Italian Mom Stories

Baking• Dipping Sauces, Spreads, Marinades and Salad Dressings• Italian Mom Stories• Pizza• Thoughts on Life

The Power of Pizza

September 18, 2014

My daughter just started college a few weeks ago. I hate to admit it, but it’s nice to be able to take a break from my indentured servitude with the PTA. I think I served for 12 years. PTA years are like dog years, so that’s close to an average life expectancy I put in. I did what I had time to do, but there were women and…

Italian Mom Stories• Thoughts on Life

My Mom, Bob Barker, and the Enduring Power of Dreams

September 10, 2014

(September 23rd will be the 32nd anniversary of my mom’s big debut on national television. After this story, which was originally called, “Da Holy Hour.” I have an accompanying YouTube video of my mom in action. Watch it after you read the story. If you ever thought I was making any of this stuff up, this video will prove I’m not.) Some women love athletes, others love actors,…

Family Traditions• Italian Mom Stories• Pasta, Polenta and Risotto• Thoughts on Life

Six Simple Words That Can End Your Life

September 2, 2014

Last weekend I made sauce for the first time in months. It even had the power to draw my daughter downstairs before 11 a.m. Still in her pajamas, sleepy-eyed, she said, “I love waking up to the smell of spaghetti sauce.” The smell is heavenly. The garlic and olive oil mingle with the sausage, tomatoes and herbs, filling your kitchen with tomatoey love. You should start cooking it…

Dipping Sauces, Spreads, Marinades and Salad Dressings• Italian Mom Stories• Pasta, Polenta and Risotto

If You Don't Make Your Own Pesto, You Should be Slapped

August 19, 2014

If you don’t make your own pesto, you should be slapped. * There I said it. That’s probably the most controversial thing you’ll see on this blog, and I mean it. Why? Because you’re passing up your moment of culinary immortality. Years from now, people will forget how you looked, what you said and what you wore, but they’ll never forget the creamy, fresh taste of your pasta…

Italian Mom Stories• Salads• Side Dishes• Vegan• Vegetables• Vegetarian

How My Italian Mom Weeded Out Prospective Suitors

August 8, 2014

It’s no surprise that I was 32 when I married. Frankly, I’m amazed I was that young because my mom had a way of winnowing out the weaker prospects pretty quickly. Any suitor who visited had to be warned about her because her childlike frankness left people stunned. To protect myself, I sat at the table with her, laughing too loud so whomever she was talking to knew…

Italian Mom Stories• Thoughts on Life

Aaaahh – The Italian Store – Home Sweet Home

August 3, 2014

When I walk into my favorite Italian store, I can’t wipe the smile off my face. It’s like coming home. There’s a smell Italian stores have; a combination of peppers and oregano with a little hint of salami and tomato sauce in there for good measure. I love it.…

Baking• Italian Mom Stories• Pies• Thoughts on Life

Pies and Virginity

July 25, 2014

Summer means fruit pie season and I am a ho for fruit pies and crisps — especially right out of the oven with vanilla ice cream on top. Every time I overeat, then vow to cut out sweets completely (this happens weekly) I realize I could never do it if it meant not having fruit pie again. This is clearly genetic. My brothers are both ho’s for blackberry…

Baking• Cakes• Italian Mom Stories

Happy Birt-a-day Mom!

July 4, 2014

I love the Fourth of July. Even its name shows it’s a holiday to be reckoned with. No holiday gets the number first, not even Christmas. I also LOVE fireworks. They’re all the excitement of lightning without the house burning down part. And mostly, I love the Fourth of July because it was my mom’s birthday.…

Baking• Cookies• Italian Mom Stories

Mix Trootfully Wedding Cookies

June 17, 2014

On June 21st, my brother, Bernie and and sister-in-law, Donna will celebrate their 45th Anniversary. I find that impressive because even if I got married right now; the best I could hope for would be maybe 40 years and that’s only if I live to be 98 and marry an infant. My brother Bob and his wife Patty just celebrated their 40th last year with a great surprise…

Italian Mom Stories

If You Can't Breathe…

May 2, 2014

I woke up this morning a little stuffy. Anytime I can’t breathe I think of another piece of Mom’s wisdom. (Clearly, the woman never leaves me.) Years ago, my friend Rick and I took my parents to a Mexican restaurant near the shore in Santa Monica. The restaurant was at the top of a high rise building which overlooked the ocean and we thought they’d enjoy the view.…

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