Cristina Ferrare's Family Entertaining

Cristiana Ferrare was one of the most famous fashion models of the 1970’s and 1980’s. She was famously married to John DeLorean, the guy who invented the car that Michael J. Fox drove in the movie, Back to the Future. Like Tucker before him, DeLorean was having some trouble with the financing of his car company, so he choose the unique route of drug trafficking as a way to make ends meet. Perhaps it's a venture GM might want to try? Alas, he lost both the De Lorean Motor Company and Cristina. Cristina Ferrare remarried and wrote a cookbook, Cristina Ferrare's Family Entertaining.

The cookbook is arranged by holiday experience and since tomorrow is Mother’s Day, I thought I would share one of Cristina’s recipes for her Mother’s Day meal.

Broccoli Puree

1 pound fresh broccoli
One 8-ounce package nonfat or low-fat cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Cut broccoli into florets. Steam or boil until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well. In a food processor, combine cooked broccoli, cream cheese, lemon juice, and nutmeg. Cover and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot or cold.

This is one of those books that wildly fluctuates in price. There was a time when copies could be had for $3 -- until I wanted to buy one for my BFF, Beverly. Then, it was not at all unusual to see copies for $100, slightly less than one could purchase a DeLorean. Prices are moderating now, so you should be able to grab a copy without drug trafficking.