Sunday At the Giacomettis

I made some delicious bread crumbs out of some Nicoise Olive rolls leftover from Easter. You may use almost any leftover bread you like. I like to add my own additional herbs.  What a great way to make use of them.  These Italian Eggplants are smaller, sweeter and hold together quite nicely through the cooking process.  They are not bitter like the American eggplants sold commercially, so they are very easy to use in a number of dishes.  I had forgotten all about them in the back of the drawer, so they needed to be used.  I even had a small piece of Gorgonzola that was also leftover from the weekend.  Ingredients: 1 plus 1/2 pounds Italian eggplant (substitute Japanese Eggplants or zucchini if you like).  2 cups bread crumbs 3 tablespoons of olive oil (plus extra to rub on the interior of your Baking dish) Handful of fresh parsley, basil, diced fine 2 teaspoon garic diced One egg approx 1/2 pound of Gor...

I never imagined years ago that I would ever see the day that my son  ( who is now 15), would ask for something other than pizza.  A fussy eater early on, and plagued with diet restrictions,  there was nothing I could do to get him to eat.  The best advice I have ever had in my life, came from a Pediatrician in Italy who said, "Have you ever seen a nine year old eating Baby food?"  I must admit,  I was puzzled at the moment.  Seemed a simple answer to a daily fight with one stubborn Italian boy.  One day, around the age of Nine he came flying down staircase, running into the kitchen trying to  figure out where that wonderful smell of sausage was coming from. He came around.  He said those words I will never forget and I waited so long to hear, "Mom, that smells delicious, can you make me some Pasta?"  Much to my initial shock, I just couldn't hold myself up.  Had to sit down and contemplate what had just happ...

Ingredients:  2 cups unbleached pre sifted flour.   1 cup whole wheat flour. 1/2 teaspoon of active / dry yeast (not instant) 1 cup plus1/2 cup  warm to the touch,  tap water.  If your water is to hot for you to touch it, it's to hot.  you don't want to kill the yeast. One large bowl Some plastic wrap to cover your bowl One cupcake pan / lined with some cornmeal in each cup one teaspoon of salt. Method:  Traditionally, Ciabatta bread is made with 100 percent wheat flour.  I am not crazy about the results I have had using that method, so I have made a change.  It will be hard for you to tell the difference. Into a bowl, combine your yeast with 1/2 cup water.  Give it a mix.   Let sit 10 minutes.   Add your flour to the bowl along with your remaining water and salt.   Mix until combined.  Remember your hands are your best tools.  Don't be afraid to use them.  Place a...