Penne alla Vodka

I’d bet most anyone living in America has had penne alla vodka in some form. There are endless versions but I can say confidently and with zero bias that my Mom’s is the best. 😊 A few weekends ago we made her chicken cutlets with a side of penne alla vodka and I mean really…

Cauliflower Gnocchi with Italian Fennel Sausage

Sometimes you want a big bowl of pasta but you’re trying to lose a few LBs. These are tough times for foodies like me. However, Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi has made what would otherwise be a heavy high carb meal- much better for you. The gnocchi is surprisingly filling and as long as you cook…

Veal Osso Buco

Osso Buco means hallowed bone–a dish traditionally made with veal, white wine and veggies. It’s an Italian classic you’ll find on restaurant menus but less often see made at home. It’s really no different than making a beef stew or another slow braised meat. The veal is a little pricier but that’s why we made…

Jewish Penicillin- Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

When you’re not feeling well, there’s nothing better than a nice big bowl of Jewish Penicillin…. or Chicken Noodle Soup. My mom’s will always be better but if you want to give it a go for a sick hubby or child follow my recipe below! For this to be true Jewish penicillin, I recommend adding…

Skirt Steak Quesadilla

Let’s be serious–quesadillas are a Mexican version of grilled cheese. Carbs glued together by melty cheese can never be wrong.Ā  I’ve certainly eaten more than a few quesadillas but never made them for dinner before. I don’t know why these aren’t in my regular rotation but I will be adding them. Skirt steak was an…

Cacio e Pepe

If cacio e pepe is on a menu, it’s really hard for me to avoid ordering it. Pasta with the best quality cheese and a subtle spice from fresh cracked black pepper–you just can’t beat it. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. There are different ways to make it, and historically it’s done…

Old Fashioned Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Sometimes you need some good old fashioned comfort food–nothing fancy or too difficult. Not sure what fits that description more than grilled cheese and tomato soup which my sister and I made last week on a cold fall night. This recipe is pretty simple and doesn’t require a ton of ingredients. I do recommend you…

Lentil Soup

The obligatory fall soup post is here. My mom makes the best lentil soup. Most meat-eating people would think that bar must be quite low, but as a meat loving foodie myself, I can honestly say I love this soup. It’s always so flavorful and comforting but when I try to replicate her recipe it…

Sloppy Joes

When I think of sloppy joes my mind immediately goes to the crazy lunch lady in Billy Madison scaring the kids. But who doesn’t love a good sloppy joe?! Recently my mom, sister and I were reminiscing on the old fashioned sandwich and I couldn’t get them out of my head. My mom then happened…

Philly Cheese Steaks

Well I was a bit nervous. I was charged with making Philly Cheese Steaks for a guy from Philly for the Eagles season opener. We discussed the whole canned cheese wiz thing and I couldn’t bring myself to buy it. So I did my research and came up with my own version. These were really,…

Pork Ragout Pappardelle

Comforting and flavorful sauce with tender melt in your mouth pork over a light and fresh made pasta. Really can’t go wrong. This is the ultimate Sunday dinner and it honestly isn’t too difficult to pull off. The leftovers were delicious!! Ingredients: 3-4 lb pork butt/shoulder 1 1/2 lbs pasta 1 1/2 28 oz cans…

Fried Chicken

I have no real credibility when it comes to fried chicken. And what I mean is, I’m not from the south nor do I have family from down south. There’s no story.Ā  What I can say is that I did a lot of research and went with my gut in determining what methods I would…

Steak Enchiladas

Usually when I make enchiladas I automatically think chicken. But why not try it with some tender, well-seasoned, thinly sliced steak? I took my ugly steak n cheese tacosĀ Ā and turned them into enchiladas baked and smothered in a spicy hatch green chile salsa. This recipe really is as healthy as enchiladas can possibly get. And…

Twisted Italian Wedding Soup

So the thought of meatballs in soup šŸ² never sat well with me and as you know from my “don’t knock em til you try em” recipe, turkey meatballs weren’t something I ever wanted to eat. But if cooking has taught me anything it’s that once you start using ingredients you previously thought were gross,…

Mu Shu Chicken with Scallion Pancakes

I’ve been on a Chinese kick lately… We all know Jews love Chinese.Ā  And this recipe got over the top amazing reviews from the hubby and my guests . It’s a bit labor intensive for prep work but it’s a much healthier alternative to Chinese take out. And honestly, it was worth all the chopping…

Italian Zucchini Bowl

My mom had a brief stint as a vegetarian (before she met my father) and this recipe was something she often made for herself. She introduced it to us growing up mostly as a side dish but now as an adult I make it for the main event! If you’re craving a bowl of pasta…

Chicken Gyros

I’ve noticed a lot of people are creeped out by gyro meat. They don’t get how it’s made and all they see is questionable looking lamb and beef on a spinning stick and won’t give it a chance. My mom is one of those people. But gyros are so delicious. The combination of juicy well…

Jewtalian’s Comfort Food

On a cold snowy day it’s natural to think warm comfort food: soups, creamy mac n cheese, spaghetti and meatballs, fried eggplant, chicken or veal, and maybe even lasagna soup! See below many of my comfort food recipes over the years. Click on the recipe name for the link. Enjoy! Veal Milanese  Nanny’s Manicotti  Braised…

Chicken Tikka Masala

Indian food gets a bad rap. A lot of people including my friends and family say eww curry is gross”, or it “smells bad”, etc. I (regrettably) used to be one of those people but that changed when I actually tried naan, chicken tikka masala and some other delicious vegetarian dishes with chickpeas and cauliflower….

Pork Carnitas

Initially I was weirded out by the technique of cooking pork carnitas…so much so that I almost scratched the idea. But I didn’t have 8-12 hours to slow cook the pork all day so I was really forced into the decision. And I’m so glad. This pork was so delicious and so tender and unlike anything…

Pasta e Fagioli

Soup season is well underway! It’s easy to make, it warms you up, it’s great for leftovers/lunch at work and can be a very healthy meal. Plus you can usually make a great soup with items left in your fridge and a can of beans or lentils. Pasta e fagioli is one of my favorites,…

Don’t knock ’em til you try ’em “Turkey Meatballs”

I’m not going to lie, the thought of turkey meatballs was not appetizing to me. As an Italian especially, I made some assumptions that they couldn’t possibly be good…I was wrong. I made these on a weeknight in a half hour and not only was it a healthy option but it was truly delicious. They…

Homemade Ravioli

I’ve wanted to try homemade ravioli ever since I figured out how to make homemade pasta. A Valentine’s Day with wind chills in the negative degrees provided a perfect opportunity to stay home and accomplish this somewhat scary goal– and the hubby even helped! The pasta part really is a two person job. It is…

Sausage & Pepper Grinders

Sausage and peppers is an Italian classic. It’s easy to make and can be a meal on it’s own or on fresh Italian bread for a delicious sandwich. The catch is that this meal is all about getting the right ingredients. Go to an Italian deli and get their store made sausage, mozzarella and fresh…