Grilled Pork Chops with Black Olive Tapenade and Roasted Summer Vegetables is the perfect dish to welcome in the warm weather. So many peeps love to fire up the grill – but for those of who cook inside such as yours truly – this can easily be done on your handy dandy grill pan. The brine is key. And the chops only need to brine for 30 minutes. The recipe […]
So you’re itching for a calzone. I mean, who isn’t? Put the phone down. Forget about the menu. Do you really need all of that extra grease and salt? But listen to me, and listen closely: You can make the calzones yourself. I swear to Baby Jesus. Just buy the pizza dough. I mean, honestly, you should always have some balls of pizza dough rolling around your freezer for moments […]
One of the side effects of being a food snob is that takeout eats make a rare appearance on my kitchen table. This is also the result of being a control freak, a lova of cooking and a gal who rocks some killer food allergies. But, a hankering for Chinese food hits the best and worst of us at any given time. And so, a pot of Hot and Sour […]
My Smoked Salmon Platter is always hit on the holidaze. But honestly, The Boy and Husband love it anytime. The cream cheese/horseradish spread gives things a kick, as do red onions and capers. Serve on toast or crackers. It’s always a delight!
Zahav hummus is a foodstuff from the Gods. Fortunately, the restaurant owner Michael Solomonov put out an amazing cookbook that features the recipe for it as well as the recipes for countless dishes served at the esteemed restaurant located in Philadelphia. My husband and I have dined at the actual Zahav on occasion but not nearly enough. It is so nice that I have my hands on this beautiful cookbook […]
It’s always nice to add another pizza recipe into the repertoire: I decided to rock out a White Garlic Pizza since The Husband and The Boy like to order such things when we have an occasional take-away night. They absolutely love this, and I have been making it on the regular for the past few months. You can alter the quantities of garlic and red pepper flakes depending on how […]
My Mom’s Beef Barley Soup is packed with so much goodness. The veggies, the meat, the barley, the broth – total comforting perfection. This is the perfect time of year to make this soup. Enjoy!
My Mom’s Blue Cheese Ball recipe is straight out of 1955, but OMG it is super delish. And, who doesn’t love a retro vibe during cocktail hour? I recommend using the best blue cheese you can get your hands on and crumble. Bargain basement cheese is not welcome here. Upon mixing with my bare hands I realized I probably could have done this in the good ole’ Kitchenaid with the […]
Italian Butter Cookies. Mine do not look professional or fancy pants. But they are super delish. I feel like I will improve as I make these more. The recipe calls for one baking sheet, but I used two. I baked one sheet at a time. I had a piping bag fail, so I maneuvered to a ziploc with a snipped off corner. Works just as well, you just don’t have […]
Snickerdoodles are filled with cinnamon goodness. I haven’t made these in a minute, but I decided to rock a batch out for Thanksgiving. I baked them on Silpat mats, but in the past I baked them straight on ungreased cooking sheet, as the recipe from the Better Homes and Garden recommends. I do think the Silpat caused the cookies to be a bit thinner, but they came off the mats […]
Truly, Scotch Shortbread gives absolutely nothing in looks or design. But the aroma: heavenly. The taste: Unbelievable. The satisfaction: Another euphoric level. So, they must – THEY MUST – be a part of your Christmas cookie platter. Plus you can make them waaaaay ahead and they will still taste divine. Pro tip – Cut them as soon as you pop them out of the oven. This recipe comes from the […]
Lime Cilantro Chicken is a festive and fun protein that makes Mexican Night at home a total cinch. We love to make tacos out of the grilled chicken strips marinated in lime, chili, garlic and a few more sensational seasonings. Be sure to marinate your chicken for at least an hour. For a Taco Night setup, serve with your fave salsas, shredded cheese, lettuce, beans and hard and soft shells. […]
My Italian Sausage, White Bean and Baby Kale Soup has all the comfort and flavor you need on a chilly night. I use a box of baby kale for easy breeziness. This soup freezes wonderfully. The red pepper gives a little kick.
Who doesn’t love mashed potatoes? No one. That’s who. But making them for a crowd can at times be a pain in the arse since you gotta get the dish all together right at the last minute. Thankfully, my girl Giada De Laurentiis totally has an amazing solution with her Baked Mashed Potatoes with Parmesan Cheese and Breadcrumbs from her cookbook, “Giada’s Family Dinners.” You can set it all up […]
Olive tapenade is a fab dish to make when you are having guests or need to make something to schlep to a gig offsite. Of course the fact that not everyone grooves on olives could jack up this plan. So make this if you really know your audience. Since the Jersey Girl comes from a bunch of Italianos, you can bet your bottom dollar that my fam digs the olive […]
Toasted pumpkin seeds are totally autumn yuminess. And, I’m totally not allergic to them. Yay! I keep the seasons simple: salt and pepper. But you can totally shake it up with cajun seasoning or oregano or make them sweet with cinnamon and sugar. I’m all about the classic savory. So, butter, salt and peppa it is. My style lets the true pumpkin seed shine. Your pumpkin may yield just a cup of seeds or […]
Super yay! My Chicken Marsala is EVERYTHING. I just started making this because The Husband and The Kiddo revealed that they do in fact enjoy a mushroom or two. They loved this dish very much. I think the sprig of rosemary really elevates the flavor. Do not omit that! Many marsala recipes involve cream, but mine does not and it is not missed. If you are serving with pasta, be […]
Silky smooth zucchini ribbons twirl with fettucine, spinach and basil in a light and luscious lemony spicy sauce. Yes, I bring you my Zucchini Fettucine. I am slightly obsessed with this dish. Make it! It’s so dreamy delish.
My Chicken Parm with Fresh Tomato Sauce is so much tastier than regular old Chicken Parm. Making the sauce is a bit of a process, because you need to peel fresh plum tomatoes and then chop all of them up. But it’s worth that energy, especially when tomatoes are in season. To peel a tomato skin off a tomato, you need to cut out the core, score an X on […]
This Pork Souvlaki recipe from Ina Garten is a total KEEPER. I strongly recommend marinating the pork as soon as you can. The longer, the better. I did mine for 6 hours. I definitely think the marinade helps tenderize the meat. The recipe calls for pork shoulder, which is typically roasted slow and low. But this recipe cooks the meat super duper fast – like in less than 10 minutes!! […]
Sometimes a dish with the quickness is just what you need. That’s how I feel about this Ditalini (Or Elbows) with Plum Tomatoes. It’s so fresh and can be eaten on its own as a light dinner or lunch or as a side. I add a bit of red pepper flakes for some spice, and top with chopped mozzarella because it’s just so delish. You could also go with grated […]
I’ve been making this Baked French Toast Casserole for family brunches for a bazillion years now. I actually double the recipe, and there are NEVER any leftovers. The recipe comes from Paula Deen, so yes it is chockful of butter and sugar. I strongly advise to just up your fitness routine on the days prior and after consuming this. I recently made it for our Family Fantasy Football Draft Day […]
I’ve been making this Lentil Salad all summer long to go with a sandwich or to just eat on its own. Lentils are packed with protein and fiber and are so good in salads and soups. Be sure to use brown or green lentils for this as red ones become much too mushy to hold their shape. Feel free to swap out the veg you love. If you feel like […]
Minestrone is one of my faves and this recipe from wonderful cookbook called The Food Lab by J. Kenji Lopez-Alt is absolutely fabulous. It was such a wonderful use of my Jersey Fresh veggies. I particularly love that it calls for fresh cherry tomatoes. The taste is so fresh! A couple of deviations from the recipe for me included: 1. I seasoned each layer of veg as I added them […]
Snacking is such fun. Here’s a healthy alternative to chips and such: Roasted Chickpeas. One lowly can of chickpeas can transform into a crunchy and yummy delish treat for young and old. My son especially loves them! The two keys to successful roasted chickpeas are as follows: Dry them out on towels for at least an hour. But, I like to leave them out for a few hours, honestly. And, […]
I always love a new chicken recipe, and this one featuring chicken thighs and red peppers did not disappoint. Crispy Chicken Thighs with Red Peppers and Capers comes from Giada’s Italy cookbook by Giada DeLaurentiis. I doubled the amount of chicken, so I cooked the eight thighs in two batches on the stovetop – four at atime. I did not use as much oil as Giada calls for. For instance, […]
If you want a Blueberry Pie in a bar formation, get in on this recipe QUICK! Trisha Yearwood’s Blueberry Pie Bars are super divine. I knew they would be a hit instantly with my fam, and not so say I was right ……. but, well. Yeah. 100 percent. These are great to make ahead for a party and are easier to serve than a pie as you can cut them […]
This White Bean Dip with Pita Chips makes a frequent appearance at my get-togethers. First of all, it’s a quick vegetarian dish to have on hand. The dip can totally be made the day before. You certainly can skip the homemade pita chips and just buy a bag, but the homemade chips are always a hit. The oregano on the chips works perfectly with the dip. Do keep a close […]
We are going vintage today with Judy’s Stuffed Peppers. Judy is my momma up in heaven, and her stuffed peppers were amazing and a staple of my life. Mom always used green bell peppers for this dish, but you certainly can make it with red, yellow or orange. She also used ground beef and rice, cheese, breadcrumbs and marinara. Now, I know sometimes she “cheated” using a jar of Prego […]
Salmon dinner pronto. This Broiled Salmon with Garlic, Mustard and Herbs by Giada DeLaurentiis is a cinch from start to finish. It’s done in less than 10 minutes. Cooking fast isn’t really my thing, but sometimes we need some quick ones up the sleeve. We must not waste anytime and get straight to business. In my efforts to help you plan your cooking plan, may I recommend making the mustard […]
Marble desserts are a fave of mine as they are delish and beautiful to see. This Marble Cake from the “Feast” cookbook by Nigella Lawson intrigued me as the batter has orange juice and zest in it. Orange and chocolate are a marvelous pairing in all forms. This may sound odd to you, but trust me, it’s just a fresh and lovely combo, especially in this cake. My family is […]
Chicken Caprese over Orecchiette – or really any short pasta that you lurve – is super summertime on a plate. Be sure to marinate your chicken and the grape tomatoes at least 30 minutes ahead. Honestly, the longer you leave them the more flavor they have going on. If you don’t groove on balsamic feel free to omit, but it adds a nice pop of flav, in my humble opinion.
Teresa Giudice’s Zucchini Spaghetti Salad from her Skinny Italian cookbook is a wonderful starter or side dish. It really lets the zucchini shine. So make this when the zucchs are in season, which is now, now, now in my lovely Garden State. Yay! It is light and refreshing and packed with flavor, all good things you should look for in a salad. Basically, you take an ordinary carrot peeler and […]
My Roasted Caprese is the perfect appie or side on these lazy summer nights when you don’t feel like cooking much but want to taste the flavor of the season. I always have all of these ingredients on hand: And of course garlic, basil and the co-stars: grape tomatoes and fresh mozzarella (or burrata). My guys loved both the mozzarella and the burrata. I would not use bocconcini. I think […]
Deviled eggs. Kinda trashy, kinda retro and kinda AWESOME.For reals, who doesn’t love a deviled egg? Tis’ the season for BBQing, picnicking and all that, so you gots to have a deviled egg recipe in your pocket.Err. Well, your bag of recipe tricks, I suppose, would be a better place for a hard-boiled egg stuffed with a mayonaissy-yolky yellow-stained filling of deliciousness, right?! There is a secret ingredient, natch. In […]
Parents often say their kids won’t eat anything. Fights. Hunger strikes. Terrorist negotiations. Oh yes, dinner can be a nightmare for many adults trying to just get through to bedtime with their beloved offspring. Allow me to present a solution, dear desperate readers: Stir fry. Yes, stir fry them into a frenzy of eating and not complaining. One of the many hits in my house with kiddo is stir-fry. Yes, […]
A colorful soup is just what I love, and this Vegetable Soup au Pistou from Melissa Clark’s “Dinner in French” cookbook is no exception. It features some of summer’s finest goodies – tomatoes, zucchini and string beans (and peas if you are like me and want to just add some in). I know the heat and humidity of summer may not lend themselves to soup dining, but perhaps you will […]
Mexican Night is always a win at mi casa. While tacos are our standby, I decided to shake things up recently with Chicken and Shrimp Fajitas. My marinade below makes enough for 2 pounds of protein. I did 1 pound chicken and 1 pound shrimp. The chicken can marinate from 1 to 6 hours, while the shrimp marinates for just 30 minutes. So plan accordingly! I slice up the peppers […]
I was able to snag a head of Jersey cauliflower a couple of weeks ago at a farmer’s market, so I was inspired to make this super yummy Cauliflower Chickpea Curry. I use sour cream in lieu of coconut milk due to my food allergies, but you could totally use coconut milk, which is more traditional in Indian cuisine. I like to serve this over basmati rice or brown rice. […]
My Lean and Green Soup is currently one of my faves. It’s perfect to whip up when you want to eat clean. But a sprinkle of cheese on top ain’t gonna hurt ya! I never skimp on taste, and this soup’s flavor is awesome! It features zucchini and baby kale, plus your standard soup veg: carrots, celery and onions. I add a can of cannellini beans. You could totally go […]
Growing up in the 80s, clams and spaghetti was in the daily dinner rotation pretty much weekly. As a working maniac mom circa 2019, I totally understand why. 1. It’s cheap. 2. It’s easy. 3. It’s fast 4. It’s super amazingly delish. Shoutout to my mom for the inspiration. She worked everyday as an art teacher extraordinaire, schlepped my sisters and me all over the place, volunteered in many town […]
One of my life motto’s is: If I want a cookie, a cookie I shall have. But not just ANY morsel of chocolatey goodness will do. No, sir. If you’re going to indulge, INDULGE with the best: Nigella Lawson! Specifically her Totally Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies! These are THE best chocolate chip cookies in the whole entire land. The recipe claims that this makes 12 monster cookies, but I always […]
This dish is so worth it. Risi e Bisi translates to rice and peas. Currently, fresh peas are in their gorgeous green glory in the farm markets in my parts. If you can get your hands on the cute little pods of deliciousness, please please do so. This dish was outstanding. My son really loved it, and I could see small children really loving it. Risotto is so comforting to […]
A plate with a fantastic palette of shades and textures is simply delightful. That’s what I have found here in this marvelous Chicken Marengo that called out to me on Pinterest. This dish features chicken thighs, which are so affordable and great to use to feed a crowd. Canned tomatoes, onion, garlic and olives meld together into an exciting dish that works perfectly with mashed potatoes or rice. Chicken Marengo […]
Today, please check out an amazing Lidia Bastianich recipe: Breast of Chicken in a Light Lemon-Herb Sauce. I make this all the time. You can set all the components up in advance, and then bake it when it’s getting close to din din time. Yeah. You heard me. I said, “din din.” The recipe is from one of my most prized cookbooks, “Lidia’s Italian-American Kitchen.” The recipes are fantastic, and Lidia explains her […]
This Stuffed Pepper Soup with Ground Chicken and Farro has all of your fav tastes from stuffed peppers, but it is prepped and cooked in half the time! I use farro – an ancient grain packed with protein and fiber – instead of rice in this pot of yumminess. You can of course use rice, if you choose! I top my bowl of awesome soup with fresh herbs – basil […]
Calling all Francophiles: For reals, escargot may seem way too high falutin to rock out at home, but this dish could not be easier. First of all, you do not need the snail shells that slipped out of Julia Roberts escargot-fine-dining contraption in “Pretty Woman.” Those shells are legit just for show. Escargot are actually sold in cans! You DO need baking ramekins, but even if you don’t have those […]
Meatloaf is not glamourous or gorgeous, but it sure is good. I made mine with ground turkey, but you could easily use this recipe with ground beef or the traditional meatloaf mix of ground beef, pork and veal. This loaf gains all of its flavor from the first part: Sauteeing onions, garlic, tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Add this to your meat mixture and let it stand in the refrigerator […]
I live in a land of meatballs and sauce or gravy (whichever vernacular you prefer), but honestly I will only eat meatballs made by my fam. I am a snob like that 100 percent. Ain’t no shame in my game. Now, if you asked me for my Mommom Sacco’s recipe 20 years ago, I would be keeping this under lock and key. But as time has gone on, I realize […]
If you are looking for a dessert to celebrate a special day – anniversary, bday, promotion, awesome report card – these Molten Chocolate Cakes are just for you. But if you want them on any ordinary day, they totally work for that, too!!! You do need baking ramekins for this dish. I only have 4, but the recipe calls for six. I was able to bake the remaining batter a […]
Leftovers are a thing in my house with my little family of three. Especially when it comes to mashed potatoes since I overestimate the quantity pretty much always. Mashed potatoes are a cinch to transform into super yummy Potato Pancakes. These are great for a light lunch with a salad or just a little snack. Serve with a little sour cream on the side. My son and husband both love […]
Holidays are all about tradition. Especially with the food. That’s why my Mommom Sacco’s amazing string beans are always on my table, especially at Thanksgiving. This dish requires very few ingredients. Beans, a small potato, garlic and oil and voila – magic happens. That’s really how it was with everything my Mommom cooked and baked. And that’s one of the reasons I love her recipes so much. Hope you love […]
Ice cream is easier to make than you think. Sure there are plenty of options in the grocery store or at your fave ice cream shop, but it’s so nice to have fresh homemade goodness right in your own freezer. I follow the recipe for vanilla ice cream in the Betty Crocker Cookbook. After churning, I add mini chocolate chips. My tips for a strong homemade ice cream game are […]
Old-fashioned tomato pie is totally a thing in South Jersey and Philadelphia. Pizza shops and bakeries all over the region have their own versions. This one uses fresh plum tomatoes in the sauce. So I’m definitely making this on heavy rotation when it’s peak Jersey tomato season. This dough comes together really easily. As always with using yeast, this recipe is a bit of a project, meaning you need a […]
Chicken wings are super easy to make at home. This version isn’t traditional, but I think my Jersey Girl readers will LOVE them as my husband and son did. The key to success is to be sure to let the wings hang out in the fridge for at least an hour after coating them in the baking soda and seasonings. Also, be sure to not overcrowd the pan. These two […]
Cajun Roasted Potatoes may officially be my most fave potato side eva, and they are so easy to make. Simply toss with cajun seasoning, olive oil and black pepper and roast until your desired doneness is reached. This recipe uses red and/or new potatoes so you don’t even need to peel them! I often make these to go with my Grilled Mahi Mahi: But we often eat up the leftovers […]
A cookie makes the moment so much better. And if you make these Chocolate Thumbprints, you will have many happy times. The recipe comes from Martha Stewart Cookies cookbook. The cookie merges simple shortbread with a dark chocolate filling. The rich chocolate melts into the tender shortbread. It’s a glorious thing. Be sure to use a small bowl of ice water to cool off your thumb when pressing the thumbprint […]
So, can we talk Key Lime Pie? It is so cool and refreshing. Quite heavenly, actually. And this comes from a gal who believes dessert equates to chocolate. I must admit my limes are not of the key variety. There are rare instances when I can find key limes in my sophisticated town of Hammonton, but this January was not one of those times. So regular old limes it is. […]
This is currently a favorite dinner for my husband and son: Lemon Chicken with Croutons. It is from one of my most beloved Barefoot Contessa cookbooks: “Barefoot in Paris.” Perhaps it’s my love of all things French from the style to the art to the oldness to the chicness, but this dish is everything. So simple and so elegant. If you are planning to serve it for company, I suggest […]
Made with fresh zest and juice from orange and lime, the marinade is packed with flavor. I grill the chicken so it cooks quickly! Serve with rice, beans, shredded lettuce, salsas and shredded cheese if you desire. Look at those colors! You can totally use the chicken it to fill a taco shell, too. Ask my son. Ha. He really loves this dish, and he requests it often. He says […]
Cinnamon Sugar Muffins are so simple to make. You need no fancy equipment just a couple of bowls and a whisk. These are delish to make for breakfast or a mid day treat. My family loves them. You can easily double this recipe if you need more than eight, but that number is perfecto for my little fam of three.
