We Don't Like to Chill!
There are some items that should not be refrigerated. I'm guilty of putting some of these in the refrigerator just as a matter of convivence. No one likes a messy kitchen. Here's the list of items that should NEVER go in the refrigerator: Tomatoes - they lose their flavor and get soft. Potatoes- the cold turns their starch into sugar. Garlic- it sprouts roots faster. Onions - gets mushy from the cold. Bread - dries out faster. Bananas - turns black, but it does make them s
St. Joseph's Lucky Beans
March 19th is St. Joseph's Day! Most would refer to these beans as fava beans unless you're Sicilian; then you know them as lucky beans. Dry fava beans are carried in purses to ensure that there will always be money. Don't look for them in my purse but maybe that's why my wallet echo from emptiness. Here's what NCR has to say: "The tradition, told by Italian-Americans, dates back to medieval times in Sicily. The legend says that a drought came to the island- the largest i
St. Joseph's Pastry
Zeppole di San Giuseppe (St. Joseph's Pastry): why do we eat them? Such festive food for this March 19th, is a tradition. Yes! In Sicily, Saint Joseph is regarded by many as their Patron saint. Prayers were offered to him to prevent a famine and save them from starving. "According to legend, there was a severe drought at the time, and the people prayed for their patron saint to bring them rain. They promised that if God answered their prayers through Joseph's intercession,
Who was St. Patrick?
As our corned beef and cabbage is simmering on the stove and the Irish soda bread is filling the house with amazing aromas, have you ever thought about who really was St. Patrick? Was there a St. Patrick, or is he like the little green leprechaun we see after drinking too much Jameson? He was a real person who was born late in the 4th century AD. As we celebrate him today, did you know who he was? Here are some interesting facts about St. Patrick that might make you a winn
Quick & Easy Irish Soda Bread
This has to be one of the easiest bread recipes that I own. It was handed down to me by a women in our church choir who was born in Ireland. She brags that this recipe is "award winning in the Emerald Isle" and we'll have to take her word on that one. All I know is that there are very few ingredients and it puts me in mind of a "dump recipe" with little kneading required. One would think that Irish Soda Bread has been around as long as leprechauns, rainbows and pots of
Irish Brown Bread
If Irish Soda Bread had a healthy offspring, it would be Irish Brown Bread. It's not as well known in the United States, but it is extremely popular in Ireland. It's a hearty nut filled whole wheat bread that is easy to make. This dense crusty bread will hold up to any stew or soup and will taste great toasted with a little jam on it for breakfast. I like to serve it with a compound butter made with a fruit jam and softened butter. In Ireland, during the Famine, prior to
Irish Coffee
I will take any excuse t o have an Irish Coffee and will not reserve this delightful cocktail for just St. Patrick's Day. I love this cocktail so much that I purchased special glasses to serve it in. This is a coffee that will warm you from the inside out. Mine is spiked with Jameson but any Irish Whiskey will do. This year, I need to skip my delightful, but who will drink one for me? Weaver's Coffee and Tea writes, "The Irish Coffee was created in the winter of 1943 by Jo
High Protein/Low Calorie Mac and Cheese
Mock Mac & Cheese One thing I refuse to do is say I'm on a diet. I'm not; I'm on a wellness journey that is going to last the rest of my life. With that said, I don't want to miss out on my favorite comfort foods. Mac and cheese is one of these foods. I like it thick, gooey, and loaded with cheese. Before you judge the ingredients, believe me, they work. One of the main ingredients is cottage cheese. Yes, blended cottage cheese. I also put veggies in my base to add more
GF Cranberry Bliss Bars- Dupe
This time of year, the famous coffee place that starts with an "S" sells my favorite sweet treat: cranberry bliss bars. They are a little sweet and a little bit tart, and they are the perfect size to have with an espresso. For years, I wanted to make these bars gluten-free for my daughter. Today was the day I challenged myself, and I must say, they turned out awesome! Here's the recipe: 350 degrees 35-40 mins 1 cup softened
Chinese New Year 2026- Year of the Fire Horse
I love Chinese New Year! I love the colors, the history and most of all the food! We always celebrate Chinese New Year at our favorite place, Foxwoods Casino in CT. This Friday, Feb. 17th begins the sixteen-day celebration of Chinese New Year - the year of the fire horse. We will celebrate, but one day, we're going to party all sixteen days! I probably would be the one with the red lampshade on my head singing! Fire Element Intensity: 2026 is a Fire Horse year, occurring
