Both of my parents were born in Southern Italy where unemployment is high and quality of life is superb. My mother, A., made it to the 7th grade and my father, T., recieved the equivalent of a technical high school diploma. Both of my parents immigrated to the US in 1975 and are currently debt free, own their own two-family […]

With some spectacular weather here on the East Coast my mind turned to the outdoors the last week or so, hence the long stretch without a post (my apologies).   My latest pasta conquest centered on the Cencioni, a little known pasta from the Basilicata region of Italy.  Cencioni, or translated as “little rag”, is perfect for loose sauces.   Cencioni has […]

Sometimes food photos are better than the actual food item.  I can wholeheartedly say, however, that when it comes to rice balls or Arancini the photos below look as good as they actually taste. You can find my recipe for Arancini here.  Enjoy a few photos of a recent rice ball extravaganza held in New Jersey and leave a comment […]

At times, I think the political and cultural columnist David Brooks has a little bit of Mediterranean blood flowing through his body (regardless of his Anglo-Saxon appearance).  Time and time again Brooks puts together elegant arguments on the paradox of American living, why gun control is necessary, or, say, how most people struggle to find happiness.  While I don’t agree […]

(photo: final product with a bit of extra provola and olive oil) When it comes to living life, I’m a sucker for both luxurious and practical things.  I’m equally comfortable driving a Honda or a Mercedes-Benz or living amongst nose-in-the-air snobs or dyed in the wool blue collar types.  I lean towards the practical and modest side of living, but who […]

It’s hard for my ego to accept, but there are certain things I can’t do in the kitchen (sorry to let you down loyal Scordo readers, but it’s true).  I count making soup and baking as two kitchen tricks I just can’t pull off.  Baking is an exact science with little room for ad-libbing and it just doesn’t fit with my […]

(photo: close up of our parsley, artichoke, sun dried tomato, and romaine lettuce salad) Next to incorporating the right leftovers into a great sandwich, putting together a “leftover salad” is one of my favorite food shortcuts; that is to say, having a great meal full of flavor without a big undertaking.  After all, what’s the point of cooking great food […]

(photo: With the Imperia in the background, tiny mounds of Fettucine lay to dry) My wife’s family celebrates Palm Sunday via a never ending feast of homemade Fettucine (made via the standard Imperia pasta machine).  The homemade fettucine are delicate and wonderfully light (“light” is something you hear lots of people say about homemade pasta, I agree but I’m not […]

Last Thursday I consumed Bucatini (from Colavita; decent pasta given price) with Alio and Olio.  The Scordo Pasta Challenge lives on; six shapes down and a little under 300 shapes to go!

(photo: diced up and waiting for the pan!) UPDATE: 4/2/10 Annelle Williams is the winner!  Contest is now closed! I’ve written on virtues of salumi, but to my surprise I haven’t waxed philosophically on sausage – that other ideal representation of the almighty pig. Italian Sausage, as it’s referenced in the States, is often grilled, used in stuffings, soups and […]