Summer Grilling Party. Recently, we hosted a dinner party for 8. It was held outdoors. Almost everything on the menu was grilled, including the appetizers and dessert. The formula was simple. Invite a group of guests who like to eat and drink. Make sure they can converse on a wide […]
Tag: Italian
Roasted Fruit with Pork or Chicken
Applesauce is the go-to accompaniment for pork chops, pork roast, pork tenderloin, etc. But, with just a little effort, you can raise your cooking game and serve Roasted Fruit instead of applesauce with pork (or even Chicken). It is a simple dish that draws rave reviews from your guests. Roasted […]
Linguine with Clam Sauce
Linguine with Clam Sauce – Keeping with National Pasta Month, here is a standard recipe in our house. Since the idea of this blog is supposed to be simple recipes and techniques, I need to point out there are many ways to make pasta with clams. You can use whole […]
My Dad’s Italian Meat Ball Recipe
This is part two of the DeSando Family Spaghetti & Meatball recipe (https://cookingsecretsformen.com/2017/10/17/desando-family-recipe-for-spaghetti-meatballs/) . My dad cooked the meatballs in the red sauce that simmered all night. I used to do it that way, but have found baking them in the oven, then cooking them in the sauce, produces a […]
Spaghetti & Meatballs, DeSando Family Recipe
Spaghetti and Meatballs Spaghetti & Meatballs. This is our family recipe, handed down for multiple generations. My grandfather Frank, who emigrated from Calabria, taught my dad, who taught me. I have later taught my two sons, Luke and Carlo, how to make this rich red sauce and succulent meatballs. https://cookingsecretsformen.com/2017/10/18/my-dads-italian-meat-ball-recipe/) […]
Peas and Peanuts – The Bluebird, Leland, Mi.
The Bluebird Restaurant, Leland, Mi. – Peas and Peanuts Salad If you are not a “Leland Person”, you may find this combination odd. But in Leland, this is a time-honored staple of the dining scene. Not only is it served at the ‘Bird as a side or on the salad […]