DEVILLED EGGS-EASY FOR AN APPETIZER FOR A PARTY

Devilled eggs are a fun appetizer for any party. Boiling the eggs, peeling the shells, cutting in half, scooping out the yolk and putting in a bowl mixing with mayonnaise and scooping back into the half shells. Put some paprika on top with a leaf of fresh parsley then you have a nice platter of devilled eggs. Of course, this is Barb's dish- she make it. I just eat them!

WARM WEATHER BRINGS BACKYARD BARBECUES

Potato Salad is great for any summer meal especially a Saturday night meal on the back porch.

Chicken wings on the barbecue.

A simple tomato/cucumber salad with olive oil and vinegar.

Oh those summer meals with fresh bread and white wine. Love the outdoors and the relaxation.

A MOTHER'S DAY FEAST-CANADIAN MUSSELS AND LOBSTER

I made my wife a nice mother's day meal last night. Mussels with a tomato sauce with some white wine and hot peppers.

The small lobster tails were broiled in the oven.

Fried left over pepper slices the grandkids did not eat at lunch in some olive oil and garlic.

Tomato wedges and cucumbers with red vinegar and olive oil- salt to taste.

Eating on the back porch area with our kitchen dishes on a warm Saturday night was enjoyable. Dipping the lobster into heated butter with slices of Italian bread, well it was a meal made for a "queen". Barb enjoyed it so off the hook do not need to go out for a meal. To all the mothers, Happy Mother's Day especially my two daughters who are wonderful mothers. Like a good son, I took a bouquet of flowers to the cemetery last Friday for my mother who will always be loved and missed.

GRANPA'S TRIP TO VINNIE ZUCCHINI'S FOR A BIRTHDAY BASH

One of my sweet grandsons celebrated a birthday-#7 so the kids took us all to Vinnie Zucchini's for a family/birthday dinner. Italian buffet style so there is something for everyone. I am the fussy eater but was able to enjoy many of the dishes. A salad bar that I missed on the first visit to the food stations when I went straight to the seafood area. Loved the calamari. A pizza bar. A grilled food bar with lots of fresh veggies grilled but not mushy. Variety of meat and chicken. Well you know how buffets go! A inviting dessert area too. With birthday cake, no need to eat too much of the sweets. The restaurant relocated from the Dufferin/Steeles area to the edge of Vaughan Mills- a huge mall in Vaughan just off the 400 highway. Easy parking! With the seniors discount, I just may take Barb another time for a quick dinner out!

Oh the service was good too! As soon as I left the table to get another plate of food, the dirty one was removed. The most important aspect was celebrating with family and to see my little grandson so happy!! My oldest granddaughter sat beside me too so it was a wonderful time.

LAMB AND LASAGNA FOR EASTER DINNER-WITH CANASCIONE FOR A TREAT

Barb suggested I make the cooking for Easter dinner easy with an expected crowd of 15! A simple pasta with sauce she said for the first dish.  I chose to be more complicated. So yesterday I decided to make lasagna. Put it in the freezer after completing it to cook it fresh on Sunday. My mother always made a lasagna for Easter so I thought I would  keep the tradition alive. Bedsides all my grandchildren, children, guests, Barb and I like it too!

So it was a busy day with Barb away at a conference. I even had to clean up all the pots and pans as my sous chef was not available.
My family like a variety of meat. But for me lamb is a must. So I bought a lamb roast and chops that I will make with some oven roasted potatoes with rosemary as the seasoning. With the Canadians in the crowd a ham to eat with pineapple slices as well as some chicken breasts and Italian sausages. Remember there is a lot of meat in the sauce I used for the lasagna so if some of the kids do not eat the meat dish they had some in the pasta.

If time I may try to make my canascione treat- a favourite from the Ciociaria region where I was born. A egg noodle shell with an egg, cheese and sausage mixture inside which gets baked in the oven.  Easter a time for good eating. Of course everyone will bring an appetizer and dessert surprise. The kids will enjoy the Easter egg hunt that must occur before dinner. I have not finalised all the vegetables but I will make- peas, rapini for sure though.

Barb likes to make prosciutto on a bread stick as an appetizer for the guys. The kids just like the bread sticks.
For those that are new to this blog- I did write a post on making the lasagna March 2012 and making canascione- April 2012. You can find in in the listings.  For those that read regularly you know how to find the recipes I have written. Happy Easter everyone- remember to thank all the cooks in your family!

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SHRIMP FETTUCINE FOR A SATURDAY NIGHT

I made myself some bacala soup. For Barb I sautéed some shrimp in garlic and butter to put on top of the fettuccine - freshly made in a cream sauce. For vegetables, rapini and roast peppers with garlic and olive oil. Not bad for a Saturday night quick meal.
During the week, I made some fresh egg noodle pasta with a meat sauce- giving most of it to my two working daughters and families. My sons-in-law love my cooking too.
As Easter approaches, I will be trying to blend the two cultures- Canadian and Italian. I have noticed lots of reads for my Easter canascione. It really is true dish from the Ciociaria region.

Meanwhile the daily cooking continues. Barb loved her meal topped off with a little glass of white wine. It will be a busy week for traditional cooks and bakers. Easter like other holidays has its festive dishes. I was thinking I might make a lasagna. My mother used to make one every Easter. It could keep some traditions alive. Happy Palm Sunday everyone as we enter the Easter Holy Week.

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MARCH A TIME TO PREPARE FOR THE SPRING GARDEN

Along with making a large pot of ragu sauce to go with the fresh gnocchi I made on the weekend, I have been busy seeding some tomatoes and other plants for the Spring garden. Snow is still on the ground but underneath lies the soil waiting for the good weather. I have a little spot by the back door in the kitchen with a good southern sun. Oh the gnocchi was a feast for my girls as well as keeping a meal or two for Barb. I am dieting so avoiding too many carbs but making pasta fills the need to have some fresh pasta in the house. With the weather slightly warmer, there is a pull to go outside and work. However two feet of snow gets in the way. Soon!