2010 October 08

Archive for October 8th, 2010

In the Mood to Make Italian

October 8th, 2010 |

Author: Marney

Joe and I were in the mood to make Italian last night. We began browsing on-line for ideas, but soon remembered that we have a copy of, “Cooking With Love,” Joe’s family friend, Elise Feiner’s cookbook, featuring Italian cuisine. Not only is Elise a self-proclaimed “Foodfanataholic,” she is also from Joe’s hometown, New Hartford, NY, famous for their authentic Italian food.

As Joe flipped through the 566 page cookbook, Ms. M (me) chimed in, “Keep it simple Mister. How about spaghetti and meatballs or ravioli?” Hey, that’s what comes to my mind, when I think Italian. Joe said, “Whatever you want.” Kudos King Foodie, “right on” with that answer. Joe flipped some more, but became excited when Chicken Riggies caught his eye. “This was my favorite growing up! A classic Utica dish!” My initial response was, “Uh, I don’t know. Not sure I‘m in the mood for chicken and pasta.” But then it hit me. This was Joe’s childhood fave. Let’s do it! [ Read the full article ] »

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My Favorite All-Time Dish From Growing Up

October 8th, 2010 |

Author: Joe

Growing up in Utica, NY there was a wealth of great Italian food. During my youth my hometown was roughly 70% people of Italian descent, and many of my first memories of food discovery were in the classic, mom-and-pop eateries in the area. In fact, there are certain Italian dishes that are native to Utica and the surrounding area. The Triangle is certainly one the best foodie areas in the country. But with no truly great, locally-owned Italian restaurants around, it is no wonder that there are times when I feel I can’t satisfy my cravings for some good, hometown cooking. My favorite, all-time dish from growing up in Utica is called Chicken Riggies, a delicious concoction of chunks of tender chicken, a savory mix of onions, peppers, and hot cherry peppers, and an oozing sauce of melted parmesan cheese tempered with some marinara.

Well, as it turns out, I’ve recently been given the gift of making some of my best childhood food memories in our own home. I have a friend from home, Jeff Feiner, and little did I know at the time but his mom Elise is a phenomenal cook. She has her own food blog (check it out yourself at foodfanataholics.blogspot, and has even published her own cookbook! One of her nephews had asked her to send him a video showing how to make one of their famous family recipes. Well, one thing lead to another, with the final result being a cookbook called Cooking With Love, with 1000+ recipes compiled from her own recipes, family and friends. [ Read the full article ] »