GRANPA MADE TASTY CHRISTMAS EVE SEAFOOD DISHES

 Granpa loved to cook Christmas Eve dinner. He learned from his mother Concetta. 

One tradition that Adolph kept in the family after his mother passed away was the Christmas Eve Seafood dinner meal.

When one daughter could not attend on Christmas Eve, we would have it the weekend before Christmas.

Eventually both daughters could not attend so Adolph would make a shorten version for the two of us.

Remembering the good food he made I thought I would repost some of his favourite dishes.

CHRISTMAS SEAFOOD APPETIZER OR AS ADOLPH WOULD CALL IT SEAFOOD SALAD

A variety of precooked seafood like shrimps, calamari, scallops make for a tasty dish. Or a bag of seafood medley mix. You can add any seafood you prefer.

A large piece of celery.

Chop up into small celery pieces.

Two buds of garlic finely chopped.

One or Two tablespoons of olive oil

 Add freshly squeezed lemon juice or use bottled lemon juice. As much as desired.

Salt and pepper to taste. Let it marinade for several hours in the fridge for the pieces to absorb the lemon taste as well as the other ingredients.

Great as a first course to the 7 fishes of Christmas Eve.

#christmasseafoodappetizer#adolph'sseafoodsalad#granpa'sseafoodsalad#granpa'schristmasseafoodappetizer3rememberinggranps'sseafooddishesforchristmaseve#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#revisitingadolph'sdisheshelovedtocookforhisfamily#missingadolph'sfood

GRANPA SURE MADE GOOD CHRISTMAS FOOD

 Reviewing our past posts, I find some of the dishes presented here were so good.

Christmas Seafood Appetizer was so easy and so good.

 

The honey bubbles were a hit.

And all Adolph's seafood dishes. So I may just find myself recycling some of these posts over the next few weeks.

Granpa sure loved to cook. And we are missing his cooking every day.

#christmaswithoutgranpa#honeybubbles#christmasseafoodappetizer#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

THANKSGIVING WAS NOT GRANPA'S SPECIALITY-JUST THE SOUSCHEF

 Adolph would always help me prepare the veggies for Thanksgiving. 

He ate turkey but it was not his favourite. So I always included some Italian sausage for him to keep a little flair of Italian cuinsine for him.

Dessert would include pies. I love pumpkin pie with whipped cream. His favourite was always apple pie. Actually anything with apples suited him.

So as I prepare the Thanksgiving feast for family, I really miss my helper. 

Have a good Thanksgiving everyone!

#thanksgiving2021#sharingthecooking#adolphdidtheveggies#loveturkeydinner#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

PIZZA PICNIC AT GRANPA'S PARK FOR A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

 A simple get together with family at Granpa's Park.

While his plaque and bench was nearby, the grandkids played and ran around.

Pizza.

Drinks and cupcakes on a sunny Sunday.

#eatingatgranpa'spark#grandpa#grandpa'spark#granpalovetocook#adolphdimambro

APPLE PICKING SEASON

 A quick farm visit to Applewood Farm Souffville Road in Markham with Sonya and two youngest grandchildren.

Variety of apples- cortland, empire, macintosh and more.

A pumpkin or butternut squash came with the entrance fee.

Very busy and lots of people. But outside and physically distanced.

A fun time with family.

Reminds me of my first "date" with Adolph. Apple picking at the Manning Farm on Dufferin Street Maple Ontario in October 1966.

The number of farm activities with play for children are prolific now in a number of places in the GTA.

Maybe we will do another visit soon.

#applepicking#dayoutwithfamilyapplepicking#funwithgrandchildren#picksomeapples#pickapumpkin#pickasquash#funatthefarm#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

TOBERMORY AND FOOD

 A mini family Vacay to Tobermory Ontario.

Eating Wood Fired Pizza, homemade egg sandwiches on trip up, Jerk chicken, burger and fries, tacos and lots of ice cream.

Fun to be away for a few days.

And of course, glasses of wine!!

#tobermoryandfood#eatingout#pizza#burgersandfires#tacos#icecream#wine#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

GRANPA AND MEMORIES OF THE FIRST TRIP TO ITALY

 30 years ago Adolph wanted me to go to Italy.

So August 1991 was my first time there.

We went to his hometown of Cassino. I took a picture of him by his first school

We went up the mountain and I got out to take pictures. Afterwards he warned me about snakes!!

There are so many memories from this first trip.

His cousin Carolina's hospitality of letting us stay in her flat in Rome. It was central to everything. 

We took the train for a day trip to Florence.

His cousin Rosario took us around Pompei.

I want to write more about this trip on my blog. But felt to give a little shoutout here.

#firsttriptoItaly#granpalovestocook#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#cassino#cassinoitaly#lotsofgoodmemoriesofourtrip

GRANPA LOVED ITALIAN SOCCER/CALCIO AND HIS ITALIAN FLAG

 World Cup 1982 and Italy was doing well.

So in 1982 when flags were not available everywhere like they are today, I decided to buy the material and make Adolph an Italian Flag. I made smaller ones for the girls to pin on their tops.

I did not tell him I was making the flag. I was on a week's vacation so had the time to shop for the material and then sew it into the flag.

I put it up in the living room window at our house on Woodward Ave in Thornhill.

I knew when he was coming home. It was also a busy construction season for him. He was tired but enjoying the soccer matches.

 So I waited inside to see his reaction. 

Adolph drove up our small driveway. He looked at the house and saw the flag.

The smile on his face just kept getting bigger and bigger as he got out of his car and approached the house. It was one of those moments when a simple thing brought so much joy.

Sonya with her little Italian flag and bag.

July 1982 Natasha waving the flag with Adolph on the front porch. It was the day Italy won the World Cup.

We watched at Mama's house and afterwards got in the car with the flag to go beeping around Willowdale where the Italians from the Ciociaria area lived in Toronto. We went to Nino D'Aversa which was on Steeles near Yonge so we joined up with others who were celebrating there.

A fun day and memory for the Di Mambro family.

FORZA ITALIA!

#worldcup#italianflag#celebratingthewinin1982#ontheporchwavingtheflag#celebratingwithGranpa#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

GRANPA ALWAYS COOKED ON CANADA DAY

 Adolph liked to do a family barbecue on Canada Day. 

The kids remember it well.

So today a trip to a daughter's house for a barbecue. 

Everyone is bringing some goodies so it is a family affair of good eating.

The grandkids want to do an Orange Crush toast to Granpa so it has become our new ritual.

Happy Canada Day! A day of celebration and reflection this year!

#canadaday#familybarbecue#timeforquietreflection#timetocelebrate#anorangecrushtoasttogranpabythegrandhildren#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

GRANPA LOVED TO COOK FOR THE GRANDCHILDREN

 As we approach one year since Adolph died, the grandchildren often talk about Granpa's cooking.

He would make pancakes on a sleepover.

Sauce and fresh egg noodle for fettucine or spaghetti.

His lasagna was so delicious. Not just for the grandchildren but for special occasions or a treat for someone who was ill.

So to those other Dads and Granpas that love to cook, this is your day.

#father'sday2021#granpalovedtocook#adolphdimambro

A MEMORIAL PLAQUE FOR GRANPA

 Covid meant no service and hard to honour Adolph.

So a plaque on a bench in the park where the grandchildren played with him and still go when visiting Nana helped to create a memorial spot.

#memorialplaque#rememberingadolph#theparkwheretheyplayed#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

GRANPA ALWAYS LOVED BIRTHDAY CAKES

 Special occasions like birthdays warrant birthday cakes.

A granddaughter turns 16 so of course a special birthday cake for her.

Goodies from family. Youngest granddaughter Allegra bought special cupcakes for her cousin.

Wonderful cake with very sweet icing.

A small celebration due to COVID restrictions.

Fun can be had in small doses. 

And Granpa always liked to celebrate!!

#birthdays#sweetsixteen#birthdaycakes#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

LIKE FATHER LIKE DAUGHTERS

 Adolph loved to cook. Now Sonya has picked up the torch of trying new dishes.

I had the benefit of a barbecue at Natasha's home Saturday. Then some meals Sunday by delivery by Sonya.

Cooking for one is mundane. So one take out meal once or twice a month helps too.

Joining up with family under safe public health protocols supports a positive meal time.

#eatingalone#joiningfamily#goodhomecookedmeals#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

BARBECUE SEASON IS UPON US IN FULL SWING

 Not able to eat out and only order in, I really appreciate a BBQ at one of the girls' houses.

As a single I am allowed to be with one other household.

So outdoor barbecues work for distance, fresh air and a certain amount of safety for all.

My favourite is BBQ steak.

My last BBQ went in the garbage last year as it was falling apart. So I depend on others for my BBQ needs.

How about you? Do you like outdoor eating and BBQs?

#BBQ#steakonthebarbie#outdooreatingissoulful#barbecuesworkforcovidtimes#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CONTINUING GRANPA'S FRIDAY NIGHT TRADTION

 Cooking for one sucks.

So last night curb side pickup from Mr. Greek at Rutherford and Bathurst.

Kalamari with potaotoes and some garlic bread.

Can't wait for patio dining again.

But take out works for me for now.

#mrgreek#curbsidepickup#kalamari#garlicbread#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

ORGANIZING THE BLOG PICTURES AND RESEARCH

 It takes lots of photos and research to keep a blog going.

So today I reviewed all the photos and previous writing for this blog.

Anticipating some jaunts to farms over the summer, I want to be ready to continue some posts on this site.

Meanwhile it was exhausting so am having a strawberry homemade sundae tonight to help with the mood.

Not Italian cooking but fun eating.

#strawberrysundae#eatingforfun#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

EASTER TRADITIONS ARE FAMILY TRADITIONS

 We always included a blend of Canadian and Italian traditions at Easter.

A homemade pasta dish. Could be fresh egg noodles with a ragu sauce or lasagna.

Lamb with rosemary potatoes. Ham with pineapple slices. Sausage. Chicken breasts

A variety of vegetables. Rapini, carrots, corn, veggies and dip

Desserts with a bunny, easter theme.

An egg hunt for the grandchildren. Easter treats and a little money for them.

This year will be no Easter hunt due to COVID lockdown. Not a big gang at the table. Going to one home as I am allowed because I live alone.

Adolph always loved his canascione. Sonya made it for him last year. She has been trying many of her Dad's recipes. He loved it.

This year she is making his homemade lasagna. Natasha is making some cookies and cupcakes.

So like any traditions they change as we go along. But mostly they are connected to family.

We make and eat food that our family members love.

#eastertraditions#cancscione#lamb#hamwithpineapple#lotsofveggiesforafeast#makingItalianfood#makingcanadianfood#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

WINTER EATING BRINGS WARMTH

 Soups.

Roast with potatoes and gravy.

Muffins using up items in the fridge or freezer. Just made some with blueberries and apple!

Homemade sauce frozen to use in one person portions of a pasta dish. Tried some dried gnocchi lately but not as good as homemade then frozen ones. 

Hot coffee or tea with the ability to warm one's hands.

With March coming in next week, starting to see the tail end of winter or not.

Sometimes the Spring weather takes its time to find us.

I seem to like veggies more than fruit anyway. So fresh veggies or frozen add to a meal. I find if I can roast them with my oven meal makes for less work. Also roasted, more vitamins are maintained.

Veggies go well with an oven frittata! Nice hot meal with lots of nutrients.

Adolph's favourite.

So warm cooking continues unless busy with a project then a quick sandwich for dinner. Last night had liverwurst on rye bread with grape tomatoes. Hit the spot.

So has is your winter eating going?

#wintereating#barbcooksforone#usingitemsfromthefridge#homemadesauce#hotdrinkskeepthehandswarm#likingveggiesmorethanfruit#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#barbaradimambro#keepingthebloggoingwithoutAdolphisaloveproject

GRANPA OFTEN OBTAINED IDEAS FROM COOKING SHOWS.

 Adolph liked simple cooking and regular menus.

However, he would get ideas from cooking shows as well.

Especially with seafood dishes. He liked new ways to cook it.

Usually though he would make a comment that he was not going to try something.

I enjoyed any new ideas or dishes. 

For me I just really miss his cooking.

#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#tryingnewideasfromcookingshows#seafooddishes

FESTIVE EATING AT NEW YEAR

 New Year's Eve.

Chinese food with one family. 

Dessert with another family.

Wearing masks. Physical distancing.

New Year Day.

A platter of sandwiches. Finished my peppermint/chocolate ice cream. Some little cupcakes.

Well I needed the energy as I undecorated the house and put away all the Christmas decorations.

Left the outside lights up. They come down after Epiphany!  

I put away the new boxes of goodies on a high shelf. They will come in handy with mid-winter blues or if the little grandchildren can come by for a visit.

Cold weather brings the need for soup and stews and roasts with potatoes in the oven.

So good eating is still here.

#wintereating#chinesefood#dessert#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#eatinghealthy#savinggoodiesforwinterblues