Author Archives: Joanie Simon

Christmas Roast https://joaniesimon.com

Christmas Roast (on a budget)

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]I love to celebrate Christmas like the Whos in Whoville with a grand roast beast.  However, my budget’s tight and I can’t afford to go all out on a standing rib roast.  Luckily, there’s a much cheaper cut of meat that, if prepared properly, can be a striking centerpiece to your holiday meal.  I’m

Read More

Pineapple Upside Down Monkey Bread https://joaniesimon.com

Pineapple Upside Down Monkey Bread

This poor recipe has been sitting on the shelf, waiting to be shared since July!!!  I was cleaning out my files, getting organized and the file “Pineapple Monkey Bread” blazed boldly only the screen, saying, “Pick me!!!”.  I’m so sorry, Monkey Bread!  It’s not because you weren’t interesting, or noteworthy, or utterly scrumptious!  You were

Read More

Meat and Cheese Stromboli

Family Stromboli

I had a friend in high school who was Italian and her Mom’s specialty for birthday parties and sleepovers was stromboli.  What is effectively an Italian turnover, filled with deli treats, is emblazoned in my memory as a favorite adolescent food memory.  It’s also a festive party dish, perfect if you’re feeding a crowd.  One

Read More

Spicy Stuffed Arancini

Arancini are balls of rice, stuffed with anything from cheese to ragu, then fried to a golden hue.  They are a traditional Sicilian dish served in December for the Feast of Santa Lucia, commemorating the arrival of a grain ship to the island in 1646 during a time of famine.  What does that mean to us?  An

Read More