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ABOUT & CONTACT

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As a home chef in Astoria, New York I traced my ancestry and discovered that I descend from a handful of cooks on both sides of my family dating as far back as 1831. Just a coincidence? I think not.

Me making cranberry bread at home in Richmond, Rhode Island. Circa 1985.

My desire for food started with lots of holiday baking as a child in Richmond, Rhode Island. I naturally gravitated to food jobs during college in Minneapolis, finding work as a dining hall prep cook, a cheesemonger in a gourmet deli, and a coffeeshop barista. My friends endured 9 years of my tedious trial-and-error gourmet meals.

Upon arriving in Astoria in 2004, I parted ways with the concept of gourmet food and became more interested in “American” comfort food. I also wondered how to cook with the wide variety of international ingredients that were new to me and so easily available in my local markets. More tedious trial-and-error kitchen adventures took place as I learned from a wide variety of sources including TV chefs such as Daisy Martinez and Lydia Bastianich, online videos from America’s Test Kitchen and various YouTube home cooks, and from constantly reading Cooks Illustrated magazine.

Currently I’m a volunteer recipe tester for America’s Test Kitchen and learning primarily through their online cooking school.

2002

Cooking with my birth father, Dave Robinson. As he recalls frequently digging for clams off the shores of Rhode Island, he’s showing me how he makes Rhode Island clam chowder during a visit to Minneapolis, circa 2002.

1999

Working as a cheesemonger – and often put on the sandwich station – in a Gourmet Deli and Cheese Shop in Minneapolis, circa 1999.

1997

Home from college and cooking for my family in the summer of 1997.

1986

My parents exposing me to “real” food during a trip to San Francisco’s Chinatown, circa 1986.

1984

My dad (Bob Costantino) and I getting ready for the annual sunflower growing contest at the Washington County Fair in Richmond, Rhode Island, circa 1984.

My first involvement in publishing a recipe was my mom getting me involved in her Girl Scout troops’ cookbook project, circa 1984. I still love chocolate-chip-anything  to this day!

1978

My biological grandfather, Amos Robinson cooking in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Circa 1978.

1963

My biological grandfather, Amos Robinson featured in the local paper in North Kingstown, Rhode Island in 1963.

1959

My mom’s 1959 Fannie Farmer cookbook from my childhood kitchen provides endless fond memories and culinary inspiration.

1917

My biological great grandfather, Antonio Salvatore, was a cook at Thorndike Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts shortly after immigrating from Patti, Sicily. Circa 1917.

1865

My 4th great grandmother, Rosanna (Brinley) Watson – the daughter of a freed slave – was a cook in Newport, Rhode Island in 1865.

1831

An inventory from the home of a free Black ancestor – my biological 4th great grandfather, Prince Robinson – revealing the contents of his kitchen in South Kingstown, Rhode Island in November of 1831.

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I’m a lover of cross-cultural comfort food and I spend my weekends cooking authentically awesome dishes without having to leave Astoria, Queens, NYC.

-Ben Costantino

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Meatless Monday Ideas!

broiled buffalo cauliflower

Broiled Buffalo Cauliflower

Kale slaw with Sriracha mayo dressing

Sriracha Kale Slaw

Burnt Ends Fried Plantains Smothered in Barbecue Sauce

Braised Potatoes in Puerto Rican Sofrito Sauce

Sweet Potato Vegan Chili with fresh avocado

Chipotle Vegan Chili with Sweet Potatoes

baked kale chips

Some Tips on Baked Kale Chips

Buffalo Roasted Chickpeas

Sautéed Cabbage with Jamaican Curry

Check out more Meatless Monday inspired posts!

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Channeling my inner Usain Bolt feeling @usainbolt Channeling my inner Usain Bolt feeling @usainbolt @usainbolt.fan after a good meatless-fueled cardio while my weight is at an all-time record low in my adult life. Even with a knee injury I found ways to thrive ... instead of really running I'm doing an "old man" type of run-walk maneuver with a knee brace because doing absolutely nothing while it heals is not an option in my book. 

 #fitness2020 #doingcardio #usainboltfan #outdoorfitness #stayinginshape #fitnessgoals #runlikethewind #astoriapark #queensnewyorkcity #astorianyc #blackfitnessmatters #livinginastoria #astorialife #quarantinefitness #losingweight #fitinmy40s #nycparks #healthyliving #cardioworkout #determination #foodandfitness
Swapping olive oil mayo with honey mustard led to Swapping olive oil mayo with honey mustard led to this 3 ingredients dressing of this spicy kale slaw with cashews ... Sriracha, honey mustard and rice vinegar. No fat happening here. 
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#kaleslaw #kalestagram #3ingredients #nofatfood #srirachalovers #sriracharecipes #spicyfood #spicy #veggiepower #micronutrients #kaleaddict #kalepower #simplerecipe #easycooking #dietfoods #skinnyrecipes #cashews #eatyourveggies #colorfulcooking #freshveggies #eatinghealthy  #carrots🥕 #healthy #eatingclean
Nowadays, a whole wheat pita with jammy eggs, blan Nowadays, a whole wheat pita with jammy eggs, blanched kale, fresh spinach, quinoa, and roasted red peppers tossed in a little ranch dressing with swiss cheese appeals to me more than a bacon egg ‘n cheese breakfast sandwich. This certainly wasn’t always the case. The concept of dieting was so foreign to me because as an athlete all my life I always pretty much ate whatever I wanted until recent years and a slight tummy started emerging that I couldn’t get rid of. Meat was certainly the culprit, combined with having to increase my cardio.
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#meatless #pitasandwich #wholewheat #wholewheatpita #eathinghealthy #dieting #healthylifestyle #eatingbetter #kaleandquinoa #eggsandwich #plantbasedsandwich #pocketpita #vegetarianeats #freshveggiesmatter #eatgoodfeelgood #youarewhatyoueat #dietgoals #lifestylechanges #nutrition #eggsarethebest #eggprotein #vegetariandiet #eggsandveggies #softboiledegg #jammyegg
Time to put my jammy egg skills to the test after Time to put my jammy egg skills to the test after watching the egg tutorial from @elle_simone_scott at @testkitchen on youtube. 
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#jammyeggs #softboiledeggs #cookingeggs #eggaddict #iloveeggs #eggsellent #protein #eggcooking #simplefood #breakfastfood #runnyyolk #yolkporn #homecook #eggs101 #cookingtechniques #howtocook #eggvideo #imadethis #eggslover #homecookingblogger #comfortfood #simplecooking #learningtocook #softboiled #atkgrams
In case ya didn't know ... thyme and sage are toug In case ya didn't know ... thyme and sage are tough enough to withstand freezing temperatures. I had no idea. Now I'm wondering what other herbs can grow year round ... I'm guessing rosemary? Hopefully tarragon. Will see. I always hate when you buy herbs, use only what you need, and the rest lingers in the fridge for way too long and ya feel bad for wasting such a fantastic product. Not anymore. 🌱

#urbangardener #gardeninginpots #freshherbs  #sageplant #thyme #thymeandsage #growingherbs #herbgrower #herbs #igrewthis  #herbgardening #thymesfragrances #sagephotos #sagelove #plantphotography #herblover #growyourownherbs🌱 #frommygarden
My meatless journey has led me to yesterday's #tac My meatless journey has led me to yesterday's #tacotuesday🌮 with quinoa, cotija cheese, blanched broccoli, home-pickled Jalapeños, fried matchstick #julienned green plantains @elyucateco_hotsauce and @herdeztraditions guacamole salsa. The light feeling in your body the day after going meatless is super rewarding. I feel like I could run 10 miles 🏃🏼

#meatlesstacos #tacolovers #cleaneating #vegetariantacos #eatingfresh #vegetarianmexicanfood #tacosrule #homemadetacos #tacosathome #spicyfoodrecipes #pickledjalapeños #friedplantains🍌 #tacofixings #healthyeatinggoals #vegetariancooking #dietgoals #plantbasedmeal #tacolove #tacomaking #eatinglight #nomeattoday
Just a quick shallow fry in canola oil for these t Just a quick shallow fry in canola oil for these tostones takes the fear out of frying. Get with the search bar on the blog and type in "tostones" for the entire process. 

Haven't made these in quite a while ... I was long overdue. I first learned how to cook these from watching @chefdaisymartinez on #pbsfood in 2004. I used her cookbook so much that the pages are falling apart from the spine. They didn't have plantains in the small Rhode Island town where I grew up, and I first learned what a plantain was in college from a Nigerian friend circa 1998. The learning never stops.
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#plátanosfritos #fryingplantains #shallowfry #friedfoodporn #snacks #snacktime #comidaboricua #comidalatina #fryingathome #fryingfood #platanosverdes #tostonesdeplatano #friedfoodheaven #frying #caribbeancooking #puertoricanfood #homecooklife #homecooksofinstagram #homecookedfood #nycfoodblog #nycbloggers
It's official chili season everyone ... holla 🙌 It's official chili season everyone ... holla 🙌🏾🙌🏻🙌🏿🙌🏼 if you like a little homemade chili 🌶️ with your #tostones.

#plantainlove #platanosfritos
#platanos #bowlofchili #friedplantain #chiliwithbeans #greenplantain #caribbeanfood #caribbeancooking #chiliseason #comidalatina #comfortcooking #friedfoods #blackfoodblogger #redchili #homemadechili #plantainpower #wintercooking
Reminiscing and mourning the memory of these Jamai Reminiscing and mourning the memory of these Jamaican jerk #chickenwings ... all of which only lasted 30 minutes on Saturday night. We quickly devoured these slow cooked beauties after a 24-hour marinade. 🍗
#ifeellikechickentonight
#chickennight #wingsintheoven #foodphotography #chickenwingchickenwing #wingnight #lownslowcooking #ovencooking #sheetpancooking #instachicken #chickengram #drummettes #drummetsofinstagram #chickenwingnight #chickenwingslovers #eatthis #wingaddict #spicyfoodlover #jamaicanchoicejerkseasoning #spicychicken #jamaicanchicken #yum
It's a personal rule that I don't allow collard gr It's a personal rule that I don't allow collard greens to linger for more than 2 days. After that I just can't deal. Poached eggs with greens and blacked peas is kinda my thing. Hot sauce @crystal.hot.sauce, egg yolk and the hearty broth I simmered up for hours all come together in this soulful bowl.

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#poachedeggperfection #collardgreens #greensnbeans #blackeyedpeas #soulfood #soulinabowl #comfortfood #comfortcooking #bowlmeals #beansandgreens #collards #cozyfood #easyideas #blackhomecooks #blackfoodblogger #newyearsfood #goodluckfood #lickyourphone #egglover #poachingeggs
So, about last night. Um... I think these are done So, about last night. Um... I think these are done. Devoured these Jerk BBQ wings last night after a full day marinade with @jamaican_choice jerk seasoning. Low 'n slow is the way to go! 
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#chickenwings #jerkchicken #jerkchickenwings
#jerkedchicken #foodiesofinstagram #cookingchicken #freshoutoftheoven #chickenaddiction #wings #wingsintheoven #ovenbaked #ovenlovin #chickenwaaangs #chickenlover #winglovers #fallingoffthebone #yummy #chicken #wingnight #cookedtoperfection #lownslow #ilovecooking  #homemadefood #everyoneloveschicken
Was given collard green duty by my bf @brothashake Was given collard green duty by my bf @brothashakespeare because ya can't just have blackeyed peas alone. No ham hock and no smoked turkey happening here. Instead I usually use a smoked pork chop for something I call "lean greens".

Well, there was no smoked pork chops at the store so I made a kick ass stock yesterday with regular pork chops, liquid smoke, and adding tons of onions, garlic and some other key secret ingredients. Complete Lean Greens recipe will be up on the blog soon. Until then ... Happy New Year 🎉🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥬🥬🥬🥬🥬
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#collardgreens #collardgreenrecipes #soulfoodie #healthyishcooking #kindahealthy #cookinglight #greens #soulfoodcook #neosoulfood #greenfoodisgoodfood #leafygreens #collards #f52grams #cookingreens #homecookin #foodwithsoul #newyearsfood #eatmoregreens #comfortfood #stovetopcooking
We're getting these blackeyed peas on point so we We're getting these blackeyed peas on point so we can devour these at midnight. My bf @brothashakespeare doing a vegan version  this year and I'm super impressed how much I don't miss the meat. Looking forward to an awesome new year with even less meat in my diet. My goal in 2020 has been to only do meat once a day but I cheat often. No cheating in 2021, hopefully.
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#blackeyedpeas #soulfood #soulfoodcooking #blackfoodies #africanamericanfood #blackeyedpeasforluck #homecooking #africanamericantraditions #beanrecipes #legumelover #vegansoulfood #neosoulfood #blackandproud #meatlesscooking #southerncooking #newyears2021 #hny2021 #comfortcooking #blacklivesmatter✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 #blackhomecook #beans #cookingbeans #goodluck #optimism
The most simple and satisfying 3-ingredient recipe The most simple and satisfying 3-ingredient recipe (water and salt don’t count) of my year 2020 cooking adventures has been Tahini Dressing from @epicurious ... condiments and sauces are kinda my thing and if I don’t get enough of them I’m really not happy. Slathering this dressing on a whole wheat pita hummus sandwich will make you forget about eating meat altogether. It’s plays a crucial role in making my occasionally meatless diet such a success. 
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#3ingredients #3ingredientrecipe #condiments #tahinidressing #dressingrecipe #hummusandpita #hummussandwich #hummusandveggies #wholewheatpita #roastedredpeppers #veggiesandwich #blanchedkale #grilledeggplant #grilledeggplant #meatlessgoals #meatlesseating #meatlessdiet #meatless #meatlesschallenge #plantbasednutrition #cleaneating #vegetarianmealprep #eatmoreveggies #tahinisauce #tahini #tahinilover #simplerecipes #easyrecipe #nutritous #nutritousanddelicious
I wish I could claim this #friedchicken, but it's I wish I could claim this #friedchicken, but it's what my boyfriend @brothashakespeare does every year as a Christmas tradition, being a southern man from Jackson, GA. I learn from the best and get it right on one of these days. 

#southernfriedchicken #fryingchicken #chickenloversforlife #deepfriedchicken #buttermilkfriedchicken #jacksongeorgia #chickenlovers🍗 #homecookin #friedfood #friedfoodporn #chickenaddict #everyoneloveschicken #chickenchickenchicken #deepfried #blackfoodiesmatter #chickenvideos #homemadefoodblogger #comfortfood #blackfoodbloggersclub #friedfoods
Making enchilada sauce is one of my favorite oh-so Making enchilada sauce is one of my favorite oh-so-satisfying things to do and usually happens in the late night hours. Full recipe is on the blog. Strained the hell out of this mixture of Ancho, Guajillo, Chipotle, and Arbol chilis 🌶️, and roasted tomatoes, onions and garlic.  Next step ... thin it out with some veggie stock and season it with Mexican oregano and cumin then simmer to completion. 
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Too many recipes tell you to remove the seeds, but I'm not about it. I want full heat. #spicyrecipe
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It's impossible to find meatless enchiladas to order in Astoria, so time to make my own ... any combo of black bean, veggie and cheese. And enchilada orders comes in threes and for some reason you can't order three different types like you can with tacos. Makes no sense. Now I can finally have one chicken and two meatless as much as I want.
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#enchiladasauce #redsauce #mexicanfoodporn #enchiladalover #salsaroja #comidamexicana #saucemaking #mexicanchiles #guajillochile #anchochiles #redenchiladasauce #comfortcooking #spicysauce #spicyfoodlover🌶 #somelikeitspicy #enchiladalover #cookingfromscratch #freshingredients #mexicansauce #Mexicanflavors #mexicanfoodlover
I swear I had plans to just make a simple BLT, but I swear I had plans to just make a simple BLT, but these other awesome ingredients were calling from the fridge. So, here we go in order from bottom to the top ...honey mustard, @hellmannsmayonnaise olive oil mayonnaise, @yanceysfancycheese steakhouse onion cheddar, @smithfieldfoods bacon, vine tomatoes, @elyucateco_hotsauce red chili habañero hot sauce, cucumbers, shredded lettuce and @sabra Jalapeño hummus. 
🥪🥓🍅🥬🥒🧀🌶️

#sandwichmaker #sandwichtower #sandwich #sandwichpics #sandwichgram #sandwichlovers❤️ #hotsauceoneverything #oliveoilmayo #bltsandwich #baconsandwiches #baconlovers #sandwichs #sandwichoftheday #sandwichclub #sandwichtime #healthysandwich #healthyish #freshingredients #sandwichporn #homemadefood #lunchtime #sandwichmaking #sandwichphotography
Was out of mayo, so I reached for some blue cheese Was out of mayo, so I reached for some blue cheese dressing for this club sandwich with sweet potato coldcuts (on the blog), roasted red pepper, pickled Jalapeños, turkey, bacon, honey mustard and @elyucateco_hotsauce ... it might be a regular thing now. Blue cheese lover here!
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All the sandwich lovers ... get with the search bar on my blog and type "sandwiches"

#bluecheesedressing #elyucatecohotsauce #sandwichaddict #sandwichesofinstagram #sandwichlover #sandwichloversunite #sandwichartist #sammich #makingasandwich #sandwichoftheday #roastedredpeppers #clubsandwich #sandwichesrule #sandwichporn #lunchfood #lunchtime #cookingathome #quarantinecooking #wishbonedressing #sandwichlife #sandwichmaker #homecooklife  #homecook
Winter workouts in full effect in #astoriaqueensny Winter workouts in full effect in #astoriaqueensny ... Astoria Park has become my second home since March and I'm so thankful to be living two blocks away from this fantastic park. When I'm not cooking, this is what I'm doing. Fun fact ... I was a gymnast from the age 6 to 21 and working out is just something I need to do. And just like cooking, fitness is in my DNA ... my bio-dad was a high school football superstar in the 70s in Rhode Island.

Haven't left Astoria in 9 months and it's all good in the hood. I've found ways to thrive in this pandemic.
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#nycparks #astoriany
#astoriaqueens #iloveastoria #quarentineworkout #outdoorfitness #outdoorworkout #nycbloggers #winterworkout #queensnewyorkcity #ilovequeens #fitness2020 #astoriapark #cardioworkouts #astoriaqueensnyc #stayinginshape #fitstagram #eatrightfeelright
It's another frittata kind of morning with balsami It's another frittata kind of morning with balsamic and garlic sautéed zucchini and cherry tomatoes, blanched broccoli, goat cheese, shredded Swiss, homegrown chives and thyme. No meat here. 
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#frittatamaking #frittata #castironcooking #skilletmeal #skilletrecipes #eggaddicted #eggrecipes #vegetarianbreakfast #nomeat #meatlesscooking #eggs101 #iloveeggs🍳 #frittatafriday #homefoodie #homecooklife #veggiepower #goatcheese #chevrecheese #thyme #goatcheeselover #homemadefood #nomeathere #meatlessmeal
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food shopping in Astoria Queens

Shopping at my favorite store in Astoria, Queens on a hot summer day ... Trade Fair on 30th Avenue and 31st Street.

Check out my chicken recipes!

chicken salad
pulled chicken
chicken chili
Adobo Chicken

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