When my parents were growing up in Calabria, they didn’t have much and when it came to cooking, nothing went to waste… especially since they grew up in large families (mom is one of 8 and dad is one of 6.)  Many of the foods and recipes that they made came with them to the US and became a part of our meals.  The cycle in my family goes a little something like this:

• Young child:  put food in front of them – if they like how it tastes, they eat it, if they don’t, they won’t
• Teenager: tell them what you’re making – if they like the sound of it, they’ll eat it, if they don’t they won’t
• Adult: if it tastes good, who cares what it’s called or what it sounds like or what it is.  IT TASTES GOOD.

Gizzards are one of those foods and in this economy, a great way to save a buck.

What you’ll need:

• Gizzards
• olive oil
• 1/2 onion – chopped
• 1 clove of garlic – diced
• red wine
• salt & pepper

What to do:

Gizzards are very tough, so start by boiling the gizzards for 1 hour.  Once you’ve boiled them, add a splash of olive oil in a sauce pan or frying pan with your onion and garlic.  Let them simmer for a few minutes and then add the gizzards and enough water to almost cover the gizzards.  Then add a splash of red wine and your seasonings… I used salt, pepper and adobo (which is an all-spice.)  Bring to a simmer, cover and reduce the heat to low for about 15 minutes.  Then uncover your gizzards and let the water reduce for another 10-15 minutes.  Cut up a nice loaf of bread and pour yourself a glass of red wine… enjoy and buon appetito!