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 […]
Recipes
A list of recipes.
Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
Who doesn’t like (love) Kung Pao Chicken? How about a twist on your favorite Chinese take-out? Just add Brussels Sprouts to your Asian pantry staples…I hope by now you all have the ingredients on hand. Roast these seasonal beauties until they are firm but crisp and then toss […]
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, […]
Momofuku Crack Pie
I needed a gesture of thanks…and a BIG one for our awesome neighbors, the Koz family!! We were stranded in Dallas while Chicago was getting pummeled by another storm of the century. They shoveled our driveway that had drifts up to three feet. I knew a sweet treat would be appreciated. […]
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 […]
Pear And Fennel Salad
Fennel and pear are wonderful partners and combine beautifully to create this winter-time salad. The paper-thin fennel with a subtle, slightly sweet anise flavor, the bright peppery arugula and the crisp pear make this a perfect side for your comfy entree (braised beef shank?). The immune boosting fennel is a […]
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. […]
Salted Butter Caramel-Chocolate Mousse
I’m in planning mode for Christmas Eve dinner. I love the idea of a rich chocolate dessert to put that exclamation point on the evening. On past Eve’s we’ve closed with Creme Brulee, Strawberry Panna Cotta, Chocolate Almond Torte, Chocolate Lava […]
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 […]
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
You are going to love this simple, rustic chicken soup with its autumnal flavors. This soup is as easy as sauteing a few vegetables, adding chicken or turkey and then the star…wild rice. With its distinctive nutty, earthy flavor and chewy texture, the rice turns this soup into a rich hearty […]
“ShreddedSprout” and Kale Salad
This salad may become your go-to during the winter months. It is mine. Hearty, healthy greens in their natural state are the base for this delicious simple meal or side dish. The raw, thinly sliced Brussels sprouts add a nice crunch and stand up well to the bright, citrusy dressing. […]
Creamy Parsnip Soup
It’s the season of tubers and root vegetables. Parsnips, with their unique rustic flavor, tend to be an under appreciated vegetable. Combining this ivory-colored root veggie with celery, onion, and garlic creates a savory, creamy and slightly sweet soup. Packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and phyto-nutrients, this soup delivers […]
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 […]
Pumpkin Creme Brulee
Do not let this elegant seasonal dessert intimidate you…….it’s easy! Amazing how just a few ingredients can create a dessert that will be your show stopper this holiday. It has the earthiness of the pumpkin, warm notes from the cinnamon and a crunch from the rustic burnt topping. Make […]
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. […]
Wilted Greens With Bacon Jam
Bacon jam. Sweet, savory, slightly smokey and a bit crunchy. This condiment is a game changer for a multitude of dishes. While I’m posting this to accompany greens ( Thanksgiving??) think of the possibilities…..ultimate grilled cheese, hamburgers, over brie, rosemary focaccia crostini, stuffed dates, quesadillas and on and on and […]
Orange Olives
Eat like a Mediterranean and live longer. OR…I would just like to live longer IN the Mediterranean!! After returning from a visit to Italy, it is clear that the Mediterranean diet is working on those people!! The diet is varied containing nuts, legumes, olives, olive oil, fish, whole grains and […]
“La Dolce Vita”
While I’m gathering my thoughts, unpacking our bags and getting my camera repaired (ughhh) enjoy these pictures taken on a trip to beautiful Italy. A country known to the world as a “living art gallery” filled with art and architectural masterpieces, it’s a visit that should be on everyone’s […]
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 […]
Sweet Corn Soup With Toasted Corn Guacamole
Make this soup! A simple, delicious, fresh corn soup with a touch of southwest flavors. The Avocado Salsa has the perfect mix of sweet and savory, with the poblano’s giving it a nice kick. This comfy soup has a creamy texture and is loaded with fiber, antioxidants and minerals. Thanks to Barb, […]
The Original Plum Torte
The New York Times published Marian Burros’s recipe for this Plum Torte every September from 1983 until 1995…the most famous recipe ever printed in the NYT. It’s perfect in its simplicity. Only eight ingredients, all of which, except the Italian plums, are most likely in your kitchen. When this torte cooks […]
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 […]
Summer Cucumber Drink
This is a light and refreshingly cool summer drink. The clean, crisp flavor of garden fresh cucumbers standout, while the mint adds a sweet herbal note and the lime adds just enough zing. Add Vodka or Gin and you’ve got yourself a summer stunner. The Cuke Serves 6 […]
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 […]
Peach Cobbler
A cobbler is simple. A homey, comfortable ending that typically shows up at a summer BBQ. In the height of your local farmer’s market harvest, peaches and our favorite berries are bountiful…perfect for this seasonal favorite. Top the sweet filling with a crisp, yet tender biscuit. As a perfect companion […]
Roasted Green Beans
What’s your favorite way to eat freshly picked green beans? Mine is raw….. until now. Roasting these summer farm stand faves highlight their sweet flavor. The result turns these beans to a nutty, caramelized, crispy side dish. Roasted Green Beans Serves 4-6 2 lbs green beans 1 to 2 tablespoons […]
Zucchini Bread
Zucchini bread probably conjures up the memories. Gram’s cooking or picking zucchini in your family garden or even …well I have no zucchini bread flashbacks and this is the first time I’ve ever made it. It will not be the last!!. This bread has a soft and moist texture….thanks to […]