Sunday At the Giacomettis

There are just some things you just don't forget about growing up.  I remember getting off the train on 3rd avenue in Manhattan as a child and walking over to my Uncles bakery on 2nd avenue.   My grandmother, (who worked that window better than a patrol officer), would fill our bags with sugared donuts and black and white cookies on a Saturday morning.  For a child, it was as if we had found a pot of gold.  By the time we arrived at our destination (Nonna Maria's house, on 1st avenue ), our stomachs were full and our bags almost empty.   Nonna Maria would quickly suggest walking up and down the 5 flights of stairs.  The stairs up to her top floor apartment on 1st avenue and 116st. seemed endless.  Work up a new appetite?   Mission Accomplished. Nonna Barbara would always wrap up  pound cake for me to take over to Nonna Maria's house. That little white box wrapped up in Peppermint string (red and white).  It w...

Just because Broccoli Rabe is out of season, doesn't mean you can't have Pasta with Broccoli . This recipe serves 6.  Sauté about 1/2 pound of pork in a little olive oil.   Add 1/2 cup wine and cook until evaporated. Remove from pan and set aside. Sauté some garlic, add additional oil if necessary. Put your pasta water to boil, add salt, then about a pound if Broccoli florets. Cook until Broccoli is soft. Sautéed garlic in several tablespoons of olive oil, drain Broccoli directly Into the pan. Cook until broken down and soft. Add the browned pork back to the pan. Cook your pasta, drain, reserve some cooking water. Toss and serve! How easy is that? Buon Appetito! Special Note:  This method of cooking above is referred to as "a occhio."  With your eyes or senses.  Much in the style of experienced Home Cooks in Italy.  Getting a "feel" for the kitchen is an important fact when one is learning to Cook Italian.   I ha...