Mangia Vita

Author: Andrea DeCaro

  • Cheesy Ham & Potato Chowder

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    Andrea DeCaro
    in

    Add the olive oil, onion and carrot to the pot and sauté until they begin to soften. Then add the potatoes and flour and stir to coat the vegetables in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes. Next add the ham broth and mix well to incorporate. Add the milk and allow to…

  • Olive Tapenade

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    Andrea DeCaro
    in

    A lovely addition to a charcuterie board, or sandwich topping, this tapenade is very simple to make at home. Place all the ingredients in a small food processor and pulse until finely chopped and well combined. Serve with bread, or crackers. Enjoy!

  • Chicago Style Pizza

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    Andrea DeCaro
    in ,

    Since the start of the pandemic, we make pizza every Sunday night! We will be sharing our weekly pizza’s with you. Oil a 10 inch cast iron skillet. Stretch the dough into an even layer. Add your mozzarella right on top of the dough. Then spread the Bolognese sauce over the cheese layer and finally…

  • Homemade Corn Tortillas

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    Andrea DeCaro
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    We have started making our own corn tortillas. While it takes a little practice to become proficient (notes below), it is a fun and tasty way to upgrade your tacos. Mix the ingredients well until there are no dry spots left. If your masa harina is more a more coarse grind (like corn meal), you…

  • Cilantro Slaw and Dressing

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    Andrea DeCaro
    in

    This recipe makes a great topping for tacos or can be a tasty side dish. Dressing Add 1/4 cup of cilantro, scallions, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and sour cream to a small food processor. Process until fully combined, season with salt and pepper to taste. (You can optionally add 1/2 of a fresh diced…

  • Ham Tacos

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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. This recipe was our answer to all of the leftover ham the holidays seem to bring. If you don’t have any ham, you can pick up a ham steak and prepare it the same way. Cut the ham into small…

  • Pasta Bolognese

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    Andrea DeCaro
    in

    While this is not a traditional Bolognese sauce, I find it a tasty and quick tomato-based meat sauce for a delicious weeknight dinner. Remove the sausage from casing and cook in the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet, breaking up with a spatula. Add chopped garlic and onion until softened. Once the meat is…

  • Greek Pizza

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    Andrea DeCaro
    in ,

    Since the start of the pandemic, we make pizza every Sunday night! We will be sharing our weekly pizza’s with you. Oil your pizza pan. Stretch the dough into an even layer, it will make about a 12 inch round. Add your sauce in an even layer, then the mozzarella, and spread the feta, olives…

  • Carnitas Tacos

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    Andrea DeCaro
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    For this recipe, you can use this pork preparation (https://mangiavita.com/2023/08/17/pork-prep/ ) from your freezer stash, or roast the pork for this recipe specifically. Rinse the meat and place it into the pan then add more seasoning on top. Cover the pan with foil and roast in a 350 degree oven until the meat is well-cooked,…

  • Chorizo Pizza

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    Andrea DeCaro
    in ,

    Since the start of the pandemic, we make pizza every Sunday night! We will be sharing our weekly pizza’s with you. Oil your pizza pan. Stretch the dough into an even layer, it will make about a 12 inch round. Add your sauce in an even layer, then the mozzarella, and spread the chorizo slices…