Beef with Bell Peppers and TomatoesBeef with Bell Peppers and Tomatoes is an unusual American Chinese recipe reconstructed from memory. As a child, Vito's parents would often take him and his siblings to dine out at the New Moon Chinese Restaurant in Union City, NJ; this dish was among Vito's favorites on the menu. Vito was fascinated by the use…
More information Bistec de PalomillaBistec de Palomilla, or Cuban-style Steak as it is colloquially called, is one of the definitive dishes of Cuban cuisine. While growing up in New Jersey, most of Vito's classmates and their families had newly arrived from Cuba. After school, it was a very special treat to be asked to stay for dinner at friends’…
More information Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers Two WaysGrilled Italian Sausage and Peppers Two Ways offers two crowd pleasing ways to serve these favorites. Growing up in an Italian-American family in New Jersey, Italian sausage and peppers was a favorite and familiar summertime meal, whether from the backyard barbeque grill at Vito's grandparents’ house or from one of the innumerable kiosk restaurants rising…
More information CarnitasCarnitas is a classic dish in Mexican cuisine; its crisped, browned exterior conceals a moist, juicy interior, wonderful aroma and taste. Carnitas is truly delicious. While many have had carnitas at Mexican restaurants, few realize that carnitas’ complex mix of flavors belies its fairly simple ingredients and preparation. I developed this recipe with input from…
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Singapore No NoodlesSingapore No Noodles is a different take on a classic dish. Combining many of the flavors of Asian cuisine with its signature curry high notes and yellow color and combination of Chinese barbequed pork and shrimp, yet substituting thinly-sliced cabbage or slaw mix for the vermicelli rice noodles. With a subtle and intriguing mix of…
More information Beans and EscaroleBeans and Escarole an Italian classic and a long-time family favorite. As a side note, the Dutch oven pictured is vintage 1940’s Magnalite made from re-purposed post-war aluminum; it was used by my Mom for decades and now enjoys continued use in our kitchen. Escarole, with its leaves of bright green and white, heart of…
More information Hoppin’ JohnHoppin' John, the dish with the curious name. Black-eyed peas are a staple of Southern cooking in the United States, featured on every table, rich and poor, city and country. Black-eyed peas are the base ingredient of this dish. Hoppin’ John is traditionally served over steamed white rice on New Year’s Day accompanied by sautéed…
More information Peas and Tomato Sauce with Mint and ParsleyPeas and Tomato Sauce with Mint and Parsley riffs on Pasta con Piselli, an Italian classic. The peas, mint and parsley in this sauce bring a flash of Spring to your dinner table. After the prep work, the sauce is prepared while the pasta cooks. It works best with a small form pasta, like pennette,…
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