Here’s the last blog of the year, and I love how this one came about! I joined my friend who was doing some car shopping in Nampa for a hybrid truck. We took some test drives, and I had a great time chatting with the sales rep. He had no idea who I was or where I worked, and the more we chatted, the more I found his story interesting.

Jimmy John told me he’d spent many years on the wrong side of things. He did time in jail for some drug situations, then eventually he ended up in prison. It was there, that he met this guy Frankie Morelli. Frankie was in for a charge that involved the stock market, and his pasta “Nona Morelli.” In prison, everyone liked his Italian cooking. He ended up cooking some great meals for guards and staff. The more we chatted with Jimmy John, the more we liked him. He seemed passionate, and driven. He really wanted to turn his life around once he got out.

JJ and Frankie, along with a strong team of marketing pros and photographers, created “The MOBB Diet Cookbook.” MOBB stands for Mercy and Optimism Beyond Borders. They believe that everyone deserves a second chance in life. More than a cookbook, this is an entire culture. The mob stories are so interesting. The recipes are mouthwatering.

There are 75 recipes you can make with your family.

They won a pretty big recipe contest, you can watch HERE. On their FACEBOOK PAGE you can stay updated with health tips from Dr. Sandra Franks. They offer up extra recipes, like Two Tone Tony’s Roasted Beets!

You’ll find a 14 Week Plan, daily diet plans, and great info on basics like bread crumbs, roux, and MOBB Butter.

Listen to the full podcast to learn why San Marzano tomatoes are the key to great Italian cooking.

In Italy, these tomatoes are grown in volcanic ash. They can be ordered online, but I’m making these a staple in my garden next summer! Frankie says that a guaranteed successful sauce only needs San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, maybe a little basil, salt and pepper. Simmer for 4 hours, and you’re ready to go with a vibrant and delicious fresh sauce.

SAVE 50% on The Mobb Diet Cookbook, by using the code “frankie” here at THIS WEBSITE! U.S. orders assured to arrive before Christmas, if you order within the next few days. At half price, there’s no excuse not to get at least one. This is a quality coffee table book with recipes, humor, and stories of the mafia. Get the full podcast HERE!

Learn about Frankie The Icepick, Tommy Guns, Eddy The Racer, and how prison life can bring the toughest mobster to tears. You’ll also hear about recipes that make you want to stop reading, and order The Mobb Diet Cookbook with the discount code above! Can’t wait to see their next release.

Have questions or comments? Email me.