Octoberfest. Do it right with this bratwurst sammy smothered in a tart and spicy apple-onion relish. The wurst is typically made with two meats: veal and pork. Broiled or grilled, these sausages are sandwiched between a slightly toasted, a bit malty, salty and buttery pretzel bun. YES. The relish […]
Recent Posts
Acorn Squash with Garlic Butter and Burrata
It’s peak acorn squash season. When you eat food that’s in season, you are typically eating produce that will be richer in nutrients. Like many winter squashes, acorn squash is chock full of Vitamins A, B and C, potassium, magnesium and fiber. This little gourd can be prepared in many […]
Cream of Mushroom Chicken Barley Soup
One of my favorite sights in the fall is the wild-mushroom sellers at your farmers markets. One of my favorite foods, mushrooms, are now plentiful and a welcome sight. They are available is all sorts of shapes and sizes and are a nutritional powerhouse. Low in calories, fat and […]
Spaghetti with Clams and Braised Greens
In 2018, Food & Wine named this recipe one of its 40 best. Chef Ashley Christensen of Poole’s Diner in Raleigh, North Carolina, created this version of Spaghetti with clams. Ashley’s method calls for steaming the clams in wine then pureeing the remaining broth with roasted red peppers. This creates a […]
Caramelized Skillet Apple Pie
There are skillet desserts then there is THIS! Not your traditional apple pie, with its simple appearance this is closer to a rustic French galette. The caramel bottom, topped with pie crust, is the game changer!! The next layer is an apple mixture and another pie crust!! I KNOW. Add […]
Tinga de Pollo Tacos
Tinga, a traditional Mexican dish, features braised shredded pork (alternatively, beef or chicken) that is simmered with onions, garlic and spices. The complex smoky tomato flavor in traditional Tinga is achieved through the combination of fire-roasted tomatoes and chipotle peppers in adobe sauce. A simple saute of onion, garlic, chipotle […]
Roasted Chicken with Olives, Potato, Artichoke and Lemon
Enjoy the classic Mediterranean flavors of artichokes, garlic, oregano and olives. This braised chicken dish and its layered flavors is brightened with lemon zest and juice. Serve with crusty bread for sauce-mopping. Skillet dinner ready in 45 minutes!!!! Roasted Chicken with Olives, Potato, Artichoke and Lemon Serves 4 2 […]
Tomato and Stone-Fruit Panzanella With Burrata
Panzanella…..Tuscany’s beloved rustic bread salad. Tomatoes and peaches are at their height of the season and shine in this salad. Leftover bread with the tomato juices and vinaigrette create a perfect combination of texture and flavors. The sweet tart stone fruit pairs well with the tomatoes. Add a creamy soft […]
Panna Cotta with Cherry Compote
Panna Cotta is an Italian custard dessert, similar to pudding. There are many versions of this simple yet elegant dessert. This version combines a velvety almond custard topped with fresh cherries and a candied almond garnish. A seasonal, make ahead dessert and perfect for summer entertaining. Panna Cotta with […]
Lemon Blueberry Dutch Baby
A Dutch baby is one of my favorite weekend breakfasts. An airy, popover-type pancake (without all the flipping) made in the oven. Like a giant popover, this baby comes out of the oven all puffed up. Each Dutch baby has its own look depending how it poofs and settles, but one […]
Skillet Summer Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes and Lemony Breadcrumbs
A very simple pan roasted cherry tomato summer pasta. White wine, garlic, fresh herbs, topped with the delicious lemony breadcrumbs and finished with creamy burrata cheese. It’s a perfect summer dinner using mostly pantry staples and……on the table in 30 minutes! Skillet Summer Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes and Lemony […]
Thomas Keller Creamed Corn
Thomas Keller is not known for simple. However, his Ad Hoc cookbook (geared for the home cook) is definitely worth the read and compiled of recipes you can tackle. I’m not a sweet corn connoisseur but Randy on the other hand is…. BIG 2 thumbs up. This recipe pulls together in less […]
Crab Cake Sliders
This recipe pulls together in minutes with most of the ingredients right from your pantry. The cake is packed with sweet crab meat tossed with bread crumbs, egg, Worcestershire, mayo and mustard. Drizzle these sliders with your favorite lemon aioli (see below). I’ve combined mayo, lemon and added a kick […]
Grilled Shrimp Scampi Flatbreads
A big giant YUM! Start with a basic shrimp scampi that will be drizzled over individual naan bread. Using store-bought naan makes this recipe super simple and easy to grill. It’s a great weeknight meal, but can also be served to a crowd for a weekend get together. Grilled Shrimp […]
Honeydew Melon & Blackberry Salad
Yep, it’s as easy as it looks. And a looker it is! The sweet melon and tart blackberries are a great counterpart. Place the fruit on a bed of micro greens and drizzle with a lemon vinaigrette to create a bright beautiful summer salad. Honeydew Melon & Blackberry Salad Serves 4 […]
Parchment Baked Lemon Salmon and Potatoes with Dill Yogurt
Here is your foolproof way to cook Salmon every time! Use simple, bright ingredients wrapped up in parchment paper. Combine, garlic, lemon and dill sauce drizzled with olive oil. The sauce becomes creamy and buttery. And…the salmon…steamed to perfection. To serve, top with arugula, basil and the dill yogurt […]
Roasted Mixed Potatoes with Spring Herbs and Burrata
Add these dressed up potatoes to your spring side dish repetoire. Herby. Creamy. Crunchy. Delicious. Roasted Mixed Potatoes with Spring Herbs and Burrata Serves 6 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling 2 pounds mixed potatoes, chopped into similar size chunks (I used baby Idaho potatoes […]
Pozole Verde de Pollo
Start out your celebration with a flavorful bowl of Pozole. Pozole (also spelled posole) is a Mexican stew traditionally made with pork and hominy covered in a tasty broth. There are countless variations with one ingredient always present, Hominy. Hominy – it’s a type of maize found in the Hispanic […]
Thai-Style Zucchini Carrot Salad
This Thai-inspired salad combines matchstick sized carrots and zucchini and is topped with roasted peanuts and bright seasonal herbs. The tender raw vegetables are just perfect vessels to absorb this savory, tart vinaigrette. Add more veggies and peanut butter to create this Thai Peanut & Quinoa Salad. See recipe […]
Bourbon Bacon Jam Burger
This boozy bacon jam is the perfect companion for a tasty burger, pasta, pancakes, grilled cheese, sautéed veggies, charcuterie tray or your shoe. It’s that GOOD. Simply cook the bacon, caramelize some onions, add vinegar, brown sugar and bourbon. The result is a smokey, savory, sweet and versatile […]
Steamed Grouper with Martini Relish and Sour Orange Sauce
Steaming fish in parchment paper (En Papillote) is not only easy, as Bobby Flay says, “it’s fool-proof.” I agree. This method of cooking looks and sounds fancy but is easy to pull together. When you bake the Grouper (or any meaty white fish), it steams to a perfect flakiness while […]
Asparagus, Egg and Prosciutto Tart
It’s officially spring which means asparagus season. If you need a simple and delicious spring appetizer, brunch or light dinner…this is it. Simply prepare the tart starting with a crisp, buttery puff pastry crust, adding nutty Gruyere cheese, savory proscuitto and top with 7 minute jammy eggs. This elegant […]
Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs
We’ve officially entered deviled egg season. Basic deviled eggs are delicious but let’s put a twist on this dish AND turn them on their end. Think of your favorite salmon platter with all the fixins’. Smoked Salmon, cream cheese, red onion, capers and dill. All the flavors in a pretty […]
Tuna Steaks with Citrusy Soy Sauce and Crispy Rice Cakes
A quick sear and you have yourself one of the leanest, most flavorful forms of protein on the planet. Ahi tuna, also known as yellow-fin, is best served when quickly seared on the outside, leaving the inside tender and raw. Because it’s served rare, you must start with the best […]
Corned Beef Hash Benedict
The Reuben
St. Patrick’s Day is on the horizon. It starts with a traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage Slow Cooker meal. After that…the real fun begins. Corned Beef Grilled Cheese with Guinness Caramelized Onions, Corned Beef and Cabbage Flatbread, Corned Beef and Cabbage Egg Rolls, and Corned Beef Benedict. Back to this […]
Creamy Garlic Tuscan Shrimp
In this Tuscan inspired recipe the shrimp are coated in a rich, creamy sauce with spinach, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan. Serve over pasta, rice or steamed vegetables. A delicious dinner in 30 minutes. Cooking Club approved!! Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp Serves 4 2 tablespoons butter 6 cloves […]
Spicy Poblano, Black Bean and Quinoa Enchiladas
This time of year I like to pull together healthy, heartwarming meals. Enchiladas seem to always make an appearance. Salsa verde chicken enchiladas with pineapple avocado salsa and Chicken Verde Enchiladas are a few of my favorites. The black beans and quinoa give these enchiladas filling power and tons of […]
Grapefruit Brûlée
Winter citrus is abundant in your market right now. Switch up your prep for my favorite…grapefruit. Liven up your brunch game and brûlée your grapefruit. The technique is the same that is used for my favorite dessert. Generously sprinkle sugar on top of the grapefruit and use a blow […]
Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo
Few things say Mardi Gras like a big bowl of gumbo. Gumbo is a traditional Louisiana dish consisting of a thick stew with meat and seafood served over rice. This version combines Andouille sausage and shrimp to create a gumbo that’s smokey-spicy with a Cajun kick. Serve over rice […]