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 […]
Recent Posts
Mediterranean Bowl With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Power bowls. They’re a thing. The Mediterranean diet has proven to be one of the healthiest and just happens to be my #1 flavor profile. So to build a bowl, start with whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Add protein (beans, legumes, nuts, lentils or fish). Add a healthy fat, (avocado, […]
Beef Pot Pie
Just like a warm hug…this pastry is the blanket these beef and veggies need. The beef, vegetables, herbs, broth and red wine get cooked down to a savory one skillet meal. Start with top sirloin, add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, mushrooms, red wine and broth. This all gets reduced to […]
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 […]
Healthy Chai Banana Pancakes
Some mornings you wake up and just NEED pancakes. Perhaps not the healthiest way to start off your day. Until now. No flour. No sugar. Just bananas, eggs, oats and chai spices. These tasty morsels are whipped together in no time and there’s no messy prep. All the ingredients […]
Egg Muffin Cups
Meal prep is a thing around here. We love a quick grab and go meal that’s high in protein, low carb and full of healthy veggies. This recipe is really just a blueprint for these egg muffins as you can design your own by adding your favorite ingredients. Eat […]
Garlic Butter Roasted Mushrooms
You can find sautéed mushrooms along side a thick, juicy steak at a popular chop-house. Side dishes like creamed spinach, fluffy mashed potatoes, twice-baked cheesy potatoes also make an appearance on the menu but these garlicky mushrooms outshine them all. These hearty mushrooms can be served over polenta, pasta, greens, […]
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: […]
Gluten Free Salted Peanut Butter Cookies
I needed a quick, sweet and gluten free ending for an impromptu dinner. These 4-ingredient cookies fit the bill. With all the the fixins on hand, dessert was ready in no time. They paired well with chocolate peanut butter ice cream. Salted Peanut Butter Cookies Yield 26 to 28 cookies […]
Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage
Plans for leftovers? Mine? Sweet potato gnocchi. Don’t be intimidated because this easy recipe combines a Thanksgiving staple with ingredients you already have in your pantry. Plus it can be fun cooking with those straggling relatives. The recipe allows you to play with the dough (fun). You don’t want the […]
Kale Salad with Pickled Apple and Creamy Vinaigrette
Another winner recipe from Kathy’s cooking class and one that will make it to my Thanksgiving table. We all know by now that kale is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. It’s full of cancer fighting antioxidants, powerful phytonutrients and heart healthy fiber. However, most kale types […]
Butternut Squash Hummus
Hummus is a healthy snack and the ideal dip to have on hand. Creamy, smokey, and a bit sweet…..perfect for fall entertaining. Butternut Squash Hummus Makes: 2 1/4 cups 1 cup cubed butternut squash 4 cloves garlic, skin on 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced 1 lemon, juiced 1 […]
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, […]
Crostini with Pistachios, Ricotta and Olives
Crostini (mini toasts) are the ultimate party appetizer and are so versatile with an endless combination of toppings. Thanks Kathy for introducing our cooking class to this outstanding version. Every ingredient shines independently but together creates a bright and savory appetizer. The ricotta is light, fluffy and makes the perfect […]
Farmstand Flatbread
Take advantage of the last of summer’s harvest. Using only 4 ingredients you can create a flavorful weeknight dinner. Farmstand Flatbread 1 store-bought pizza dough 3-4 ears of corn, shucked 1 pint grape tomatoes 8 oz shredded mozzarella ½ cup fresh basil, chiffoned 2 garlic cloves, minced 4 tablespoons […]
Blueberry Clafoutis
Clafoutis (kläfo͞oˈtē) a traditional dessert from the Limousin region of France which is known for its dark sweet cherries. Instead of cherries, today I’m making this “simple peasant dessert” with blueberries. Depending on what fruit is in season, use what’s available….plum, pear, apple. This dish is a cross between flan […]
Clam Toasts With Pancetta
In Italian cuisine, soffritto generally consists of garlic or onions (or both) sautéed in olive oil and is used as the base for most pasta sauces. In this interpretation salty, smokey, sweet pancetta is the star. The pancetta browns and releases fat for the sweet onion, fennel, lemon and garlic […]
Chicken and Corn Stuffed Poblanos
Yet another recipe for that seasonal corn on the cob. These chicken and corn stuffed poblano peppers are packed with flavor…..sweet, smokey with subtle heat. Poblano peppers are mild and the perfect vessel to combine chicken, corn, mozzarella and salsa…..yep, only 4 ingredients! The lime cream adds a brightness and cools […]
Mini Sweet Corn Fritters
These little gems are the ideal solution for all that seasonal corn that’s making its way to your local farmers market. Savory, sweet and a bit of a kick with a crunch with every bite. It’s an appetizer. It’s a side dish. It’s an entrée. Anyway you serve them, you are […]
Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
I’m not spending my summer on the east coast where seafood boils are a tradition. These one-pot meals with corn, potatoes, sausage, onions, and seafood all boiled together to make a fun and tasty meal that are perfect for a crowd. This midwestern version uses a sheet-pan for a […]
Grilled Pound Cake with Balsamic-Macerated Strawberries and Basil
Pound cake refers to a type of cake traditionally made with a pound of flour, a pound of butter, a pound of eggs, and a pound of sugar. Yikes! The ingredients are the same but the amounts have been slightly altered. This cake is dense and makes the perfect canvas […]
Mexican Grilled Street Corn Appetizer
Mexican Street Corn is a hit at every summer BBQ! Why not turn the traditional preparation into a flavorful appetizer? Start with sweet corn grilled to crispy perfection. Combine with a bit of mayonnaise, Cotija cheese, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cilantro and finish with lime. Truth be told, sautéing […]
Tomato Salad with Basil Cream Dressing
Keep it simple. Perfect seasonal tomatoes don’t need much fanfare. A drizzle of this basil cream dressing is easy to prepare and adds a fresh finish to a summer side. Eat up these jewels that possess amazing health benefits. Great source of vitamins A,K and B, along with the […]
Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce
This marinated satay grilled chicken makes for a fun summer dinner. The peanut sauce needs a straw! It’s creamy, rich and has a spicy, sweet note. Food on a stick is just fun….don’t ya think? Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Serves 4 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken […]
Shrimp Roll
Fresh cooked Shrimp Rolls with lemon, mayonnaise, tarragon and chives served on a buttery toasted roll will make for a quick and delicious meal. The subtle tarragon flavor pairs so well with the sweet shrimp. New England-style split top rolls are not an easy find in the Chicago area. You can […]
Blistered Snap Peas With Burrata & Mint
Grilled sugar snap peas drizzled with lemon dressing make the perfect summer side dish. A quick char will brighten their sweet flavor while maintaining a crunchy texture. Combining these legumes with mint and burrata will make a meal on its own or a lovely companion to grilled fish. They […]
Italian Spaghetti Pasta Salad
Who doesn’t love a tasty summer BBQ? Burgers and brats make their long anticipated seasonal debut…but the sides could steal the show. You’ll have your usual standbys — fruit, broccoli, potato and green salads…all delicious. Of course, pasta salad will make an appearance, but this version (not from the local […]
Ed’s Grouper Sandwich
This is one fish story you’ll want to hear and…ahem…with no exaggeration, may be the best sandwich you will ever eat. Commonly found in coastal Florida waters, grouper is a firm, meaty and mild tasting fish that holds up well as a sandwich. (Locally, available NOW at Heinen’s.) Keep it simple […]
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