Sheet Pan Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

It’s the first Friday in June. June 2nd, to be exact. And, apparently, today is national “leave work early” day. (True story. You can look it up.)  I’m never one to not honor a national holiday …  or, national day … or, a made up by social media “day”.  Soo … I’m leaving work early to spendContinueContinue reading “Sheet Pan Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes”

Spicy Chicken Teriyaki Bowls

Bowls are, as the kids say these days, the new hotness. I attended my youngest sister’s college graduation this past weekend. While joyfully celebrating, something very real was obvious: My parent’s generation still considers me young, while my sister’s generation certainly considers me the opposite. I was straddling the fence between “oh, you’re still young,” and, “is your old sisterContinueContinue reading “Spicy Chicken Teriyaki Bowls”

Lasagna Soup

I have quite the love affair with both soup and lasagna. (My husband is fully aware of these ongoing affairs and he’s cool with it.) Even though my lasagna love is strong, I don’t always have the motivation or time to make it. So I improvise. Case in point, lazy ravioli lasagna,  individual spaghetti squash lasagnas, and now this delicious lasagna soup.ContinueContinue reading “Lasagna Soup”

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 keyContinueContinue reading “Lebanese Lamb Kufta Kebabs and Tabbouleh Salad”

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 isContinueContinue 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. HeContinueContinue reading “Italian Sausage, Kale and White Bean Soup”

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 aContinueContinue 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,ContinueContinue reading “Steamed Mussels with Wine, Garlic and Parsley”

Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad with Chicken

  Some of the best memories are made in flip flops … while eating this dish. Summer’s back.  Time to make Greek tortellini pasta salad.  Here’s my update on the classic Greek salad. I mixed it up by adding cheese tortellini, shredded chicken, and a couple other tid bits.  I’ve always got cheese tortellini onContinueContinue reading “Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad with Chicken”

Sausage and Veggie Breakfast Strata

  What’s my key to hosting brunch, you ask? Everything’s made and prepped in advance. With this in mind, here’s my go-to brunch recipe – Sausage and Veggie Breakfast Strata.  This dish inherently abides by my “made in advance” rule.  You’re literally SUPPOSED to make and prepare it the night before.  For those unfamiliar withContinueContinue reading “Sausage and Veggie Breakfast Strata”