Pancake Cupcakes — Who would have thought?

Written by Joy Paoletti and Judy Vig
Tuesday, 25 January 2011 23:00

Flapjacks, griddlecakes, hotcakes or Johnny cakes, whatever you call them they are a family favorite for all. They are served all over the world and have been around forever with a variety of flavors and textures.

Chocolate chips, sweet fruits and nuts, even lavender buds. I love the homemade streusel and fresh whipped cream, warm cinnamon apples, even nutella, as another wonderful layer to these scrumptious cakes.

Drum roll please

Written by Joy Paoletti and Judy Vig
Tuesday, 11 January 2011 23:00

The 2011 food trends are in! Cupcakes are out, and pies are in. Joy’s passion is cupcakes and argues this one by saying, “That is ridiculous, what child is going to bring pies to school instead of birthday cupcakes?”

Pizza is making a comeback and it’s not just for lunch or dinner anymore, but for breakfast. With toppings like ham, pineapple, bacon and egg? It is quick and easy for the busy Mom to make and is always a favorite with the kids.

Holiday cookie countdown!

Written by Joy Paoletti and Judy Vig
Tuesday, 14 December 2010 23:00

As the cookie recipes keep pouring in, Judy and I are working so hard to try all of them ... and we have! It really is a tough job, but someone has to do it! The varieties are amazing and sound so delicious, from cutout cookies with brightly colored sanding sugars, drop cookies with mini chips and roasted nuts, to rolled and sliced ... even a boiled cookie!

Most of the recipes share a heart warming memory that usually go along with holiday cookie baking. It’s the family traditions being carried on, we have enjoyed all of them.

It’s that time again for our Holiday Cookie Contest

Written by Joy Paoletti and Judy Vig
Tuesday, 30 November 2010 22:30

The holidays are here and the company’s coming! We have to decorate the house, clean it, do the shopping, then wrap the gifts, plan the holiday menu, and grocery shop.

Are we having fun yet? When does the fun begin? When we start making the cookies of course! What would this holiday be without all the cookies! Gingerbread men, jammy thumbprints, and glistening tree-shaped cookies and stars, we love it all!

Preparing a luxurious cranberry sauce for our Thanksgiving feast

Written by Joy Paoletti and Judy Vig
Tuesday, 16 November 2010 22:30

Happy Thanksgiving! We can’t wait until we are all together again, sitting around the family table and doing our favorite thing ... eating!

We have already started to prepare for the holiday, but first it is time for the sisters to gather around Mom’s table, with paper and pencils in hand, waiting for Mom to go over the “who does what list.”

Penne pasta with a pumpkin twist

Written by Joy Paoletti and Judy Vig
Tuesday, 02 November 2010 22:30

With the carving of pumpkins, spicy aromas of roasted pumpkin coffees and a hint of the pies to come, the pumpkin is the star this time of year. Typically, these are the most popular ways to use pumpkin, but not the only ways.

A special treat for our soldier’s homecoming

Written by Joy Paoletti and Judy Vig
Tuesday, 19 October 2010 22:30

The day we have waited for, for so long is here; our soldier is finally home! Our anxiety levels are extremely high as we buzz around the house preparing every inch of it to perfection. The house is clean and shiny with fresh fluffy towels for a much deserved shower and the refrigerator has been filled with everything ones heart could desire. His first request ... a long hot shower and a home cooked meal.

Our drive to the airport is in complete silence, but the beating of our hearts is so loud we swear the car driving next to us can hear the thumping. The moment we have been waiting for, six long agonizing months, is finally here.

Autumn — a time to focus on recipes that cook low and slow

Written by Joy Paoletti and Judy Vig
Tuesday, 05 October 2010 23:00

It is already October; the temperatures are starting to drop and we are very excited to think about serving big bowls of piping hot stew, fragrant soups and comfort dishes that take a little longer to cook. When you think of Osso Bucco, you most likely think of Ossobuco alla Milanese, a fabulous recipe from Milan, Italy.

Back to the old country 

Written by Joy Paoletti and Judy Vig
Tuesday, 21 September 2010 23:00

As a surprise for my birthday last year, my husband and I, as the saying goes, traveled “back to the old country!” After a long and exhausting flight, we finally reached our destination in Italy, to a small town on the Mediterranean, called Pozzallo, in Sicily. The warm ocean breeze welcomed us as we tried to take in all of the scenery with one swoop of an eye.

Very early in the morning and the little town is just coming to life. The second floor shutters begin to fly open as they hear the farmers clanking down the street, in small open carts, carrying the just-picked vegetables, and fresh bread and homemade ricotta that had been prepared for the day’s meals. But the tomatoes - I have never seen a more perfect, juicy red gem. They were just picked, and still warm from the sun.

What am I going to do with all this basil?

Written by Joy Paoletti and Judy Vig
Tuesday, 07 September 2010 23:00

The temperatures are changing. Fall is coming and bringing the cooler weather along for the ride. Our beautiful summer flowers are brown and stalky and look terrible. Every time we walk by them, it’s hard to believe they were once so gorgeous!

But wait ... off in the distance, in the backyard, lots of green; big beautiful bunches of green. The tiny basil plant that I bought at the grocery store and completely forgot about, has exploded into a huge bundle of emerald deliciousness! What am I going to do with all of this? Make pesto ... lots and lots of pesto.