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Mangia Magna!

Italian Breakfast

THE STORY OF TWO CROQUE

A CROQUE MONSIEUR  is a hot sandwich made with ham and cheese. The dish originated in French cafés and bars as a quick snack. The name comes from the French words croque (“crunch”) and monsieur (“mister”). A CROQUE MONSIEUR is traditionally made with baked or boiled ham and sliced cheese between slices of pain de mie, topped…

Italian-American Dish

RICE TORTA

  1 Cup Long Grain Rice 6 – 8 Tbs Olive Oil 1 Medium Onion – finely chopped 1 Tbs Corn Meal or Polenta 3 Eggs – large ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese – grated Freshly Ground Black Pepper Salt…

Italian Dessert

TORTA di MONTEFOLLONICO

Today is Cristina’s birthday so I thought I would  include this recipe here. Augurri e Buon Compleano Cristina!   TORTA di MONTEFOLLONICO Better known to us as Cristina’s Torta On a visit to Montefollonico several years ago Cristina (my…

Italian Dessert

CHOCOLATE RUGELACH BAKA

It’s time to start baking for the cookie exchange!                                                            DOUGH:         1 CUP BUTTER – unsalted, room temperature   8 OZ CREAM CHEESE – solid, not whipped, room temp ¼ CUP SUGAR 1 TSP VAILLA PINCH OF SALT 2…

Italian Dinner

GNOCCHI SORRENTINA

A deliciously comforting dish. GNOCCHI: 1 MEDIUM SIZED DRY POTATO – like Russet 1 CUP FLOUR PINCH OF SALT 1 EGG YOLK 1 TBS EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL –      plus some extra for greasing the casserole dish A…

Italian Bread

SFORMATO DI FORMAGGIO

Cheese Flan This a simple but delicious recipe from the Siena area where my Grandparents and my Father were born in the charming little hamlet of Montefollonico. ¼ CUP EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL ½ CUP FLOUR 2 1/3 CUPS…

Italian Dinner

NEW ENGLAND CLAM PIE

FOR THE PIECRUST: 2 CUPS FLOUR ½ TSP SALT ¼ TSP BAKING POWDER 8 TBS BUTTER – chilled, cubed small 2 TBS SOLID CRISCO – chilled, cubed 8 TBS ICE WATER Mix together flour, salt, and baking powder in…

Italian Dinner

RIGATONI AND PROSCIUTTO IN VODKA SAUCE

1 LB RIGATONI 3 OZ PROSCIUTTO 3 TBS BUTTER – unsalted PINCH OF SALT 28 OZ CAN SAN MARZANO PLUM TOMATOES – with juice 2 TBS EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL 3 GARLIC CLOVES – peeled, smashed PINCH OF RED…