Greetings...

Greetings...
Welcome to my little space in the world-wide web. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage, sit down and enjoy your trek. I am not sure what brought you here, but I am glad you came. I hope you find something you like and come back often to visit. Be sure to sign up on the right to recieve all updates via your email.

Just a Pinch

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

The Great Debate: White or Red

There has always been great debate over which is better White or Red  Clam Chowder.   My all time favorite and vote goes to Red.   I especially love the mix of vegetables and herbs in this recipe.


I found this recipe in a cookbook my mother-in-law had. It is titled Dom Deluise-Eat this It'll Make You Feel Better.    It is a great read, filled with stories of family and friends as well as packed full of family style Italian recipes.    Not only was Dom Deluise a funny comedian, but he also loved to cook.  His love of laughter and cooking come together in the pages of this book.  Each recipe comes with it's own background story, often evoking an a-ha moment or punch line to make you chuckle.   Being married into an Italian family, I can see a lot of similarities in Dom Deluise growing up in an Italian family and my husband's family stories.

When I borrowed the book from my mother-in-law, I had written down quite a few of his recipes to try, but the Red Clam Chowder was my all time favorite. 

I was fortunate enough to find a copy of his book in a garage sale a few years ago, so now I have my very own copy.    The book is still a good read.   I had forgotten that not only were there family recipes, but also recipes from some of his co-stars and friends.    Turns out the Red Clam Chowder Recipe was from his friend and co-star Mel Brooks. As told in the book, Mel, Dom and their wives have shared many a meal together with either Dom or Mel doing the cooking.


Once you try this recipe you will see why it made the book.   It is bellissimo!

You can download this recipe by clicking on the image and doing a save as.

Click on photo to open photo. Once open right click to save to your computer for printing later.


Follow me on Facebook



Or find me on Pinterest



Click this image to subscribe


Join me on Google+



From the bottom of my heart.............. 

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Is that even a word?

Gagootz!  Gagoots!  May sound like a sneeze to some but it is actually an Italian word for squash or Zucchini.  When used as slang, Gagootz expresses an entirely different meaning: "good for nothing".  I think we all know a few those. 




Cucuzza! No, I didn't stutter.  Cucuzza, is another word used in parts of Italy, that also refers to squash. It has a flavor combination of summer squash and cucumber. Cucuzza is an edible gourd. It has many other names, including bottle gourd and calabash. It can grow up to 3 feet long. It has light green inedible skin that you must peel away. The white, pulpy flesh has many seeds in the center, similar to a cucumber and has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. .

So to answer the question, yes, they are words in the Italian language.  Fortunately enough, we all have been blessed with more than enough zucchini's throughout their season in the USofA.  They are very versatile and whether it is called a Zucchini, Squash, Gagootz or Cucuzza, it can be sliced and fried or sautéed, steamed or microwaved. They all make great addition to soups, stews, gumbos, quiches and sauces and can even be used in baked goods such as quick breads, muffins and pies.



Recently I put my clever to work and I tried my luck at making Gagootz Stew. It received rave reviews from both my husband and my father-in-law, who I thought would not like it for the fact that the stew was loaded full of fresh crunchy vegetables.
  


Click on the photo below to print the recipe.....
Click on photo to open photo. Once open right click to save to your computer for printing later.



Follow me on Facebook





Or find me on Pinterest





Click this image to subscribe





Join me on Google+





From the bottom of my heart.............. 






Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Finger Lick'n Good

I have always been a fan of Dr. Pepper, so why not try it in a BBQ sauce.   Made this recipe recently for a picnic.   Not only did I add it to my pulled pork while it was cooking, but I also added it to my slow cooker baked beans and set some out as condiment for those who wanted to put in on their pulled pork sandwich.   Both the picnic and the food were a success.   Received a lot of comments on how good the baked beans tasted (will be posting that recipe too).   

If you like a nice Tangy BBQ sauce this is the recipe for you.   Go on and give it a try, you'll be lick'n your fingers for sure.


Basting the chicken with yummy sauce.



Click on the image below to print..................
Click on photo to open photo. Once open right click to save to your computer for printing later.


Follow me on Facebook





Or find me on Pinterest





Click this image to subscribe





Join me on Google+





From the bottom of my heart..............