Last week, we covered how to make your own croutons at home, putting to use those leftover bread slices. This week we'll get into the salad. Yes, anyone can make a salad, but this is how I make mine. I hope you like it. Ingredients 2 Boneless, skinless, chicken breasts (with the fat trimmed) A bag or one head of your favorite greens Olive oil Salt & pepper Good Seasons shaker Balsamic vinegar Good Seasons Italian dressing mix Directions Generously coat pan with oil.  Cut the chicken into strips, add it to the pan and coat it with the oil in the pan.  Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper on both …

It is true, croutons are easy to make. So why not take some time out to create a homemade version? We eat salads a lot in our house and croutons are one of the fun ingredients. Instead of relying on a store brand, why not make your own? It takes under 10 minutes to prep and about 15 minutes to toast and it should cost you almost nothing.  You can take advantage of leftover breads from dinner parties, or the ends of your sandwich loaf. The bread can always be frozen for later use. Ingredients Bread, cut into large crouton size. Half of a medium sized loaf is a manageable amount to work with. 4…

My husband started making me this when we were dating. Today, it is a family favorite. Yes, my 5-year-old LOVES quesadillas. It has simple ingredients and no over-powering flavors. It’s easy to make and leaves you wanting more. Here’s how I make them.  Ingredients 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fat removed and cut into small pieces (the chicken, not the fat) 1 small onion diced 2 tablespoons butter olive oil salt and pepper cumin chili powder shredded Mexican-style cheese soft tortillas Directions In a large skillet, add 4 teaspoons of olive oil and chicken. Sprinkle a little …

Some times the meals that you throw together at the last minute are the best ones. It was a cold Thursday afternoon and I had a 4.5 lb chicken thawed. That was the easy part. But, then what should I do with it? I decided to hop in my car and go to the store, where I picked up a pack of fresh poultry herbs, a few lemons, an onion, carrots and red bliss potatoes. And all I did was throw it all together, more or less. This was easy to prepare and I sat back and enjoyed the aroma as my chicken roasted in the oven. Here is how I did it: Ingredients 1 4.5 lb. roasting chicken, rinsed and giblets …

I’ve been making this one for years and had forgotten all about it!  So today is your lucky day. I’ve dusted off the tried and true recipe to share with you. Honestly, it’s super simple so I should not boast too much. Ingredients 1 large Vidalia or sweet onion, sliced very thin 1 lb. green beans, cleaned with the ends removed 1 medium sized clove garlic, diced Olive oil Salt Pepper Directions Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the diced garlic to a 12-inch skillet. Brown the garlic and remove skillet from heat. Add the green beans and onion slices. Sprinkle drops of olive oil on top, about 2 …

While vacationing in Bavagna, Italy, a very small town about three hours north of Rome, I had the amazing opportunity to learn how to cook this remarkable dish.  This is not a typical lasagna, and it is complicated, but well worth the time and effort. Ingredients 1 pack (four sheets) of pasta (flat—the size of a cookie sheet) cut into 8-by-8 inch pieces.  This is typically sold in packs of four. You will use only two or three sheets 2 thin eggplants cut thin, discarding any pieces that does not have seeds (about the thickness of your pinky) 2 zucchini (green); discard the top and bottom, and …

Handed down from generations and left in my capable hands, I present to you the recipe for my family’s Aglio Olio (garlic & oil) with Anchovies. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.  Or at least smell it.  Ingredients Olive Oil – keep the bottle handy. If you don’t have an oil preference, go with a light or extra light olive oil.  ½ lb. thin pasta – I recommend capellini 1 large garlic clove, diced well 1 2-oz. can of flat anchovies in oil 2 dashes crushed red pepper 3 dashes of parsley 3 dashes of pepper 3 dashes of oregano 3 dashes of basil ¾ cup sliced almonds, toasted (broiled) lightly brown ½…

This week, I take another page from my husband. Since we both share cooking duties, it is hard to pick sometimes who has the best dishes. With cold and flu season going around, I thought it would be an ideal time to break out his homemade chicken soup recipe. Nothing soothes the soul more than a warm, homemade soup. Take some time to care for your sick friends and family with this heart-felt dish. Be warned, it does take about an hour-and-a-half to prepare. Ingredients 4-6 pieces of chicken wings, thighs or breast (pieces with bones are the best) ½ - ¾ lb. of small soup noodles 2 celery …

This recipe isn’t really mine. I have to give credit where credit is due. This is no dish of Mamma T’s, it's actually Papa T’s. This is one of my favorite meals that my husband makes for me, so he should get all of the credit. Thank you Matt Tornetta! I love you very much!  Turkey Chili Ingredients: 3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced ¼ cup light olive oil ½ tsp. crushed red pepper 1 15 oz. can of Bush’s Chili Magic 1 14 oz. can of diced tomatoes (jalapeño flavor) 1 16 oz. of Bush’s Chili Beans In Sauce ½ can of water (used to rinse the 3 cans above) 1 large onion, chopped 1 large green pepper, …