Tag: wine

An Italian Mother’s Day Menu

An Italian Mother’s Day Menu

If you grew up in a wonderful household full of love, warmth, and good food it was probably a direct result of your mother (sorry to all of the well rounded fathers out there).  In turn, your lovely mother deserves, at the very least, a home cooked An Italian Themed Mother’s Day Menu or meal.  Our selection includes easy to […]

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Homemade Grappa

Homemade Grappa

The Culture and History of Homemade Grappa Homemade Grappa is traditionally made from grape stalks, seeds and stems (essentially the remaining components of the wine making process) and has been around since the Middle Ages.  Grappa was understood very little outside of Italy until after the War when some mass production started to take place.   Like many Italians, my […]

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Homemade Wine Making Weekend

Homemade Wine Making Weekend

(photo: grapes ready to be crushed) Late September is one of my favorite times of the year here in Northern New Jersey.  The temperature and humidity dip, leaves begin to change color, and I begin to relish my days spent outdoors in the sun and cool air (it’s amazing what happens to one’s sense of appreciation when certain things won’t […]

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Scordo Pasta Challenge – #72 Linguine with Escarole, Garlic, Onion, Potato and Provola

Scordo Pasta Challenge – #72 Linguine with Escarole, Garlic, Onion, Potato and Provola

(photo: final product with a bit of extra provola and olive oil) When it comes to living life, I’m a sucker for both luxurious and practical things.  I’m equally comfortable driving a Honda or a Mercedes-Benz or living amongst nose-in-the-air snobs or dyed in the wool blue collar types.  I lean towards the practical and modest side of living, but who […]

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Monday Night Fried Fish Fest: Whole Sardines, Smelts, and Wild Dandeloins

Monday Night Fried Fish Fest: Whole Sardines, Smelts, and Wild Dandeloins

(Photo: Tommaso staring down a fried sardine: this is one metaphysical moment) A simple rule for buying fish goes as follows: buy what’s fresh, as opposed to what you want.  The idea may sound counterintuitive but freshness is king when it comes to seafood.  I’m mentioning the whole buying fresh seafood concept today because I headed to my favorite fish shop thinking salmon for dinner […]

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The Perfect Spring Lunch – Sauvignon Blanc, Eggs, Olives, and Tuna in Oil

The Perfect Spring Lunch – Sauvignon Blanc, Eggs, Olives, and Tuna in Oil

It doesn’t feel as though Spring has officially arrived here on the East Coast, but you can welcome Spring by preparing the perfect Spring lunch (well at least in the opinion of this humble cook): The Wine: Start with a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, preferablly from Australia and, moreover, from the Marlborough region.  Chill the bottle nicely and don’t pay […]

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