Asparagus and Egg Frittata

One of my very favorites...Asparagus and Egg Frittata...

Actually I love them all...potatoes, onions and egg, pepper and egg....or even potato, onion, pepper and egg!:)lol Get creative...the frittata is one of the most affordable, healthy,  yet simplest and delicious meals or side dishes...
It also makes for a delicious sandwich, hero, sub, grinder etc...etc...

Food like this makes me HAPPY! :) lol
A hunk of Italian bread and a glass wine and you're all set!

I will have quite a few different Frittata recipes in my upcoming cookbook...
Look for it as a downloadable e-book to start...with recipes, photos and personal stories, remembrances, and family anecdotes coming soon!:)

Thank you all so much for reading....and for subscribing to my blog....
Love,
Joe

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My Music...

Please show your support...have a listen and if you enjoy it,  pick up a high quality digital download of my 11 track CD..."The Godsend Sessions" for $12.99 here...

                                                       

http://joegande.bandcamp.com

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http://www.joegande.com

"What is this thing they call Piadini?" and "Why have I not had one yet?!" :) LOL

Last week's Piadine w/ caramelized onions, spinach, mushrooms & gorgonzola cheese....

My thoughts....

Piadini...Piadine...Piadina....It's all good:)

I had been watching The Food Network sometime last week as I often do when I happen to get a chance to catch it that is...and I heard mention of what they were calling Italian "Piadini" so many times....and I was hearing from various chefs how great they were and how delicious...and getting hungry!:)lol Being Italian...I was a bit surprised that I had never heard of them before...well...not really...in the sense of using the name "Piadini" that is...and I was curious...so I said to myself..hmmm.."What is this thing they call Piadini?"!:)lol and "Why have I not had one yet?!" :) lol....

This is truly one of the wonders and beauty of Italy and it's cuisine...it is never ending and creative and everyone has there own takes, versions, experiences and styles of food depending on where you might be from...always something new to discover and to learn....

I thought they looked and sounded pretty much like a type of pizza or "pizza like" variation to me....by listening to the various Chef's descriptions and recipes...and seeing the results on their shows...some of them called them a "Tart" some a "Tartlet"...lol...and apparently they are all the rage now and Starbucks here in the US has even added their version to the menu!:)lol You ever notice how The Food network sometimes does this and gets on kicks and all the chef's and their shows seem to be mentioning and or making similar things?

I love how things that are basically ancient, traditional,rustic, family meals, turn into a marketing and "Hip" thing and start being exploited all over the place!lol It just cracks me up...it's like this "Cucina Povero" expression you may hear being thrown around nowadays....That's right..."Poor People's Food" and how all the expensive restaurants and well known chefs are calling certain dishes that....and they are all now making and discussing what I simply was taught by my Father to call..."Italian Soul Food"...which are simple dishes born out of necessity....sometimes lack of money and of course what Italian's do best and have been known for for thousands of years...improvising....and artistic creativity and sheer ingenuity and inventiveness...

I immediately had to look them up...first in a few books I have...and then online too....and found out that a "Piadini"...or more correctly Piadine(the true plural form) of a "Piadina"..is an Italian flat bread...somewhat "Pita Like" you might say...usually made with white flour, lard or olive oil, salt and water...The dough was traditionally cooked on a terracotta dish, although nowadays flat pans or electric griddles are commonly used. Some are very thin and some are a little thicker and doughier...some may be served open-faced or cut in pieces or even filled and folded. They originally come from the Romagna region of Italy...and may be topped and or filled/served with all kinds of goodness..such as cheeses, various vegetables etc....or even with fruits and/or chocolate or evreryone's favorite...Nutella...

As I have mentioned in some of my previous posts... I LOVE learning new things...especially when it comes to food and food origins.......so I decided to try my hand at making my own homemade Piadine... and this is the result...and although I am very happy to now know about them and found out the truth and have them in my life now...lol....it doesn't matter what they are called or where they are from...they are so delicious...and I would definitely make them regularly now...and so should you!:)

Last week's Piadine w/ caramelized onions, spinach, mushrooms & gorgonzola cheese....

Do you think I should add my version in my upcoming cookbook?










Thank you for stopping by and reading this post...Grazie a tutti!!:)

Please leave a comment...share your thoughts and ideas..."Like", "Tweet" +1 and share, etc...etc...and remember to follow or subscribe to my blog to keep in touch and to stay updated on happenings...thank you!:)

Love,

Joe

My Music...

Show your support...have a listen and if you dig it please pick up a high quality digital download of my CD..."The Godsend Sessions" here...





http://joegande.bandcamp.com

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-godsend-sessions/id416008000

http://www.joegande.com

Wine Soaked Figs...

I was thinking about my Grandfather this morning...so I decided to make some wine soaked figs with the dried figs from Calabria that I had from the holidays...un dolce delizioso!
Buona Domenica a tutti!
Have a beautiful Sunday everyone!!
Love,
Joe

Click photo to enlarge

What an interesting, cathartic day-My "Gray"...Oil Painting & a visit from my Father....

What an interesting, cathartic day....My "Gray"...A wonderful gift by way of an oil painting & a visit from my Father....You know those days when you think for sure that it's going to go one way...and then ends up in another?:)lol Well that was today!Firstly...I woke up to find my Mom on the floor rummaging through an old box of stuff that was my Dad's...she had had a dream about him and felt the need to look through his things and decide what to do with some of them...My parents 50th anniversary would have been just a few days ago...maybe that's why....I was very reluctant to join her at first...wanting to just keep the things as is and leave them alone..even after being so long since he had passed on....but, after some coaxing... I did....Let's just say...I learned some things...heard some wonderful stories, laughed, and yes....shed a few tears...and I'm now sitting here writing this wearing my Father's favorite  New York Yankees Baseball cap...:)I thought I knew it all and had done this already and had all of his things...I have been wearing  his favorite T-shirt(and mine) for many years and have his Dogtags around my neck since he gave them to me and I have the paintings he did hanging on my walls...I even have his used Saxophone reeds taped to the back of my Gibson Les Paul Guitar for good luck and so he's with me every time I hit the stage...can you say superstitious...lol....or sentimental? lol....but, apparently I did not know or have everything... and there are always new things to learn and experience in life, each and every day...... As some may know...I loved my Father dearly and without even knowing the why, what or when of it.....I am so very like him...according to my family...more now so than ever....I guess it must be I'm getting older :)So after all that..I just sat down with my coffee....Then...a ring...the door bell...and a an unexpected mystery box...I opened it to find....A beautiful oil painting out of the blue of my best friend "Gray"....May she RIP....I miss her terribly....What wonderful work by such an awesome, talented, up and coming young artist...And though I thought it might be too soon and too painful to do so...I stared at it all day....I think the artist really captured "Gray" so well...and sometimes I found myself today catching a glimpse maybe walking by and thinking it is really her there...though I must admit I have been doing that a lot lately anyway...It's funny... I love animals...sometimes more than people, as so many say...but was always a Dog person...or so I thought...having 3 dogs over the years....and being allergic to cats....but...  My cat "Gray" was very special....she was a stray that just showed up one day...and never left my side till the day she left this earth....she walked up to me and I said "hey gray kitty"....and the rest is history...She was a very loving, noble and "Dog like" or almost "human like" kitty...A Cat Doctor/Specialist friend of mine said upon meeting "Gray"..."Oh...I see you have a talking Kitty"....and she thought that she was a spirit...and my guardian....based on what the ancient Egyptians believed....and what I know to be true...I have to concur.... I know there was a strange, close bond and connection like I've never had before...and it was known and seen by all that know us....and I always thought she was sent to me....Ti manca la mia Grigia...tuo padre ti ama così tantoWell....thank you for stopping by and reading this post...I hope you may have enjoyed my rambling in some way...I'm not one to typically share and ramble on about such personal things here...well, maybe...occasionally...lol...but isn't that what a Blog is really all about? and what it supposed to be? or at least what they started out being?By definition a Blog is...."a Web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer""a Web site containing the writer's or group of writers' own experiences,  observations, insights, opinions, etc"... Please let me know if you like this kind of post...or not....Have an awesome rest of the week!!Love,Joe

Some photos of my beautiful best friend....

Please leave a comment...share your thoughts, experiences and ideas..."Like", "Tweet"  +1 and share, etc...etc...and remember to follow or subscribe to my blog  on Posterous or on Blogspot to keep in touch and to stay updated on happenings....thank you!:)

My Music...

 If you dig my music....please show your support and pick up a highest quality digital download of my CD..."The Godsend Sessions" here...

                           

 http://joegande.bandcamp.com

Or you can find me pretty much anywhere online...50 plus retailers...including....

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-godsend-sessions/id416008000

http://www.joegande.com

Homemade Pizza! :)

Made a quick homemade pizza tonight...

Some San Marzano Tomatoes, Olive Oil, Garlic, a pinch of Oregano, Salt, Pepper, Fresh Mushrooms, Capocollo, Fresh Grated Asiago Cheese....Oh yeah!!:)
Buon Lunedi a Tutti!:)
Have an awesome new week everyone!!
Love,
Joe

Tons of different pizza recipes will be in my upcoming cookbook! :)

  

Thank you for stopping by and reading this post...
 Please leave a comment...share your thoughts and ideas..."Like", "Tweet"  +1 and share, etc...etc...
Remember to follow or subscribe to my blog to keep in touch and to stay updated on happenings...thank you!:)

 My Music...

 Show your support...Pick up a high quality digital download of my CD..."The Godsend Sessions"...

                           

 http://joegande.bandcamp.com

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-godsend-sessions/id416008000

http://www.joegande.com

Some Omega3s to start the Happy New Year!:) Salmon Cakes

Hi Everybody!:)
Watching Top Chef & cooked up some Salmon Cakes for a late dinner tonight!:)
Some Omega3s to start the New Year!!!:)
What do you think? 
Should I include these and other seafood dishes in my upcoming cookbook?

Wishing you all a very Happy and Healthy and Prosperous New Year 2013!
It's gonna be an awesome New Year! I feel it!
Thank you all so much for being so wonderful to me & to my music...really...and for being there for me in good & bad times throughout 2012...with such real friendship & support!
I really appreciate you listening to and sharing and purchasing my music and taking the time to comment and email & share your thoughts and all of your kindness all over the web!...It means so much to me.
I certainly am very blessed and have THE BEST real friends, family and network from around the world!!!
Love,
Joe

I improvised this tonight...and a lot of times I do...depending on what I have in the kitchen...so the recipe may vary....
I will put this recipe with more detailed, full instructions in my new, upcoming cookbook!

Ingredients:
1 Can of Salmon...Wild Alaskan or Sockeye..or fresh Salmon if available, Remove bones & skin
1 Egg
Panko bread crumbs
Mayonaise
Lemon
Minced Onion-I grated it on a zester
Celery- remove strings...chopped very fine & sautéed to soften a bit
Dill
Cayenne Pepper...just a touch
Salt
Black Pepper

 

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                                                             Click photo to enlarge...

Thank you for reading...

Please leave a comment...share your thoughts and ideas..."Like", "Tweet"  +1 and share, etc...etc... Remember to follow or subscribe to my blog to keep in touch and to stay updated on happenings....thank you!:)

My Music...

Please show your support by picking up a high quality digital download of my CD..."The Godsend Sessions" for just $12.99 on Bandcamp...just click the pic..or visit the sites below....

                           

 http://joegande.bandcamp.com

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-godsend-sessions/id416008000

http://www.joegande.com

Friday night is Seafood Night! Shrimp Fra Diavolo!

Where I come from, Friday Night has always been seafood night...
I know that to some it may be old hat and no one really sticks to this anymore these days...but, being a good Italian, Catholic boy I like to keep traditions and my heritage alive and well.... :) LOL
Plus, putting aside the old tradition and religious influence of fish on Fridays....what's better than looking forward to a nice seafood meal once a week that is healthy and good for you?:)
This is my Shrimp Fra Diavolo...
Fra Diavolo means "Friar or brother devil" and is said to be a Southern Italian-American creation...a spicy sauce for pasta and shellfish made usually with either shrimp or lobster....although, some say(including my Father) that it comes from Naples and was passed down through generations....and it was made popular here in the US in NYC....whatever the case...it is delicious!
You can adjust the "Heat" according to your taste....

Ingredients:

Olive Oil
Garlic
Red Pepper Flakes
Parsley
Basil
Pinch of Oregano (not too much)
1 Teaspoon of lemon juice (not required)
1 can of San Marzano whole plum tomatoes(I prefer these..but any can of Crushed, puree or whole tomatoes is ok...whatever you like to use for your marinara sauce)
About a half a pound of raw unpeeled shrimp.... I like them shell on..gives much more flavor and the shrimp cook better...but you can use whatver shrimp you like or may have on hand.... 
A touch of  wine-white preferably...but red ok...just improvise:)
I will have the full recipe in my upcoming Cookbook...

The shrimp simmering in the sauce...

                                                             Click photo to enlarge...

Click photo to enlarge...

Thank you for reading...

Please leave a comment...share your thoughts and ideas..."Like", "Tweet"  +1 and share, etc...etc...and remember to follow or subscribe to my blog to keep in touch and to stay updated on happenings....thank you!:)

 My Music...

Show your support...Pick up a high quality digital download of my CD..."The Godsend Sessions"...

                            

http://joegande.bandcamp.com

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-godsend-sessions/id416008000

http://www.joegande.com

IBroadcast.tv Holiday Contest! Need your votes!:)

Hi everybody,

As many of you may know..I am entered in the iBroadcast.tv Holiday Contest...

I can really use your support in the form of a vote for this....

I am currently in 8th place...which is not so bad...but I am way behind in votes to win.....

Voting Closes 11:59 PM PST, Thursday, January 3rd

I posted about this on Facebook a few weeks ago... a question to you all whether I should enter or not, taking into consideration the busy time of year and not wanting to bother you all with voting but after so many great comments of support...It was a unanimous yes and I entered...a little late...but better late then never! :)

I added my videos and a lot of personal favorites and also my favorite Christmas/Holiday videos, tv shows and songs, etc....from Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra...to Pavarotti, Charlie Brown and The Beatles! :) lol 

About iBroadcast.tv:

iBroadcast.tv is an awesome place where anyone can make there own TV channel/station/playlist!!
It's live running 24/7!

You can choose from Youtube vids and/or add live webcam also for performance and skits etc...etc...

The owners, Sam and Tammy are awesome and so very kind...and very supportive and helpful too!!

You can follow them on Twitter here:

http://twitter.com/ibroadcasttv

How to vote:

Just click the linkand login/accept the app through your Facebook...

The page will then load and then you vote by clicking on the big red "Vote For This Channel" button on the upper right hand side....

The page will then reload/refresh..and you can then watch....and leave comments in the chat box.

Other features:

You can also click the "I'm a Fan" button on the upper right side as well if you'd like..

And now there is also a new feature called ibucks....see the box....

Link to Vote: ( It's better if you're already logged in to Facebook to do this)

http://ibroadcast.tv/watch/channel.aspx?id=2025

Remember...

Voting Closes 11:59 PM PST, Thursday, January 3rd

So cast your vote today!!:)

Thank you all so much for tuning in and voting!!

I really appreciate it!

Hope you enjoy!!!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas/Happy Holiday Season!! Buon Natale a tutti!!!

Love, Joe

We are mourning...

I watched the Vigil for the Newtown, CT tragedy tonight….

It was very sad...

The world is mourning....

It was very powerful...

One can gain so much through, listening, watching, learning, understanding....

So many different thought provoking messages come from times like these...

My thoughts...

 Through these trying, grievous, difficult times… and as it should be through ALL times…

No matter who you are, what you look like, where you come from, what your name is, what beliefs you may have, what language you speak, what faith, what religion or what no religion, what politics, what social status, or what race, or color you may be…we stand together….
We are one…ONE human being, ONE town, ONE community, ONE state, ONE country, ONE world, ONE planet, ONE universe… A FAMILY….Together…
With love, respect, compassion and understanding for all….
 Joe Gande

Soup night again!:) Stracciatella alla Romana

It's cold! :) lol 
So....Yes, it's a soup night...again!:) 
Tonight's Roman Egg Drop Soup - Stracciatella all a Romana...
I made it without the spinach...which I sometimes prefer....
Stracciatella means  "little shreds" or "little rags"... and it refers to the strands of cooked egg that form from the method of cooking...the whisking and when the soup is swirled...  


Ingredients:6 cups or so of chicken broth (reduced-sodium preferably)2 large eggs2 tablespoons freshly grated cheese (like Parmigiano-Reggiano, or Asiago) and a bit more for serving at the table....2 tablespoons chopped Italian flat leaf Parsley2 tablepoons chopped fresh basil leaves (optional)1 cup lightly packed spinach leaves, cut in thin strips(optional)Orzo, Pastina, Stelline or other small pasta (optional)Pinch of nutmeg (optional)Lemon Zest (optional)Salt and freshly ground black pepperA few red pepper flakes...

I will have my versison of this wonderful classic soup with a full detailed recipe  in my upcoming cookbook!:)

                                                             Click to enlarge photo...

Hope you all had a great start to the new week!
Love,
Joe 

Thank you for reading...
Please leave a comment...share your thoughts and ideas..."Like", "Tweet"  +1 and share, etc...etc...
Remember to follow or subscribe to my blog to keep in touch and to stay updated on happenings...thank you!:)


My Music...
Show your support...Pick up a high quality digital download of my CD..."The Godsend Sessions"...

                            

 http://joegande.bandcamp.com

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-godsend-sessions/id416008000

http://www.joegande.com