Author, branding and media expert, and my dear friend, Beth Nydick joins me in the Cucina this week! Beth is all about eating CLEAN - hence her book, Clean Cocktails! She shares a fun and easy spring rolls recipe with peanut sauce! And she threw in a healthy paloma recipe! Beth also shows us how to get clear on our messaging around ourselves and our brands so we can get that message out into the world!
Read MoreGet ready for the Holidays with this quick and easy, savory pear and gorgonzola tart recipe! The perfect appetizer to serve or bring along! Store brought pastry puff makes this incredibly simple. You could also swap in your favorite cheese like goat or brie! Enjoy!
Read MoreMamma D joins me in the Cucina for this special Mother's Day episode! We took an "English tea" (not really) and give it some Italian-American flair! (Because really, what's America if not a mix of the rest of the world!?) Mom & I show you 3 simple, savory "bites." (Caprese, Fig & Prosciutto, and Mortadella Sammies) Plus one sweet one! (Strawberry Ricotta toast!) AND of course we have tea...but we turned it into a cocktail with the help of my friend Beth Nydick, co-author of Clean Cocktails! Finally, Mom sheds a tear as she shares her favorite part of being a Mom! It's all in this episode!
Read MoreThis classic Piemontese dish is a family tradition for me! Mamma D joins me in the Cucina this week to walk us through, not just how to make bagna cauda, but what to serve with it and a few delightful little memories around this meal! And, watch for a cameo from my grandfather as he tells the story of the origins of bagna cauda!
Read MoreI'm SO excited to be kicking off November with my friends at Groundwork Elizabeth and Urban Griddle! I headed to Urban Griddle to get their recipe for their fan favorite "pig candy" - and to get a sneak peek at the menu for November 7th's Urban Farm Dinner! Owner George Vlahos talks about why Groundwork Elizabeth is so important to him, and to the community! Plus we have a lot of fun!
Read MoreThis is a quick and easy Summer side dish that I do by combining two other recipes from different parts of life! The zucchini comes from my old college roomie; the peppers from Senza Cucina in Bayville NJ! These go great as an appetizer or alongside some grilled or roasted meat! They're not bad cold or reheated the next day either as a lunch or snack!
Read MoreIt has been SO HOT here in New Jersey, the thought of cooking anything at all is awful. This is the time of year when salads rein supreme in my house! But we don't sad, sorry salads. We do fun, delicious, this is totally a meal on its own salads! Including this delicious peach caprese! While most of the U.S. looks to Georgia for peaches, we grow some really nice ones here in Jersey too! And they've been gorgeous! So what better way to use 'em up than to add them to your favorite Summer side dish! Sliced tomatoes, peaches, fresh mozzarella cheese and fresh basil are all you need to make this perfect Summer plate.
Read MoreMy family LOVES mussels in white wine sauce! While it's usually a staple appetizer for Friday pizza night; we love making it at home as well! Especially because then we can add all the garlic we want! You'll be amazed at how easy it is to steam mussels in white wine and garlic! Seven simple ingredients creates the perfect meal or appetizer. You could even toss these bad boys over pasta! But my personal favorite? Soaking up that amazing sauce with a good piece of bread! Yum!
Read MoreIt was an ancient Italian tradition to give jars of figs in honey to friends and family at the start of the year to encourage sweetness in their lives - so I decided to start the year with this fig and honey jam! Easy to make, perfect as a hostess gift (or, you know, for that person who got you something that you didn't get for - oops!), and delicious all around! Watch how easy it is to make this sugar-free jam at home! I use dried figs which are easier to come by this time of year. Swap the sugar for honey to keep with tradition. And infuse the jam with vanilla! Enjoy!
Read MoreSee how easy it is to make this classic Italian focaccia bread! This one is better know in Italy as focaccia al rosmarino because of its rosemary topping! In Italy there are MANY types and flavors of focaccia, but this is the classic version that we have come to know and love here in the U.S.! It's so simple to make focaccia at home, you'll never buy it out again!
Read MoreSimple and healthy, it's SO easy to make roasted red peppers at home! And more delicious! Here I show you how to roast them on the stove and explain what to do if you have an electric stove. There's nothing quite like the flavor of roasted red peppers in olive oil!
Read MoreCheck out how fun and EASY it is to make fresh ricotta cheese at home! A few simple ingredients yields the most delicious, fresh ricotta! This is my go-to ricotta cheese recipe!
Read MoreCheck out Chef Jesse Jones' recipe for New Orleans style BBQ shrimp! This dish makes the perfect Father's Day appetizer! Plus it's got that BIG flavor that Dad will love and Chef Jesse is known for! Watch the video, get the recipe, AND snag yourself a copy of Chef Jesse's book, POW! My Life in 40 Feasts!
Read MoreWith Super Bowl weekend upon us - it's time to up the appetizer game! This is a quick and easy app that anyone can handle! More of a "semi-homemade" dish, quality ingredients are the key here! Funky French brie, topped with sweet fig jam, and wrapped in buttery puff pastry is an awesome appetizer for your Super Bowl party - or any gathering! Give it a shot this weekend!
Read MoreCheck out how I build the perfect charcuterie board! This is an easy way to entertain guests over the holidays and makes a great dish to bring to a party as well! You can use my exact idea or tailor what you serve to fit any home, party and budget!
Read MoreOverdid it with the apple picking? Not to worry! Here's a quick, easy, sugar free recipe to preserve all that Fall bounty! Homemade applesauce is great with roast meats, in baked goods and even all on its own!!
Read MoreWatch how easy it is to make hummus at home! This snack is not only good for you, but quick and simple to make at home! PLUS learn how to make your own baked pita chips from pita bread!
Read MoreEnjoy these last days of Summer by using up her bounty of heirloom tomatoes in this fresh, delicious galette! Fast and easy and LOADED with good-for-you nutrients, it’s a great appetizer and/or vegetarian dish!
Read MoreFood's first sign of Spring is here! Asparagus are coming to markets and they are LOADED with healthy vitamins & nutrients! Not only that, they make the perfect Spring brunch side dish!
Read MoreCheck how easy it is to make this healthy snack food! Swap chips, crackers or croutons with these protein packed beans! They satisfy the need for that salty crunch and make a great topping for soups & salads!
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