It’s tomato season!!!! We wait for months for this bounty and now that the harvest is abundant let’s find our favorite tomato recipes! I have been making this tart for years and it never disappoints. (Adapted from Kathy Harrison’s Cooking Class) You can be as creative as there are shapes […]
Author: shreddedsprout
Grilled Pineapple Dessert
Keep the grill lit! This is an easy end to a backyard BBQ that will make you want to book your winter trip to Jamaica mon! 1 pineapple cooking spray 1 tablespoon butter 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup rum flaked coconut, toasted 1 pint coconut macaroon ice cream (or vanilla) […]
Chorizo Flatbread
A few weeks ago we gathered with good friends for a casual Friday night dinner party. Tom and Maureen always entertain with such ease and style, I usually leave with a great take-away. This flatbread has not left my mind since. The combination of garlic aioli, greens, parmesan, and chorizo […]
Leftover BBQ Breakfast
Oooops! Just when I thought all the guests had left for the evening …..they didn’t. We woke up to the leftovers both in the people variety and food. I wasn’t planning on serving breakfast but quickly needed to whip something up. Not tons of options in the fridge but had […]
S’MORE THE MERRIER
Who knew that today, August 10th is National S’mores Day??? I didn’t. I’ve always associated that sticky classic with Fall, bonfires and crisp cool air. Well…. last winter I hosted a “Comfort Food” evening with a few college friends and was looking for the perfect dessert. When Randy suggested roasting […]
Watermelon, Feta and Mint Salad
I know, I know…..it’s been done. I’m not trying to re-invent the wheel here, only to document a GREAT salad. The combination of sweet watermelon, salty feta and refreshing mint make this the perfect summer salad. Be creative!! I decided to show two ways to serve this seasonal dish. First, as […]
Scallops with Avocado Salsa
I love scallops. The husband loves scallops. Our good friends Mark and Kathleen love scallops. This recipe has become a regular appetizer for our casual get-togethers. The combination of fresh summer produce and a caramelized scallop is hard to top. We pair this with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Avocado Salsa 1 avocado diced […]
Wheat Berry Salad with Mango
Approximately twelve years ago, I was fortunate to be able to travel to Ecuador. On that trip I discovered quinoa, a grain that when I came home was nowhere to be found. I learned so much about quinoa and it’s importance in the South American diet. This ancient grain is one of […]
Gazpacho
Chicago, like 80% of the country, is burning up. I’m starting to feel robbed as we are losing much of our summer to indoors and air-conditioning! In lieu of BBQ, we are eating lots of salads and cooler alternatives. I have never been a big fan of cold soups but […]