It was Monday morning and I needed to jump-start the week. I love our weekends and I love my weekend Wall Street Journal; my favorite section is Off Duty. I usually find interesting ideas from chefs around the country. Saturday highlighted Chicago chef, Stephanie Izard and her take on a […]
Recent Posts
Poppyseed Coleslaw
Coleslaw…. most people can take it or leave it. Memories of soggy, over-mayonnaised salad may come to mind. Being the ultimate traditional side to a summer BBQ, coleslaw needs a shot in the arm. Give this recipe a try. …. it’s a crowd pleaser that I promise you will […]
One Pot Pasta
The trending recipe of the summer. I have come across this recipe a number of times the last few months. It’s such a simple idea but being a bit of a skeptic… I had to try it. I love the idea of one pot dinners, easy to make and […]
Deconstructed Street Corn Salad
What memories are stirred when you sink your teeth into that first bite of summer’s corn on the cobb? I go back to my childhood where Mom would send one of us across the street to the farm stand with pocket change to pick up our daily sweet side to […]
Spicy Coconut Mussels with Lemon Grass
Thank you Pam for introducing me to this light and tasty mussel dish at Girlyfest 2013!! Just one of the highlights of the never-ending happy hour(s)! This was quite the leap for me to rediscover the very shell that hospitalized me in Italy years ago. Now… I’m back in […]
Field Trip
Here’s just a “tasting” of what’s been cooking with me this past week or so. (Kitchen closed.) We traveled to Santa Barbara for a very special wedding, which happily included seeing our daughter. After much frivolity and fun, Randy and I headed north to wine country…. Paso Robles. This lovely and approachable Central […]
Rustic Cherry Tart
I needed a dessert and I needed one fast! We had family in for 5 days and I really didn’t plan a lot of sweet endings. While this may have been an oversight, a quick review of my pantry came up a winner. All ingredients were in the house, so […]
Momofuku Ginger Scallion Noodles
This is not just another noodle dish. It’s special…with only six ingredients! Quoting David Chang himself, “Ginger Scallion Sauce is one of the greatest sauces or condiments ever. Ever. It’s definitely a mother sauce at Momofuku, something that we use over and over and over again.” I’m sold and you […]
Sweet Potato Chips
File this under….needed to be documented. The kids have called for this simple, healthy snack recipe so often that I felt it just needs to be on the record (blog)!! A couple things differ with this method than others…..first, the length of the slice and second, the slow cooking process. Many […]
Maryland Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli
This crab cake is delicious. I’ve tried plenty of recipes over the years in search of the cake that really holds together. The key is to not overmix and to chill the mixture in the fridge so it can “set up.” With minimal ingredients, this recipe really lets the crab […]
Summer Corn Pasta
Back on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in May when all the neighbors came out after our winter hibernation, I met my neighbor Courtney. Oh, I’ve known Courtney for the last few years but what I mean is I really met Courtney. Her son Logan was over playing with my husband […]
Moscow Mule
What’s old is new again. Being introduced to this refreshing cocktail has put me on a “bender” of sorts. A few weeks ago we watched the Hawks game at our good friends’ home (Tom and Maureen) and they served us Moscow Mules. They were delicious. We are superstitious. So this […]
Maine Lobster Roll
The last time I visited my sister Laura in Connecticut we drove from her home to the Maine coast. Our daily routine consisted of pulling into weathered roadside shacks in search of the perfect lobster roll. Oh…and we found them!! Lots of them. The Maine lobster roll features sweet, […]
German Chocolate Cake Sundae
Randy’s favorite cake is German Chocolate. My Dad’s favorite cake was German Chocolate. (Strange…the only two people I know who love this cake). It was Father’s Day and this seemed like the perfect dessert….but I don’t make cakes! I do however love the traditional flavors of this classic….chocolate, caramel, pecans and […]
Pan Fried Or Grilled Padron Peppers
The Padron Pepper makes a very short annual appearance. “Padrones” are small green peppers, native to Spain. They have a bitter-sweet flavor however, about one per dozen (so it is said) will set you on fire!! We discovered Padrones while visiting Scott when he was studying in Barcelona. Playing […]
Caprese Eggs Benedict
I’m taking a new twist on a traditional Italian staple, The Caprese Salad. This classic is simplicity at it’s best!!! Mild mozzarella, bright seasonal tomatoes and freshly picked basil are the perfect combination of summer flavors. Make it an appetizer…make it a salad….I’m makin’ it for breakfast!!! Leftover’s from your evening […]
Chipotle and Apple Turkey Burgers
I am always looking for a good turkey burger. Be honest…. most turkey burgers will leave you choking for liquids!!! You’re welcome…. the search is over. This recipe had me at chipotle. Apples, celery, garlic and onion all combine for a burger even my husband will eat! His reaction, “I would […]
Cucumber Basil Vodka Lemonade
Fresh herbs make a wonderful addition to a summer cocktail. Basil adds a savory, sweet note with a peppery edge. Add sliced cucumber, fresh lemon juice and Vodka and you have a refreshing layered cocktail featuring seasonal ingredients. Randy really enjoyed this drink but would prefer Gin. I suggest trying Hendricks. […]
Strip Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
This Argentinean sauce is a perfect accompaniment to any grilled meat and doubles as a marinade. With all the herbal components just inches from my back door this became an easy companion to my grilled strip steak. (You may want to grow a herb garden to save tons of money on […]
Asparagus and Ramp Soup
Ramps (or wild leeks) are wild onions that resemble scallions. This spring delicacy is usually compared to a combination of onions and garlic. Asparagus, with its grassy green flavors, and ramps make for an elegant, casual soup. The best part of this creamy soup is that no cream is used. […]
Marinated Burrata and Tomato Spread
Plenty was a highly anticipated cookbook released in 2010 and has become one of my favorites. This recipe with its first-rate ingredients, combines a beautiful array of herbs, cheese and fruit. Pairing creamy buffalo mozzarella (do not substitute) with the interesting flavors of toasted fennel seeds, oregano, basil, garlic […]
Soft-Shell Crabs with Aioli Sauce and Sweet Onion
Now…while most seafood is available during any season, the highly anticipated soft shell crabs remain seasonal. They are only available from late April thru summer when the Blue Crabs shed their shells in preparation to grow new ones. Harvesting the crab before the hard shell arrives makes every inch […]
Panna Cotta with Balsamic Strawberries
Panna Cotta is an Italian dessert that literally means “cooked cream.” Requiring only a few ingredients and just minutes to make, this is an easy ending to your meal that will always impress. When Randy heard balsamic vinegar he was a bit skeptical, however, adding a tablespoon of sugar and a […]
Rhubarb Rosemary Martini Or Spritzer
How do you feel about rhubarb? Well…I enjoy the tart flavor and like the idea of paring these vibrant pink stalks with the fragrant herbal notes of rosemary. The woodsiness of the herb cuts the tartness of the rhubarb while the lemon cuts the sweetness. So, if you like […]
Fish Tacos with Chipotle and Avocado Cream
Cinco De Mayo brings out the best of the best of Mexican cooking. This is a healthy entree and easy an weekday recipe using pan-fried fish and a yogurt based sauce. The marinade gives the fish a spicy, smokey flavor but you are quickly cooled down with the tangy avocado […]
Tuna Tartare with Avocado and Cilantro
Crisp, clean, fresh, bright flavors are what I taste with this tuna dish. The combination of tuna and avocado creates a rich, buttery texture. Add the nuttiness of sesame oil, savory notes with soy, a bit of bite with onion and jalapeno and finish with a fresh squeeze of […]
Rosemary Parmesan Popcorn
Need a new twist for an old snack idea? Popcorn… healthy popcorn. Who doesn’t love these crunchy, puffed, pieces of goodness? Skip the butter bath and try these ingredients for an outrageous combination of flavors…which are always on hand in my home. Pair these earthy, herbal little kernels with a crisp white […]
Banana Cream Pie Shooters
The instructions were…bring a sweet for the sweet table. I knew the table would be filled with cakes, pies and all things chocolate. I wanted to do something a little different. Knowing that Tom (the birthday boy) loved banana cream pie, this deconstructed version was a no-brainer. The recipe below […]
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Celebrate the season with strawberries and spinach. This salad may have had its hay-day in the 80’s…but really, it’s timeless. We all need this recipe for our go-to pot luck dinners. Perfect accompaniment with grilled chicken or pork. I’m pairing this with quinoa for a vegetarian/gluten-free option. Strawberry Spinach Salad […]
Pan Roasted Halibut On Asparagus Ribbons
Halibut is a fairly dense fish with a firm texture which allows it to stand up to heat well. This is an ideal fish for pan roasting. Good fish tastes best with minimum fuss. How about a 10 minute entrée using 6 ingredients and 1 pan?!! Randy (a.k.a. my dishwasher) […]
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