As I do every year, here is the olive salad recipe that has been in my family for generations.

Recipe Follows

Ingredients:

1 10oz. jar Spanish Olives, drained
2 cans pitted black olives, drained
5 celery stalks
3 cloves garlic
5 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

Chop ingredients coursely in food processor. Stir in olive oil and make sure all ingredients are mixed together well.

Michael Butler makes an Italian Chicken Dish called Pollo in Forno, also known as Oregano Chicken with Potatoes and Tomatoes. Recipe follows.

Ingredients:
1 chicken 3 to 3 1/2 pounds
1 pound potatoes
2 lemons
1 pound roma tomatoes
Salt and Pepper
2 cloves garlic
1/2 to 1 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp dried oregano

Wash chicken and cut into 18 pieces
peel potatoes and cut them into slices 1/4 inch thick. Put slices in a bowl of cold water until needed.
Cut the tomatoes into slices less than 1/2 inch thick. Remove seeds.
Lightly oil a baking dish.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Layer the potatoes over the bottom of the baking dish.
Sprinkle the potato slices with salt and pepper, then pour the lemon juice over them. Make a layer ov chicken pieces over the potatoes. Put a tomato slice over each piece of chicken.
Finely chop the garlic. Pour the olive oil into a small bowl, then add the garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano and salt to taste. Mix very well with a spoon. Pour the sauce over the tomato layer in the baking dish. Place dish in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes.
Remove from oven, let stand for 2 minutes, then serve.

Michael makes a birthday meal for his daugher. Macaroni and Cheese with Tuna

Recipe after the break

Ingredients:

1 lb pasta ( I used shells but large elbow work just as well)
1 lb sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 stick butter ( 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup flour
1 tbs worchesteshire sauce
1 large can albacore tuna
4 cups milk

Preheat oven to 350°

Bring large pot of water to boil for pasta
Cook pasta to package directions

Meanwhile, while pasta is cooking, heat butter in medium saucepan. When butter is melted, add flour. Heat for about 1 minute to get rid of the flour taste. Add worchesteshire. Slowly whisk in milk. Stir until sauce is thickened. add tuna and cheese.
When pasta is done, drain and return to pot. Stir in cheese sauce and mix in well. Transfer to a baking pan and put in the oven until bubbly. (around 20 minutes)

Michael Butler makes penne pasta with cherry tomato cream sauce.

Recipe

Ingredients:
1 lb pasta
1 lb Italian sausage – sliced
2 lbs. cherry tomatoes
1 lb. mushrooms – sliced
1 onion – chopped
1 pint heavy cream
a bunch of fresh basil
parmesean cheese
salt and pepper

Cook Pasta according to package directions
Meanwhile,
heat olive oil and add onions, sausage, tomatoes and mushrooms.
cook until tomatoes are broken and sauce has reduced
add salt and pepper
add 1 cup of the water from the pasta to the tomato sauce
add cream
lower heat to medium low and cook until thickened
Add drained pasta to sauce
sprinkle some cheese on mixture and toss well.
transfer to a serving plate and enjoy!

I make pickles for the first time.