Food flash back, and a tasty one. On the first floor of my design school was a classic Greek joint, “The Artist’s Cafe.” Sitting in that red leather booth overlooking Michigan Avenue, Grant Park and the Art Institute all while enjoying a bowl of Avgolemono soup was a weekly event. […]
Recent Posts
Asparagus Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bundles
These Prosciutto Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles are an easy and elegant appetizer or brunch idea! Perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day or any other springy occasion! These buttery bundles are filled with roasted asparagus, smoked Gouda and prosciutto along with a touch of honey mustard. Fun to make and a real crowd […]
Grilled Lamb Chops with Herb Sauce
Spring is definitely the season for grilled lamb chops. If you’re like many, you have a preconceived notion that lamb is too gamey with a robust flavor. However, grilled chops marinated in earthy herbs, garlic and lemon zest mellow the flavor. Grilled lamb chops are an easy dinner that you can have […]
Sheet Pan S’mores
Recently, I needed to deliver a dessert to a bunch hungry boys in a group home……and this was a HIT!!! This is a NO recipe…recipe. Just a reminder you don’t need a bonfire to create this childhood favorite. I could fit 20 s’mores per sheet pan. Place parchment paper the […]
Cacio e Pepe
Over the years, I’ve tackled this pasta dish a few different ways. This recipe comes from “Brooklyn Supper” and is fool proof. As simple as this 4 ingredient pasta is, you can end up with clumpy cheese and a thin sauce… but not with this Cacio e Pepe. (Literally means […]
Crispy Cheesy Potato Stacks
Creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside, these delicious potato stacks are simple to make. The thinly sliced potatoes are piled high into muffin tins, layered between a cheesy mixture with fresh herbs and garlic. A perfect side to grilled meats. Crispy Cheesy Potato Stacks Makes approximately 8 […]
Potsticker Soup
I know, another soup! With my better half working from home for the last year, there’s a need for another meal to have on hand….lunch. I typically make a big batch of soup at the beginning of the week for my little buddy. This potsticker soup is a fragrant and […]
Lemon Blueberry Tart
The perfect Spring combination: lemon and blueberry. Lemon adds a zesty counterpoint to the fruit topping and buttery crust. It all comes together with few ingredients (mostly pantry). The simple lemon filling sits in a flaky shortbread crust and is swirled with homemade blueberry sauce. Lemon Blueberry Tart Blueberry Sauce […]
Thai Lettuce Wraps
Thai Lettuce Wraps Positively bursting with fresh flavors and textures, these Thai lettuce wraps are quick and easy to make and are low carb, low calorie and low fat. The perfect balance of sweet, savory and spiciness with aromatic herbs and the fresh crunch from lettuce. Perfect as a healthy […]
Panko Coated Chicken Schnitzel
Another quick weeknight dinner. This breaded cutlet goes by many names…schnitzel, milanese, milaneza and more. By any name, Chicken Schnitzel, a traditional Austrian dish, (although there is some dispute it originated in Italy) is made up of thin cutlets of chicken that are panko-breaded and lightly pan-fried. It’s quick and […]
Spring Quiche with a Hash Brown Crust
If you’re looking for a delicious and beautiful Easter breakfast or brunch dish, this hash brown quiche has it all. Packed with asparagus, caramelized shallots and white cheddar, the quiche is taken to the next level with this crispy hash brown crust. Add this to your brunch buffet or serve […]
Dutch Baby with Blueberries and Almonds
Eggy, airy and coated in powdered sugar, this Dutch Baby Pancake is a back-pocket recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. A showy puffed-up popover like pancake, baked in one skillet, boasts golden edges and a custardy, delicate center. The toppings are endless as are the occasions to make. Dutch Baby […]
Artichoke & Olive Naan Pizza
This quick Mediterranean-Style flatbread pizza makes the perfect lunch, light dinner or appetizer. On store-bought naan bread, spread your favorite basil pesto, then add artichokes, fresh mozzarella and olives. Bake for 8-10 minutes. To serve, add pine nuts, parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Artichoke & Olive Naan Pizza 2 plain […]
Thai Red Curry Mussels
This is a simple mussels in red curry sauce recipe. The sweet-and-spicy curry with the sweet-and-briny mussels make an irresistible pairing. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or will impress as a dinner party entree. Serve with crusty bread to sop up the spicy, delicious sauce. Thai Red Curry Mussels […]
Blender Baileys Chocolate Pots de Crème
Blender Chocolate Pots de Crème Decadent, rich “pots of cream” are simple to prepare and ready in under 10 minutes! NO bake, NO cook, ingredients are blended together, then poured into small dessert cups. The texture is dense and the chocolate is intense, so small servings are best. I’ve added […]
Sea Bass with Soy Glaze and Cucumber Salsa
This sea bass with soy glaze and cucumber salsa relies on a simple technique for delicious results. Simply sear the fish until browned but not cooked through. Then, you pour on the sauce which essentially steams the fish to doneness and reduces the sauce to a syrupy glaze. Serve with […]
Sole Meuniere
Sole Meuniere is a classic French dish made with sole fillets. Dover sole is meaty and succulent, but with a delicate flavor. When it comes to cooking, the simplest way is the best, as in classic sole meunière, where butter and lemon subtly enhance the taste and texture. Sole Meuniere 4-6 […]
Filet O’ Fish and Chips Sandwich
This delicious and crispy Fried Fish Sandwich is a “healthier” take on your Friday fish-fry. A simple fish patty with a dollop of tartar sauce and a slice of cheese sandwiched between soft buns. This version skips the heavy batter and spends less time in the oil. In classic fashion, […]
Roasted Beet Salad with Chèvre Green Goddess Dressing
Beet Salad with goat cheese (or feta) is a classic! The best beet salads are simple and only require a few ingredients. This healthy salad features superfoods: beets, roasted carrots and micro greens. A twist from combining beets and cheese is to make an herby, creamy cheese dressing. Roasted Beet Salad […]
New Orleans-Style Barbecue Shrimp
New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp actually has very little to do with barbecue. This dish never touches a barbecue or grill. A New Orleans classic, the shrimp are bathed in a buttery sauce with loads of hot sauce, worcestershire sauce, and garlic. If you keep shrimp in your freezer, it’s one […]
Loaded Brisket Baked Potato and Tomatillo Jam
Leftover brisket? I love turning leftovers into another meal and making it seem like an original. Adding a savory-sweet tomatillo jam pairs perfectly with the spicy, tangy brisket. Top with sour cream and chopped chives. Serve with a side of greens. Loaded Brisket Baked Potato and Tomatillo Jam 1lb tomatillos […]
THAI ROASTED CARROT AND GOLDEN BEET SOUP
This soup is brimming with amazing flavor and gorgeous color, thanks to the combination of golden beets, carrots, onions and red curry paste. Not a beet lover? Well, this is a soup that non-beet lovers will enjoy. For starters, golden beets are sweeter in taste, and less earthy in flavor. […]
THAI CHICKEN NAAN PIZZA WITH PEANUT SAUCE, RED PEPPERS & CARROTS
Simple and unexpected. A flatbread smothered in a savory peanut sauce then topped with chicken, crunchy carrots, red peppers, mozzarella and cilantro. Ready in 25 minutes. All. THE. FLAVORS. Game time. Thai Chicken Naan Pizza with Peanut Sauce, Red Peppers and Carrots Serves 4 Peanut Sauce 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1/4 cup peanut butter […]
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Incredibly creamy and very flavorful, this earthy cream of mushroom soup is enhanced with butter, garlic, thyme and a bit of nutmeg. Mushrooms could use a little more love. Why? They are versatile and are considered to be very healthy. These low-calorie funghi also contain lots of fiber and are an […]
The Best Bolognese
It’s a snow day around here and my kitchen is begging for a slow-cooked meal. Bolognese fits that bill. When you think of Bolognese you probably think of a meat sauce. Yes, a true Bolognese does include meat (like Marcella’s Hazan’s famous recipe) but it also contains dairy like milk […]
Cod Chowder with Cherrystone Clams
This is a twist on a traditional chowder featuring chunks of tender cod and a few littleneck clams. Bacon, onions, potatoes, celery, thyme and bay leaves are all combined to create this rich and warming one-pot cod chowder. This hearty bowl is ready in is less than an hour. Cod […]
Black Bean Burger with Chipolte Mayo
Black bean burgers are a wonderful way to cut back on meat and get the protein you need. They are a healthier meatless alternative to traditional burgers, plus you get all the amazing benefits of beans. Black beans are a nutrient-rich food that are loaded with potassium, fiber, folate, protein, […]
Patchwork Chicken Pot Pie
This one-skillet chicken pot pie comes together in just about an hour, from prep to plate. This classic, homey comfort food is topped with a patchwork of crispy, golden-brown puff pastry. Use a store-bought frozen puff pastry so all you need is to make the filling. Leeks and thyme lend traditional […]
Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup with Goat Cheese Sprinkles
This is a terrific “snow day” soup. Tomato soup has it seasons, and during winter months when we are missing farm stand tomatoes, this healthy version is the perfect alternative. Roasted red peppers (jarred) add a smokey hint to the kicky fire-roasted tomatoes. The goat cheese softens the flavors and […]
Sheet Pan Italian Sausage Heros with Honey Mustard
Game Day…what’s cookin’? This big, messy and tasty Street Fair sausage-and-pepper hero is happening here. One pan with all the veggies and sausage ready in 30 minutes. The honey mustard sauce is the perfect condiment. Don’t skip it. Sheet Pan Italian Sausage Heros with Honey Mustard 1 package Mild Italian […]