Pastitsio, A Greek Baked Macaroni

The traditional method of baking in Greece was to use a beehive-shaped oven called an avli built on the side of a house.  Those who couldn’t afford an oven would send their food to the local baker’s fourno (oven) for cooking.  Pastitsio, baked macaroni with meat sauce and white sauce, with its Italian-derived name but […]

“Oh, Wonderful!” Sicilian Eggplant

The Sicilian expression—although little known among contemporary Sicilians—sciàtara-e-màtara, is an exclamation of wonder–or contempt!  It might be said like “Oh, wonderful!” or contemptuously as in “God! Great merciful God!”  The expression derives from the Arabic shātirū yā mā tāra as in “oh, the cleverness that you see!” which Arabs say sarcastically when someone from whom […]

Leftovers Become Lobster Ravioli Pot Pie!

Somehow my youngest son years ago talked me into making lobster ravioli for his birthday every year.  Then his brother and sister got into the act.  Then their mother and so it becomes a big production.  It’s fun as we have an excuse for a ridiculous party every year in late April.  This year I […]

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