Lobster fra diavolo was an early Italian American invention combining large American lobsters with southern style flavors. Shrimp is a low cost alternative.

Eggplant rollatini is one of the those classic Italian American red sauce dishes that persists today.

This variation of penne with vodka sauce substitutes sour cream for the heavy cream in the original. The sour cream adds a tangy flavor to the sauce, another layer of complexity.

After failing to read the recipe instructions, I improvised this tomato sauce recipe using fresh Roma tomatoes from the farmer’s market and Rancho Gordo beans.