SUMMER’S BOUNTY! I love summer. Between my garden and the farmer’s markets, fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs abound! There is nothing more spectacular then plucking vegetables and herbs right from the garden, eating them within minutes still warm from the sun’s rays. The key to this salad is to always use the freshest and finest...
The holiday season is upon us and with that comes lots and lots of entertaining. Whether it’s a dinner party you are hosting or a pot luck you were invited to, getting creative in the kitchen becomes so much more festive this time of year! Fancy china is dusted off to take its place at...
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...
For many, 2014 started off really cold. Who ever heard of a polar vortex? Chicago being labeled Chiberia? I was fortunate enough to have missed the brutally cold air but the mere thought of it made me retreat to the warmth of my kitchen and make soup — a staple on a normally chilly day...
When entertaining, simplicity is nice. I am a true believer in enjoying your own party. Often people think the only way to accomplish this is by buying (or catering) appetizers already made and just reheating…not always so! My Mini Mushroom Cups are so simple — the mixture can be made ahead of time and then assembled...
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 a new year and a new start. I know I have been a little (a lot?) lax in my blog postings lately but I am back and will be starting this new year with some yummy, healthy recipes to keep mealtime interesting! I created this recipe sort of by accident. I had an avocado...
As promised way back on Cinco de Mayo (sorry so delayed…life got a bit hectic), here is the recipe for my Black Bean Salad. Though I made this salad to accompany Chipotle Shrimp, it also goes nicely with grilled chicken, steak or even as a meal for lunch. It is incredibly flavorful and adapts beautifully...
No need for much explanation here. Salsa is pretty self explanatory after all! It’s so simple to make and tastes so delicious, I don’t know why anyone would eat salsa from a jar. It keeps in the frig for at least a week if you can keep it that long!! Every batch I make doesn’t...