Family Plus Food Equals Love

06/14/2013 11:40 PM

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“Sausage, Peppers, With Onions” Happy Father's Day!

This Sunday is Father's Day when we remember and give thanks for our fathers, both living and deceased. Father’s Day is a celebration honoring fathers, paternal relationships, and the impact of fathers in our society. Many countries celebrate this special day on the third Sunday of June, but it is also celebrated widely on other days. Mostly Roman Catholic households in Italy celebrate Fathe

Family Plus Food Equals Love

06/07/2013 05:51 PM

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"Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie" And A "Strawberry-Coconut Daiquiri Cocktail"

When I visit the farmers market, the first place I look is where the fresh fruits and vegetables are located. I love to see so many beautiful varieties, especially when they are radiant with the sunlight over them for the world to see. As I am picking some berries to come home with me for a luscious pie, I am reminded of summer time. Picnics, BBQ‘s, the beach, or just a lazy warm afternoon at home

Family Plus Food Equals Love

05/31/2013 07:17 PM

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"Texas Hot Dog Sauce" Recipe & "Hot Air Balloon Rally"

1983 Balloon RallyIt’s Hot here on Long Island, in the 90’s, so time to get out and enjoy the summer time weather. Look up, it’s a bird, no it's a plane, no it’s a Hot Air Balloon! Wednesday, June 5th is "National Hot Air Balloon Day". The oldest successful human carrying flight dates back to 1783. The “Montgolfier” brothers developed a standard hot air balloon known as Montgolfier balloons. Their

Family Plus Food Equals Love

05/24/2013 05:42 PM

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“Savory Barbecued Chicken” For Your Memorial Day Weekend Party

“Happy Memorial Day” weekend! The unofficial start of summertime. The last Monday in May is celebrated as a federal holiday in the United States since 1971. A day that we commemorate to all American soldiers who lost their lives defending our country. Memorial Day is an occasion for expressions of memory as people think about the courage of their deceased relatives that served in the military. As

Family Plus Food Equals Love

05/17/2013 11:33 PM

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A “Spaghetti With Egg, Bacon, And Mushroom” Recipe Plus A “Chocolate Pistachio Loaf” For Dessert

How do you know you spend much too much time on the computer? When you sit at your desk and realize that you are looking at your screen and your computer is not turned on. Well, I wouldn’t say that I did that, but I had major technical problems with my PC tower this week. I had to call the “Computer Dr” and he took the tower away to be fixed and cleaned. As he was taking it away from my house, I f

Family Plus Food Equals Love

05/10/2013 12:34 AM

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"Happy Mother's Day" Or "la Festa della, Mamma" Plus A "Frittata" Recipe

Sunday is Mother’s Day! I do hope each and every one of my readers far and wide have a beautiful day with your family and friends! On this day (which should be everyday) what do mothers wish for most as a gift? It isn’t flowers, chocolates, or jewelry. Give up yet? It is TIME! A special time to be together with the family, “a little me time” for relaxing alone and do whatever your heart desires. M

Family Plus Food Equals Love

05/03/2013 05:26 PM

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"I'd Gladly Pay You Tuesday, For A Hamburger Today" National Hamburger Month

“I’d gladly pay you Tuesday for a Hamburger today.” Does that sound familiar? Yes, those of us that are from the older generation remember a character from Popeye called “Wimpy,” who just like most Americans have a fascination for hamburgers. Why is it, that the “Hamburger” is on Americas top 10 list for go to food? A hamburger or burger is a sandwich that consists of a cooked patty of ground meat

Family Plus Food Equals Love

04/26/2013 12:29 AM

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A Sauvignon Blanc Wine; A Perfect Complement For "Shrimp Scampi Florentine"

Shrimp Scampi “National Shrimp Scampi Day” is celebrated on April 29th every year. The word Scampi suggests the cooking style of the shrimp in the United States. This Italian -American shrimp dish is prepared by sautéing the shrimp in butter or olive oil, with garlic, lemon juice, fresh parsley, and your favorite white wine, which is then placed over Linguine pasta. National Shrimp Scampi Day

Family Plus Food Equals Love

04/19/2013 01:06 AM

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“Grandma's Marinara Tomato Sauce” & “Grandma's Meatballs” Recipes

As the weather gets warmer and Spring is really in full bloom, it brings to mind that Summer time is approaching. A time for the beach, BBQ’s, picnics, family gatherings, and just enjoying the time outside in the sun. One of my favorite foods to eat in the summer are tomatoes. Tomatoes are now available year-round, but the most quantities, and the best flavor are when they are at it’s peak season

Family Plus Food Equals Love

04/12/2013 01:46 AM

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"Sicilian Baked Caponata with Spinach Pasta" In Honor Of The "Goddess Ceres"

In the ancient Roman religion, there was a goddess called “Ceres“. She was the daughter of Saturn and Ops, plus the sister of Jupiter, Pluto, Neptune, Vesta, and Juno. Many countries claimed the honor of her birth. An ancient temple was dedicated to her in Catania, in Sicily, Italy. Ceres was beautiful. She was tall, majestic, fair in complexion, had flaxen hair, and her eyes were luxurious. Her h

Family Plus Food Equals Love

04/06/2013 01:22 AM

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A "Sour Cream Coffee Cake" Recipe For "National Coffee Cake Day"

Did you know that the word “cake” has had a long history and it is of Viking origin? It comes from the Old Norse word “kaka”. In ancient Rome, basic bread dough was sometimes enriched with butter, eggs, and honey, which produced a sweet and cake-like baked good. Early cakes in England were mostly bread. The difference between a “cake” and “bread” is a cake has a flat shape and it is round, p

Family Plus Food Equals Love

03/29/2013 12:37 AM

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"Rack Of Lamb With Roasted Fennel And Garlic" For Easter Dinner Plus A Fun Drink To Celebrate Called "Peeps On The Beach"

Buona Pasqua! Happy Easter! “May your Easter basket be filled with blessings and joy. I wish you, your family, and your friends a day filled with loving memories.”It’s finally Spring time on Long Island! You can see the trees starting to bud, the flowers are starting to bloom, the sun is getting a little warmer, and the air has that hint of freshness that only spring can bring. Easter falls in the

Family Plus Food Equals Love

03/22/2013 02:14 PM

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Traditional, Italian, Calabrian, Easter Cakes Called, "Cuzzupa"

Spring has finally arrived, even though the weather is still cool. But that is not going to stop the coloring of eggs, bunny rabbits, Easter bonnets, parades, and egg hunts as Easter is right around the corner. It’s also time to start thinking about baking Easter cakes and sweet desserts for your Easter dinner. Christians in over 80 nations will be celebrating Palm Sunday this week and Easter Sund

Family Plus Food Equals Love

03/15/2013 07:03 PM

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"Irish Soda Bread" For St. Patrick's Day And The Feast Of St. Joseph

“May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.” This is a blessing for St. Patrick’s Day which is celebrated on March 17th. This is a day that everyone is Irish, a day to be merry and commemorate the love of St. Patrick for his followers, Irish or not. This is also a day when stories of Lepre

Family Plus Food Equals Love

03/08/2013 06:01 PM

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Think Spring! "Baked Spaghetti With Cauliflower And Anchovies" For My Mom's Birthday

Daylight Saving Time starts at 2am this Sunday March 10th. This means you will “spring ahead” and move your clocks forward one hour, which unfortunately because of the time change you lose an hour of sleep. Everyone now has to adjust to their own spring schedule. Speaking of spring, March 20th is the first day of spring officially and the warmer temperatures will be headed our way. Right now we ar

Family Plus Food Equals Love

03/01/2013 07:12 PM

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"Tomato Cheese Biscuits" for "National Flour Month"

Another month has passed us by, today is March 1st and it is the beginning of another busy month. With St. Patrick’s Day, first day of Spring, Daylight Savings Time begins, Passover, Easter Sunday, and my mother’s birthday, I will have just enough time to bake my mom a special treat using flour. Oh, I forgot to mention that March is also known as “National Flour Month”. Come, join me as we take a

Family Plus Food Equals Love

02/22/2013 04:53 PM

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"Fish, Zucchini, and Lemon Kebabs" For A Meatless Friday

Spring may not have made a commitment to New York just yet, but regardless of the weather, it’s that time of year again: Lent. Fish or a meatless meal has always been a tradition for Catholics all over the world. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the faithful, as they await the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. As good Catholics we do not eat meat on Friday during

Family Plus Food Equals Love

02/15/2013 05:41 PM

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"Cherry Dump Cake" For "Presidents' Day" And "National Cherry Month"

Presidents' Day is Monday, February 18th and it is observed in honor of two of our greatest presidents; George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. For many years, Americans celebrated both Washington’s Birthday and Lincoln’s Birthday separately. Beginning in 1971, Congress combined these celebrations into one holiday. Presidents’ Day is when we recognize the lives and achievements of all America’s Pre

Family Plus Food Equals Love

02/08/2013 04:58 PM

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“Pasta Shells With Walnuts & Cream Cheese” To Celebrate My Dad's Birthday & Valentines Day

Welcome readers…Here we are upon a Blizzard on Long Island called Nemo. This storm is supposed to bring much havoc to the Eastern states by a super snow storm this time. Last October (2012) we had Super Storm Sandy which brought devastation to many states along the Eastern seaboard. The year before that was Hurricane Irene, which was horrible as well. So now we are on the fringe of major snow tota

Family Plus Food Equals Love

02/01/2013 05:33 PM

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A "Colorful Corn Salad" Recipe To Celebrate The Month Of February

There are many things celebrated in February, among them are Ground Hog Day, the Super Bowl, Valentines day, Presidents Day, Ash Wednesday, and we can’t forget my Dad’s 86th Birthday. But I think we forgot that February is “National Canned Food Month.” Now, as you know I am an advocate for fresh fruits and vegetables, but there are some things that you need to eat that come from cans. When I was g

Family Plus Food Equals Love

01/25/2013 08:05 PM

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Antioxidants & Super Foods, With An “Eggplant Parmesan” Recipe

So, here we are into the last week of January! Didn’t this month go by really fast? Most of the country is in an arctic freeze this past week. Snow, wind, and temps in the teens with below zero in many places will continue through this weekend. Whether you are searching for ways to boost your immune system, or recovering from a cold or flu, doctors often recommend healthy lifestyle changes. Preven

Family Plus Food Equals Love

01/18/2013 12:22 AM

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"Asparagus Soup" To Celebrate My Blogiversary!!! Year "2"

“Family Plus Food Equals Love” is “2” years old today! I can’t believe it! 730 days ago was my first post. I had no idea how this blog would impact so many people besides me. I have learned so much from my research, other bloggers, family, and friends. My passion for my family traditions, recipes, and new experiences has given me confidence and drive. My potential to give you the best stories and

Family Plus Food Equals Love

01/11/2013 03:00 AM

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A "Pull-Apart Bacon Bread" Recipe For Bacon Mania!

Did you ever hear the expression, “bringing home the bacon”? The origin of the expression “bringing home the bacon” is vague. It may have come from an English custom in the 12th century of giving a young couple bacon if they were still happy after a year of marriage. Another possible reason would be a greased pig competition at county fairs. The winner would always bring home the bacon (the

Family Plus Food Equals Love

01/11/2013 03:00 AM

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A "Pull-Apart Bacon Bread" Recipe

Did you ever hear the expression, “bringing home the bacon”? The origin of the expression “bringing home the bacon” is vague. It may have come from an English custom in the 12th century of giving a young couple bacon if they were still happy after a year of marriage. Another possible reason would be a greased pig competition at county fairs. The winner would always bring home the bacon (the

Family Plus Food Equals Love

01/04/2013 02:11 AM

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A “Beef and Pepper Soup” Recipe For The Epiphany, Plus La Befana Visits

I hope you have all had a wonderful Happy New Year with lots of partying and celebrations with your friends and family! However the fun is not over yet. The feast of the Epiphany is this Sunday which is celebrated all over the world. The Epiphany is the twelfth day of Christmas and on that day the Three Wise Men came to pay homage to the Christ Child called Jesus. Storytelling, legends, and tradit

Family Plus Food Equals Love

12/30/2012 09:49 PM

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"Happy New Year" With "Italian Stuffed Artichokes" And "Stuffed Mushrooms"

As the clock strikes twelve midnight, on December st, people all over the world will wish each other a “Happy New Year-2013”. New Year’s is thought of as a time for hope, new goals, and new opportunities. We celebrate by going to parties, drinking champagne, eating, dancing, fireworks, and especially by being with our loved ones. Many cultures believe the key to a Happy New Year is beginning wi

Family Plus Food Equals Love

12/25/2012 03:03 AM

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"Buon Natale a tutti"…. "Merry Christmas"

"Buon Natale a tutti" …. "Merry Christmas" From my family to yours, I would like to wish all of my readers a Blessed Merry Christmas. Thank you for your support and visiting “Family Plus Food Equals Love”. I hope that you have enjoyed my stories and recipes. Be sure to come back next week as I have more recipes to share.Love & Peace, &

Family Plus Food Equals Love

12/20/2012 10:02 PM

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"Biscotti With Cranberries And Pistachios" Plus "Italian Sesame Cookies"

Tis’ the season to be jolly and fill your tummy with some Biscotti! Christmas is less than one week away and it’s time to finish your baking. I have a few more desserts and cookies to bake before Santa comes tumbling down that chimney.As I go through my recipe file, I am reminded of my favorite Christmas story, “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens. (December 19, 1843) Dickens resurrected the

Family Plus Food Equals Love

12/14/2012 06:05 PM

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Christmas Traditions & "Sicilian Rice Balls" Recipe

Family, traditions, religion, giving, sharing, and food. All of these words describe what Christmas is all about to me. As Christmas is almost a week away I sometimes wonder what traditions are really all about? I know that in my Italian family our customs are very important as we celebrate the Birth Jesus, which is what they say is the reason for the season. Our festivities include being together

Family Plus Food Equals Love

12/07/2012 04:01 PM

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“Poinsettias” And “Recipes” To Get You In The Holiday Spirit!

Christmas is almost here! I am so excited! Christmas is my very favorite holiday. Each year I start to plan my decorating strategy from the summer. Where to put my tree, what decorations should I use, and what new ideas have I learned throughout the year? If I could I would have Christmas all year long, but I don’t think my family and friends would appreciate seeing Santa next to the Easter Bun

Family Plus Food Equals Love

11/30/2012 07:45 PM

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Cookie Cutters and an "Anise Cutout Cookie" Recipe

Welcome, I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend filled with family, friends, food, and fun. Now that Thanksgiving is behind us for another year, it is time for to prepare for my favorite time of the year, which is Christmas! Have you decorated and put up your sparkling tree yet? Were you one of the many people that went Christmas shopping on Black Friday? Did you get all of your

Family Plus Food Equals Love

11/21/2012 09:29 PM

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Thanksgiving Italian Style & Two Italian Recipes

My wish for you, my readers is a festive Thanksgiving holiday filled with family, friends, and all the fixings. I, among everyone else, have many things to be thankful for, especially to you my readers from coast to coast and across the seas. May your day be filled with past blessings and prayers for a bright future! Thanks for coming back and enjoying my stories and my favorite family Italia

Family Plus Food Equals Love

11/16/2012 02:18 AM

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"Winter Salad With Pears and Pomegranate Seeds"

Long Island is coming back slowly but surely after hurricane “Sandy”. Everyone has a story to tell or knows someone that has lost their homes to this horrible tragedy. My thoughts and prayers go out to all that are still without electric, heat, and homes. They still need your help. Please go to your local Red Cross Center and give blood, your time, and food which are still needed. Here is where

Family Plus Food Equals Love

11/05/2012 03:58 PM

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Hurricane "Sandy" and "Pasta Spirals With Bacon & Spinach"

It was a tough week for the entire East Coast especially New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York/Long Island where I live, as “Hurricane Sandy's” destruction left an unforgettable imprint on the lives of millions. I did not post last week due to the fact that I did not have electric and was staying with family. I finally was able to get my power back but my parents, brother, and my sister-in-law did

Family Plus Food Equals Love

10/26/2012 12:44 AM

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"Oatmeal" A Warm Comfort Food & An "Oatmeal Walnut Bread" Recipe

It has been cool here on Long Island, as October is winding down. The colors of the leaves on the trees are spectacular especially when they twirl in the air and touch the ground. It seems in spots you are walking on a crisp carpet of colors. Today was a chilly, windy, overcast day with rain in the forecast for the weekend. Days that are gloomy with rain makes me want to just curl up on the couch

Family Plus Food Equals Love

10/19/2012 04:36 PM

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"Double, Double, Toil And Trouble" A "Witches Garden" & An "Italian Fries" Recipe

A dark Cave. In the middle, a Caldron boiling. Thunder! Enter Witches. Three witches speak: --------'tis time! 'tis time! Round about the caldron go; “Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and caldron bubble.” If that sounds familiar to all of my readers, it’s because it is a sentence from “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare. As Halloween is right around the corner, I thought it would be fun

Family Plus Food Equals Love

10/12/2012 04:19 PM

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"Peppers and Eggs Italian Style Sandwich" Recipe for World Egg Day!

Happy World Egg Day! Every year the second Friday in October is celebrated across the world as World Egg Day. The first World Egg Day was held in 1996 and since that we have seen many events honoring the “egg” planned across the world. Eggs have a vital role to play in feeding people around the world. They are an “eggs“-cellent, affordable source of high quality protein. Whether it’s your first ti

Family Plus Food Equals Love

10/03/2012 12:55 AM

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"World Animal Day" & "Little Bears" Homemade Bread

Anyone who knows me knows that I love all animals. From domestic to animals in the wild, they are all God‘s beautiful creatures. I have been an advocate to save the whales, seals, polar bears, and of course all sheltered domestic animals, just to name a few. I have had the pleasure of sharing some of my life with fish, dogs, cats, a box turtle, a bunny, and even a bird. Even after all of these a

Family Plus Food Equals Love

09/28/2012 03:51 PM

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"Oven Roasted Cauliflower with Raisin Vinaigrette" Recipe For "World Vegetarian Day"

Here we are approaching the beginning of October. The months are just flying by, but I bet you didn’t know that October 1st is World Vegetarian Day? It is the annual kick-off of Vegetarian Awareness Month that is full of parties, potluck dinners, food tasting displays and lots of friendly discussions.This holiday is an International Observance so everyone all over the world will be celebratin

Family Plus Food Equals Love

09/20/2012 06:41 PM

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September is "National Honey Month" & A "Baked Apples With Figs, Raisins, Nuts, And Honey” Recipe

“That buzzing noise means something. Now, the only reason for making a buzzing noise that I know of is because you are.. a bee! And the only reason for being a bee is to make honey. And the only reason for making honey is so I can eat it!” Pooh Bear himself said this quote and it was from, “Winnie The Pooh and The Honey Tree.” Yes, honey is a sweet and gooey fluid produced by honey bees, and deriv

Family Plus Food Equals Love

09/13/2012 08:48 PM

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"Purple Foot Festival" & A "Little Italian Wine Cookie" Recipe

Some of my readers maybe to young to remember an iconic TV show called “I Love Lucy”. In 1956 one of Lucille Ball’s episodes was called, “Lucy’s Italian Movie” or better known as “The Grape-Stomping” episode. On route to Italy, an Italian producer offers Lucy a role in a film called “Bitter Grapes.” So she decides to take a job in a vineyard to absorb a “little color.” This was one of the funnie

Family Plus Food Equals Love

09/11/2012 12:14 AM

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In Memory Of September 11, 2001...We Must Never Forget!

Today is the 11th Anniversary of 9/11, a day most Americans and the world will never forget. An attack on America took place that day, and thousands of people lost their lives. The entire country was impacted by this tragic day’s events.I would like to say that my heart and prayers go out to the families that have lost loved ones in the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washin

Family Plus Food Equals Love

09/06/2012 10:42 PM

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"Easy Comfy Dinner" Recipe & TV Dinner Time

September has begun and we are getting back to our normal routines. School is back in session and memories of summer vacations will hopefully last till next year. It is such a busy time of the year and parents everywhere are trying to make sure their children eat a well balanced dinner after school and activities. I remember when I was growing up; my mom always had a hot, fresh meal for our dinn

Family Plus Food Equals Love

08/30/2012 11:05 PM

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Happy Labor Day! & A "Festive Fruit Tart" Recipe That Is Delish!

Labor Day is on Monday September 3rd, and I’m sure we are all looking forward to a long enjoyable weekend as we start the month of September. This weekend celebrates the “unofficial” end of summer. Everyone is going to the beach, having picnics, BBQ’s and enjoying the last weekend of their summer activities. After Labor Day most school districts start school back up againfor another year. You ma

Family Plus Food Equals Love

08/24/2012 01:43 AM

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"Squash" Plus An Italian "Stuffed Cucuzza Long" Recipe

I can’t seem to fathom that the end of August is upon us. It feels like yesterday was Father’s Day and July 4th all wrapped into one. The days and the months are just flying by like a butterfly over flowers. Now I can understand what my grandparents and parents told me years ago about time going so quickly. September is approaching which means that school is starting soon here on the East Coast. E

Family Plus Food Equals Love

08/16/2012 01:58 PM

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When Life Hands You Lemons, You Make Lemonade!

What can be more refreshing, tasty, and perfect for this hot, humid weather most of us are experiencing? Give up? It is Lemonade! Yes, what better way to cool off with a big glass of Lemonade over ice? National Lemonade Day is August 20th, so I am honoring this lemony old favorite that everyone loves. The lemon is a small yellow fruit that is native to Asia. The origin of the lemon is somewhat a

Family Plus Food Equals Love

08/09/2012 12:31 AM

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La Notte di San Lorenzo & “Steak Pizzaiola” Recipe

?Benvenuti, Welcome…..In Italy, there is always a feast or holiday to celebrate. The Italian people celebrate with gusto everything from family to religion and we can’t forget about the food. That is what is in the heart of every Italian person. Many of their holidays revolve around a religious Holy day or to give homage to one of the many feast days of the Saints. Special traditions of these da

Family Plus Food Equals Love

08/02/2012 11:02 PM

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August Is "National Peach Month" & A "Fruity, Nutty, Chicken Salad" Recipe

Everywhere I look this summer there are delicious, sweet, juicy peaches. There is a reason why I am seeing more peaches all over and that is because August is “National Peach Month”. This holiday is honoring and enjoying the flavor of the peach. The peach is a member of the Rose family. It was first cultivated in China. The peach tree is considered to be the tree of life and peaches are symbols of

Family Plus Food Equals Love

07/27/2012 02:36 PM

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Welcome to my 100th Blog Post!! & Three Top Blog Recipes

Welcome to my 100th Blog Post!! On January 18, 2011, I introduced my first post into the food blogging world. I remember being very excited about sharing my thoughts with you. When I started my blog I had said, “That you would find plenty of family stories and recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Family, Food and Love seems to tie it all together very nicely, that you

Family Plus Food Equals Love

07/20/2012 12:54 PM

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Italian Culture & "Sofia's Peas And Pasta"

A few days ago I was watching a video called “Discovery Atlas: Italy Revealed.” It depicts the passionate culture of Italy as it follows six stories of Italians, including a jockey participating in a traditional “palio,” to a former fisherman trying to set a diving record off Sicily’s coast, to the Missoni family of the fashion world, and a Venetian gondolier’s attempt to keep his family in his na

	Family Plus Food Equals Love
	Welcome, "Family Plus Food Equals Love." You'll find plenty of family stories and recipes shared. Family, Food and Love ties it all together so nicely, that you can't have one without the other. Sometimes I'll post about my life growing up in an Italian family but mostly you'll find recipes that have been passed down through the generations. Thanks for visiting....

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