In trying to think outside of the box to ignite an everyday dinner, I decided to create a vegetarian version of Shepard’s Pie. It is traditionally made with lamb or beef but I wanted to try seitan, a wheat-based product you can find next to most tofu products. The texture of seitan is very much...
It’s winter and I make a lot of soups in the winter. Cliche, I know, but hey soups are comforting on a cold night and perfect as leftovers for a hot refreshing lunch (especially after walking my dog through all the snow!). Mushroom Barley is one of those soups that is so satisfying you really...
So you didn’t finish that baguette last night and now it’s a little stale….don’t feed it to those nasty pigeons! — make croutons!! Homemade croutons add a delicious touch to any salad (or soup for that matter) — who doesn’t like toasted bread packed with flavorful seasonings? Begin by slicing the bread into cubes. Put...
I’ve had a request for “fancy finger foods” from a fellow blog follower — she is looking to make appetizers for an upcoming book group meeting she is hosting. I’ve got some great recipes that I will be posting in the upcoming days but let’s get started with my Mini Meatloafs. I made these last...
Ahhhhh, such a yummy dinner. Moist chicken cooked with lots of lemon and garlic surrounded by crispy potatoes….couldn’t get any more delicious! I’ve been making this dish for so long now and it never disappoints. It takes just minutes to prepare as there are so few ingredients!! Rinse your chicken breasts and place in 9×12 roasting...
Every chef rightfully has their own opinions on how to make a marinara sauce, including me! I love a simple, fresh yet robust marinara that can be used in many ways, from a pasta sauce to a pizza sauce to a homemade goat cheese marinara appetizer!! I think my sauce is BOSS (ok that’s a...
As the Fall time change makes the evenings grow dark earlier, the need for hearty soups grows stronger. Tomato Black Bean Soup fills that niche perfectly! Being high in fiber yet low in fat, it is a very satisfying soup that makes a terrific meal. You may certainly serve it with a dinner salad or...
In the world of salt, there are many varieties: table salt, kosher salt, rock salt, sea salt just to name a few. Each is unique in their own way with equally unique benefits. By far my favorite is sea salt. There are many kinds to choose from each with their own taste, texture and color....
Sunday mornings are such a treat. No one is rushing out the door–no school, no work, no ballet rehearsal. We get to enjoy each others company, maybe watch a little Sunday Morning on CBS, maybe listen to some quiet music while reading by the fire, maybe get mom in the kitchen to make everyone breakfast…...
It’s cold. It’s windy. It’s snowing. It’s Chicago in January. It’s the perfect time to get in the kitchen and whip up my Winter Stew! Whether you are experiencing my kind of winter or are lucky enough to live somewhere warm, Winter Stew is a delightful dish to satisfy any type of winter day (or...