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, […]
Recent Posts
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) […]
Oven Braised Artichokes With Lemon And Thyme
Don’t let the preparation of these prickly thistles intimidate you. Artichokes are in season and this method of braising is easy. Once you trim the leaves and cut out the choke your work is done. My Mom’s typical preparation for artichokes was to steam them. (Always somewhat problematic because of […]
Grilled Lamb Chops With Mint Pesto
Spring. Renewal. Lamb. We have cracked the 50 degree mark and the sun is shinning!! With the return of the farmers market, and warmer days… we are back grilling! Lamb is a perfect meat for the season and is a classic pairing with mint. I would complete the meal with […]
Pea and Mint Salad
I’m a pea convert. Going back to my childhood and recalling the mushy, tasteless little guys had me avoiding them for years. Now, I look forward to peas in their season. Peas are the crowning glory of the spring season with a naturally sweet flavor which enhance and complement […]
Gorgonzola Cheese Straws
This is the week that spring arrives. Tell that to the weather Gods. I however, have made the culinary switch…..welcome to spring fare. Fresh, healthy and green….with an occasional twist. To accompany the many salads and side dishes try these easy to make cheese straws. Savory, rich with a bit […]
Asparagus Ribbon Quiche
Breakfast, lunch or dinner. Easter brunch, bridal shower or spring luncheon…..quiche never disappoints. Make the most of the available in season produce. Spring asparagus is markedly different with sweeter shoots and a tender texture. Using a vegetable peeler will eliminate the need to blanch the asparagus. Gruyere adds a […]
Meyer Lemon Tart
It’s Meyer Lemon Season. My suggestion is to run not walk to pick up these lemons to make this tart. Meyer lemon season is December to April. These floral, thin skinned fruits (with an origin from China) are a cross between a lemon and a mandarin or common orange. […]
Corned Beef And Cabbage Egg Rolls
Leftovers!! St. Paddy’s Day is over and you’re left with day old cabbage, corned beef, potatoes and carrots. Couple of thoughts. Sliders with corned beef, crunchy cabbage/carrot slaw and a mayo-horseradish sauce. Corned beef hash, made into patties and served with poached eggs. OR egg rolls. I pick egg rolls. […]
Corned Beef And Cabbage
Once a year I make corned beef and cabbage. Then I wonder why?? Why only once a year!! This family style dinner has become our familiar St. Paddy’s Day feast with all the traditional trimmings of boiled cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. When the kids were home…this was an easy meal to literally […]
French Onion Soup
It’s chilly. No, actually it’s freezing. I think a bowl of hot soup is just what the Doctor ordered, especially when the soup is filled with onions that are high in flavonoids and Vitamin C…..a known immune system booster. This classic dish is rich, savory and comforting. Great for […]
Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake
I have never made a cake with olive oil. I certainly have never made a cake with blood oranges. The combination of the two intrigued me. The rich herbal tones of olive oil and blood oranges with their crimson colored flesh and unique flavor profile result in a not-too-sweet, moist […]
Roasted Chickpeas
Easy, healthy, crunchy, and addicting. Roasted chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are perfect for a quick snack that will probably not require a trip to the store. With only 4 ingredients you can be snacking in about 40 minutes. Season to your liking…I just happened to use cajun spices. These crunchy […]
Chicken Pot Pie
As I’m rolling out the dough, it’s snowing…..it’s perfect! I love winter. I love snow. That + this= comfort. This warm, hearty chicken stew loaded with vegetables and savory sauce makes the ultimate winter classic. A couple of years ago my Mom gave me the chicken pot pie she received as […]
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