Review from American-Italian Blog

 The American-Italian Blog wrote a wonderful review of my cookbook in a recent post. Thank you so much Tom and Becky for introducing me to your blogging community and for your kind words.  Be sure to stop by their blog and check out the easy and elegant recipe for one of my favorite dishes, Chicken Saltimbocca. 

Three generations baking Italian Christmas cookies.

Simple Holiday Treasure

The holidays are here again! It's hard to believe another year has gone by. It is the best time of year for sharing time with loved ones and those you would like to get to know better. Dennis and I had our neighbors over last  night and we had a wonderful time. Try this simple but tasty appetizer and impress your guests! Our loved it.

                                                              Bruchetta

1 bagette loaf, sliced in diagonal pieces
2 plum tomatoes, chopped in small peices
1/4 cup good olive oil seasoned with your favorite seasonings. I like Tuscan seasoning, but also use a combination of Italian,tuscan, rosemary, garlic- whatever you wish

Brush the bagette slices with the seasoned olive oil. Place pieces of tomatoe on bread and top with goat cheese. Place in hot oven 450 degrees for about 5 minutes until edges of bread are brown.
Arrange on platter and serve hot!

That's it. If you don't like goat cheese, put the cheese of your choice-feta,gorgonzola, mozzarella, romano- it doesn"t matter.

Everyone enjoyed this last night and what a great time we had!

The Holidays

This is my favorite time of the year.  Thanksgiving day was filled with family events beginning with a nice walk with Sandy, Nicole, Ryan,Dennis, Courtney and Ramsey the dog.  We had two turkeys this year, one deep fried and the other traditionally baked.  They were both delicious.  Sandy my son-in law cooked the deep fried one and made three pies for dessert. His pumpkin pecan and chocolate pecan were big hits.  Dennis children, Erin, Jason and Courtney joined us this year along with my son Jason and his wife Olga and their two children Sasha and Ben. My daughter Nicole her husband Sandy and their son Ryan were with us to.  I hope all of you had a good Thanksgiving and enjoyed the time spent with family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving!

November has been a busy month.  The book signing at Antonio's Gourmet Market was a success and a good time was had by all of us.  Special thanks to Antonio Salidino and his daughter Brittany for hosting me and to Fran and Bob Giannuzzi for helping out.  Thanks to all of you who purchased a cookbook and to those who participated in the gift basket raffle and soup donations.  We raised $400.00 for the Raleigh Rescue Mission and Leslie Millett from the Mission was very grateful.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our family and friends in North Carolina, New York and Michigan. We are grateful to have you in our lives.

Antonio's Gourmet Market Booksigning

More exciting news. Antonio from Antonio's Gourmet Market in Raleigh and I are teaming up in a fundraising/booksigning event to raise money for the Raleigh Rescue Mission on Nov 12th from 11:30 to 4pm.We will be having soup sampling and gift baskets to raffle off. If you have never been to Antonio's Market, it is a treat to behold. It is filled with wonderful prepared foods, soups, pizza, sandwiches, specialty items and so much more. That in itself is worth a visit. It's a great time of the year to help those less fortunate and have a great time doing it. If you live local, it is a great way to spend a Sat. Antonio's is located in Layfayette Village, off of Falls of the Neuse and the village has all kinds of wonderful shops to go through. There is a great spice shop, a gelato shop, a wine shop,some boutiques, a couple of restraunts and much more

August fun times.

Denny and I went to Michigan in August for the annual Hanley reunion hosted by Jack and Denise, Denny's brother and sister-in-law.  There were many family members and old friends present and a good time was had by all. We headed to Northern Michigan and visited many of the small towns along lake Michigan, what a beautiful area.  Stayed with Al and Jan Bersted for one night, they are long time friends of Denny and enjoyed a meal that was prepared by Al that was so delicious right down to the homemade Italian ice cream.  Of course a trip to Michigan wouldn't be complete without a visit to Conor O'Neills an Irish pub in Ann Arbor where many of Denny's friends gather on Sunday night to hear Irish music and share conversation. Stayed with Marie and Tony Kilbane our last night. We visited Tony's mom while we were in Ireland in April.

Where has the summer gone?

I must apologize for not keeping connected through my blog but all of this is very new to me.  Denny and I had a wonderful summer and visited so many friends and family members in July and August.  We had a great time in Broadalbin attending the annual Morreale family reunion hosted by Toni and Fred  It was a treat to see my sisters, Toni, Nancy, Connie, Phyllis and my brother Mark along with many of the nephews, nieces and cousins along with their children.  To my brother-in laws, Fred and Vern it was wonderful spending time with you guys.  We had a very nice boat ride with Vern and Nancy on the lake even though it was cut short by the weather. 

I'm Back!!!

So many things have happened since the last time we spoke.  Dennis and I were married on April 16th and then took a two week honeymoon to Ireland.  We had a wonderful time and met so many nice people and even some family on Dennis's side he had never seen.  Driving on the left side of the road was a challange as was shifting a five speed standard transmission with your left hand.  What a beautiful spot Ireland is. So green and mostly rural.  Many small towns and villages with castles and museums to wander through.  We had wonderful meals especially at Morans on the Weir where had a delicious salmon dinner compliments of Bob and Mary Ellen Cain who set everything up prior to us arriving.  What a great wedding present.  Thanks guys. We met Michael Moran the owner and promised him a copy of Everyone Brings Something to the Table which we mailed when we returned to the States.  Michael followed with one of his special aprons.  Cooking is a universal language and we all in our own way share its undeniable pleasure whether its eating or cooking.  Much more to come....

St. Patricks Day

Dennis and I tried out a new Irish pub, Ballymor, for a little St Pats day livation last night.  I had the Guiness Stew and Dennis had the traditional corn beef sandwich both were pretty good.  The place was packed and the Irish beer was flowing like water although I stuck to my traditional red wine.  They really do celebrate St Pats day in a grand fashion in Raleigh, even a parade on the Saturday before.  I hope you all enjoyed your own St. Patricks day.

Jeanie

Everyone Brings Something to the Table

Come join us at the Woman's  Club of Albany , 725 Madison Ave on Sat. March 26th from noon-4pm. to participate in the Spring Shopping Spree to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Kristie Carpenter will have my book available and with each purchase I will be making a 20% donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. If you can't make it, just email me at jeaniedegroff@gmail.com and I will send you an autographed copy and will still donate 20% to a wonderful cause.

March Madness

There is nothing like a table full of delicious food when it come to watching March Madness Basketball.  Jeanie prepared Artichoke Chicken a last night and served it with a side dish of mixed pasta and cauliflower, what a great combination.Add a glass of red wine and it doesn't get any better than this.

Super Bowl Party at Margaret England's

 The Silver Connections Group is meeting at Margaret England's to watch the Super Bowl and enjoy the company of good friends, food and drink. 

Jeanie is bringing, Chili Cheddar Pinwheels, and Taco Soup,  two delicious recipes from her new cookbook, "Everyone Brings Something To The Table".

If you haven't a copy its available on Amazon.com or e-mail Jeanie at jeaniedegroff@gmail.com and she will send you an autographed copy. Enclose $25.00, shipping is included in this price.