Monday, December 31, 2018

New Years Lentil Soup

It was thought that Lentils resemble Roman coins, which in turn symbolize prosperity and money and are an important staple in the Italian home.  One of our family traditions was making Lentil soup every New Years Eve making them available for New Years Day.  It was thought to bring luck and Prosperity for the coming year!

                                                  Happy New Year for 2019!


1 bag of Lentils (Go through the lentils before cooking to take out any impurities and then wash well)
6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
1 celery stick chopped finely
1 small chopped onion
2 medium cloves of garlic chopped finely
2 carrots diced finely
2 tablespoons of hunts tomato sauce (puree)
1 tablespoon of pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon of salt (optional)
3 tablespoons of dry parsley or fresh
1 teaspoon of Mrs. Dash Italian blend
1/4 pound of Pasta (Ditali or spaghetti broken in fours or elbow) you can also make it without pasta.

Cook lentils in 6 cups of water, for about 30 minutes in medium size pot. Once cooked put to one side.


While lentils are cooking, in another medium size pot heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil, add celery, onion, garlic, carrots and saute at low heat for about 10 minutes till soft and golden, then add the sauce cook another 5 minutes.  Once tender slowly add the cooked  lentils liquid and all, do not drain lentils. If needed add more water.   Add the pepper, salt, parsley, Mrs. Dash and cook for another 10 minutes bringing to a boil, slowly add pasta into this mixture and cook until tender but not too soft.   Season more if needed to your taste.

Serve with Italian bread, or garlic bread, or just as is.

Sunday, December 2, 2018

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Sift together the flour, salt, baking soda; set aside.

Cream together the butter, sugar, peanut butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla milk. Add the flour mixture; mix well. Shape into about 40 balls and place each into an ungreased mini muffin pan.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 7-8 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately press a mini peanut butter cup into each ball. Cool and remove from pan.

Saturday, December 1, 2018

Rice Crispy Chocolate covered Balls

3 cups crisp rice cereal
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
4 tablespoons shortening
Add all ingredients to list

In a large bowl, mix butter, sugar, peanut butter and crisp rice cereal together thoroughly.
Roll into small balls and set aside.

Melt the chocolate chips and shortening in a small saucepan over low heat being careful not to burn. Once melted remove from heat. Coat the small balls in the chocolate and refrigerate for 2 hours.