Onion-Garlic Tortilla Stackers

Onion-Garlic Tortilla Stackers

Leila
Appetizer, Gluten-Free Option

Whenever I serve this appetizer at dinner parties, people ask for the recipe.  In fact, one time when I served my onion-garlic tortilla stackers at a party a few years ago, they disappeared so quickly that one woman only ate half of hers, hiding the remaining half in a corner of the kitchen counter so she could save it for a guest who hadn't arrived yet.  My sister Louise pointed the unfinished appetizer out and asked me if I thought the woman was done, because if so, she was ready to finish it off without a moment's hesitation.  Read more.

Spanakopita

Spanakopita

Leila
Vegetarian, Dinner

I had only recently graduated from college when one of my high school friends, Stacy, brought homemade Spanakopita to a party.  It was the first time I ever tasted Spanakopita, or for that matter, phyllo dough.  I don't remember much from that party, but what I do remember is how much my boyfriend and I loved the Spanakopita.  That boyfriend soon became my husband, and we still love Spanakopita to this day. 

About fifteen years ago, I had Spanakopita at Cousin Jennie's house.  She was my father's first cousin, but she was more like his aunt because she and my grandfather, Vito, grew up together like siblings.  When Vito was 11, his mother died and then the following year, Vito's father, Domenico, moved back to Italy, leaving Vito with Italia, one of Vito's older sisters.  This picture was taken the last time Vito saw his father.   Read more.

Focaccia Bread

Focaccia Bread

Leila
Yeast Bread, Vegan or Vegan Option

Focaccia bread is made with a yeast dough, which is very easy and forgiving.  If you feel  uncomfortable working with yeast, this is a great place to start because the presence of olive oil 1) makes the dough a bit easier to work with, and 2) prevents it from drying out if baked too long.  I love serving focaccia bread when I have company; it's neither time-consuming nor demanding, and I've found that guests always appreciate homemade bread.  It's also the bread I use if I'm serving "fancified" sandwiches for dinner (i.e. salmon or eggplant sandwiches).  Read more.

Cut Out Cookies

Cut Out Cookies

Leila
Cookies, Christmas

I don't remember exactly where I got the recipe for these cookies; all I know is that, twenty-five years ago, I copied it out of some magazine and I've been making them ever since.  These cut out cookies contain less sugar than traditional sugar cookies, making them perfect for icing or dipping.  The dough also includes cream cheese, which adds a special tenderness.  When my boys were young, I always made them at Christmas time, Valentines Day, and Halloween, so they could decorate them with icing to look like Christmas trees, Santas, hearts, pumpkins, bats, ghosts, skeletons, etc...  I now prefer to simply dip my cut out cookies in chocolate.  The result is understated and delicious.  In my opinion, they're best when the chocolate coat is a bit hard, so I keep them in the refrigerator until just before serving.  Read more.

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