My neighbor, Maria, has a modest kitchen. Working with a standard electric range and oven, cabinets and counter tops circa 1965, and a toaster oven that can only be described as magical; Maria prepares meals and delicacies that rival (and frequently surpass) the most upscale Italian restaurants.  Her potato croquettes, manicotti, eggplant (stuffed or parmigiana) , pumpkin polenta, pasta and peas and lentil soup are unbelievably delicious.

Maria and her husband John adopted us when we moved in as newlyweds many years go.  Now  a widow in her 80’s, Maria has no dishwasher and no microwave, yet she can out cook anyone who might be decades younger and in possession of  a Viking stove, granite counter tops and a Sub Zero fridge.  On a recent Sunday, Maria taught me to make macaroni (yes, she calls it that) and after watching her, I was exhausted and needed a nap.

One of my favorites is Maria’s escarole casserole.  It takes a bit of preparation but it is definitely worth the effort. Click here for the recipe.