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"Lord I Believe" by John Polce

"Seek First the Kingdom of God and You will have everything that you need" John Polce

"My God" by John Polce

THE ESSENCE OF "THE ITALIAN KITCHEN TABLE"

              AS WE ARE INTO THE BEGINNING OF 2017, I HAVE DECIDED TO RECAPTURE THE ORIGINAL THOUGHTS OF "THE ITALIAN KITCHEN TABLE."

The Italian Kitchen Table was my first choice for this blog before it changed hands. Unfortunately, I have noticed many of my original articles have been lost in the transition.

  

The Italian Kitchen Table concept was, I felt, a very warm and vivid memory of my experiences over the years during the days when visiting our relatives was a prominent part of our lives. However, here in the states, this practice has dwindled.

Fortunately, in Europe, Italy, Spain and Portugal, that I have experienced, the practice of visiting relatives is still intact. When you visit your relatives and/or friends, there is always a table of special ham and cheese and bread for you to enjoy with your glass of wine, and pastries to savor with your espresso.

In our households, those of my family and my friends from Spain and Portugal, even here, when children come home or some one comes to the house, they all gather around the kitchen table. There is something about the kitchen table that is comforting and safe. We talk about problems, we reminisce, we look to the future and throughout these conversations, there is always something good to eat on the kitchen table to sooth and help us remedy our situations.

LUCA MICHAEL DISANTO

WHEN I LOOK AT THIS PHOTO OF MY BEAUTIFUL GRANDSON, LUCA MICHAEL, I DEEPLY APPRECIATE GOD'S BLESSINGS! THANKS BE TO GOD. AMEN

 I HAVE SIX OTHER BEAUTIFUL GRANDCHILDREN: TODD 27, SARA 22, LAUREN 15, JULIAN 12, BROOKLYN 10, AND NINA MAE 6. I AM TRULY BLESSED.

WELL ROUNDED THANKSGIVING TURKEY!

BEAUTIFUL WHOLE FOOD FREE SPIRIT TURKEY WITH SAUSAGE STUFFING.

WE COOKED THE TURKEY AND WE TRIMMED A CHRISTMAS TREE IN CALIFORNIA!

Instead of Being Angry at a Traffic Jam, These Drivers Build a Snowman (WATCH)

Instead of Being Angry at a Traffic Jam, These Drivers Build a Snowman (WATCH)

ROASTED CHICKEN THIGHS & POTATOES

TODAY I am making Roasted Chicken Thighs and Potatoes for lunch. YUMLICIOUS!

I par boiled some small potatoes. Placed chicken thighs in deep baking pan and drizzle with EVOO.

Seasoned with: Black Pepper and Turmeric(Turmeric is not effective unless combined with Pepper).
Dill, Ginger, Oregano, Rosemary, Tarragon, and Cajun Seasoning instead of Salt. Added potatoes to chicken.

Place in 350 degree oven for approximately 1 hour or until browned to your liking.

CROCK POT DRUMSTICKS, POTATOES & CARROTS

Spray bottom of crock pot with EVOO. Place 6 lge white potatoes quartered with 2 lge sweet potatoes quartered and peeled at the bottom of Crock Pot. Add 2 cups of baby carrotsand 6 cloves of garlic. Placed 16 chicken drumsticks, previously broiled to brown skin, on top of potatoes.
Mix together: 1 tbsp. Honey, 2 tbsp Cider Vinegar, 6 cloves of smashed garlic, 2 tbsp. Dijon mustard, juices from broiled chicken.  Seven quart crock pot filled to brim.
Cook on high for 6 hours.

ITALIAN BROCCOLI RABE WITH GARLIC SANDWICH

SOAK RABE IN COLD WATER.
FILL 3 QT SAUCEPAN WITH WATER AND BRING TO A BOIL ADD RABE AND ALLOW WATER TO COME BACK TO A BOIL AND CHECK STEMS OF RABE FOR SOFTNESS. STRAIN WATER FROM SAUCEPAN. MOVE RABE TO ONE SIDE OF PAN. ADD  A SPLASH OF EVOO PLUS SMASHED OR CHOPPED GARLIC WITH SALT & PEPPER AND RED PEPPER SEEDS. RETURN TO HEAT FOR 2 MINUTES UNTIL RABE IS HEATED AND COATED.

PERFECT RABE SANDWICH ON A CIABATTA ROLL SLICE OF TURKEY(OPTIONAL)!

CHICK PEAS OVER ROMAINE...YUMLICIOUS

In a 3 quart saucepan, add a splash of EVOO and turn on burner. Add chopped onion and smashed garlic. At this point, I add the seasonings, modestly, which are Turmeric, Black Pepper, Oregano, Dill, Ginger, Red Pepper Seeds and Cajun Seasoning.

 Saute a few minutes and add chopped tomatoes and continue to saute until onion is softened. I then add, 2-15 oz cans of  chick peas drained and washed, to seasoned onion mixture.  Heating until chick peas are well incorporated into mixture,
This can go over a bed of Romaine Lettuce, and can also accompany Salmon,

EUROPEAN UNION RESTRICTIONS

Unfortunately, the European Union has placed restrictions on this blog because the https: is unsecured. Will have to figure out what to do to remedy this action, or move my blog.
BUMMER!!!!!