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”

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 ThymeContinueContinue reading “Last-Minute Appetizer Recipes To The Rescue”

Lamb Shanks with Parmesan Polenta and Mushrooms

Time to talk lamb shanks?  Why, yes. Yes it is. From the lower section of the leg, lamb shanks are a full-flavored cut of meat.  They do, however, require a bit of love and attention to bring out their full potential.  These shanks are first browned in veg oil.  This gives them color while enhancingContinueContinue reading “Lamb Shanks with Parmesan Polenta and Mushrooms”

Sticky Bourbon Chicken and Broccoli

  Take-out-fake-out! Unlike my last post, I can’t claim to have coined the above phrase.  I can claim a wonderful recipe worthy of staying home in your cozies, and far better than your local take out.  I can also claim a sauce that you’ll quickly become addicted to.  Let’s roll.   This bourbon chicken andContinueContinue reading “Sticky Bourbon Chicken and Broccoli”

Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup with Homemade Turkey Stock

    Of all the life lessons I was taught, this is one of the most important. Never throw away the bones and carcass from the Thanksgiving turkey. I prefer to make my stock on Thanksgiving night.  Turkey bones, veggies, and aromatics are placed in a stockpot.  Simply covered in water, brought to a simmer,ContinueContinue reading “Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup with Homemade Turkey Stock”

How To Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree

  Stop wasting your money at Starbucks on pumpkin bread.  Start baking with homemade pumpkin puree.  It couldn’t be easier. Sugar pumpkins are an excellent choice for cooking and baking.  These smaller squashes have a firm, sweet flesh and are only about 6 to 8 inches in diameter.  These particular pumpkins are great for roastingContinueContinue reading “How To Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree”

How to Freeze Homemade Basil Pesto

  Are you reluctantly saying goodbye to summer?  Here’s my perception. Whip up a large batch of homemade pesto.  Then freeze it.  IN ICE CUBE TRAYS!! (yes, that deserved the double exclamation point).  We all love the smell and taste of fresh basil pesto.  We need it during the non summer months.  That said, here’sContinueContinue reading “How to Freeze Homemade Basil Pesto”

Classic Hummus

Don’t buy it.  Make it yourself.  More fun and flavor are to be had! If you normally read something like the above in a food blog or publication and think to yourself,  “sure, I should do that,” … but then, upon further and deeper thought, you say to yourself (honestly) … “Even though that looksContinueContinue reading “Classic Hummus”

Stuffed Pepper Soup

  Is it weird to coin a phrase referring  to your style of cooking?  Is it weird to coin a phrase on your own blog?  Is it weird to coin a phrase using your own name?  Is it weird that, when I asked myself these questions, I found none of the above weird?  No toContinueContinue reading “Stuffed Pepper Soup”

Pressed Italian Sandwich

  Food tastes better when eaten outdoors.  That’s just a universally known scientific fact. Some of my fondest memories have involved food being enjoyed outdoors.  Whether gathered around my dad’s grill listening to the sizzle of his famous chicken or ribs, twirling spaghetti on the patio of my favorite restaurant, or the simple pleasure ofContinueContinue reading “Pressed Italian Sandwich”