Lebanese Lamb Kufta Kebabs and Tabbouleh Salad

I grew up with a Lebanese Mother who loved to cook.  Her Lebanese feast ranks #1 on my "If I was stranded on a deserted island with one meal, what meal would it be?" list. So, with that in mind, go grab plenty of parsley and lamb and let's get crackin' on a few keyContinue reading "Lebanese Lamb Kufta Kebabs and Tabbouleh Salad"

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Why are these the pancakes that you'll be making the next time you make pancakes? Because lemon and ricotta is a delicious combination. Because you know you want to make a batch of pancakes that are a little bit different than the the normal ones. Because it's been too long since you actually made pancakes.Continue reading "Lemon Ricotta Pancakes"

Last-Minute Appetizer Recipes To The Rescue

Looking for a last-minute appetizer to serve at your upcoming holiday party?  I've got you covered. These recipes will keep your guests happy and make it seem like you are the ultimate hostess. Because you are! Happy Thanksgiving! Andouille Pigs in a Blanket with Chutney Mustard Dipping Sauce Baked Brie with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and ThymeContinue reading "Last-Minute Appetizer Recipes To The Rescue"

Maple and Harissa Roasted Carrots

  It's an Autumn Saturday morning in Chicago. As I sit here and type this, I've already seen the weather go from dark and cold, to windy and pouring rain. Now, its slightly breezy and a lovely 70 degrees F and sunshine. Why am I telling you this? Well, for one thing, my fiance isContinue reading "Maple and Harissa Roasted Carrots"

Italian Sausage, Kale and White Bean Soup

  (New Years day, 2013)  While watching his beloved Stanford Cardinal lose in the Rose Bowl, our friend declares, "this is the best soup I've ever had." (I can't remember the specific below zero windchill day in the month of February, 2014)  My fiance came in from the cold to find this soup cooking. HeContinue reading "Italian Sausage, Kale and White Bean Soup"

Kale Salad with Breadcrumb Croutons

  I'm guilty of it. I'll readily admit. I'm guilty of eating kale multiple days a week. I love it in my Fall Quinoa and Kale Salad, Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad with Bacon, Almonds, and Pecorino, and Kale and Corn Salad with Basil Lime Vinaigrette.  All incredibly tasty, satisfying, and hearty. But just because kaleContinue reading "Kale Salad with Breadcrumb Croutons"

Sesame-Ginger Soba Noodle Salad with Chicken

I'm writing this at 2pm on Friday of Labor Day weekend. We've all mailed it in at this point, right? We're done doing "actual' work. So, in the spirit of Labor Day, I give you this fantastic dish. Ideal for a lazy summer weekend afternoon. Sesame-Ginger Soba Noodle Salad with Chicken.  Vibrantly flavored, full of crispContinue reading "Sesame-Ginger Soba Noodle Salad with Chicken"

Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Caprese Salad

  "It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all." Laura Ingalls Wilder was right on. The freshness of your ingredients - heirloom tomatoes, burrata cheese, fresh basil - make this simple salad so beautiful and delicious. Ideal for late summer gatherings with friends or family.  Pair with aContinue reading "Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Caprese Salad"

Steamed Mussels with Wine, Garlic and Parsley

  I don't cook mussels at home often enough. But, I did this past Friday. It was glorious. Elegant, affordable, readily available, and a breeze to make. From the fridge to dinner table, the mussels are ready to devour in just 20 minutes. I paired this batch with white wine, garlic, parsley and lemon. Obviously,Continue reading "Steamed Mussels with Wine, Garlic and Parsley"

Asparagus, Egg and Bacon Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette

  I have to give you an excuse for going over a month between blog posts.  Would you believe I spent the last month in French Polynesia, retracing the last years of impressionist painter Paul Gauguin?  I wouldn't either. (I'll save that for next year.) How about the fact that my good friend, chef MarioContinue reading "Asparagus, Egg and Bacon Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette"