The cookbook “Jerusalem” is touted as one of the best or the best cookbook of 2012…. vibrant cuisines and compelling stories of the authors homeland. This spinach salad has a fantastic combination of flavors, and textural components. Toasting the pecans and pitas results in a crunchy salad that’s sweet […]
Recent Posts
Lobster Risotto
I love lobster!! I just don’t want to deal with it…. the whole lobster is more than I want to handle. It actually makes me sad to throw that whole lobster in hot boiling water. Last week when I was at Diamond Seafood and saw a package of lobster […]
Chocolate Wontons
So this morning I was looking in the fridge and saw that the wonton wrappers had an expiration date of… tomorrow. I had Nutella, fruit and bingo….an easy Valentine dessert the kids will LOVE to make. At Common Threads when we “visit China” we make vegetable wontons and the kids […]
Chocolate Lava Cake
New York Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is credited with inventing this molten masterpiece back in 1987. This decadent dessert was meant to be individual chocolate cakes. However, they were taken out of the oven too early. Hence, this cake that oozes a chocolate center onto the plate was born. Serve this dessert […]
Caramelized Seared Scallops
There aren’t many entrees as elegant and simple as seared scallops. For our Valentine’s Day Menu I am trying a new version of these flavorful jewels. In Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc cookbook, he brines the scallops for 10 minutes to achieve a rich salty flavor throughout. They are then seared in a […]
Beet And Goat Cheese Napoleons
Were you born with the beet gene? I was. I love beets!! This time of year with their rich crimson color and heart healthy benefits, they make me think of Valentines Day. For years, Randy and I would make dinner reservations to celebrate this romantic evening. Now……we prefer to make […]
Blood Orange And Fennel Salad
I have always associated oranges with winter. Specifically, my childhood Christmas stocking. Now, when all my sisters and I get together over the holidays the conversation about our stockings typically comes up. And yes, we talk about how half of our stockings were taken up by the ORANGE! Rippage. So […]
Asian Meatballs With Hoisin Sauce
Thinking of the big game and what to serve? Meatballs come to mind. A combination of pork, beef and a traditional marinara sauce certainly makes a crowd pleasing appetizer. Fortunately, a few months ago I made Asian chicken lettuce wraps and all the ingredients for these meatballs are in my […]
Black Bean Soup With Guacamole And Chips
Are you looking for a low-fat black bean soup recipe that will warm you up in 30 minutes? Well, here it is! The ingredients below are typically in my pantry so this soup comes together quickly. This south of the border family favorite has a rich, creamy texture and delivers […]
Winter Salad With Kale, Acorn Squash And Quinoa
Cold winter salads should be filling and comforting. Bonus: in the height of flu season, this heart healthy salad is fortified with immune boosting ingredients and is sure to keep that doctor away. Kale (a superfood) and quinoa (gluten-free) are the stars of this entree, rich in nutrients, antioxidants and […]
Tomato Soup With Parmesan Crisps
What are your memories when you hear tomato soup? I think snow, brisk cold air, sitting in front of a roaring fire, skiing, sledding, ice skating, grilled cheese, family and other simple pleasures. Tomato soup makes me feel warm and fuzzy! Do yourself a favor….don’t open “the can.” Make this […]
A Berry Good Smoothie
I’m really not a New Years Resolution type however, this is easy. Drink healthy! I was a very happy recipient of a Vita-Mix blender recently and have been throwing anything I get my hands on into this magic machine! I am in heaven. How is it possible that every combo […]
Ahi Tuna Appetizer
Do you know your local fishmonger??? Fortunately, we live in a community with a reliable, go-to merchant. I am thankful for the Hannigans at Diamond Fresh Seafood for my weekly fresh fish fix! (Say that three times fast!) This recipe calls for a sushi grade piece of Ahi / Yellowfin Tuna (this is a […]
Cioppino
(Update from 2012!) Cioppino is an Italian seafood stew. The base is brothy and light allowing the fresh seafood to really shine. It’s surprisingly easy to make and great for entertaining because you can make the flavorful broth ahead- then simply add the fish right before serving. Garnish with lemon and […]
Creme Brulee
Since I’m on a creme brulee kick (and who doesn’t LOVE it)….here’s the dessert version. The combination of hard, caramelized sugar atop velvety-smooth, chilled custard is the draw to this French classic (translates to “burnt cream”). It’ s a great make-ahead finale for your holiday dinner parties. Bottom line, this recipe […]
Creme Brulee French Toast
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 […]
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 […]
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