Air Fried Tacos

These air fryer tacos are a healthier version of a deep-fried taco with all the best flavors.

They are easily made with a flour tortilla, filled, rolled, and air fried.

A low carb easy innovative way to cook in no time.

You can also cut calories by using cooking oils. Air frying still remains, crunchy and tastes great.

Check out this easy recipe for an Air fried taco that similar in taste to a chimichanga made healthily and if you don't have an air fryer no problem, just bake them and the instructions is in the recipe card below!

We love to use this Southwest Bean Filling also in our Air Fried Tacos and make Air Fried Potatoes as a side dish.

Then for dessert try our Air Fried Hand Pies!

A true example of delicious Mexican American food made easy and fast with a few ingredients.

Scroll down to the bottom for the printable recipe but do take a look at the many suggestions and tips.

Holiday Cannoli Mousse

Holiday Cannoli Mousse is elegant to serve and a no-bake fabulous addition to any dessert table all year long!


What's better than a no-bake dessert at Christmas time when you're so busy?


Cannoli Mousse is that wow factor dessert that will give your family, and friends that special dessert that you've been looking for.


Look no further, you have the easiest dessert you will ever make, and taste like a deconstructed Italian cannoli.


This mousse is so smooth, and creamy and has just the perfect flavors. I just can't get enough of this dessert.


I made it festive for the holiday table for a festive look and a quick way to have an elegant dessert in no time.



Just scroll down to the recipe card and print it off it's that simple if you don't want to read all my wonderful reasons why I love this dessert so much.

Grandma's Italian Chocolate Spice Cookies

Grandma's Italian Chocolate Spice Cookies is on every holiday Christmas cookie tray every year without fail.

I think just about everyone in Upstate New York, especially in the Utica, New York area, makes these cookies for Christmas and wedding trays.

These chocolate cookies have a sweet chocolate spiced flavor and a perfect fall-flavored cookie.

Decorated with a delicious white homemade easy frosting, it adds just the right blanket of snowy feel to bring a feeling of winter comfort to the cookie tray.

Of course, being such a popular cookie on Italian wedding trays and local bakeries, these were referred to as meatball cookies, maybe a little more familiar name for you.

Like most kids back in the 1960s we seem to all have different names for our Italian foods in every household.

You may even have named them something different like frosted chocolate balls, spiced chocolate cookies or maybe just those chocolate chocolate chip cinnamon balls.

These cookies ended up being the most popular for my kids growing up and their favorites.

We also make 24 different kinds every year and still do along with Girl Scout Copycat Cookies and a few other favorite childhood cookies!

It doesn't matter who or what you named these, they are a must-make and wonderful memory of my childhood cooking and baking days at Christmas time.

This recipe is simple, just scroll down to the recipe card and print it off.

Christmas Spinach and Egg Breakfast

It's the most beautiful time of the year. I love making things festive looking and especially the foods we eat. This Christmas spinach and egg breakfast - brunch just shouts with holiday colors and cheer! We love the flavors and you can totally adapt by adding anything else you love with this basic holiday breakfast.

Every year we make something special and usually coordinates the colors to match the Holiday. This year being everyone loves poached eggs, I added the spinach and tomato for color. The cheese just adds an additional awesome flavor to this dish that everyone just goes crazy for.

I really love the buttery taste of the poached eggs on Italian toast with the spinach and tomato. All the flavors go perfect together and easy to makeChristmastas morning is usually so busy with the kids, no one remembers to eat. This usually ends up a brunch. We really celebrate all day long, this is the perfect beginning to start the day.

Baked Cod with Roasted Vegetables

Baked Cod with roasted vegetables is one of the best seafood recipes and the results are a moist white flaky flavorful fish in the end topped with vegetables.


This easy baked cod is wonderful on a bed of sauteed spinach with a medley of roasted vegetables on top.


Basic baked cod fish is a versatile variety when it comes to fish it can be made baked, fried, and make a salted cod fish in a tomato sauce called Bacccala on Christimas Eve.


The best part about this Baked Cod with Roasted Vegetables is that it's an all in one pan meal that needs no other side dish and perfect around Easter Lent time when folks eat fish on Friday.


Cod is easy to prepare and cooks up fast for those busy weeknight meals.


Then added toasted bread crumbs on a bed of sauteed spinach makes this simple but so gourmet.


This meal is easy to make and takes a lot less time using fresh or frozen depending on how thick the pieces are.


I also give suggestions and substitution ideas if you're not a fish lover or have an allergy to seafood.


It truly is a delightful recipe, scroll down and see why it's tops in our home.

Cookie Cutter Pancakes

Cookie Cutter Pancakes are always the perfect treat for all your little Elves and Santa to enjoy!

These are great for any occasion like birthdays, anniversaries or anything special for breakfast, fun, simple and nothing says I love you more than homemade foods!

The kids love coming up with different shapes from animals to holiday shapes and can even use any squeeze bottle and squeeze the shapes you like.

This is so easy, you don't have to be an artist to make Cookie Cutter pancakes or even try our Micky Mouse Character pancakes.

I used a dollar store squeeze bottle for condiments to make the ears and head then just decorated with dried fruits and chocolate chips.

Cutout foods are really personalized, you can find some really cute ideas to make the best little treats and keep any day special!

Check out my creative ideas, and remember, they have to be metal, don't use plastic cookie cutters they will melt!

Christmas White Chocolate Peanut Butter Krispies

Here is a favorite Holiday candy-cookie, we make every year.


White chocolate with peanut butter, marshmallows, and Rice Krispies. Creamy, smooth decadent and a divine confection. Plus the bonus making this, they're a no-bake treat.


Back in the 1970s, we loved a candy called boyer smoothie cups, maybe some of my readers remember them. I was a huge fan of those.


Well, these reminded me of those little candy cups ( just minus the marshmallows) when I first made them back in 2009 they brought me back to that taste of my childhood favorite candy bar.


This year, I decided these clusters needed to be dressed up for the Christmas holiday. These are the perfect addition to our candy or cookie trays.

Mom's Frittata

This is a baked frittata with eggs, cheese, and just about anything else you want to throw into the casserole-style breakfast.


Mom's Egg Frittata is one of the best Italian comfort foods. This is a traditional authentic old-world Italian breakfast.



The pepperoni and eggs with potatoes are so delicious anytime and even in a sandwich with toasted Italian bread.



There are so many variations to the recipe, we decided instead of standing in front of the stovetop to make an easier no-fuss version in the oven.



Breakfast, brunch, or just a quick mid-afternoon Sunday dinner, this frittata is an economical way to throw together a fast meal and feed many.



It is so delicious and simple using all in one pan with potatoes, eggs, and meat or baked as a casserole.



The one memory that really stands out for me is holiday time, this was mom's go-to recipe especially on any holiday or weekend we had sleepover company visiting.



If you love breakfast for dinner, try our Buttermilk Pancakes, Breakfast Savory Pork Sausage or Homemade Italian Sausage Patties those are other favorites of ours.



Fritta sometimes had what mom would say everything but the kitchen sink in it and it was a great way to get rid of almost expired meats in the refrigerator, the good old days for sure with memories as a family.



Scroll to the bottom for all my additional suggestions and print off the recipe card.

Fried Venison Steaks

Pan-fried Venison steaks taste just like regular beef when prepared right.

My husband is the hunter in the family and it's been a while since he brought deer meat home.

He was lucky enough to have a fellow Utican friend, Kevin, that gave him some venison steaks he had in his freezer to give us.

My husband's dad, (who is also is a hunter and owns land in Rome, New York), also hooked us up with some deer meat.

When I first made venison fried, I just shook them in flour and seasoning, they were good but not over the top great like this recipe.

Then it dawned on me, why aren't I using the coating that I use on regular steaks and chicken.

The only difference for this meat is I dip the steaks into buttermilk, then seasoned flour, and in another plate of breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs.

First I marinade the meat and with all the flavors, it was a huge win for these steaks.

What a difference, so juicy and tender, my husband gave them a thumbs-up approval.

This is almost like making Chicken fried chicken using Venison steak.

If you are looking for the perfect recipe for your deer meat, this is it.

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the printable recipe.

Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie

Homemade fresh pumpkin pies are special, very special.


It's not every day I like to spend my entire day preparing for a holiday, but when it's a holiday, it must be done right, at least in our family.


Pumpkin pie is always made from fresh sugar pie pumpkins.


Every year we anticipate the arrival of those fresh little sugar pie pumpkins and can't wait to dive into the best tasting fresh pumpkin pie using those and mom's pie crust.


Sure it's a little work but the end results are fabulous in comparison to store-bought bar none!


It's really not that difficult, getting the pumpkin cooked is the first order of business and I do mine in a slow cooker overnight in water.


Another family favorite during Thanksgiving week we also make a delicious Classic Pumpkin Roll filled with cream cheese for dessert, it's a must on our holiday table.


If you really love pumpkin desserts, also try our no-bake Easy Pumpkin Fluff Pie along with our delicious Pumpkin Frappuccino.


Scroll through the many tips and suggestions before making a fresh pumpkin pie all these instructions is available to be printed in the recipe card below.

Tomato Pie Recipe Upstate New York

All I can remember growing up on Sunday mornings and for events was eating tomato pie at every christening, communion, anniversary, birthday party, and weddings.


We traditionally had a box of tomato pie on Sunday mornings along with fried meatballs and mom's Traditional Pot of Sunday Tomato Sauce was simmering on the stovetop for pasta.


My family and all other Italian families in Upstate Utica New York, always had a box of tomato pie from a local bakery.


Napoli, Devito, Salvatore, the list goes on and on who made Tomato Pie famous in our local home town, and so many delicious bakeries I never even had.


When I moved it became the number 1 priority to remake since it was the single most food I missed besides their awesome haddock fish fry.


What is tomato pie you ask?

There are a few cities in America known for the Best Tomato Pie, many have claims to be the best, and that's totally a matter of opinion because there are so many to choose from in Central N.Y bakeries.


First, you may need to know that tomato pie is not pizza and it's not that southern style quiche-like dish people make in a pie crust, nope nothing like it.


Nowhere is tomato pie celebrated more than in Utica, New York.


This is my mom's recipe version we make from that area and a Utica Style Tomato Pie.


Utica tomato pie is served at room temperature no mozzarella cheese just Pecorino Romano cheese and loads of it.


Our version requires homemade dough, homemade tomato sauce and a few tricks to the trade to get a great pie.


Living here in Florida now, we tried to perfect it until we can get home for a visit and this tomato pie is spot on delicious.


Scroll to the bottom for the printable recipe card.

Easy Pecan Pie Bars

If you love Pecan Pie, this easy replica of that pie baked simply into squares will be your new favorite cookie bar!

These are so simple to make with simple pantry ingredients.

They are buttery rich and taste just like your favorite pecan gooey delicious pie.

I love the ease of this recipe making this classic pie into bars.

We make many bar cookies, they sure bake up quick with all the same great taste and half the fuss it takes.

One of my other favorites is Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Squares you may remember that recipe or my Pumpkin Zucchini Bars?

I also absolutely love how easy pecan bars are you may all like our Coconut Lime pie bars are to serve guests.

You can make a whole variety of bars and everyone can choose what they like and they even freeze well to just take out when needed.

What could be easier?

Scroll down to this easily printable recipe and let's bake a batch together!

How to Deep Fry A Turkey with Herb Flavored Injection Recipe

Deep-Fried Turkey, I have to tell you when I saw them pull this bird out of the fryer, all I can think of was the Griswald Family Christmas Turkey from Christmas Vacation movie!


I was so scared with no backup plan!


This turkey was so juicy and delicious I couldn't believe it and what was even more shocking 5 people devoured the whole 12-pound turkey faster than any bird we have ever made!


It was sure easier than expected.


I was so afraid it was going to be dangerous but my husband really made a great plan and it was easy and perfectly cooked.


If you never tried a fried turkey trust me it's time, a little more costly for the oil but so worth the taste.


It's better than chicken wings if you're a big fan of wings!

Cranberry Orange Zucchini Muffins

 Cranberry Zucchini Muffins are bursting with the taste of fall with cinnamon spice and fresh orange zest.

These colorful muffins have a perfect blend of flavors that have such a wonderful taste and smell while baking it's hard to let them cool before devouring one.

Cranberries are a pretty nice addition to a holiday table not only with flavors but colors that are the perfect blending for a Christmas morning breakfast.

Stove top Lamb Stew

Lamb stew is an easy family favorite that Mom made often during the winter months.

This is a perfect comfort food filled with vegetables in a delicious sauce that was so good served with hard-crusted Italian bread to sop up the juices.

Although not everyone's a lamb fan, you can certainly substitute another meat you prefer, the sauce is delectable and will still make a great stovetop stew.

Meatball Parmesan Pizza Recipe

If you happen to ever have some leftover Meatballs (which is usually always the case in our house, because we make enough Sunday pasta sauce with meatballs to feed a small army) leftover meatballs crushed in the sauce is deliciously repurposed on a pizza during any weeknight.

Italian Meatball Pizza is one of our favorites and what can be better than a loaded pizza that is topped with tender and juicy sliced Italian meatballs!

Honestly, the kids love this pizza and it is super easy to make any weeknight if you use a store-bought dough, thawed frozen meatballs, and marinara sauce oh, and don't forget the mozzarella cheese.

Covered sandwiches and pizza are always the top two on the list of repurpose when it comes to meatballs from Sunday sauce for a pasta meal in our Italian home.

Starting with homemade long-simmered meatballs in Traditional Sunday Sauce, then making the fresh pizza dough, cheese, and meatball topping this becomes a whole meal in itself!

San Marzano's fresh sauce recipe is included below since this is just a glimpse of a recipe along with my fresh pizza dough!

We never let leftovers go to waste in our home, there is always another plan to recreate another way to use whatever we have in another meal!

If you would like to print off the instructions for this recipe, scroll to the bottom of the page for my recipe card and hit print.

Best Cowboy Cookies

These are the most popular cookie on the net called Cowboy cookies, but they also have so many other names.


The cowboy cookie, or often even called the everything cookies, Laura Bush cookies, DoubleTree style, and has several delicious ingredients in them.


These cookies are an oatmeal base cookie with 3 different kinds of fat for flavor, crunch, and softness.


I have adapted these cowboy cookies to be soft inside and crunchy outside. You can add so many variations and make them your own style.


These cowboy cookies are the best combination of flavors and one of our family's all-time favorites.


Scroll down to make this yummy recipe.

Stovetop Merlot Roasted Chestnuts and Chestnut Stuffing Recipes

Stovetop Merlot Roasted Chestnuts are a soft nut we make around the Christmas holiday.


Back in the late 1980s, Dad and I made up this recipe kind of by accident because of his love of Chianti, which is the original wine used in his recipe.


I preferred a Merlot, and you can use any kind of wine you like.


The story is quite amusing since these became a favorite stovetop chestnut recipe.


The recipe is easy, I even made a quick video clip with tips for doing this on the stovetop.


Original, mom made an X on the top of the chestnuts, put them on a cookie sheet with a pinch of salt and slow roasted them until tender.


There really wasn't much of a recipe, but check out this easy stovetop method and if you love red wine you're in for a real treat along with how perfect these are adding to any kind of stuffing for your holiday turkey dressing.


Of course, I added that chestnut stuffing recipe below for you as well and you can make that with any leftover chestnuts!


Whether you roasted your chestnuts in the oven, microwave them or stovetop method, these are a unique way to make them thanks to my dear dad may he rest in peace.


I hope you enjoy this style of making this old recipe that brings me great memories.


Scroll down to the recipe card for this easy printable method on making Stovetop Merlot Roasted Chestnuts.

Antipasto Roll

Antipasto Stromboli Roll is one delicious salad in a roll and the best way to get the family to eat salad!

It's always a chore around here getting the guys on board with eating vegetables, and if it's not full of carbs, well then, it sits there.

So, here is the best of both worlds, salad, bread, and everything all in one giant rolled up delicious filled sandwich.

I really don't know what took me so long to get creative with this idea, but it was a hit and now it's the most asked-for Italian stromboli I make.

Perfect for holidays, gameday, any family gathering or something to bring along when invited out to a friend's dinner party.

Appetizer or meal, this can be your next new favorite style pizza roll!

Mom would make her homemade pizza dough and would always come up with brilliant ideas to make something new with the same dough.

We just loved her focaccia, broccoli rabe roll, fried dough, and anything she created was heavenly.

Our favorite meat stromboli all wrapped up in one delicious homemade pizza rolled dough!

This stromboli is filled with the same meats and cheeses you would find in an Antipasto Salad.

Psst, they will think it's a healthy alternative but we do know better right?

Well, it's my contribution to getting something green in their systems and some real Italian Style Cuisine!

Stroll down and take a look and stop laughing, it's really all a big joke to them but they're really getting their vegetables here, just hidden!

Fresh Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Fresh Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies, are flavorful and easy to make for Christmas and fall when cranberry season is upon us,


This cookie just shouts fall flavors and with oatmeal a bonus


There is something about fresh cranberries to kick off the cookie-baking season that is so festive with color, fall flavors, and just how pretty they are.


The white chocolate offsets the tartness of the cranberries perfectly for that perfect bite!


These are a nice addition to make a festive cookie tray throughout the season and Christmas cookies are always a tradition in our home.


This cranberry white chocolate chip oatmeal cookie is in the top 10 most loved!


We love fresh cranberries, especially around Thanksgiving, and homemade Amaretto cranberry sauce, and cranberry muffins and we also love Cranberry Almond Biscotti.


Believe it or not, we have a delicious appetizer using cranberry sauce in a slow cooker for a meatball appetizer that's perfect for holiday entertaining!


Scroll down to get the printable recipe for these festive cranberry oatmeal cookies!

Cranberry Holiday Baking

I just love the fall, the fruits and pumpkin spice, cinnamon and all the fragrant flavors of the season.


Cranberry is one of my favorites and we make Cranberry Orange scones and Cranberry quick bread for gift-giving, everyone loves them

Other Suggestions to Try:

• Dried fruits of any kind
• Coconut
• Nuts
• Fresh chopped pineapple
• Chopped cherries
• Dark Chocolate mini chips
• Flavored chips
• Crushed peppermint candy
• Raisins
• Cinnamon nutmeg and ginger were added to the batter

Other Delicious Cookie Recipes You May Enjoy!

Biscotti
Almond Paste
Rainbow Cookies
S Shaped Cookies
My Cookie Roundup of 24 cookies!

Ingredients You Will Need:

Print off the recipe card below for the quantities

• brown sugar
• butter
• flour
• oatmeal
• eggs
• salt
• baking soda
• fresh chopped cranberries blotted dry
• white chocolate chips
• optional: Garnish with cinnamon and sugar mixture
• shredded coconut
• dark chocolate chunks instead of white chocolate

Fresh Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies Pin For Later

Cranberries and Some Tips

1. do not use frozen cranberries because as they thaw there is a high water content
2. oatmeal keeps them from getting soggy which is the reason for this addition
3. any chocolate chips or raisins can be added
4. you can use dried cranberries but the brilliance of freshness during the season makes them special
5. added some grated orange zest for another flavor   enhancer and a pinch of cinnamon to the batter
6. any nuts you prefer can be added
7. these cookies after baked do not freeze well
8. for a little sugary topping add cinnamon and sugar combined before baking them

Fresh Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Yield: 32

Author: Claudia Lamascolo

prep time: 10 Mcook time: 8 Mtotal time: 18 M

Fresh cranberries and oatmeal with white chocolate in them are the perfect match for flavors. Festive and delicious to kick off the holiday season with a colorful easy cookie for some holiday fun and baking.

ingredients:

• 2/3 brown sugar
• 2/3 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup fresh chopped cranberries blotted dry
• 2/3 white chocolate chips or other chocolate you prefer
• Optional: Garnish with cinnamon and sugar mixture

instructions:

How to cook Fresh Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2.  In a large mixing bowl beat sugar and butter together for around 2 minutes. Add the eggs, salt, and baking soda. Stir in oatmeal and flour. 
3. Fold in cranberries.
4. Bake at 375-degree hot oven on a parchment paper-lined or Silpat mat cookie sheet 10 to 12 minutes until set. 
5. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar while still warm. 
6. Note: These cookies are wonderful warm or cold, they aren't overly sweet, feel free to bake a few first to see if they are sweet enough to your taste then add more sugar to your recipe if you like. 

Calories
102

Fat (grams)
9

Sat. Fat (grams)
4

Carbs (grams)
12

Fiber (grams)
16

Net carbs
7

Sugar (grams)
21

https://www.whatscookinitalianstylecuisine.com/2014/11/fresh-cranberry-white-chocolate-chip.html

oatmeal cranberry cookies, fresh cranberry cookies, cranberry oatmeal cookies with white chocolate,

cereal, cookies, oatmeal, Christmas, fresh cranberry recipes

American

Created using The Recipes Generator

Fresh Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies Pin For Later

More Recipes We Love:

Best Side Dishes
Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Prize-Winning Recipe
Cranberry Brownie Blondie Bars

Disclosure: This recipe was originally shared in 2014. It was edited and re-published in 2018.

Half Moon Cookies

Whether you're a fan of chocolate of white half-moon cookies, I have both recipes right here for you.

If you grew up in Utica New York like I did, you sure know what kind of cookies these are, soft,  and uniquely delicious.

You also know that Utica is famous for Tomato Pie, Italian Greens, Italian Lemon Ice, Pizza Fritta, Chicken Riggies, Manny's Cheesecake, Oscugnizzo Pizza, and Rosato Chocolate Cookies.

If you are looking for a recipe on how to make a copycat half-moon cookie from Upstate New York, you came to the right blog!

Upstate Utica NY is famous for these and where I grew up.

Half Moons or as some other states and areas, refer to them as (Black and Whites), but not as we call them half-moons period, in Upstate Utica, New York they are totally different.

The origin of the black-and-white cookie in New York City is commonly traced to Glaser's Bake Shop in Yorkville, founded in 1902 by Bavarian immigrants.

Half-moon cookies, however, can be traced to Hemstrought's Bakery in Utica, New York, around 1925.

The cookies have fluffy buttercream not that pasty type of thick icing and the cookies are light and delicious not dense we also have a tip to keep them shining with a glossy look.

Sure there is always a debate about something, but I can tell you after over 30 + years of making this cookie recipe, you are going to smile with a cherished memory if you live anywhere near Utica.

These half-moons are fabulous and if you're a black and white fan you're on the wrong page!

Half Moon Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies

For all of you that know me and read my blog, I am from Upstate Utica, N.Y. We have some of the best bakeries in the world there, at least to me.

These are a semi-homemade Halfmoon and if you have followed me in the past know, I always make mine from scratch.

If you are in a huge hurry and want a quick fix and aren't a baker, then this is the recipe for you using any flavored cake mix.

Today we are making white half-moon cookies and chocolate half-moon cookies that taste practically homemade.

You can enjoy these in no time at all without running out of time to make special treats like this one.

This recipe will come in handy for all us working folks and moms who just run out of time with making things for school functions, benefits, large parties, and just because they're so good. Did I mention you use a cake mix?

Oh yes and you can make all kinds of flavored cake mixes and also frost them to whatever theme is going on. Fast to be a quick fix and pretty darn good!

Also, use coordinating tinted frostings for the cake mixes you choose to use.

I have to say these are definitely pretty darn good and the kids loved them!

Cake Mix Recipes are fun, we love creating quick recipes from doctored cake mixes like this Dark Fudge Chocolate Cake or Carrot Cake that tastes like it was baked from scratch.

I love the spice cake with an orange-tinted cream cheese frosting and a little sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar on top, the perfect fall flavors!

Well, I know what you're thinking about a doctored cake mix, so here is the original recipe just in case this isn't your idea of homemade at all.

Do try the original recipe when you have time and as always thanks for visiting me today.

Mom's Mushroom Stew

Many years ago mom would make this Mushroom Stew many times during cold wintery snow days


We would pour this fabulous sauce over homemade crusty Italian bread, a vintage old recipe from childhood in Central New York.


It was actually a specialty in many local Italian Restaurants there in Utica, New York, and still is.


Always a Tuesday special somewhere in good ole Utica also referred to as "Little Italy".


Lucky for us our mom Margaret Ann Fanelli Colenzo was such a great cook we never had to visit those local establishments and at one time she even owned her own Italian deli.


Well to date I still make this even though the recipe now if around 90 years old because she learned from her mom.


Amazing the years that go by we still can remember through home-cooked meals the wonderful memories, aroma's and keep them going generation to generation.


Simple, easy, and just plain delicious.


The second recipe is from my late Aunt Mary Di Orio who always used Italian sausage in her recipe also very delicious.


I have both recipes in the printable recipe card below, just scroll to the end to print it off.

Italian Raspberry Jam Filled Cookies

Italian Raspberry Jam Filled Shortbread Cookie is the most asked for cookies I make around the holiday.

The cookie freezes well to make ahead of time, travel great without crumbling and taste fabulous any time of the day.

Another perfect thing about this cookie is the dough.

You can use a cookie cutter into any shape you like.

These were made to look a lot like Linzer cookies because of the little cutout in the middles.

You can shape them into stars, snowflakes or even as a snowman for the holiday season.

The dough is versatile, any jams will go great, we just happen to love raspberry jam and it's perfect in color for the holiday.

I do keep this one special for my Christmas cookie tray.

It's so festive with a little powdery sugar and reminds me of snow, and really adds a warm holiday spirit to my cookie trays.

Mom and I use to make these shortbreads when I was a little girl and being raspberry, we had tried all kinds of other jams but always came back to raspberry.

I hope your family likes them as much as we do, enjoy this recipe.

Please share the joy of the season with others.

Print this out at the end, a great way to give a cookie tray with the recipe attached for gift giving.

Fried Bologna and Caponata

Another one of those childhood memories, fried bologna, and caponata.

Mom would start to make the Caponata fresh from scratch and Dad would fry the Bologna.

There are many versions from many different kinds made of Caponata, we always added bologna to ours.

Every part of Italy seems to make this a little different.

This was the Bari style, where mom's family was from.

Dad was from Rome, not sure who started adding the fried bologna, as that came later, but we loved it.

The Caponata could be served so many different ways after it was cooked, over pasta, in the best hot crusty Italian Ciabatta bread, or even with rice.

Dad worked at a local bakery and always brought home a loaf of hot crusty bread to enjoy with this in a sandwich.

The sauce is delicious in this caponata and makes a great meal economically.

If you grew up on fried bologna, to me this is a gourmet-style enhanced version.

The filling if amazing but the hard crusty rolls or bread made this perfection.

Scroll down to get dad's recipe for Bologna and Caponata.

Apples,Tips Facts and Recipe

Fried Cauliflower

This fried cauliflower is a huge favorite appetizer in our Italian family. The herbs and spices in this batter complement the cauliflower perfectly.

It has a nice crisp crunch on the outside and soft fried cauliflower inside. These appetizers taste great plain or dipped in your favorite sauces.

Growing up in East Utica, New York, my mom made these often for an appetizer before a big Holiday Italian meal.

Now, I carry on that same tradition with my children.

I think of my mom and dad often in the kitchen and the foods we grew up on when I cook them they keep their memory alive in the kitchen. 

This little appetizer is just perfect for the Holiday season, I always make them on Thanksgiving and around Christmas time. That's when most of the family gets together for a big meal.

But now, everyone loves them so much, we make them all year round!

These really are addicting!

If you want an appetizer that will fly off the plates, this is it!

Scroll down to see this easy cauliflower recipe, it's perfect with any meal.

Apple Cake Cups

These apple cake cups are a great little dessert made in cupcake tins.

The cake batter is all homemade from scratch and the apple topping can be made fresh or using pie filling.

The cake is much like a homemade pound cake and delicious in texture and flavor.

These little gems are the perfect fall treat when you're an apple lover. It was mom's favorite "go-to" recipe, in apple season.

This apple cake cup recipe is over 100 years old and been in our family for a very long time.

We grew up with orchards in Upstate New York and apples were plentiful.

I love this recipe and wanted to share mom's recipe with my readers and hope you enjoy it as much as we have through the years.

They are perfect for one person, parties, a family gets together or when unexpected arrives and you need a quick delicious and decadent apple dessert.

These little apple cups are the perfect quick dessert because they are individual treats that can be frozen and thawed in no time.

With a pretty garnish of whipped cream or ice cream, they turn into pretty ending to your fine meal.

Check out all my tips before you scroll down to the recipe.

Cake Mix Eggnog Cake

Making this semi-homemade Eggnog cake is so easy using a doctored cake mix!

The cake is moist and delicious and totally a great way to use up any leftover homemade eggnog from the holidays.

Really just the title of Eggnog Cake shouts Holiday and is perfect for bringing to a party or to serving some last-minute unexpected guests during the busy Christmas season.

If you're a busy homemaker who works from home, busy with kids, has a job outside the home, or maybe just not fond of baking, this recipe is the perfect delicious holiday cake.

Even if you don't decorate it, this cake tastes marvelous just dusted with powdered sugar!

I love it topped with whipped cream and sliced bananas with caramel topping or a homemade buttercream rum frosting with eggnog in it!

This eggnog cake tastes great plain or frosted and just shouts Holiday!

If you want my Dad's recipe for eggnog click here or grandma's eggnog bread pudding click here.

You're going to get lots of compliments on this one for sure!


Scroll down to the recipe card to print this off and pin it for later when you need a great recipe like this one!

Biscuit Mix Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Rolls are the best smell baking in the morning.


I am not one to take all day baking, this is a great alternative for a quick cinnamon roll fix if you're a fan of them.


These are delicate biscuits made using a mix and done in around 20 minutes!


I love biscuit cinnamon rolls with or without cream cheese frosting.


The smells of them cooking just make me think of fall and cooler weather.


These a quick alternative to cinnamon rolls in a biscuit.


You can make them in a short time with a great old fashioned flavor. We love these rolls with coffee or tea.

Potato and Ham Soup

If you love creamy style potato soup, you will love this easy, quick creamy potato and ham soup! Using leftover ham or even a ham bone, is a great flavor enhancer.


I love repurposing leftovers and this ham made the tastiest potato soup I ever had.


The creaminess and rich thick broth are super easy to accomplish without all the added calories.


If you are looking for an economical recipe that will feed a crowd, this is it and so tasty too!


Don't miss trying this packed with flavor soup, it's comforting all year long and freezes well also.


Scroll down to see this fabulous recipe you can eat guilt-free all year long.


A simple soup anyone can make.

Homemade Ravioli Pasta Dough

A basic ravioli dough and popular classic macaroni Sunday dinner in Italian households.

These instructions will guide you through making them in several ways, cutting with a ravioli cutter by hand, using a ravioli maker, or pasta maker the thickness of the dough to make perfect ravioli homemade every time.

The dough should be soft and sticky but easy to roll not hard and dry.

Easy to make however overworking the dough and kneading too long will result in very tough ravioli pasta.

No need to invest in special tools, a round 3-inch glass can also be used to make round ravioli, there are several options available.

But the real deal is to make this soft pillow-like-filled pasta, homemade.

Tender pasta filled with fabulous flavored cheese inside topped with Traditional Italian Sunday Sauce.

Keto Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Keto Cauliflower mashed potatoes is definitely a delicious way to make cauliflower healthier and an underused vegetable.

These mashed potato low carb keto style mashed potatoes are made simply with cauliflower and delicious. I love my potatoes a little lumpy so I do leave them chunky.


These are easy to smash into a smooth puree using a ricer or just leave them chunky. I added a few carrots which are optional just for color


The buttery rich taste of this creamy cauliflower dish is astounding in flavors. I just love the little added garlic that makes them over the top perfect with any meal. The best part about here?



They're low carb, keto and diabetic friendly. A side dish winner for sure!

How To Cut Whole Chicken Wings and Southern Fried

Cutting your own Whole Chicken Wings is super easy, and economical and I am going to show you how to step by step.

Wings can be naked, floured, or breaded, and with more than 24 different kinds then fried, baked, grilled, or air-fried versions for you to try.

Plus the money you will save and have twice the amount of wings after cutting them, these are much less expensive compared to restaurant prices.

Buying whole wings gives you two pieces when cut in half, (see how easy in the video) and they're usually much meatier than those frozen bags you buy.

If you prefer your wings plain no seasoning or coated we have everything you need to make them perfect every time juicy inside crunchy outside.

You can also smoked wings for a different twist on flavor and they're very popular in the southern states.!

Whichever way you cook them, your homemade wings will get rave reviews.

With just a few tools like a sharp knife, you'll have a pile of perfectly cut wings in no time.

Our buttermilk-floured fried recipe makes the best-tasting fried chicken.

Now let's make some great wings together, scroll down for the recipe I use, and check out my other Chicken Wings and Dipping Sauce Recipes.

Baked Egg Muffins

Baked Egg Cupcakes are the perfect portable breakfast and can be loaded with all kinds of mix-ins that your family loves.

These are made in a muffin tin, and there are many choices to use for the crust from pie dough to bread and refrigerator biscuits they all work fine just the cooking times will vary.

If you have picky eaters in your home, this is the solution, 12 different breakfast-style quiches are all made exactly how they like they can be all cheese or with a mixture of vegetables or maybe all meat for meat lovers!

These are the easiest breakfast muffins ever and with simple basic pantry ingredients and the bonus is they freeze well so you can make a double batch and just pop them in the air fryer or microwave in the morning for a hurried breakfast.

No matter how you build your breakfast muffin, it will be exactly for that special someone and a great way to start the day.

They also can be a fantastic little appetizer before that big dinner, packed in lunch boxes, perfect for the office party or just a snack.

Just scroll down to our printable recipe card and get those creative juices flowing the additions are really endless on what you can add in these.

Best Potato Recipes

When it comes to a collection of the best potato recipes to make as a side dish, you just hit the jackpot of all recipes here today!


We have air-fried, baked, mashed, boiled and some of our recipes are over 100 years old like my Dad's Old Fashioned Home Fries.


The list goes on and on of family favorites below with photos and links to each way to make these spuds.


All the ingredients we use are simple pantry seasonings, oil, salt, butter, and of course, some are smothered in cheese, sour cream, and topped with bacon all dressed up our easy potato recipes.


If your family is a big fan of potatoes and loves them a certain way, most of these recipes can even be adjusted in flavor, so get creative and add, substitute or omit the ingredients you're not fond of.


Our family loves loaded potatoes with just about anything from taco meat to bacon and cheese or a plain simple style with butter.


Our Ham and Cheese Potato Casserole are great for a potluck, side dish, or even delicious for breakfast with our Breakfast Potato Casserole.


We also included a list of other recipes in the bottom of the page with links to more of our favorite recipes, so don't forget to check those out!


You may find more than one of these you will love, so save this link and bookmark it for later, there is something for everyone in this roundup of potato tried and true delectable recipes!

Red White and Blue Recipe Roundup

If you are looking for a the best Red White and Blue easiest recipes for a Patriotic holiday you hit the jackpot here.


This roundup is my go to article every year when I am looking for colorful creative foods that are so simple and really impress my guests and family not to mention delicious!


We will create a great patriotic spirit of the colors using foods to make that perfect table for the 4th of July or Memorial Day barbeque or picnic.

You will find flag dip, pies and so much more to have the most festive looking celebration on the block!


From savory to sweet, you will have a fun-filled Patriotic, flag-themed mouth watering memories for all your friends and family.


Every year we plan a large festive party at our home for the 4th of July.


Both my grown sons and their families join in by bringing all the fireworks.


I try and make a few new recipes every year that are festive in color to brighten the holiday tables.


My favorite is the flag dip and flag cheese pie for a great Red, White, and Blue Patriotic look.


I also coordinate the tablecloths, dishes and other party items to keep the theme in the spirit of this great Holiday.


I sure hope you all find something fun to make here in this delicious roundup of Red, White, and Blue themed fun and creative foods, Patriotic snacks, and Patriotic desserts.


Red, White and Blue American Patriotic parties are easy to do with some of these great party fun ideas for the 4th of July or Memorial Day.


If you're looking for festive ideas, you hit the jackpot here.


These Red, White and Blue recipes are sure to be a hit at any barbecue or backyard event!


Scroll down and check out all our favorite recipes that will wow everyone no matter how patriotic they are!


Have a safe and wonderful Holiday.