top of page


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Why You Should Skip the Oil in Pasta Water
Many of us grew up watching our families add oil to pasta water, believing it would prevent the noodles from sticking together. However,...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Campari Tomatoes: A Winter Tomato Choice
I often get asked about good tomatoes in the winter. While summer tomatoes are undeniably the best, if you’re craving a fresh burst of...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Cucina Povera: Italy’s Soulful Cuisine of Simplicity and Tradition
Cucina povera literally translates to "poor kitchen" or "kitchen of the poor," and it refers to the traditional cooking style in Italy...


Mandi Casey
2 min read
From Italy with Love: The Flours Behind My Pasta Dough
As I’ve been experimenting with different flours in our pasta dough, I’ve discovered some wonderful combinations that not only enhance...


Mandi Casey
2 min read
How to Choose Flour for Pasta
Im not a doctor, I just play one on TV. 😂 But no seriously, I speak from experience, my friends who are gluten intolerant speak from...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Cured Pork, The Italian Way!
As I am perfecting my authentic Carbonara recipe, I am thrilled to be able to find Guanciale in many stores now. That is the real secret...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Passata
I am often asked………..what the heck is passata??? Passata is simply puréed, strained uncooked tomatoes… that's it. There are no fillers...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
The Magic of Carrots, Onions, Celery and Bell Pepper
Different names and different cultures, all three are vegetable mixtures used as a base for cooking.The key difference lies in their...


Mandi Casey
2 min read
Decorating for the Holidays
If you’re on Instagram, you’ve likely seen all the memes declaring that the holidays officially begin on November 1. I’ve been battling...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Life After Corporate America
Retirement from a long career can often bring feelings of uncertainty and loss. The question looms: “What’s next?” That’s why it’s...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Cooking Cheap Cuts of Meat
Dont be afraid to purchase cheaper cuts of meat, because if you cook it right, it can be delicious. I suggest braising. Braising is a...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Noni’s Favorite Olive Oil
This olive oil is like no other. I wont use anything else now. Traditional methods and small batches always preserve the best quality...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Tablescapes
Setting a nice table has so many benefits. I know many of you will ask, but who has time? I am not saying you have to do this all the...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
A Drizzle or a Glug?
It’s no secret I love olive oil and the only oil that I use. I totally feel that the amount used is a personal preference! I may start...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Clams
One of my favorite memories growing up at my grandparents house “down the shore” in Manasquan NJ, was eating clams. I was eating these...


Mandi Casey
2 min read
Feast of The Seven Fishes
For most of my life, Christmas Eve was all about the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Once my older son took over hosting on Christmas Eve, he...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
La Passeggiata
There are so many things I love about the Italian culture, soooooo many….. but I so love the walk before and/or after dinner. La...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
What is Roux?
Roux has been thickening savory dishes for centuries. Its first incarnation was in France and made with butter and flour. The invention...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Grana Padano
This is one of my new favorite cheeses, but in reality, it’s been around since the 12th century. Are retailers in the US now selling it?...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Chicken Brine
I am a huge fan of brining. Meats soak up salt water more easily than plain water. Therefore, what you’re doing is adding moisture to...
bottom of page