Lucky Irish Soda Bread

It's Saint Patty’s Day but I can promise you, I’m not making corned beef and cabbage. As much as I love traditions, my kids don’t like it so after a few years of way too many leftovers, I stopped making the effort. I do however; make Irish Soda Bread. It’s a family favorite.

I found the recipe years ago in Baking with Julia, and it’s the traditional recipe. Very simple, four ingredients and an old stand by. I have added a few twists to it, lemon zest, turbinado sugar and golden raisins, which are not traditional, but that’s what you get when an Italian girl goes Irish. Scusi!

How-To Tuesday: The Secret to Baking Homemade Bread

Avoiding carbohydrates is very difficult for me. Its true that when I do, I feel better, have more energy and lose some inches from my waistline. But, bread is my kryptonite. I love it. Dunked in olive oil, slathered with mayo and made into a sandwich, or even toasted with some butter, bread is my best friend.

I will admit; I don’t eat bread often because I consider it a treat. But, when I do, it has to be the good stuff. If I am going to have carb guilt, it better be worth it. So, when I’m inclined, I bake bread. Yup, it’s easy, fast and will be worth every last bite. If you bake it once, I promise, you’ll bake it again.

Sweet Tooth Friday: Chocolate Cherry Muffins

Kids love muffins. Why? Because let’s face it, muffins are just cupcakes without the frosting. After a recent 'eat this and stop bugging your brother' muffin impulse purchase, I decided this Friday needed to be dedicated to the glorious muffin. I developed a recipe that has all the bakery goodness and some dried cherries too just to make them interesting. I figure, if a muffin can keep your child well behaved and obedient on the weekly grocery store run, they might just be full of magic powers.

Five Days of Christmas Cookies (DAY 5): Nonna Gina’s Pie Crust Cookies

The next time you realize you totally forgot about the cookie swap you need to go to tonight, make these and everyone will be asking you for the recipe. So easy, so good and they come together in minutes - these cookies are awesome! All you have to do is roll out some pie dough, sprinkle some really good filling, roll it back up and bake. That’s it! It's all the good toppings of a quality ice cream sundae rolled up in a pie crust.

Five Days of Christmas Cookies (DAY 4): Nonna Gina's Biscotti di Cream Cheese

Most of my most cherished Christmas cookie recipes come from my mom. She always made a number of cookies for Christmas so we could give them to our teachers and friends. This cookie was always in high demand so she made them every year. It’s very delicate looking because of the fringed edges, it’s dusted with powdered sugar and filled with a delicious blend of coconut, jam, dates and chocolate chips.

Sweet Tooth Friday: Time To Give Thanks (For This Pie!)

For dessert, our family tradition, is to make a number of different pies. Everyone has his or her favorite so I like to make at least one per person. So, you have YOUR pie to grab a few slices from and then you can share with your neighbor.

Each year, my husband always asks for the same pie. Chocolate Pecan Pie. it’s the easiest pie you will ever make. Pie crust, toss in the nuts, toss in the chocolate, toss in the egg mixture and bake for 50 minutes. Easy Peasy!

Cooking with Kids: Pizza Pizza Daddy-O

I haven’t ever met a person under the age of 18 that doesn’t LOVE pizza. Most kids will eat it any day of the week. My kids not only love cheese pizza, but they really enjoy the process of making it with me. Homemade pizza tastes really delicious and my kids always seem to eat much more when they help with the cooking.I love how proud they are of the finished product. Cooking with kids is fun and educational. Roll up your sleeves and give it a try!

ItalyAnna GassNovember 17, 2015cooking with love, cooking with kids, pizza, italian cooking, pizza dough, homemade, family tradition

Social Saturday: Anna's Heirloom Bruschetta

I’m a big fan of Tapas because you get to try a whole bunch of items without having to commit to one dish. When I am entertaining, aside from some salted nuts, a great cheese plate and veggies with dip, I always serve bruschetta. Traditionally, tomatoes and garlic are used but if you like, get creative and other toppings like ricotta and honey or brie and apple. With a delicious piece of butter bread as your base, it’s hard to mess things up.

Special Edition Sweet Tooth Friday: Grandma Harriet's Rugelach

This week, I decided to roll my Nonna recipe and Sweet Tooth Friday all into one sweet rugelach; I mean, blog post. This recipe is extra special to me because it was given to me by one of the best Nonnas I know, Harriet Marks-Nelson - my husband’s wonderful grandmother.

Sweet Tooth Friday: Anna's Apple Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies

When I was in college, I had a serious weakness for the Sour Cream Walnut Apple Pie made by The Little Pie Company. They came in mini pie tins and I could eat an entire one by myself - hello, freshman fifteen! I wanted to develop a cookie recipe that showcased the strudel topping AND the sour cream flavor because the combination is just heavenly. Here is my spin on combining cookies with the best pies you can get in NYC.

Sunday Supper: Sunday Sauce

The sauce for this dish provides a lovely topping to pasta and the ‘bath’ for the meatballs to simmer in. Once the meatballs are removed, the sauce carries the aroma of the meat and tastes wonderful on pasta. The meatballs should be served along side the pasta, NOT on top, as that is the true Italian way.

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