When I was a freshman in college (at THE greatest school on the planet, St. Bonaventure University), I would always make lists of food that I would want my mom to make (or that we could make together) when I came home for a weekend or for various breaks. Yes, even then my priorities always revolved around food. A few months ago I found this list scribbled in my freshman planner for a three-day break:

Pancakes
BBQ pork chops
Chiavettas chicken
Banana bread
French toast
Broccoli and macaroni
Sauce
Homemade ravioli
Icebox cake

All of this in three days = safe to say that my freshman 15 had nothing to do with kegs of Keystone Light. The sad part is, I haven’t learned from my past gorging, as my Ma and Mama (my 92-year-old grandmother) are en route to DC as I type – which means I started another “Food I want this weekend” list two weeks ago. Only this time I neatly typed it into my iPhone notebook app instead of a heavily-doodled daily planner, next to Something Corporate lyrics. At least one thing has changed.

Here are the top five delicious creations we hope to make this weekend:

1) Pancakes. Yep, tried and true to my old list, my Ma’s pancakes are the best flipping’ things out there. Literally.

2) Italian white cookies. These little bites of heaven are my favorite Italian Christmas cookie that the Minnuto Italian cookie factory produces each year. I have helped make them since I was old enough to be trusted with a bowl full of sprinkles, but I am more excited to make them now than ever. Probably because I still shouldn’t be trusted with a bowl full of sprinkles.

3) Peas & macaroni. This is Mama’s specialty – one that I wouldn’t ever have to ask for, as it would already be done by the time I walked in the door from college. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if she made a pot last night and is now cradling it on her lap for the entire seven-hour drive from Buffalo.

4) Banana bread. Like her pancakes, my Ma’s banana bread is legendary. It was a miracle if one loaf lasted an entire day in our household – and like my beloved graham crackers, it was one thing that needed to be hoarded before my brothers came into the kitchen. I am hoping to “healthify” the banana bread this weekend, swapping in some whole-wheat flour and possibly greek yogurt for butter  while my Ma isn’t paying attention.

5) And of course, a cauldron full of sauce & meatballs. Don’t think I need to justify this one.

 

Expect a boatload of pictures/recipes next week! And the freshman 15, reincarnated.