Random Most Notorious Gangsters' Favorite Recipes in History (10 items)

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  (#2) Anthony Graziano: Penne Alla Vodka

  Anthony Graziano was the center of an infamous Staten Island underworld family who served the Bonanno family for decades. Working his way up to consigliere, Graziano was famous for his tight-lipped nature and loyalty in the face of multiple convictions.

  His daughters, on the other hand, have made their career talking openly on their show Mob Wives. They have even published a family cookbook and shared their recipe for penne alla vodka on The Today Show.

  The Grazianos' Penne Alla Vodka:

  1 lb. penne

  3 tbsp. olive oil

  1 large onion, chopped

  Salt and pepper

  1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

  2 (28 oz.) cans San Marzano crushed tomatoes

  1/4 cup of vodka

  1/2 cup heavy cream

  1 tbsp. butter

  1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

  All the cooking information is on the Today website.
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  (#7) Meyer Lansky: Ratner's Cheese Blintzes

  Meyer Lansky, known as the "Mob's Accountant" for his notorious deal-making, was also a Jewish refugee. He had a soft spot for Jewish comfort food, including blintzes, which he dined on frequently at Ratner's Restaurant.

  Lansky often invited other infamous bosses, including Bugsy Siegel and "Lucky" Luciano, and was even said to have a personal lounge in the back of the restaurant for a time. Thanks to a Ratner's cookbook released in 1975, Lansky's beloved cheese blintz recipe lives on.

  Ratner's Cheese Blintzes:

  2 cups all-purpose flour

  1/2 tsp. salt

  4 large eggs, room temperature

  2 cups water

  1 cup clarified butter

  1 lb. farmer's cheese

  2 large egg yolks

  1/4 cup sugar

  1 tsp. vanilla

  Sour cream, applesauce, or your favorite blintz toppings (optional).

  You can find out how to cook the dish at Tori Avey's website.
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  (#9) Henry Hill: Chicken Stock

  Henry Hill grew up in Brooklyn running errands for Jimmy Burke and the Lucchese family. Eventually, he got mixed up in the infamous Lufthansa Heist in 1978, which led to a string of cover-up slayings.

  Fearing for his life, Hill became an informant for the FBI before selling his life story to Martin Scorsese and, yes, writing The Wiseguy Cookbook. Hill put a number of his favorite recipes to print, but his "Cheater's Chicken Stock" is particularly delectable.

  Henry Hill's Cheater's Chicken Stock:

  6 cups canned low-sodium chicken broth

  1-2 lbs. chicken parts (wings, backs, necks)

  1 lb. unpeeled brown onions, trimmed and quartered

  Black peppercorns

  1 bay leaf

  Take a look at the recipe prep in Hill's cookbook for more information on how to prepare the meal.
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  (#6) Carlos Marcello: Mosca’s Shrimp Mosca 

  The center of mafia activity in New Orleans wasn't a shady warehouse, but Mosca's Restaurant. The booming Italian eatery was connected with Al Capone and Carlos Marcello, and offered easy access to the local gambling houses. Popular dishes included the classic spaghetti and meatballs, as well as a shrimp entree called "Shrimp Mosca."

  While you can still visit Mosca's, those without access to New Orleans can cook the famous recipe at home.

  Mosca's Shrimp Mosca:

  2 lbs. large, headless fresh shrimp

  3/4 cup olive oil

  1 tbsp. salt

  1 tbsp. freshly ground black pepper

  1 tbsp. dried oregano

  1 tbsp. dried rosemary

  3 dried bay leaves

  6-10 cloves unpeeled garlic, pounded

  1/2 cup dry white wine

  The recipe is simple, savory, and available directly from Mosca's website.
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  (#4) Joseph Iannuzzi: Shrimp Scampi

  Joseph Iannuzzi worked for the Gambino family before they turned on him in 1981. Iannuzzi spent decades informing on the Gambinos for the FBI, becoming something of a media personality with his nickname "Joe Dogs." He also went by "Joe Diner" - a reminder that Iannuzzi was quite the chef and made more than a few meals for his peers.

  Iannuzzi's Mafia Cookbook includes both amusing stories and delectable recipes, including this one for shrimp scampi.

  Joseph Iannuzzi's Shrimp Scampi:

  2 lbs. jumbo shrimp

  2 sticks butter

  1 shallot, chopped fine

  3 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped fine

  2 cups sour cream

  2 tbsp. chopped dried chives

  1 tsp. garlic powder

  1/4 tsp. white pepper

  1 tsp. Accent seasoning (optional)

  Put all the ingredients together following the recipe in Iannuzzi's book and serve over rice.
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  (#3) Mickey Cohen: Formosa Café's Sticky Ribs

  The swanky Formosa Café in Los Angeles has unclear origins, but its train car interior and Hollywood celebrity clientele have long made it a favorite. Mickey Cohen and his hired muscle Johnny Stompanato also enjoyed meals at Formosa frequently in the late 1940s and early '50s.

  By then, Formosa was serving Cantonese comfort food cooked up by chef Lem Quon. Quon's stepson Vince Jung eventually took over the restaurant and provided the recipe for Formosa's classic sticky ribs.

  Formosa's Sticky Ribs:

  2 tbsp. kosher salt

  2 tbsp. cracked black pepper

  1 tbsp. cinnamon

  1 rack baby back ribs

  2 tsp. peanut or vegetable oil

  2 tbsp. garlic, chopped

  1/2 cup orange juice

  1/4 cup sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)

  3 tbsp. sweet chili sauce

  1 tsp. black sesame seeds, for garnish

  1 scallion, chopped, for garnish

  Find out how to cook the ribs at the Cooking Channel's website.

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