When Scott was at Indiana University he would take us to his favorite spot on campus for brunch. Up Town Cafe was the inspiration for our newly adapted tradition…creme brulee french toast. From that first bite… I searched for a recipe to recreate that delicious experience. In the seven years […]
Recipes
A list of recipes.
Smoked Salmon Appetizer Platter
During the holiday season we all have places to go and people to see. You call to accept the invitation and then you ask that dreaded question… “what can I bring” and the answer is “an appetizer would be great!” (Be honest, you were hoping to hear…we don’t need a […]
Chocolate Almond Torte
I confess, I’m not much of a baker. What I really mean is I like to cook. Oh…I guess what I really mean is I don’t like to measure ingredients!! You just won’t find me baking on a lazy Sunday afternoon!! Of course when I entertain I like a […]
Sage and White Cheddar Gougeres
I have a few versions of these elegant little puffs that I’ve been saving to make for the holidays. Only 6 ingredients create these perfect companions to a glass of bubbly. Ideal for your impromptu get togethers. Trial and Error could be the subtitle of the recipe below. Some of these […]
Fig and Prosciutto Flatbread
Figs intrigue me. The shape. The flavor. The color (I would love an outfit with these hues!!). Years ago, I remember cooking figs (and many other ingredients) to create a gooey jam for a pizza. While the outcome was delicious, buying that fig spread you now see everywhere certainly simplifies the […]
Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Time-out! I don’t know about you… but I need a break! Perhaps a different flavor palate? Perhaps a carb-free meal?? These tasty wraps do the trick! They have a refreshing crunchy texture, a spicy kick and have plenty of protein to call it dinner. You need to keep these Asian ingredients […]
Roasted Cauliflower Soup
Cauliflower just doesn’t get the love. This cruciferous vegetable is full of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds and healthy fiber. While the health benefits are impressive, it’s just not the fan favorite. Try roasting these florets, add celery root and the result is sweet, nutty…. with a rich depth of flavor. I am confidant […]
Brandy Alexander
Nightcaps! Just when you’ve cried “Uncle” and slipped away to replace your fancy pants with yoga pants….here come the Brandy Alexanders. Everyone’s around the fire playing a rousing round of the “name game” when Aunt Paula serves up this traditional treat.. A happy ending to a Happy Thanksgiving! Brandy Alexander […]
Pumpkin Roll
The family tradition of “The Pumpkin Roll” goes back 15 years. This recipe had me at….. Fannie May Toffee!! Among the mix of pies, the pumpkin roll holds a special place at the Thanksgiving Sweet Table. Many recipes for this cake call for eggs and cream cheese, which can be […]
Quinoa and Acorn Squash
Think quinoa (gluten-free superfood) for a healthy, high protein week night meal. Incorporate seasonal ingredients for texture, great flavor, and potent nutrition. I feel fortunate that I have a husband that’s game for a dinner of grains and vegetables. However, I’ll add a nice glass of red wine and a […]
Pumpkin Bread French Toast with Bacon Brittle
O.K. so here’s the plan. The day after Thanksgiving when the house is still buzzing with relatives ….I am serving this for breakfast!!! Why you ask?? So they leave my leftovers alone! Status quo has been coffee, pumpkin pie………and then here we go…….. turkey sandwiches, cranberries, sweet potatoes, dressing and turnips! (You […]
Twice Baked Sweet Potato With Bacon Brittle
Bacon….do I really need to say more??? Switch up those same ‘ol, same ‘ol, holiday potatoes. This dish can be made hours before and the brittle the day before. Depending on the size of your party, make individual potatoes or serve casserole style. The bacon brittle adds a nice salty/sweet […]
Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad With Burrata Cheese
Birth of the blog! Let’s start at the very beginning……. Randy and I were having a quiet Friday night in front of the fire last Fall and out comes The Shredded Sprouts Salad with a nice (glass) of wine. This started a conversation about journaling my recipes which then evolved…light […]
Butternut Squash Risotto
Risotto is not difficult to make…..if you have the time. Pour a glass of wine, set out a nice appetizer and bring your guests into the kitchen while you combine these simple ingredients to create an elegant (yet casual) seasonal entree. Butternut Squash Risotto Serves 4 (as a main course) […]
Caramelized Onion and Apple Tarts
With the holidays fast approaching it’s a good idea to have a few easy appetizers in your back pocket. Really can’t get much easier than this! Keep these seasonal ingredients on hand …. you can also combine mushroom and butternut squash or pear and caramelized onion. This appetizer pulls together […]
Celery Root And Potato Puree
Celery root (Celeriac) is a root vegetable. This gnarly-looking root need not be judged by it’s cover anymore. What you’ll find beneath is a creamy, white flesh with a deliciously sweet, smokey flavor. This humble vegetable packs some serious health benefits: it’s high in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6. […]
Cornbread With Sun-Dried Tomatoes
For years I have been in the hunt for the perfect cornbread. There’s cakey, dense, sweet, savory… you name it. The style really doesn’t matter when the bread ends up in the chili anyway! I’ve come to the conclusion that my preference is a typical cornbread with a twist. I […]
Chicken Chili
Fall, football, chili and beer! Is there a better combination? I think not. The aroma of onions, garlic, and cumin filling the house makes game day something special. I have been making this version of the fall classic for years. The original recipe was made with *(ground turkey). I prefer […]
Autumn Apple Salad
IT’S APPLE SEASON. We had an apple orchard within 2 miles of our home when the kids were young, so we spent many autumn days apple picking, cider drinking and donut eating (never got that connection). We love apples! This time of year any apple recipe stops me in my tracks. […]
Butternut Squash Soup
Hello Fall! This is my favorite season….crisp air, bonfires, sweaters, football and fabulous autumn fare. (And a very welcome change from the summer to forget). I have vivid memories of my Mom baking halves of acorn squash filled with butter, salt and pepper and serving all eight of us this […]
Apple Galette
I had approximately an hour and a half before my friend Mary was stopping by for a Happy Birthday glass of champagne. I just looked at this recipe the day before and had all the ingredients in the house, so this made for a perfect impromptu happy (birthday) hour. Time did […]
Roasted Fennel with Asiago and Thyme
When you roast fennel it takes on a whole new depth of flavor, much different than its raw form. The slight licorice flavor mellows and the roasted bulbs turn to a nutty sweetness. I think this side makes for a nice accompaniment to any grilled or roasted entree. I love […]
Red Snapper Packets with Asparagus Rounds
When my kids called and asked for a great way to prepare fish at home I suggested they think back to the days of Girls Scouts and Indian Guides when everything went into a foil packet over the fire! O.K… so this may be kicked up a notch but certainly […]
Pork Tenderloin With Cherry Salsa
Cherry season peaks in June/July in the U.S. and we are winding down on one of my favorite seasonal flavors. You think cherries and think dessert. You think chocolate and think dessert. But both are way more versatile. This recipe combines these two flavors to create a savory and sweet […]
Zucchini Ribbons with Fresh Tomato Sauce
What’s for dinner? This recipe takes so few ingredients and so little time…..it’s a simple idea for a quick weeknight meal. I’m not the biggest fan of zucchini but Randy is. However, I do appreciate a creative technique. Slicing the zucchini into ribbons not only makes for a nice presentation […]
Plum Crazy Salad
This is an elegant summer salad with a blend of sweet and savory. The winning flavor combination for me is tarragon in the dressing and thin slices of fennel in the salad. The tarragon is a retro flavor that brings me back to the late 80’s when the culinary world […]
Harvest Bruschetta
It was harvest time at the Common Threads Garden this week. Tomatoes, swiss chard, kale, oregano, basil and chives were all on the menu for the day. The children seemed apprehensive with the ingredients at first……..however ………..they all loved the results!! Healthy eating tastes good!!!!!!! Harvest Bruschetta (adapted from a Common […]
Grilled Peaches
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said …..I never get a good peach!! So last week I spent some time at the farmers market with a peach farmer from Michigan. I now know more than I’ve ever wanted to know about peaches!!! (Sadly, 80% of his stone fruit […]
Tomato Tart
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 […]
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) […]