The British Open and a festive breakfast was the start to a Funday Sunday. We decided to invite friends over early to watch golf, enjoy Huevos Rancheros, Bloodies…..and then play a round!!! (O.K. so this meal may have been more successful than my golf game!) Mexican fare is my go-to […]
Recipes
A list of recipes.
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 […]
Roasted Carrot and Avocado Salad
One of my most popular posts to date is the Marinated Mozzarella appetizer, inspired by my favorite blog Lottie and Doof. I returned to this award-winning site in an anticipation of a bumper crop of carrots, (fingers crossed Sil and Courtney). For this recipe I par boiled carrots earlier in the day […]
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 […]
Squash Blossoms Stuffed With Ricotta And Goat Cheese
Squash blossoms are the beautiful, yellow edible flowers that grow with zucchini and a variety of summer squash. They have a subtle flavor and make the perfect vessel for delicious fillings. Squash blossoms are a seasonal treat and sadly, hard to find in traditional grocery stores due to how incredibly […]
Watermelon Feta and Prosciutto
Here’s a variation of one of my latest posts. No cooking. No baking. Shop, slice, plate and go!!! We all have busy summers and last minute get-togethers…..this will make an impressive and delicious appetizer. Watermelon Feta and Prosciutto Platter Prosciutto slices, best quality (about 2 slices per person) 2 large […]
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 […]
Melon Mozzarella Prosciutto Appetizer
This is a fresh interpretation on a classic Italian antipasto using melon and prosciutto. Simple yet elegant…..refreshing with sweet and savory flavors. Don’t skimp on the cured ham….buy good quality. And as for the mozzarella, I found these tiny mozzarella balls which really were the inspiration for this appetizer. Use […]
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 […]
Honey Lemon Chia Muffins
Lemon and Ricotta….fragrant and fluffy. Spring. Add poppy seeds and you have one of my favorite muffins. Ingredients like olive oil, ricotta, honey, and chia seeds make a lighter version. Chia seeds……another super-food on the block are rich in omega-3s, help reduce inflammation and cholesterol and are high in fiber and […]
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 […]
St. Germain Cucumber Cocktail
California dreaming! Last week while visiting my daughter in warm, sunny LA…I came across a refreshing, flavorful cocktail. I’m not a sweet drink kinda girl, however this liqueur paired with muddled cucumbers, lemon and vodka had me…curious. What was this flavor I could not decipher??? St. Germain is a French […]
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Only four ingredients for a fabulous side. Really?? These smashers have the creaminess of mashed potatoes and crispy exterior of a fry. The concept is simple….par-cook, let cool slightly and then smash until flat but still intact…about 1/2″ thick.. Use Yukon’s that are approximately 2″ in diameter. Once smashed, the […]
Meyer Lemon and Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberry Compote
When you think of ricotta…what comes to mind? Yep, me too…lasagna. However, ricotta’s creamy light texture suggests many other applications. Try lemon and ricotta. This classic combination is a perfect pair when whipped together in a pancake. Combining whipped egg whites, flour and Meyer lemon creates delicate, souffle-like cakes. Meyer […]
Artichoke Soup with Crispy Salami and Lemon-Parsley Quinoa
It’s artichoke season. As much as I love a braised artichoke, enjoying every leaf until I can get to that coveted heart….this soup is one more way to enjoy this healthy seasonal vegetable. Studies show that artichokes have more antioxidants than any other vegetable, aid in digestion, are great for liver health and […]
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 […]
Guinness Chocolate Cake
I’m not a baker but look what happened!!!! This single layer cake with its frothy crown of frosting is so easy to pull together and the results so delicious…it’s a must try. The signature bitterness of Guinness disappears and leaves a moist dense cake. Guinness works well with desserts due […]
Spicy Asian White Bean Dip
The title of this recipe says it all. Spicy. Asian. White bean. Dip. I saw this on one of my favorite blogs, Whiteonricecouple. The combination of flavors not only intrigued me…I had all the ingredients on hand (and you probably do too). This creamy dip is so simple and fresh […]
Potato Leek Soup
YEP….still making soup. Yep, it’s still winter. To us the perfect meal…healthy, hearty and easy!! Potato leek soup is naturally creamy with a velvety texture. This humble soup calls for only 4 ingredients plus a bit of half and half ….I opted out of the latter for a lighter version. Last […]
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, […]
Tuscan Kale Caesar Salad
By now we all know the incredible health benefits of kale. Why not change up your classic Caesar salad with this super food and partner with a creamy bold dressing that holds up to this hearty green? I pre-tenderize the greens by massaging with a little olive oil, salt, pepper […]
Reuben Meatball Sliders
Game Day. Fall off the resolutions if just for today and enjoy a twist on a Reuben Sandwich. These sliders offer all the flavors of your deli favorite…savory, spicy and topped with a tangy, sweet dressing. Other game day ideas… Wingless Buffalo Chicken Flatbread, Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli, Rosemary Parmesan Popcorn, Asian Meatballs […]
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 […]
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Short of soaking in a warm bubble bath, not many things can warm you to the core like a great bowl of soup. This tortilla soup with its bold southwest flavors and spicy, smokey notes will no doubt do the trick. Make this bowl of comfort your own and garnish with […]