Mamma Mia!

Mama's Macaroni Salad

Need a little something to "spice up" your next picnic or barbecue?   

Mama DeDomenico's Barbecue Macaroni Salad

can do just that!

.  My Mamma Mia (my mother) has been making it for years.  The recipe dates back to my days growing up in San Leandro, California and the famous pasta company in our town
Golden Grain Macaroni Company.  
Yes, the same company that made Rice-A-Roni ...
"the San Francisco treat"!

Golden Grain was founded in the early 1900's by Italian immigrants,

Domenico and Maria DeDomenico. 

Maria (Mama) DeDomenico loved to cook.  She had many old world recipes passed down to her and brought them to America.  In 1912, she persuaded her husband to open a macaroni business and she supplied all the recipes.  To this day, I still have her little Pasta brochure from the 1970's with her favorite recipes in it. 

Here's a favorite Mama DeDomenico recipe...

Barbecue Macaroni Salad 

16 oz Golden Grain Salad Macaroni

 *1 can (8oz) Golden Grain Marinara Sauce

1 1/2 cup chopped celery

1 cup sweet pickle relish

1 can (4oz) chopped black olives

1/2 tsp. chili powder

1 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup minced onions

Cook macaroni as directed on package; rinse with cold water.  Combine macaroni, Marinara Sauce, celery,relish, olives, chili powder.  Chill.  Stir in mayonnaise and onions.  Salt and pepper to taste. 

Tips:

*Golden Grain Marinara Sauce is now discontinued. 

It came in a can and was the best! 

I use Newman's Own Marinara as a substitute now. 

My Momma Mia likes to make her version a bit more saucey..

so feel free to use more marinara sauce, if you wish.  

I like to use 1 medium red onion and more olives. 

I add the onion at the same time as all the other ingredients.

Buon Appetito!


(In the photos:  Emma Bridgewater Polka Dot plates and Vintage British Hamper.)