Growing up in an Italian catholic household I was exposed to different foods and experiences. One of my favorite memories was Good Friday dinner. My grandmother spent all day in the kitchen making different fish and pastas, making sure she had something that everyone enjoyed. Often she would make so much it would be a feast fit for more than the 9 of us at the table, it would be a feast fit for a king. My favorite was her mussels. I remember being Emma’s age (11) sharing 4 pounds of mussels with my dad which, I am sure I ate 2 pounds just to myself lol but, I wouldn’t want or eat anything else, just her wonderfully steamed mussels. My love for mussels has never wavered, no matter how many I eat or how old I get. It is a special dinner that I enjoy making because it reminds me of my grandmother and fond memories of special occasions spent with my family but it also reminds me of special moments shared with my dad. Sitting together enjoying food and each others company.  Today, I love making mussels for Paul and no matter how long we have been together, I always tell him the story about Good Friday and how eating mussels always brings back fond childhood memories. So given this, here is my mussels marinara recipe. I hope you enjoy it as much as we have.

Mussels Marinara

Here is what you will need:

• 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 small diced onion (optional)
• 1 cup white wine, something that you would want to drink or serve to guests
• 1 can of chopped tomatoes
• 2 pounds mussels, scrubbed and debearded
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh baguette sliced

Here is how to make it:

• Heat to olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
• Add the onion (if using) and saute for 5 minutes
• Add the garlic and saute until golden brown, about 2 minutes, stirring often.
• Add red pepper flakes and wine, and cook until reduced by half.
• Add the tomatoes and bring it to a simmer.
• Scoop the mussels into the pan and cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until they all open, about 8-10 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Divide among 4 bowls and serve with bread for dipping.

I hope this inspires you to be creative in your kitchen – enjoy!