Mangia Vita

Author: Andrea DeCaro

  • Korean-Style BBQ Beef

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    Andrea DeCaro
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    Slice the partially frozen beef as thinly as possible. Put all of the ingredients, except for the beef into a food processor and blend well. Pour the marinade over the meat, mix and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and cook the beef in batches until caramelized, being careful…

  • Dead Bones

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    Andrea DeCaro
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    These are a traditional Italian cookie that have a unique taste and texture. They are left out to create a shell and when they are baked the inside seeps out and there is a sticky base and a crunchy shell. I typically make a half batch of these. Sift together the dry ingredients, add the…

  • Pecan Pie Muffins

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    Andrea DeCaro
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    Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Grease a muffin tin (can also use a mini muffin tin). Fill each cup 3/4 full. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Cool in pan for a minute or 2, then turn out to cool completely. Do not let them cook in the pan or they…

  • Scottish Shortbread

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    Andrea DeCaro
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    Mix until blended. Roll with rolling pin into a rimmed cookie sheet. Punch holes with fork. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. Check for doneness. Sugar the top, cut into squares.

  • Christmas Crack

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    Andrea DeCaro
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    Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Lay out the saltines over the cookie sheet. Melt butter and stir in 1 cup brown sugar. Bring to boil stirring constantly. Boil 1 minute. Pour over saltines. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with semi-sweet chocolate chips. After 2 minutes spread…

  • Sausages and Peppers

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    Andrea DeCaro
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    A very quick and easy Italian dinner is Sausage and Peppers: Remove the sausage from the casing, or slice and fry up in a large frying pan. Cut up the bell peppers and onions into bite-sized pieces. Remove the cooked sausage and put in the vegetables (you can remove some of the grease from the…

  • Aunt Jean’s Pizzelles

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    Andrea DeCaro
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    Other options: you can add cocoa (a couple of table spoons to ¼ cup) add to taste, if you like chocolate Pizzelles. Add and beat in the order given. Place 1 tsp of batter in the center of each pizzelle iron section, cook for 45-60 seconds. Remove with fork, let cool.

  • Tamales

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    Andrea DeCaro
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    Making tamales is a large undertaking and takes a bit of time and patience, but they are so good! I like to rinse the corn husks if they seem dusty, then I bring a large pot of water to a boil, then turn off and soak the husks (about 20) in the water for at…

  • Chicken Soup

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    Andrea DeCaro
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    The amounts are up to you depending on how much you want to make and your desired veggies to broth ratio, but here’s what I do. Also a good idea to double and freeze it for when you are feeling like you need some soup! I actually poach the chicken in the broth to begin.…

  • Stuffed Artichokes

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    Andrea DeCaro
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    When I was in high school, I found out that most people do not eat artichokes the way my family does. One of my classmates said something about steaming them and dipping the leaves in mayonnaise… First you prep the artichokes: rinse them off, cut off the stems, cut the very tops off, and cut…