Carmela Soprano's Polpettone - Meatloaf, Italian Style

Some folks like something different for Valentine’s Day.

And some folks like something familiar, basic comfort food.

And, wouldn’t you know it, these folks usually end up marrying each other.

And, wouldn’t you know it, they have to celebrate Valentine’s Day together.



I've got just the thing in Entertaining with the Sopranos.

Carmela has a meatloaf recipe, Polpettone.

Really, this recipe

Carmela Soprano's Spaghetti with Red Clam Sauce

The Valentine wish with the picture of the puppy reminded me of the dogs in Disney’s cartoon Lady and the Tramp.

Remember the scene in the restaurant?

The one where they shared a plate of spaghetti to the tune Bella Notte?

Not a bad way to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day.



If you’re craving an Italian dinner but it’s too late to make a reservation in the local Italian restaurant - or you just

Wishing you a day filled with all you hold dear…

Wishing You a Happy Valentine’s Day!



Life is never measured 

by the years you have lived,

but by the love you have shared,

and the people whose hearts you have touched.


Thank you for visiting!!

Carmela Soprano's Chocolate Fudge Sheet Cake

Valentine’s Day is coming.

Some folks celebrate by going out.

Some folks celebrate by staying home.

To each his - or her - own.



We’ll most likely be staying home.

And that’s where a really good cake recipe comes in handy.



Back in July, 2010 I mentioned the recipe for Carmela Soprano's Chocolate Fudge Sheet Cake.

I gave the ingredients for the frosting, but not for the cake itself.

Do you know who I am? by Margaret Ullrich

This has been a brutally cold winter just about everywhere.

Most of our friends have been staying in and catching up on chores.

We’ll be free to do a lot of socializing once it gets warmer.
If that ever happens.



I’ve just thrown out another whole cartload of recyclables.

Things collect when you've lived in a house for almost 26 years.

It's funny but things that once seemed so important,

Carmela Soprano's Prosciutto Bread / Glazing Bread Loaves

Along with homemade soups, fresh breads are great during a long cold winter.

Homemade breads are hot, soft and smell delicious.

And the heat from the oven doesn’t hurt.

It’s better than a portable heater, so making bread is a two-fer.



Sometimes I had trouble believing what I read in Entertaining with the Sopranos.

I can picture Carmela baking bread.

Sure, there are all sorts of ‘buy and

Carmela Soprano's Chicken Paillards with Tomato-Olive Salad / Chinese New Year Traditions for the Year of the Horse

January 31 is Chinese New Year - Kung Hei Fat Choy!

It will be the Year of the Horse, so there will be surprises in adventure and romance.



Chinese New Year runs for 15 days, ending on the full moon. 

Homes are cleaned before the beginning of the new year.

So you’ve got a few days to get ready.

And put away all cleaning equipment before New Year's Eve because good fortune may be swept away