Let's get to this fun and easy dinner dish but, first, let’s say it correctly. It is pronounced poh-kay and it means “to cut crosswise into pieces.” This beautiful creation began in Hawaii as a simple dish of marinated tuna mixed with assorted items that they had on hand such as onion, seaweed, wasabi, and kimchee. The dish became popular in the 1970’s for fisherman who needed a quick and easy snack. I liken it to the many simple and…
If you have never tried soft-shell crabs in any way, shape, or form, you are missing out on a spring palate rite of passage! Recipes are plentiful this time of year but I love this particular version from MELISSA CLARK and the New York Times Cooking website. Of course, I took some liberty, but the basic recipe is Ms. Clark’s: What you need: 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature ¾ cup arugula leaves, stems trimmed 1 tablespoon…
It is no secret that I love being Italian and I love to cook. Most Italian food is very simple and, in that simplicity, comes happiness to the senses. Just writing this I can smell this sauce simmering, briefly, on my stove-top. The kitchen aura created an image of my grandmother Amelia, apron around her 4’10” 205-pound frame, wet hands ready to hold my face and kiss my cheek. What I wouldn't give for that kiss just one more time.…
I love pizza, especially Chip’s pizza. Outside of that unfortunate incident when he broke my finger with the bowl of pizza dough, pizza night is one of my favorite nights. Tonight, we are making a hot Soppressata and Manchego spicy pizza with honey drizzle. But with the haze of holiday overeating hanging heavy over the kitchen, and my midsection, I look for an alternate or addition to the pizza night menu. Something light and fun. I searched my recipe books…
White bean dip is a multi-purpose concoction. Of course, you can eat this dip with veggies, crackers, and chips, but for the sheer joy of it, you can also mix it into piping hot pasta. The aroma when it hits the hot pasta is just delicious. Below is my take on white bean dip for the holidays. What you need: 8 ounces or so Pancetta- you can purchase it already diced or get the deli to hand cut a chunk…