Great Day Prepares For The 2nd Annual Feast of San Gennaro On Great Day - KMPH FOX 26 | Central San Joaquin Valley News Source

Looking for a little piece of Italy here in the Central Valley?

Then you didn't want to miss Monday's Great Day when Chef Maria Ruggiero from Mother Mary's Pizza was live on the show to promote the 2nd Annual Feast of San Gennaro.

Ruggiero was in the Great Day Kitchen to cook up her own Italian recipes that you can try at home. Ruggiero will be whipping up Meatball Sandwiches, Zeppole and her famous Sausage & Pepper Sandwich.

You can catch Chef Ruggiero daily at Mother Mary's Pizza, which is located at 1122 E. Champlain in Fresno. For a menu or more information on the restaurant you can call (559) 434-5050 or check out their website at http://www.mothermarys.com/zgrid/themes/126/portal/index.jsp .

You can find out more on the 2nd Annual Feast of San Gennaro at www.italianfeastfresno.com.  

Here are Chef Ruggiero's recipe's for those who wish to try them at home:

Meatball Sandwich

Meatballs frozen are ok or your favorite recipe Marinara Sauce Grated Mozzarella and Provolone Cheese Mini Baguettes from Costco   Bring meatballs to room temperature. In a large saucepan heat meatballs with 1 quart of your favorite marinara sauce - We prefer Mother Mary's of course.  If you prefer your buns warmed , put your baguettes in a 325 oven.  Spit the rolls and sprinkle your mozzarella and provolone over the warm bun - top with Meatballs and sauce and sprinkle more cheese on top. Eat up!!  

Sausage & Pepper Sandwich Good Quality Italian Sausage 1 Green Bell Pepper (sliced) 1 Yellow Onion  (sliced) 3TBS Olive Oil Salt and Pepper     Your local grocery store sells frozen sliced bell peppers and onion and this is a great time saver. Or just slice them fresh yourself.  In a large pan - brown your sausages and cook until firm, slice them into thick bite sized pieces.  Remove from pan and add olive oil.  Sauté garlic in oil until golden and add bell peppers and onions.  Cook over medium heat until soft and add salt and pepper to your taste.  A little crushed red pepper goes a long way here.  Add the sausages back in.  Slice your roll and spoon sausage mixture on top - cheese is optional on this one.    

 Zeppole   3 TB sugar 1 cup flour 1 stick butter 4 oz water 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 4-5 eggs confections sugar for dusting   Bring sugar, butter and water to a boil over medium hear - remove and add flour and baking powder mix.  Mix Well and return to heat and stir until ball is formed.  Add eggs one at a time mixing well after each one. Heat oil to 400 degrees F. Drop batter by spoonfuls into fryer or large pot with 1-2 inches of hot oil.