Few things say Mardi Gras like a big bowl of gumbo. Gumbo is a traditional Louisiana dish consisting of a thick stew with meat and seafood served over rice. This version combines Andouille sausage and shrimp to create a gumbo that’s smokey-spicy with a Cajun kick. Serve over rice […]
comfort food
Split Pea Soup
It’s hard to believe this blog is 5 years old and this is my first pea soup post. I love pea soup. Honestly, my hesitation in making this soup was the ham bone. I don’t typically make ham and I’m not the person who walks away from a party asking for […]
Burgundy Mushrooms
Burgundy Mushrooms, otherwise known as…..NINE HOUR* Mushrooms. Yep, there’s really no getting around it. These burgundy mushrooms take nine hours to achieve perfection, but the work involved is absolutely minimal. The mushrooms are rich and decadent and take on a meaty texture. They can stand alone as an entrée or pair […]
One-Pan Autumn Chicken and Wild Rice
Enjoy the comforting taste of chicken, wild rice, cremini mushrooms, onion, apple and Gruyere cheese in this one-pan dinner. The special ingredient in this dish is the earthy, woodsy rice. Wild Rice. AND… this rice is actually a grain, high in protein, low in fat and is gluten free. Other health benefits: […]
Chicken Scarpariello with Sausage and Peppers
Chicken Scarpariello is a classic Italian-American recipe. The word scarpariello means “shoemaker” which some theorize refers to the word cobbled, as in all the ingredients can be simply thrown together. This rustic recipe boasts juicy chicken thighs, sweet Italian sausage, and a sweet-sour pan sauce. THAT SAUCE is intensely flavorful […]
Roasted Delicata Squash Salad
Delicata squash, named for its delicate skin, is the perfect balance between savory and sweet. The thin skin is completely edible and when roasted, becomes caramelized and crunchy. While this dish makes a great fall side to roasted meats, I’ve combined the squash with the perfect ingredients to create the […]
Everything Grilled Cheese And Roasted Tomato Soup
It’s that time people. Fires, comfy clothes, warm socks AND grilled cheese and tomato soup. This recipe combines shredded cheddar and havarti. But the difference maker and the ingredient that turns a grilled cheese sandwich up too many notches to count is…Trader Joe’s Everything But Bagel Sesame Seasoning!! Yep, spread butter, […]
Honey-Glazed Pork Tenderloin & Fennel
Pork and fennel are a distinctive pairing. It works. When the fennel roasts it takes on a subtle, earthy, caramelized flavor. It’s an easy one (sheet) pan dinner. Celery root puree is the perfect accompaniment to this meal. Honey-Glazed Pork Tenderloin & Fennel Serves 4 1 1/2 Ib. (or close) […]
Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken
Here’s a quick and easy skillet dinner to start off the New Year. You simply brush a mixture of olive oil, thyme, fennel seeds, salt and pepper on the chicken and place them on a bed of lemon slices and onions. A splash of wine while cooking turns the […]
Roasted Acorn And Delicata Squash with Pomegranate & Parsley
This is a perfectly simple way to prepare the season’s premier harvest. Acorn and delicata squash are drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with salt and pepper then roasted at 425 degrees for 30 minutes. The result is a tender, sweet and nutty side for your holiday table. To finish top […]
Spaghetti with Warm Bacon-Mushroom Vinaigrette
A KEEPER!!!! Smokey, earthy, savory and a touch of sweet. Did I forget anything? I used thick cut Applegate bacon which set the tone for this amazing dish that pulled together in less than 30 minutes. This pasta would make a nice appetizer or serve as an entrée with a […]
Herbed Pork Tenderloin with Apple Chutney
There’s a chill in the air, a hint of autumn….roasting season. Time for “pork chops and applesauce!” This recipe highlights how well pork plays with autumnal fruits. I’m using a leaner, flavorful, inexpensive cut of meat…pork tenderloin. The tenderloin cooks quickly, about 20 minutes, which makes it perfect for a weeknight […]
Panang Curry
This recipe is being added to our weeknight repertoire! The rich, creamy sauce has a subtle coconut flavor with a kick from the curry paste. A squeeze of lime adds a bright finish. Serve over brown rice. For a lighter version use Lite Coconut Milk. Panang Curry Serves 6 2 […]
Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken
I’m savoring those last flavors of summer with this Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken. Another thirty minute meal in one pan. Simply saute your chicken, create a quick garlic balsamic glaze and then reunite the chicken with the sweet sauce. Add garden fresh cherry tomatoes and sliced mozzarella. Top with fresh basil […]
Roasted Vegetable Lasagna
There are those rainy summer days that call for a cozy dinner away from the grill. This is it. This season’s harvest is coming to an end and this recipe incorporates all those farm stand favorites. The vegetables are roasted, giving them a rich flavor and the lasagna is […]
Pasta With Roasted Tomatoes And Walnut Pesto
A seasonal pesto is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual entertaining. In this recipe the walnuts add an earthy flavor to a dish that is rich with sweet, smokey roasted tomatoes. Charred corn and basil add an additional taste of summer. Arugula greens with shaved parmesan, drizzled with […]
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Parmesan Chicken (No Cream)
Another easy chicken recipe for a quick weeknight meal! This one-skillet meal is packed with mouth watering Italian flavors…boasting garlic, sundried tomatoes, Parmesan and basil. What I love about this creamy, rich sauce is that there is NO cream. I chose whole milk but next time I will go lighter. […]
Creamy Piquillo Pepper and Chickpea Soup with Chicken
Five ingredients and about 10 minutes. Done. The secret to this delicious soup is the piquillo peppers. Sweet. Smoky. Incredibly versatile, piquillo peppers come exclusively from Northern Spain. Their long, triangular shape resembles a birds beak. (Piquillo means beak in Spanish.) Adding hummus to the soup creates a creamy velvety […]
Chicken Verde Enchiladas
Here’s a festive way to celebrate Cinco De Mayo or Tuesday. This recipe pulls together in no time! The first eight ingredients are combined then simmered together for approximately four minutes. The remaining ingredients are then added to the pan. Fill and roll the tortillas, top with shredded cheese, […]
Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata
Piccata means “sliced, sautéed and served in a sauce containing lemon, butter and spices.” It’s just that simple. A quick sauté of chicken breasts followed by an easy, luscious sauce (you will want to drink!) consisting of garlic, capers, chicken broth, lemon and Parmesan that will remind you that spring […]
Chicken Pot Pie Pizza
Who can resist a bowl of savory chicken pot pie, topped with a buttery, flakey crust? Who can resist pizza? When the two become one magic happens. I rolled out some store bought dough, made a quick béchamel, topped with diced veggies, shredded chicken and diced baby potatoes. I baked […]
Lentil Soup With Sweet Potatoes And Spinach
Lentils are small but mighty, often referred to as “the poor man’s meat.” A member of the legume family, they are an excellent source of cholesterol-lowering fiber (16 grams per cup). They are also beneficial in managing blood-sugar disorders. Lentils provide excellent amounts of seven important minerals, our B-vitamins and […]
Beef And Bacon Meatloaf… And THE Meatloaf Sandwich
Meatloaf. A staple on every Mother’s menu because it was an affordable meal that could feed the family for a few days. Here’s a tasty update on this little piece of Americana. Warning: this is NOT your Mother’s meatloaf. The seasoned stock keeps this meatloaf moist and full of flavor […]
Roasted Chicken with Tomato, Basil and Ciabatta
When Courtney raves and receives raves about a comfort food recipe, I listen! This recipe is simply about the layering of ingredients that LOVE hanging out together. In a large roasting pan, start with chunks of a ciabatta loaf. Then add tomatoes, olives, a whole garlic bulb, fresh basil, salt, […]