This Vidalia Onion Pie with Cream Cheese is a family favorite! It’s a delicious onion quiche featuring an olive oil crust, buttery sweet onions and a creamy filling. Make this savory pie for a fantastic side dish, vegetarian entrée or holiday brunch! Give me a quiche, Darling. You’re going to love what I’ve done with…
Side Dishes
Mashed Turnips with Bacon and Brown Butter
You’ll love Mashed Turnips with Bacon and Brown Butter! They’re a great, low-carb substitute for mashed potatoes. Enjoy this turnips recipe on Thanksgiving or any time you need a delicious side dish! Turnip for what? If you’re over 30 or don’t live with a teenager, you might not get the joke. But I assure you,…
Rapini (Broccoli Rabe) with Garlic
Rapini, also known as broccoli rabe, is delicious with garlic! Don’t miss my family’s authentic Italian rapini recipe! It’s a great vegan side dish. For someone who wouldn’t eat rapini as a kid, I sure love it now. All I need for a perfect lunch is a hunk of bread and a mound of these…
Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas
Need some Thanksgiving recipe ideas? Check out these Thanksgiving appetizers, side dishes, desserts and drinks from Cooking with Mamma C! There’s turkey too! Howdy, Turkeys! Are you freaking out about your Thanksgiving menu yet? No worries! I’ve got you covered with my best Thanksgiving recipe ideas. Scroll down to find something you love.
Creamed Spinach Soufflé with Artichokes
Try Creamed Spinach Soufflé with Artichokes and Parmesan when you need a special side dish! This is a family favorite we often have on Thanksgiving. Okay, now that it’s fall, I feel the need to start planning our Thanksgiving menu. Is it just me? This creamed spinach soufflé with artichokes and Parmesan will be gracing…
Deviled Egg Potato Salad
This creamy, Deviled Egg Potato Salad is always a hit! It’s perfect for potlucks and your summer BBQ! With red and green onions, mayo, mustard, sour cream and a little kick from cayenne pepper. This might be the most American recipe on my site. We eat Italian food two-thirds of the time, and my blog…
Eggplant Parmigiana Recipe
You’ll love this Eggplant Parmigiana Recipe! As in Naples, the eggplants are dipped in flour and egg, but no bread crumbs. Featuring three kinds of cheese, fresh basil and a light tomato sauce. Everybody loves eggplant Parm. Am I right? But, did you know there are different versions of Eggplant Parmigiana in Southern Italy? You’re…
Baked Parmesan Jalapeño Poppers with Prosciutto (Gluten Free)
Try these Baked Parmesan Jalapeño Poppers with Prosciutto! They’re gluten free and fabulous! You can thank my local grocery store for giving me the idea to make jalapeño poppers. Because what else is there to do when you can no longer buy just one jalapeño? The jalapeños used to be piled into bins for the…
Top 10 Recipes and Highlights of 2017
A look at Cooking with Mamma C’s Top 10 Recipes and Highlights of 2017! Hi Gang! I’m back from a trip to Connecticut to visit my in-laws. We had a great time and ate way too much. If you celebrate the holidays, I hope you had a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah or joyous Kwanzaa….
How to Cook Long-Grain Rice Like Pasta
Learn how to cook long-grain rice like pasta. It’s perfect every time! Ready in under 20 minutes. It’s come to my attention that most people don’t cook rice the way Italians do. And that’s okay. But if you’ve found yourself disappointed by mushy, clumpy, crunchy or watery rice, read on. I’m going to explain how…
Cheesy Zucchini Bake
This Cheesy Zucchini Bake is made from scratch with Pecorino Romano and Parmesan! It’s based on my Mom’s zucchini casserole that’s a huge family favorite. Make it for brunch, parties or a side dish! At last! I finally nailed a from-scratch version of Mom’s zucchini casserole, which she’d adapted from the famous Bisquick recipe. Folks,…
Italian Green Beans with Tomatoes and Garlic
You’ll love these sautéed Italian Green Beans with Tomatoes and Garlic! This is our family recipe from Naples. It’s a delicious side dish that’s vegan, low carb and gluten free! After three years of blogging, this family recipe from Naples is finally getting its time in the limelight. And deservedly so. We absolutely love these…
Cauliflower Rice Caprese Recipe
You’ll love this Cauliflower Rice Caprese with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and balsamic glaze! A quick and easy side dish that’s low carb and gluten free. Have you jumped on the cauliflower rice bandwagon yet? I’ve been seeing recipes everywhere for a while now. But I wasn’t an early adopter, as they say in the tech…
Baked Arugula Frittata
Baked Arugula Frittata is great for breakfast, brunch, lunch or a meatless dinner! The peppery greens are so good combined with eggs, garlic, Parmesan, Romano and feta. Plus, baked frittata vs. stovetop. To bake in the oven or cook on the stove. That is the question. The frittata question, in case you’re wondering. It’s an important, philosophical topic. You…
Baked Vegetable Risotto with Asparagus and Spinach
If you need a fabulous side dish for entertaining or meal prep, you must try this Baked Vegetable Risotto with Asparagus and Spinach! It’s always a hit! It’s gluten free, meatless and can be vegetarian. Can you tell I’m ready for spring? I couldn’t wait to buy asparagus and share this keeper of a recipe…
Corned Beef and Italian Sauteed Cabbage
Mom’s recipe for Corned Beef and Italian Sautéed Cabbage is so delicious! Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an Italian twist to cover St. Joseph’s Day too! Gluten free. I had to get this recipe from Mom. She’s been making corned beef with cabbage to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day for as long as I can remember….
Baked Parmesan Gluten-Free Onion Rings
We love these Baked Parmesan Gluten-Free Onion Rings! They’re crispy (thanks to a secret ingredient), garlicky and delicious! Great plain, dipped in melted butter or dunked in marinara! See video. Without question, this is the most tested recipe on Cooking with Mamma C. I stopped counting after nine versions. You see, I had a vision…
Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes
We love Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes! I’m sharing a family favorite, plus my tips and step-by-step photos for how to peel and cut butternut squash. Have you ever tried roasted butternut squash cubes? This is one of our favorite side dishes (the kids love it too), so I had to share it with you and…
The Best Italian Green Salad with Homemade Dressing
Our family makes the best Italian green salad with homemade dressing! It’s simple, vegan, gluten free and the most requested recipe when we have friends over for dinner! I feel a bit ridiculous posting our family’s salad recipe. But so many friends rave about it, and I always say I’ll share it someday. Today is…
Plan Your 4th of July Menu!
Plan your 4th of July menu with this roundup of Cooking with Mamma C recipes! Choose from appetizer dips, entrees, salads, vegetable side dishes, fruit desserts, chocolate desserts and cakes! Is it just me, or did the 4th of July sneak up on us this year? I can’t believe it’s coming up on Monday already!…
Zucchini with Mint
Zucchini with Mint (zucchine alla menta) is a summer dish from Naples. Zucchini are fried in oil, then topped with chopped garlic, fresh mint leaves and red wine vinegar. Vegan, gluten free and delicious! The telltale signs of summer for me include lush green grass and trees, warmer temperatures, the sound of the ice cream…
Italian Bean Salad
Italian Bean Salad takes just five minutes! Make this delicious, vegan, heart-healthy side dish for potlucks, BBQs, parties or dinner at home! I’ve got the perfect dish for your next party or potluck. Heck, this Italian bean salad is the perfect side for your next meal. It’s quick, easy, vegan and gluten free. And by…
Broccoli with Gremolata
It’s a good thing we love broccoli around here. I’ve made this broccoli with gremolata three times this week, just to make sure I got the recipe right. And yes, I’m somewhat of a perfectionist — why do you ask? I’ve had gremolata on the brain for a while now. It’s a blend of lemon…
Amish Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
Amish Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes will rock your world! Mashed potatoes with cream cheese and garlic are topped with brown butter in place of gravy. My favorite mashed potatoes ever! You might be wondering why an Italian is posting a recipe for Amish brown butter mashed potatoes. Well, this Italian happens to live about 80…
Steamed Asparagus with Tarragon Butter
Steamed Asparagus with Tarragon Butter is a simple, delicious and always impressive side dish! A family favorite for years! I’m a big fan of simple, no-brainer recipes that are delicious enough to serve to guests. So, I consider it my duty to share one of our favorites: steamed asparagus with tarragon butter. I’ve been making…
Italian Carrot Salad with Basil
Italian Carrot Salad with Basil is a delicious family favorite with oil and vinegar! A vegan & gluten-free side dish.Happy New Year! I had no idea this would be my first post of 2016, but after all of the rich food during the holidays, I had such a craving for our family’s Italian carrot salad…
2015 Highlights from Cooking with Mamma C
Before we get absorbed in our plans for next year, I thought it would be fun to take a look back at the 2015 highlights from Cooking with Mamma C. What were the 10 most popular recipes posted? Which ones were my favorites? Inquiring minds want to know! First, I have to say, I’m very…
4 Thanksgiving Side Dishes that Don’t Require an Oven
One of the most challenging things about hosting Thanksgiving (or any dinner gathering) is figuring out what foods you can make, given your oven capacity. Even someone like me, with two ovens (yes, I’m the typical Italian with a second kitchen in my basement), still has to strategize. So, I thought it would be helpful…
Broccoli Au Gratin with Fontina
Broccoli Au Gratin with Fontina is for anyone who loves cheesy, creamy broccoli with crispy bread crumbs! A family favorite for many years! It’s perfect for Thanksgiving. Is it too soon for another broccoli and cheese recipe? Okay, good. Because you might want to include this Broccoli Au Gratin on your Thanksgiving table. And if…
Crispy Parmesan Potatoes with Onions and Garlic
I’ve been making these crispy Parmesan potatoes with onions and garlic for 22 years. In fact, now that I think about it, this much-loved recipe has been part of my household longer than any others on Cooking with Mamma C. How’s that for an endorsement? Like this Coq au Vin and my New England Clam…
Italian Potato Salad with Green Beans
Italian Potato Salad with Green Beans features oil and vinegar instead of mayo! Red onions and fresh basil provide the perfect accents. Vegan, gluten free and great for potlucks! Don’t miss this family recipe from Naples. I’ve been wanting to share this family recipe with you for a year. In fact, I had taken (lousy)…
Oven-Roasted Potatoes with Seasonello
Everyone raves about these Oven-Roasted Potatoes! My favorite seasoning provides the best flavor! I have no affiliation with Seasonello, but it’s high time I told you about my favorite seasoning. These oven-roasted potatoes are simple and fabulous, and everyone will wonder what is that deliciousness they taste. It’s a combination of sea salt, rosemary, garlic,…
Mom’s Asparagus Frittata
I’m so excited to share Mom’s Asparagus Frittata with you. This has been one of my favorites for years, but I’d never ventured to make it myself. Heck, until now, I’d never made any frittata. It’s partly because Mom insists that frittata has to be made on the stove and not in the oven, because…
Creamy Parmesan Polenta
Creamy Parmesan Polenta is gluten free & ready in 30 minutes! A great side dish or base for your roasted vegetables, fish or meat. This recipe’s for anyone who struggles to think of a side dish besides potatoes, rice or pasta. Creamy Parmesan Polenta is my ace in the hole and is gluten free. My…
8 Pies for Pi Day 2015
I know I just professed my love for European cakes, but I’ve got to tell you, I’m a pie girl. The kind who gets excited about #Pi Day (3-14, for anyone who’s not a math geek or Big Bang Theory nerd). So I couldn’t resist pulling together 8 pies for Pi Day 2015, featuring sweet…
Basic Risotto
In the same way fabulous shoes can make an outfit, delicious risotto can bring that “wow” factor to your meal. Every home cook should know how to produce this creamy, gluten-free rice dish, so today, I’m sharing my basic risotto recipe. It goes well with so many main dishes and can be adapted to include…
Escarole with Raisins and Pine Nuts
Have you ever tried escarole? We eat this escarole with raisins and pine nuts on Christmas Eve, as is traditional in Naples, and it’s always been one of my favorite dishes. It’s sweet and savory, and I’ve learned, healthy and vegan. Escarole, or scarola in Italian, comes from the endive family and looks like green lettuce. The…
Roasted Peppers Sautéed with Garlic in Olive Oil
You have to try Roasted Peppers Sautéed with Garlic in Olive Oil! An Italian family favorite that’s vegan, gluten free and simply the best roasted red peppers you’ll ever have! I need to introduce you to one of my top favorite vegetable dishes, one that I’d be content to eat as the main meal —…
Mom’s Scalloped Potatoes
You’re going to love Mom’s Scalloped Potatoes! Made without cheese, they’re crispy on the outside, buttery soft on the inside. Simply the best scalloped potatoes recipe. These are my favorite potatoes of all time. Buttery with a browned, crunchy top crust, Mom’s scalloped potatoes just melt in your mouth. I have loved these since I…
Parmesan Eggplants with Tomato Sauce
No, this is not Eggplant Parmigiana. There are no flour, eggs, breadcrumbs or mozzarella here. Just eggplants, fried in oil (or roasted for a healthier option), then layered with Parmesan cheese, tomato sauce, and basil. My family refers to this dish as…wait for it…”eggplants in a dish.” But I think “Parmesan Eggplants with Tomato Sauce”…
Nonna’s Batter-Fried Zucchini
Nonna’s Batter-Fried Zucchini are swoon-worthy! Make these zucchini fritters for an appetizer or side dish! A huge family favorite from Naples. Finally! Mom and I have nailed down Nonna’s batter-fried zucchini recipe, which was never written anywhere, of course, and is one of those things that Mom had to show me instead of tell me….
Green Beans with Bread Crumbs
Well, hello there. I’m back from a family wedding and much-needed vacation in California. I hope this past week has been good to you. As I mentioned in my last post, I have some recipes to share featuring Homemade Italian Bread Crumbs. (I promise not to bombard you with them all in a row.) These…
Peas with Onions (and Bacon)
If you don’t like peas, chances are you’ve never had them sautéed with onions and bacon. Even without the bacon, they’re still delicious (and a nice vegan side dish). Think smoky flavor, golden onions, olive oil, salt, peppery heat…yum! It’s the only way I eat peas. Growing up, we always had this prepared with the…
The Best Corn on the Cob
The best corn on the cob is crisp-tender and sweet with no sugar added! Learn how to make steamed corn on the cob, and it’ll become your favorite method! I’m really picky about corn on the cob, of all things. I either love it or leave it, depending on how it’s cooked. I remember trying…
Mom’s Spinach-Ricotta Pie
Mom’s Spinach-Ricotta Pie – One of the most delicious Italian dishes ever! Perfect as an appetizer, vegetable side dish or vegetarian entrée. A family favorite for many years! Behold, Mom’s Spinach-Ricotta Pie. Easily in my top ten favorites of Mom’s culinary masterpieces, it was the first recipe I asked her to teach me to make…
Mom’s Caponata (Eggplant Salad)
Mom’s Caponata (Eggplant Salad) is legendary in my family! Featuring eggplants, olives, tomatoes onions and a sweet-and-sour vibe, this vegan appetizer or side dish is perfect for potlucks and parties. Let it chill overnight before serving. Mom’s caponata is one of the reasons I started this blog. It is one of those dishes I have…
