salt and pepper mix well
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Step 8: add shrimp and sugar snap peas, cook until shrimp begin to turn pink image

Step 9: fold in reserved sausage meat continue to cook 2-3 minutes over high heat until all shrimp are cooked
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Step 10: transfer spring roll filling to a large bowl and allow to cool 5 minutes
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·    Filling mixture can be stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator for 24 hours

Spring Roll Assembly:
Step 1: place won ton squares on the diagonal on a piece of wax paper
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Step 2: brush each square with egg wash

Step 3: fix 1 tablespoon of filling onto the lower middle of each won ton wrapper
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Step 4: fold bottom corner of wrapper up and away from oneself, over the filling
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Step 5: fold both sides in towards the center
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Step 6: tuck and roll remainder of the won ton wrapper sealing in filling image

Step 7: cover prepared spring rolls with a damp paper towel, until all spring rolls are assembled
·    Note: Spring rolls can be frozen for up to one month. Evenly space spring rolls across a large sheet of wax paper and fold them up in rows. Transfer wrapped spring rolls in a large gallon Ziploc freezer bag, and freeze on a flat surface in freezer. Carefully place frozen spring rolls directly into hot oil, using long kitchen tongs, do not defrost.
Step 8: heat La Spagnola oil in a large fry pan over high heat
Step 9: working in batches, carefully place spring rolls in hot oil, cook until golden in color approximately 1 minute, using kitchen tongs turn spring rolls and continue to cook until golden on both sides
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Step 10: carefully transfer golden spring rolls to a paper towel lined cookie sheet fitted with wire rack
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Step 11: arrange warm spring rolls and habanero pepper dipping sauce on a serving platter, serve warm
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Enjoy!

Sista Felicia Makes Pumpkin Pizzelle and a Sneak Peak at Her Highly Coveted Insano Cookbook

She has every recipe typed out with step by step pictures and directions. Pictured is just a binder with all of them printed out from her digital files and in a ginormous 3 ring binder.  Some brilliant publisher is going to make her an offer.  With her already built in audience from these pages and The Gloucester Times Taste of The Times it’s sure to be a hit.

Are you planning to buy one when it gets published?

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Easter Bunny Cookies With Sista Felicia at The Gloucester Daily Times Taste of The Times

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From The GDT:

Felicia Mohan grew up waiting for Easter so she could eat these cookies her grandmother made. After her grandmother retired in Florida and was no longer around for Easter, her Aunt assumed the responsibility and now she has herself. The secret is to use this Italian pastry dough recipe, decorate your own Easter eggs with your kids, make a simple frosting using fresh lemon, and top with brightly colored sprinkles.

Get the recipe here

Sista Felicia and Amanda Make The Saint Joseph’s Pasta Slide Show

Cassata Cake From Zina Saputo and Sista Felicia Filling The Zeppole

Zina’s Cassata cake was out of this world.  Note Felicia’s arms and elbows covered with filling, lol.

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Sista Felicia Does St. Joseph’s Day Pasta For The Gloucester Times Taste of The Times

From The Gloucester Daily Times-

When Felicia was growing up this special recipe was prepared by her Aunt “FeFe“, Vincie and Uncle Mike (Militello). Now she makes it herself and passes along the family’s recipe secrets. The main ingredients are cauliflower, fava beans, and the ferns on top of the anise bulbs. In fact, since the grocers and supermarkets typically throw away this part of the plant before even putting it on the shelf, Felicia goes around each year to remind them to avoid that for this special week of St. Joseph’s Day so that she and others can properly make the dish.

Her aunt and uncle FeFe and Vincie used to create an alter every St. Joseph’s Day and that became very big, so big that many people came each year to pay their respects and eat some of the special pasta dish. The pasta sauce was served over home made St. Joseph fettuccini pasta. What made this St. Joseph Pasta is that all the flower used to prepare the feast was blessed by a priest the day before St. Joseph day. It was done, in fact, at a very special mass in Aunt FeFe and Uncle Vincie’s home in front of her alter. You cannot get much more authentic than that.

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You can read my buddy Heather Atwood’s article about Felicia and St Joseph’s Traditions here-

Feast of St. Joseph fare celebrates workers

Praise for Good Morning Gloucester

Hi Joey, I thought readers might want to see what was in my inbox this morning:

“Dear Kim,

Thank you for turning me on to Good Morning Gloucester.  Every city (and town) should have an equivalent.  What a great way to communicate enjoyments, appreciations, concerns, and complaints.”

We are truly blessed as a community to have a resource like Good Morning Gloucester. Thank you Joey and GMG team for all the good you have created, and continue to do, for our beloved community.

Our Fearless Leader

Good Morning Gloucester Team Members and Friends of the Blog

Makin The Baked Stuffed Shrimp With Sista Felicia On the Gloucester Daily Times Taste of The Times

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From the Gloucester Times Taste of The Times-

According to Felicia Ciaramitaro Mohan this dish is “the Highlight of our Christmas Dinner” and guarantees that it will be the “best shrimp you will ever taste.” Unlike many of her recipes, this one is not from her Grandmother but rather from her mother.
What makes it so good? Read below to see.

Baked Stuffed Shrimp With Sista Felicia On the Gloucester Daily Times Taste of The Times

Sista Felicia and Da Godmuddah Make The Baccala

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On the Gloucester Daily Times Taste of The Times

click this link to download or print the recipe on demand