Limoncello, Applecello so many choices in life.

I was introduced to limoncello in Italy on my first visit. Laura Caponetti gave me the recipe after I tasted enough to know I was in Love. http://www.caponetti.com/ My family in Italy.

I bought the perfect china tray and 4 little shot like glasses with, of course, a matching decanter filled with limoncello. It was dark blue with lemons all over it. I have made many gallons since learning this about 10 years ago, and have enjoyed them with friends.

The recipe that was shared with me by Laura Caponetti consists of Everclear alcohol (the large bottle), add 10 lemon peels. Let this sit for 10 days. At the end of 10 days, add equal amounts of water and sugar. It is easy and then ready to sip.

Now I have met the Creator of Applecello and Limoncello in Kansas City. It isn't Jasper Mirabile the 2nd, but Jasper Mirabile the 3rd. He is every bit as creative as his Grandfather and his Uncle. He came up with the Applecello idea by using the cider from the Louisburg Cidermill. http://www.louisburgcidermill.com/ He has 2 separate menus for Cello drinks, both Apple and Lemon. If you have not tasted either it is a must try! We in Kansas City are so lucky to have a family like the Mirabile's, who pass on the old Italian recipes of generation after generation, and continue to create new ones as well!

Jasper the 3rd is so creative in the kitchen, he has really added his mark to the recipes and food you enjoy, using his Grandfather's original recipes. He will share some, but some are only passed from Jasper to Jasper. http://www.jasperskc.com/ I have been fortunate enough to watch him in the kitchen, he is constantly working on new and old recipes to please his customers. His Grandfather would be proud.

Jasper sent this recipe to me, that one of his favorite customers shared with him. I made it for a special dinner, and I would have eaten the whole thing, but I had to fight my daughter-in law Beatriz for an extra piece. She is my favorite Daughter -in -law at this time.

Limoncello cake, it is so easy and soooooo gooood!!!!!

Limoncello Cake

1 Box Yellow Cake Mix
1 Box Instant Vanilla Pudding
1/2 Cup Corn Oil 1/4 Cup water
3/4 cup BERBIGLIA LIMONCELLO HERE
4 Eggs plus 1 egg yolk
1/4 cup lemon zest

Mix all ingredients and bake in a well greased bundt pan at 325 F for 1 hour. Pour glaze over cake immediately out of oven.

Limoncello Glaze
3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
3/4 Cup Butter
1/2 Cup of BERBIGLIA Limoncello HERE
3 tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp lemon zest

Place all ingredients in pan, bring to a boil and stir constantly. Poke holes in bundt cake and pour over top.

Jasper's Notes: My friend and customer Bonnie Knocke loves limoncello and she developed this cake recipe for Jasper's. Bonnie brought me this cake one day before dinner service and I swear I must have eaten the whole cake, I DO NOT REMEMBER. Grazie mille Bonnie!

The New Chef of KC

"What do I know,I just make meatballs" I have heard my Best Friend Jasper say this so many times. Well he has competition now. Marvin is the head chef of Jasper's. He is getting older and needs to be looking for a younger person to carry on. A new head chef. I have learned so much from Marvin, I have been so lucky to have him share his knowledge with me. Marvin needs to watch out for this new Chef coming out! http://www.jasperskc.com/

The New Chef on the block is here!!!!! Thomas Aidan Hursey

This is my Grandson, Thomas. As you can tell he just stepped into the kitchen and took over.

WOW!!!!! He makes a mean meatball, Jasper.

I have another Grandson coming to KC in a year to attend the culinary program at JCCC. Colton, he can really cook, I was amazed how fast he picked it up.