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BAKED RIGATONI WITH BECHAMEL SAUCE

A great company dish because itimpresses  in its simplicity while being so delicious. 1 Stick Butter – unsalted, sliced ½ Cup + 2 Tbs Flour 1 Quart Whole Milk – room temperature Pinch of Nutmeg Sea Salt and Freshly…

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SCALOPPINE alla VALDOSTANA

A great recipe from the Aosta Valley Aosta is a region of northwest Italy brodered by France and Switzerland. Therefore, Franco-Provencal is the main non-Italian indigenous language. It is known for its iconic snow-capped peaks and major ski resorts.…

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Chestnuts in Italy

FESTA DELLA CASTAGNA IN ARCIDOSSA Fall has many nice surprises one of which is chestnuts. In late fall, chestnuts pop up overnight in the medieval cobbled streets of Arcidossa, a little Tuscan Mountain village on Mount Amiata in the…

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CRAWFISH ETOUFEE

“Beads and Bling – It’s a Mardi Gras Thing”! Enjoy a sense of Mardi Gras without leaving home! Make this delicious New Orleans treat, blow up a few balloons, put on a fancy mask, toss some confetti and enjoy.…

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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…

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GIANT LATKE

Or a great big potato pancake! 1 – 1 ¼ LBS RUSSET POTATOES – app. 2 medium potatoes 1 ONION – MEDIUM KOSHER SALT FRESHLY GROUD BLACK PEPPER 1 LARGE EGG – beaten 1/3 CUP MATZO MEAL or PLAIN…

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CHOCOLATE BABKA

  A babka is a sweet, braided bread or cake which originated in the Jewish communities of Poland and Ukraine.  It is very popular in Israel but there it is often referred to as a simple yeast cake. Babka is…

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CHESTNUTS ROASTING ON AN OPEN FIRE……

YES ‘TIS THE SEASON FOR CHESTNUTS. The roasted nuts seem humble compared to the finer fares offered by today’s mobile vendors, but their history is as rich as their distinct aroma. I get nostalgic around the holidays. Holidays bring…

Family Favorites

PICI AND THE SIENESE HILLS

If you could take a leisurely trip into the enchanted land of the Sienesi hills you would pass thru some incredible wine country from San Gimignano thru Poggibonsi and all the way to Monterpulciano, Pienza and Chiusa. Not only…