What’s the perfectly elegant yet casual dinner party meal, you ask? Braised short ribs. This dish has a deep, rich flavor benefiting from a long, slow cooking process. Short ribs, when done to perfection, literally fall off their bones. Starting with browning the meat and adding the holy trinity of […]
Entrees
A list of entrees.
Scallops With Brussels Sprouts And Pancetta
It’s Valentines Day and you are NOT paying 2x for dinner ” It’s Valentines Day and you are NOT paying 2x for dinner “out.” This entree, along with a nice bottle of champagne and strawberries, will make for a very special evening at home. With only a handful of ingredients, […]
Potstickers
Homemade potstickers may seem intimidating but they are actually easy and fun to make. These dumplings fry and steam at the same time, leaving them soft and crispy. The deliciousness of the ingredients…ginger, garlic, sesame oil, water chestnuts and soy are suited for a meat or meatless option. Customize your […]
Cauliflower and Caramelized Onion Tart
Cauliflower seems to be getting a bit more love lately….as it should. This cruciferous vegetable boosts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular and digestive support. Roasting cauliflower turns the slightly bitter flavor to sweet and nutty. Healthy and yummy. NOW add sweet caramelized onions, a cheesy custard, a bit of dijon and you […]
Salad Nicoise with Seared Tuna
January. A fresh start. This healthy, protein packed salad from Provence, a staple in bistros all over France, may just be the entree to add to your weekday repertoire. In the traditional recipe according to Jacques Medecin, an authority on Provencal cuisine, “Never include boiled potato or any other boiled […]
French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Grilled cheese is perfect anytime, but with our first measurable snowfall and a lazy Sunday, grilled cheese seems like a perfect meal. There are so many creative combinations for this ultimate comfort food. With grilled cheese being soup’s best friend …let’s combine the two with this French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich. […]
Spaghetti Squash and Italian Sausage
It’s hard for me to believe this was the first time I’ve made spaghetti squash. I’m a lover of the butternut and I’m a lover of the acorn and now you can add spaghetti to the list. […]
Breakfast Pizza With Gruyere, Baked Eggs, Spinach and Bacon
I’m sooo over “the putting a fried egg” on everything!!! However, eggs on a breakfast pizza makes sense. The original recipe did not include spinach…I like the idea of adding this veggie with Gruyere. Although a successful dish, with my next attempt I will roll the dough free form on […]
White Chicken Chili
A Hearty White Chicken Chili with a spicy kick! You can never have too many chili recipes in your arsenal when the temps start to drop. This comforting one-pot meal cooks in under an hour and you have a chili that tastes like it’s been cooking all day. The […]
Polenta with Sauteed Mushrooms
This hearty vegetarian dish pairs rich, creamy polenta with a luscious topping of sautéed mushrooms. The Taleggio cheese adds a nutty layer of flavor that marries the earthiness of the mushrooms perfectly. For an entrée, we paired this with a crisp green salad, some crusty bread and an earthy red wine. […]
Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian comfort food. Cooking this rustic style, hearty dish makes for a perfect meal transitioning into the cooler months. Cacciatore means hunter in Italian. Hunt for your favorite version of this dish by adding cremini mushrooms, olives, red wine or other tasty ingredients. I am […]
Honey-Ginger Chicken With Lime
What a perfect entree for a beautiful Farm to Table dinner. This lovely evening started with fresh vegetable bruschetta, a puffed prosciutto appetizer and a few raw vegetables with green goddess dressing for dipping. The dinner began with a Thomas Keller gazpacho topped with kernels of sweet caramelized corn, followed […]
Grilled Veggie Sandwich
What to do with all the goodies from your local Farmer’s Market? Try this grilled veggie sandwich. Combine all your favorite produce…slice, grill, add a savory spread, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, a soft, whole wheat bakery roll and you have yourself a delicious meal. Satisfying and healthy!!! Grilled […]
Steak Salad with Creamy Horseradish Dressing
Dinner in 15 minutes! I think you will find the combination of fresh greens and a hearty flavorful steak spiced with an earthy dressing, the perfect weeknight meal. While the steak is cooking, assemble your salad and whip up this easy topping. Make it your own by adding additional […]
Fire-Roasted Red Pepper Relish
In anticipation of a bumper crop of red peppers, I have been searching for recipes….and this is a beauty! The Mediterranean overtones of this simple relish pair perfectly with a hearty white fish or grilled chicken. Serve over a bed of nutrient packed micro-greens simply dressed with a touch […]
Lobster Mac N Cheese
A very special side dish or a decadent entree…you choose. I’m pairing this rich, indulgent dish with BBQ’d Ribs. The tender chunks of fresh lobster are king here mixing well with the combination of Gruyere and cheddar cheese. Like I said, this is a very special meal for the MVP […]
Strawberry And Rhubarb Compote with Pork Tenderloin
A match made in heaven. Strawberries and Rhubarb. Typically, this combination is seen on the dessert table. I like the idea of a savory dish and am pairing this seasonal side with pan seared pork tenderloin. The flavor components work well with pork (or chicken) and kumquats add […]
Grilled Steak and Fondue Sandwich
Looking for an alternative to a hamburger this grilling season? I think flank steak is a perfect and affordable lean option. Marinating in garlic, red chili peppers and “porcini dust”…and thinly slicing against the grain makes […]
Greek Feta Burger
Who’s bucket list doesn’t include Greece?? Those colors…cobalt blue seas and dove white buildings. Those flavors…salty, briny, and fresh herbs. This Big Fat Greek Burger contains cucumber, feta, onions, salt and pepper. Top with a tangy, creamy […]
Chicken-Apricot Skewers
Apricots…this is the season for those small golden jewels with velvety skin. Packed with fiber and vitamin C, these smooth and sweet stone fruits pair beautifully with chicken. Add a few skewers and some creamy peanut sauce and you have yourself a lovely entree. I like the idea of […]
Crispy Salmon with Leeks and Beurre Blanc Sauce
Last week my neighbor, Courtney, asked me to guest blog on her fabulous site, A Life from Scratch. Of course, I was honored!!! While she was on spring break I decided to think spring. I know Courtney loves salmon and this Thomas Keller recipe may seem steppy and a bit […]
Soft Polenta with Rock Shrimp Ragout
This is a Mario Batali classic…fresh seafood accompanied by very soft polenta. Hard to believe that this Italian porridge, staple of Northern Italy, was once thought of as food for peasants. Now this versatile gluten-free ingredient can be found in many healthy dishes. The ragout pulls together quickly and has […]
Corned Beef and Cabbage Flatbread
When you think of Irish cooking, a notable classic of corned beef and cabbage may come to mind, accompanied with a pint of Guinness…of course! Celebrating St. Paddy’s Day with a crowd can be festive and simple. While I can appreciate the traditional feast of corned beef, veggies, bread, potatoes and […]
Ricotta Gnudi
Gnudi (nudi) is nudi to me!! Gnudi refers to pasta like dumplings that are “naked” of their pasta wrappers. My plan was to make gnocchi in the next week or so (with Courtney) and then…..this happened! I was intrigued by the use of ricotta and parmesan to form these delicious […]
Pork Tenderloin with Date and Cilantro Relish
Pretty enough for a dinner party…easy enough for a weeknight dinner. These flavors work sooo well together…..sweet dates, tang from the orange, heat from the pepper, crunch from the walnuts and fresh herbal notes with the cilantro. Pork Tenderloin with Date and Cilantro Relish Serves 2-3 2 tablespoons olive oil, […]
Braised Beef Shank
Baby it’s COLD outside. No… I mean really really cold outside. -4 degrees with a wind chill of -30 to -40!!!!!!! These extreme conditions are perfectly suited for slow braised meats. This peasant-style cooking is sure to create a food flashback from your childhood (mine….dressed like Ralph in Christmas Story). […]
Chickpea Bowl
You should have seen the face my husband made when he heard what’s for dinner. 🙁 You should have seen the face my husband made when he took his first bite ……….. 🙂 ! His words… sweet, spicy with great texture. I will add …the bowl has quite a kick […]
Wingless Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Looking for a winning recipe for playoff season? How about wings without the mess!! I like the idea of combining all those yummy flavors onto a flatbread…spicy sauce, chicken, onions all cooled by melted blue cheese. My neighbor, Courtney, highlights this dish on her blog every few months under “our pizza”. Cute. […]
Crispy Braised Chicken Thighs With Olives, Lemon And Fennel
A Sunday dinner ….an impromptu party….or Tuesday night!! This recipe fits the bill for all. Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc At Home Cookbook is a dream for home-cooks. Less intimidating than his French Laundry Cookbook, Ad Hoc teaches technique and is filled with approachable, beautiful recipes. Over the last few years […]
Quick Rick Bayless Shrimp Taco
Do you need a quick weeknight dinner idea? This is my new go-to!!! I feel like I’m cheating by using a pre-packaged sauce however, this is Rick Bayless…why mess with perfection? I’m lucky to be in the same city where I can sample the genius of Bayless’ moles and […]