Scalloped Gorgonzola Potatoes

      Thanksgiving Day is almost here!  I can hardly believe it!  It seems like the kids were just starting back to school and now, here we are, just about to kick off the holiday season!  I'm not complaining, mind you.......this really is my favorite time of year!  

      But, I have to say......."foodies" have it kind of rough. So many recipes and so little time!  There are tons of new recipes I'd love to try out, but honestly, how much food can five people really eat?? That's right.....only 5!  When most of the kids are grown and living all over the country, it's hard to get everyone together.  And that's something I really miss!  

      As for those that will be here......they seem to like to stick with the tried and true, the dishes they've come to expect on such a holiday.  You know....obviously the turkey, the stuffing, the mashed potatoes....etc.  I mean, really??  Mashed potatoes?? 

      Now, don't get me wrong.  A lovely mound of mashed potatoes with a pool of butter flowing down its sides or a rich turkey gravy ladled unashamedly over the top is delicious, but couldn't we be a little more imaginative?  Couldn't we add a little something to make those spuds more interesting....maybe even something with an Italian flair....hmmm??

Yummy Red Pepper Soup

    Today's recipe may look very unassuming, maybe even plain, but let me assure you, it's really, well, YUMMY!  If you're looking for a spicy-hot red pepper soup....keep looking.  If you only like chunky soups filled with all sorts of meat and veggies....this isn't for you.  BUT...if you love the idea of a rich, creamy, savory-sweet soup and you love the flavor of roasted red peppers.....you're gonna love this!  It makes a great lunch or light dinner with the addition of some great rolls or a grilled sandwich and a salad.  The recipe comes from The Italian American Cookbook by John and Galina Mariani. 

A Belated Holiday Wish and ....... Roasted Chicken with Potatoes and Peppers

    First of all, before we talk about this recipe, let me say that I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday time with friends and family.  We were able to visit my family out of state, as we usually do over the Christmas/New Year holiday, and we had a great time, as we always do (even though we were recovering from some sickness).  If it seemed that I was MIA, well...I sort of was. The flu hit our household and so, needless to say, I wasn't the cooking and baking fiend that I usually am around the holidays.  We got through it, although I'm still not feeling 100 percent. Unfortunately, some of the wonderful things I had wanted to share with you all during December didn't make it onto the blog or even onto our table for that matter.  But, sometimes that's just the way it goes.  Now we're into a new year with new resolutions and plans and, I for one, am hoping for and expecting blessings in the coming months.  I know that I have much to be thankful for and want to wish you all many wonderful things in the upcoming year.  Now, on to the recipe.

Oven-Roasted Potatoes Sprinkled with Rosemary and Garlic

    I've been thinking it would be nice to share a simple side dish with you......a dish that no one would say is too complicated or has too many ingredients or different techniques.  And.....who doesn't love potatoes, right??  They are another one of those veggies that can be prepared in an infinite number of ways and I love variety!  My kids adore roasted potatoes, so any time I make them, in whatever variation, they're happy.

Rustic Lentil Soup

    Today was a rather dreary day weather-wise.  It was overcast and rainy....the perfect kind of day to cook up a big pot of soup or stew.  I would say that this recipe falls somewhere between the two.  It's hearty and definitely warms the tummy.
    In Italy lentils hold a special significance, especially on New Year's Eve/Day, where they're a required part of the menu.  They symbolize wealth (their shape being reminiscent of tiny coins) and are eaten in hopes that the new year will be a prosperous one.  That has never been a part of our family tradition....I just enjoy them because they're really good and are a great source of protein, iron, and fiber. Try making this on a cold day and see if it doesn't warm you right up.