top of page


Mandi Casey
2 min read
Living Like a Roman: A Modern Twist on an Ancient Saying
The phrase "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" dates back to the 4th century AD, originally attributed to Saint Ambrose and later...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Overpriced, Overcomplicated, Underwhelming
I’ve been trying to find the right words to express my feelings about dining out lately, but the truth is, it’s been one disappointment...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Anchovies in Disguise: A Flavor Revolution
Hear me out. What happens when you melt anchovies in good olive oil? Magic. The anchovies dissolve into the oil, transforming into a...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Sharp Skills: The Art of Knife Handling
I love my knives and use them every day. If you’ve seen Julie & Julia, you might remember the scene where Julia Child and a group of male...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Why You Should Skip the Oil in Pasta Water
Many of us grew up watching our families add oil to pasta water, believing it would prevent the noodles from sticking together. However,...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Campari Tomatoes: A Winter Tomato Choice
I often get asked about good tomatoes in the winter. While summer tomatoes are undeniably the best, if you’re craving a fresh burst of...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Cucina Povera: Italy’s Soulful Cuisine of Simplicity and Tradition
Cucina povera literally translates to "poor kitchen" or "kitchen of the poor," and it refers to the traditional cooking style in Italy...


Mandi Casey
2 min read
From Italy with Love: The Flours Behind My Pasta Dough
As I’ve been experimenting with different flours in our pasta dough, I’ve discovered some wonderful combinations that not only enhance...


Mandi Casey
2 min read
How to Choose Flour for Pasta
Im not a doctor, I just play one on TV. 😂 But no seriously, I speak from experience, my friends who are gluten intolerant speak from...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Cured Pork, The Italian Way!
As I am perfecting my authentic Carbonara recipe, I am thrilled to be able to find Guanciale in many stores now. That is the real secret...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Passata
I am often asked………..what the heck is passata??? Passata is simply puréed, strained uncooked tomatoes… that's it. There are no fillers...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
The Magic of Carrots, Onions, Celery and Bell Pepper
Different names and different cultures, all three are vegetable mixtures used as a base for cooking.The key difference lies in their...


Mandi Casey
2 min read
Decorating for the Holidays
If you’re on Instagram, you’ve likely seen all the memes declaring that the holidays officially begin on November 1. I’ve been battling...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Life After Corporate America
Retirement from a long career can often bring feelings of uncertainty and loss. The question looms: “What’s next?” That’s why it’s...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Cooking Cheap Cuts of Meat
Dont be afraid to purchase cheaper cuts of meat, because if you cook it right, it can be delicious. I suggest braising. Braising is a...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Noni’s Favorite Olive Oil
This olive oil is like no other. I wont use anything else now. Traditional methods and small batches always preserve the best quality...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Tablescapes
Setting a nice table has so many benefits. I know many of you will ask, but who has time? I am not saying you have to do this all the...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
A Drizzle or a Glug?
It’s no secret I love olive oil and the only oil that I use. I totally feel that the amount used is a personal preference! I may start...


Mandi Casey
1 min read
Clams
One of my favorite memories growing up at my grandparents house “down the shore” in Manasquan NJ, was eating clams. I was eating these...


Mandi Casey
2 min read
Feast of The Seven Fishes
For most of my life, Christmas Eve was all about the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Once my older son took over hosting on Christmas Eve, he...
bottom of page