Food, a different meaning and a little short then; in the 30s - lack of money; in the 40s - war. Ration stamps for food. Everything was rationed. Top of the list was Butter, Coffee, Meat, of course gasoline and tires. The introduction of Margarine with that obvious orange dot to squeeze and manipulate 'til it looked like butter. Each family was alloted stamps according to their number. I was always the family shopper and I did go to a super market (rare find) but can't remember the name.
There were air raids with the sky filled with searchlights, but thanks to our military and leaders, our country was never touched. Exclusive of Hawaii and Alaska which were not yet states. My father was an air raid warden, he could not serve in the military. When he was twelve he was hit by a truck which left him with a silver plate in his head and a silver bone in his thigh. So, he became a welder at the Sun Ship Yard in Chester, PA. The unstoppable Joe the Barber. At the end of the war was laid off from Sun, got on a bus and got a job at the Gulf Oil Refinery that same day.
The war years - little red wagons and trash picking once or twice a week, by my friends and me. Collecting every recyclable item we could find - tin, copper, lead, rubber, rags and newspaper for the war. Of course we made enough money at the junk yard for a saturday matinee and maybe a box of Good & Plenty.
Saturday matinee, wow. Always a great feature film plus, "Joe McDoaks" , "Heckle & Jeckle" , "Laurel & Hardy", "Spy Smasher", "Captain Marvel", "The Bowery Boys", "The Lone Ranger", just loaded with Chapters and Short subjects. "The News Of The Day", uncensured clips of the war and in 1945 the horrible films of Nazi concentration camps.
At the end of the war we had many, many block parties to celebrate. First VE Day then VJ Day. Lots of food, music and dancing under the Christmas lights strung across the street from house to house. The women made all kinds of food which were laid out on many tables. There was soda for the kids and beer for the adults. That was our block, but every street in South Philly did the same thing.
Before that, FDR was my hero and I had to see him in-person. I played hookie from school when I was eleven to see him on South Broad St. in front of South Philly High. I wanted to touch his hand but chickened out when I got within 15 feet of his open limo. In his famous black cape and long cigarette holder he looked at me and smiled. He wasn't wearing his funny black hat on his way to the Philadelphia Naval Yard to give a speech. I was sad he did not live to see the war end.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
More Pasta Sauces
Begin your journey through the world of Pasta Sauces. Fear not. It is your kitchen, your taste buds. If you need more details of any specific recipe, contact me. ENJOY!
CHECK IT OUT IN PASTA SAUCES.
CHECK IT OUT IN PASTA SAUCES.
A little tike in South Philly.
From when I was 3-1/2 years old I did the marketing. The cop on the corner crossed me back and forth across a heavily traveled street, Snyder Avenue. Well, not that heavy, there weren't many cars, but by the time I was seven I managed to get hit by one. Well, I actually hit him. (Poor guy was scared as hell. I let out a few moans just for sympathy. A few visits to the clinic fixed up my arm fine and I got a double decker ice cream cone from the driver).
I was told if an item went up a penny I argued with the grocer and occasionally won. Shopping was daily then, you know, no refrigerators or freezers, just an ice box.
True, I mostly hung out with the girls, played hop scotch, jacks and with Dixie Dugan paper dolls. Most birthday parties I attended I was the only boy. So "post office" and "spin the bottle" made me designated kisser. Somebody had to do it.
I moved on to "kick the can", "half ball", "buck buck" and many other games. If this is beginning to sound like the land of OZ, it was. Simply remember OZ was not without its challenges and my book has no place for the negatives.
We moved from the Government Subsidized housing in the Tasker Homes project to a rented home on Bancroft St., it was marvelous. My father renovated to a degree that made the landlord ecstatic, at my father's expense and labour. My father was a master barber but many other things. Jack of many trades, plumbing, electricity, masonry, carpentry, he was unstoppable.
I did have chores, marketing, emptying the water pan under the ice box, stoking the fire to heat the house with our coal furnace, taking the ashes out, cleaning the kitchen and bathroom every saturday, to earn movie money.
Haven't talked much about mom. She was a shy, quiet woman but you wouldn't want to tick her off. She was the anchor and glue that held our family together. When we needed something she always found a way and eventually we bought a house across the street from where we rented. She was sort of a magician that could make something out of nothing.
I was told if an item went up a penny I argued with the grocer and occasionally won. Shopping was daily then, you know, no refrigerators or freezers, just an ice box.
True, I mostly hung out with the girls, played hop scotch, jacks and with Dixie Dugan paper dolls. Most birthday parties I attended I was the only boy. So "post office" and "spin the bottle" made me designated kisser. Somebody had to do it.
I moved on to "kick the can", "half ball", "buck buck" and many other games. If this is beginning to sound like the land of OZ, it was. Simply remember OZ was not without its challenges and my book has no place for the negatives.
We moved from the Government Subsidized housing in the Tasker Homes project to a rented home on Bancroft St., it was marvelous. My father renovated to a degree that made the landlord ecstatic, at my father's expense and labour. My father was a master barber but many other things. Jack of many trades, plumbing, electricity, masonry, carpentry, he was unstoppable.
I did have chores, marketing, emptying the water pan under the ice box, stoking the fire to heat the house with our coal furnace, taking the ashes out, cleaning the kitchen and bathroom every saturday, to earn movie money.
Haven't talked much about mom. She was a shy, quiet woman but you wouldn't want to tick her off. She was the anchor and glue that held our family together. When we needed something she always found a way and eventually we bought a house across the street from where we rented. She was sort of a magician that could make something out of nothing.
Monday, August 23, 2010
ITEM 1: Cook book or history?
I call this a cook book but it is more. Not really about me, but about my time. Life in the 30s and 40s was quite different but occasionally I will go beyond that . The ultimate goal of most was a house and plenty of food and never go to bed hungry, and I didn't; so I relate food to all I have experienced. Every visitor was greeted and offered something to eat and drink. If there was nothing available my Mom sent me to the bakery 2 blocks away for donuts and put on a pot of coffee, French pastry or Danish. There were 9 siblings on my father's side and 5 on my mother's and 90% all lived within walking distance of each other in South Philly. Call it OZ if you like, but remember, OZ was not without challenges. My book is not the place to present the negatives.
Aunts, Uncles and Cousins, some would visit almost every Sunday. They bought me a 5¢ icecream cone, penny fudge or candy dots on a strip of paper, wax lips and so many other treats. I am grateful to them all, mostly for their presence. My Aunt Linda for cakes and pies; Aunt Jean for Polish Bow cakes and taking me in when I ran away from home for 6 hours. My Uncle Charlie and Uncle Mike for their great humor and teaching me humor to be "the true spice of life".
The Trevelinos had many skills and talents and the DeLiberatos were blessed to be designers of clothing, artists and musicians. My Great-Uncle Arthur designed coats and suits for the Duke of Windsor when he visited the USA. My mom designed and created wedding gowns for half the women in our family and her friends. We were close. My grandfather sang off-broadway in Gilbert & Sullivan English operas. Uncle Reds(Levino), a national Checker Champion. Uncle Angelo head of the board of psychology for the Philadelphia schools system. I can go on and on.
I would like you to join me on a journey to the past while you anticipate your frugal budget, remember - plan, shop, cook and package. I will offer tidbits of experiences that I hope you will find entertaining and amusing. My high school English teacher once told me I had the potential to be an excellent writer if it weren't for my grammar, spelling and limited vocabulary. But I won't let that stop me.
Aunts, Uncles and Cousins, some would visit almost every Sunday. They bought me a 5¢ icecream cone, penny fudge or candy dots on a strip of paper, wax lips and so many other treats. I am grateful to them all, mostly for their presence. My Aunt Linda for cakes and pies; Aunt Jean for Polish Bow cakes and taking me in when I ran away from home for 6 hours. My Uncle Charlie and Uncle Mike for their great humor and teaching me humor to be "the true spice of life".
The Trevelinos had many skills and talents and the DeLiberatos were blessed to be designers of clothing, artists and musicians. My Great-Uncle Arthur designed coats and suits for the Duke of Windsor when he visited the USA. My mom designed and created wedding gowns for half the women in our family and her friends. We were close. My grandfather sang off-broadway in Gilbert & Sullivan English operas. Uncle Reds(Levino), a national Checker Champion. Uncle Angelo head of the board of psychology for the Philadelphia schools system. I can go on and on.
I would like you to join me on a journey to the past while you anticipate your frugal budget, remember - plan, shop, cook and package. I will offer tidbits of experiences that I hope you will find entertaining and amusing. My high school English teacher once told me I had the potential to be an excellent writer if it weren't for my grammar, spelling and limited vocabulary. But I won't let that stop me.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
FRIENDS - FOOD - PASTA SAUCE
My South Philly friend Vincent Franza, for 60 plus years, has contributed his favorite pasta recipe to share with everyone. It is nothing like I have ever done. It is most unique and I'm sure you will love to try it. He calls it "Pasta Al Vincenzo". Check it out in Pasta Sauces.
I decided to begin with Vince's because it is so unique and it confirms my attitude of Family, Friends, Neighbors and Food.
In the summer of 1950, in our teens, Vince and I decided to spend a day on the boardwalk of Atlantic city. We did, but missed the last bus back to Philly. So we spent the night standing in front of a radio broadcast booth on the boardwalk and the disc jocky was happy to have a live audience in the wee small hours of the morning. We did catch the first bus back to Philly and went to his house. He woke his sister who made us an incredible breakfast, eggs, pancakes, bacon and more. We ate it all.
I had to be at the WIP radio station's recording studio by 9:30 am to record a couple of songs for a demo. We made it on time. The composer was pleased.
Please check out Pasta Sauces that begin with "Pasta Al Vincenzo". Thank you.
I decided to begin with Vince's because it is so unique and it confirms my attitude of Family, Friends, Neighbors and Food.
In the summer of 1950, in our teens, Vince and I decided to spend a day on the boardwalk of Atlantic city. We did, but missed the last bus back to Philly. So we spent the night standing in front of a radio broadcast booth on the boardwalk and the disc jocky was happy to have a live audience in the wee small hours of the morning. We did catch the first bus back to Philly and went to his house. He woke his sister who made us an incredible breakfast, eggs, pancakes, bacon and more. We ate it all.
I had to be at the WIP radio station's recording studio by 9:30 am to record a couple of songs for a demo. We made it on time. The composer was pleased.
Please check out Pasta Sauces that begin with "Pasta Al Vincenzo". Thank you.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Plan & Shop ... One or More
Why would a person living alone buy family packs or any large quantities? Because you are frugal and plan ahead. You will discover, as I have, what you can do with three pounds of ground beef, and love it. Or you can cook a three pound chuck roast (the cheapest) to make several dishes, tender and tasty, for surprise visits.
The drawback here is "defrosting," and if you are impatient that could be a problem. I am certain you are aware that a coin of any value has two sides, as does my approach. I can only guess, but I believe it is possible to cut your food bill by 30 percent to 50 percent. Perhaps save enough to go out for some fine dining on occasion. Afterall, that's the best way to challenge your own cooking.
PLAN
Ground Beef. There are many combinations of prep and quantities depending on your preferences. Select one to start, then create your own combinations.
1. Meatballs -- 12 mini meatballs (1/2 inch) -- 20. Six slider burgers. Pack in freezer bags.
2. Meatloaf -- 6-8 servings.
3. Chili, Polente, egg noodles with brown gravy -- 1/3 each. Pack in freezer bags.
Meatballs and meatloaf should be cooked at 325 degrees. Meatloaf should be sliced and wrapped individually with Glad wrap and put in freezer bag. Original Italian meatballs are made with equal amounts of beef, pork and veal. Original meatloaf is made with veal.
Roast Beef -- Chuck (cheapest) -- 3 pounds. Cook in a crock pot with beef broth, herbs, six hours. Slice into eight servings. Use juices for sandwiches, platters or beef stroganoff.
Chicken -- Breasts skinless, boneless. Wrap a couple of breasts for dinners individually. Slice a couple for cutlets, some for chicken fingers. Place in freezer bag. Wings and legs for BBQ.
Pork -- Lowest priced roast cut, cook in crock pot with herbs, chicken broth, six hours to make pulled pork sandwiches. Pack in freezer bags with juices. Boneless pork chops are also good for breading. Save the bone for pasta sauce.
Turkey -- Breasts, oven cook, slice, wrap in single servings and place in freezer bags with juices.
SHOP
Fruits and vegetables must be fresh, no freezing. Meat and fish open up my world. Buy family packs of three to four pounds. One package will get you the best pricing.
Enjoy!
The drawback here is "defrosting," and if you are impatient that could be a problem. I am certain you are aware that a coin of any value has two sides, as does my approach. I can only guess, but I believe it is possible to cut your food bill by 30 percent to 50 percent. Perhaps save enough to go out for some fine dining on occasion. Afterall, that's the best way to challenge your own cooking.
PLAN
Ground Beef. There are many combinations of prep and quantities depending on your preferences. Select one to start, then create your own combinations.
1. Meatballs -- 12 mini meatballs (1/2 inch) -- 20. Six slider burgers. Pack in freezer bags.
2. Meatloaf -- 6-8 servings.
3. Chili, Polente, egg noodles with brown gravy -- 1/3 each. Pack in freezer bags.
Meatballs and meatloaf should be cooked at 325 degrees. Meatloaf should be sliced and wrapped individually with Glad wrap and put in freezer bag. Original Italian meatballs are made with equal amounts of beef, pork and veal. Original meatloaf is made with veal.
Roast Beef -- Chuck (cheapest) -- 3 pounds. Cook in a crock pot with beef broth, herbs, six hours. Slice into eight servings. Use juices for sandwiches, platters or beef stroganoff.
Chicken -- Breasts skinless, boneless. Wrap a couple of breasts for dinners individually. Slice a couple for cutlets, some for chicken fingers. Place in freezer bag. Wings and legs for BBQ.
Pork -- Lowest priced roast cut, cook in crock pot with herbs, chicken broth, six hours to make pulled pork sandwiches. Pack in freezer bags with juices. Boneless pork chops are also good for breading. Save the bone for pasta sauce.
Turkey -- Breasts, oven cook, slice, wrap in single servings and place in freezer bags with juices.
SHOP
Fruits and vegetables must be fresh, no freezing. Meat and fish open up my world. Buy family packs of three to four pounds. One package will get you the best pricing.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
MORE BEEF
More Beef Recipes. check them out - Stragonoff and Brassiole. They only allow ten pages and I am trying to take advantage of that, so I will keep adding til they shut me down. Keep checking each category for new recipes. You will need to do some scrolling if you want to see them.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Cooking and Marriage
Cooking and marriage
Wow. What a wife I had. She couldn't boil water.. She burned the pot making tea. You see her mother would not allow her to cook, only iron clothes. She learned from my mom, family and me and I believe surpassed us all. Some of her specialties-Jewish Noodle cake, German Chocolate and of course Gnocchi. We eloped in 1953 when I was in the Army and she gave birth to our first, twin boys, three years later.
We eventually made it out to suburban Philadelphia to a town called Phoenixville. We had a home on a half acre with a garden 80 feet wide and 15 feet deep. About 300-350 plants. We had fresh vegetables all summer and jarred tomatoes, pickles and peppers in many forms at the end of the season. So, we had them all year long. Because we couldn't seem to eliminate our weeds, we decided to use them. We made Dandelion Wine from the yellow flowers. It was very good. We added an in ground pool after a couple years, about 23x40 feet which the boys and their friends enjoyed, with a diving board. So did I.
Of course I was the boss of my household, whenever my wife allowed me. I insisted she go out with her sister and friends at least once a month and I will watch the kids. She never argued. She got to see and meet many show biz stars, Tommy Dorsey in NY and Jimmy Durante at Palumbo's in South Philly where the girls had their picture taken with him in his dressing room. What a group.
They played penny-anti cards several times a week but never took anything from the pot, it was put aside for their road trips. A lovelier or wiser group of ladies you will never meet.
Wow. What a wife I had. She couldn't boil water.. She burned the pot making tea. You see her mother would not allow her to cook, only iron clothes. She learned from my mom, family and me and I believe surpassed us all. Some of her specialties-Jewish Noodle cake, German Chocolate and of course Gnocchi. We eloped in 1953 when I was in the Army and she gave birth to our first, twin boys, three years later.
We eventually made it out to suburban Philadelphia to a town called Phoenixville. We had a home on a half acre with a garden 80 feet wide and 15 feet deep. About 300-350 plants. We had fresh vegetables all summer and jarred tomatoes, pickles and peppers in many forms at the end of the season. So, we had them all year long. Because we couldn't seem to eliminate our weeds, we decided to use them. We made Dandelion Wine from the yellow flowers. It was very good. We added an in ground pool after a couple years, about 23x40 feet which the boys and their friends enjoyed, with a diving board. So did I.
Of course I was the boss of my household, whenever my wife allowed me. I insisted she go out with her sister and friends at least once a month and I will watch the kids. She never argued. She got to see and meet many show biz stars, Tommy Dorsey in NY and Jimmy Durante at Palumbo's in South Philly where the girls had their picture taken with him in his dressing room. What a group.
They played penny-anti cards several times a week but never took anything from the pot, it was put aside for their road trips. A lovelier or wiser group of ladies you will never meet.
Family and Food
Family and Food
I have four sons and they all cook.
Don Jr., my oldest is great with soups, especially Pea soup, the best I ever tasted and makes excellent pulled pork in a crock pot.
Dan, Don's twin brother, cooks a variety of dishes; lives with me in Atlanta and does half the cooking. All delicious and can make tender steaks that I normally turn into rubber.
David, well let me introduce you to a Master Chef who has cooked for many, many celebrities including President Bill Clinton. Of all the excellent chefs in Philadelphia the Mayor chose David to prepare dinner for a fund raiser for President Clinton with about 200 guests. Chicken and Salmon were the choices and you better believe, at $10,000 a plate, it had to be good. Bill of course had 2 servings.
David is Executive Chef at
David D Trevelino
Executive Chef
301-767-0511
240-271-2294 Cell
TPC POTOMAC AT AVENEL FARM
10000 Oaklyn Dr
Potomac Md, 20854
David, over the years, turned my old fashioned cookouts of hot dogs and burgers into a virtual feast. From whole pig roasts to Filet Mignon. Dig this...Maryland crabs, steamed and raw clams, 2 inch thick veal chops, Tiger Shrimp(5 -6 inches long) and so much more. Thank you David.
Of course I have four sons, so here is the youngest guy...
Dean, I refer to him as the Adventurous Gourmet. I don't believe he makes the same dish twice,and it is always unique. From Filet Mignon to Grits it will always be different.. His son Lex, my grandson, at 10 years already prepares a most delicious King Crab pasta sauce that will knock your socks off.
So... the family tradition goes on. Love it.
I have four sons and they all cook.
Don Jr., my oldest is great with soups, especially Pea soup, the best I ever tasted and makes excellent pulled pork in a crock pot.
Dan, Don's twin brother, cooks a variety of dishes; lives with me in Atlanta and does half the cooking. All delicious and can make tender steaks that I normally turn into rubber.
David, well let me introduce you to a Master Chef who has cooked for many, many celebrities including President Bill Clinton. Of all the excellent chefs in Philadelphia the Mayor chose David to prepare dinner for a fund raiser for President Clinton with about 200 guests. Chicken and Salmon were the choices and you better believe, at $10,000 a plate, it had to be good. Bill of course had 2 servings.
David is Executive Chef at
David D Trevelino
Executive Chef
301-767-0511
240-271-2294 Cell
TPC POTOMAC AT AVENEL FARM
10000 Oaklyn Dr
Potomac Md, 20854
David, over the years, turned my old fashioned cookouts of hot dogs and burgers into a virtual feast. From whole pig roasts to Filet Mignon. Dig this...Maryland crabs, steamed and raw clams, 2 inch thick veal chops, Tiger Shrimp(5 -6 inches long) and so much more. Thank you David.
Of course I have four sons, so here is the youngest guy...
Dean, I refer to him as the Adventurous Gourmet. I don't believe he makes the same dish twice,and it is always unique. From Filet Mignon to Grits it will always be different.. His son Lex, my grandson, at 10 years already prepares a most delicious King Crab pasta sauce that will knock your socks off.
So... the family tradition goes on. Love it.
Inside My Kitchen ... Foods I Enjoy
Food. Eat as healthy as you wish. I tend to ignore calories and other healthful guidelines. I go for the tastes I like. I have been the same weight, within five pounds, for more than 50 years. But you know your body and how you want to live, so change and modify to your desires.
Meat. Beef, pork, veal, chicken, turkey, cornish hens, hot dogs, bacon-pork, venison, pheasant, buffalo, lamb.
Seafood. Tilapia, cod, flounder, salmon, tuna, oysters, clams, mussels, shrimp, crabs -- bluepoint/king, scallops, anchovies, white fish.
Vegetables. Spinach, broccoli rabe, escarole, corn, peas, carrots, celery, mushrooms, lettuce-iceberg, loose green, red romaine, string beans/French cut, chick peas, beans/cannolini/kidney/navy, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplant, onions/red/white/yellow, scallions, onions, olives/green/black/Spanish, pimentos, peppers/chili/hot/sweet cherry/bell/Holland/banana/hot/sweet, jalapeno/long Italian, cabbage, Chinese celery, brussel sprouts, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, rice/long grain/brown, potatoes/Idaho/sweet yams/small red, nuts -- all kinds, tomatoes/plum, guacamole, vegetables -- variety of canned.
Fruit. Pears, apples, navel oranges, tangerines, peaches, strawberries, bananas, berries -- blue, black, raspberries, honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon, persimmon, plums, grapes -- seedless, cherries, Chinese apples, cranberries, pineapple, juices.
Packaged. Quaker Grits & Oats, buttermilk pancakes, all-purpose flour, corn meal, plain bread crumbs, onion soup, au ju gravy, two percent milk, sour cream, heavy cream, eggs, butter, chicken, beef broth, cream of mushroom.
I inherited the forbidden fruit. I don't know what it is or where it is, if I find out I'll stay away from it. That's what screwed everything up.
Meat. Beef, pork, veal, chicken, turkey, cornish hens, hot dogs, bacon-pork, venison, pheasant, buffalo, lamb.
Seafood. Tilapia, cod, flounder, salmon, tuna, oysters, clams, mussels, shrimp, crabs -- bluepoint/king, scallops, anchovies, white fish.
Vegetables. Spinach, broccoli rabe, escarole, corn, peas, carrots, celery, mushrooms, lettuce-iceberg, loose green, red romaine, string beans/French cut, chick peas, beans/cannolini/kidney/navy, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplant, onions/red/white/yellow, scallions, onions, olives/green/black/Spanish, pimentos, peppers/chili/hot/sweet cherry/bell/Holland/banana/hot/sweet, jalapeno/long Italian, cabbage, Chinese celery, brussel sprouts, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, rice/long grain/brown, potatoes/Idaho/sweet yams/small red, nuts -- all kinds, tomatoes/plum, guacamole, vegetables -- variety of canned.
Fruit. Pears, apples, navel oranges, tangerines, peaches, strawberries, bananas, berries -- blue, black, raspberries, honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon, persimmon, plums, grapes -- seedless, cherries, Chinese apples, cranberries, pineapple, juices.
Packaged. Quaker Grits & Oats, buttermilk pancakes, all-purpose flour, corn meal, plain bread crumbs, onion soup, au ju gravy, two percent milk, sour cream, heavy cream, eggs, butter, chicken, beef broth, cream of mushroom.
I inherited the forbidden fruit. I don't know what it is or where it is, if I find out I'll stay away from it. That's what screwed everything up.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Pasta Sauces - GRAVY
COMING SOON.
Pasta Sauce - South Philly Italians called it GRAVY. In my book you will find a multitude of variations. Both meat and seafood. With Rigatoni, Gnocchi, Ravioli, Fetucini, Linguine and many others. You don't need to be Italian to love it, after all, Marco Polo did "borrow" it from the Chinese. What a guy.
Pasta Sauce - South Philly Italians called it GRAVY. In my book you will find a multitude of variations. Both meat and seafood. With Rigatoni, Gnocchi, Ravioli, Fetucini, Linguine and many others. You don't need to be Italian to love it, after all, Marco Polo did "borrow" it from the Chinese. What a guy.
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