Mangia Vita

Author: Andrea DeCaro

  • Snickerdoodles

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    Andrea DeCaro
    in

    These are my husband’s favorite cookie, so I had to learn how to make them properly. Apparently, the real issue was the fact that I do not stock Cream of Tartar in my baking supplies, what a tragedy! So I picked up the missing link and got to it. Cinnamon Sugar Cream together the butter…

  • Honey Cake

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    Andrea DeCaro
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    This is a lovely moist, fall cake with honey and some warm fall spices. It makes quite a bit of cake. I typically make 3 loaves, but it depends on your pan sizes. I believe it would be good as a sheet cake and also would make good muffins. I love to have this cake…

  • Chicken Piccata

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    Andrea DeCaro
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    This is a simple weeknight chicken dinner that just takes a few ingredients and really comes off quite elegant on the plate. Most recipes call for chicken cutlets or pounded chicken breast, which is an option, however, I prefer chicken tenders as they are easier portions and simpler to prepare. Season chicken tenders with salt…

  • Peach Pie

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    Andrea DeCaro
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    I am new to pie making and will start documenting my trials here. For a nice summer peach pie, I used my standard all-butter pie crust recipe (https://mangiavita.com/articles/pie-crust/ ). Filling While both rounds are chilling in the fridge, I prepare my filling. Preheat the oven to 425. Using about 2 pounds of fresh peaches, I…

  • Pie Crust

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    Andrea DeCaro
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    A simple, all-butter crust for a sweet or savory pie! Mix the sugar and salt onto the flour. Then toss the butter pieces into the flour mixture, coating them. Smash the butter pieces with your hands and keep tossing to recoat with flour. Alternate smashing and tossing to coat with flour. Work the mixture with…

  • French Onion Soup

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    Andrea DeCaro
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    This is a great soup for a cold day. It is relatively simple, with few ingredients, but just takes a little bit of time. Slice the onions and add to an enameled dutch oven with garlic, butter, salt and pepper. Saute the onions until softened and caramelized. Sprinkle in the flour and stir until the…

  • Chocolate Ganache

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    Andrea DeCaro
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    Warm the cream just to simmering in a medium sauce pan. Turn off the heat and add the chocolate and salt. Let sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. Then with a spatula mix until the mixture is smooth and even. Let it sit until it has come to room temp and thickened a little. At room…

  • Barbacoa Sauce

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    Andrea DeCaro
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    It’s a smoky, spicy addition to your tacos or fajitas. Make a batch and freeze because a little goes a long way. Blend all of the ingredients (except oil) in a food processor until smooth, then add to a skillet with the oil over low heat and cook until thickened and flavors have deepened. Mix…

  • Egg Salad

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    Andrea DeCaro
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    A simple dish for a quick lunch, brunch or tea! Put the eggs in a sauce pan and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a rolling boil and let it boil for 1 minute. Turn off the flame and cover the pot. Leave covered for 14 minutes. Rinse the eggs in cold water…

  • Carnitas Tacos with Corn Salsa

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    Andrea DeCaro
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    We love Taco Tuesday at our house, so we are documenting our weekly taco recipes. Add the thawed meat to non-stick skillet, with olive oil and seasoning. Warm the meat through and caramelize the meat slightly. Brush the corn tortillas with olive oil and griddle the tortillas until slightly golden. Add pork, toppings, and hot…