This grown up hot chocolate gets a kick of orange flavor from Cointreau and orange zest. It reminds me of those Terry’s chocolate oranges that are popular as stocking stuffers. Read more…
Food
Valentine’s Day Cake Balls
These strawberry cake balls can be made with any cake flavor you choose, and the decorating possibilities are endless—try mini conversation hearts, heart-shaped sprinkles, red or pink candy coating instead of white chocolate. Read more…
Dorie Greenspan’s World Peace Cookies
These cookies were the brainchild of the Parisian pastry chef Pierre Hermé, made famous by Dorie Greenspan in her book, Baking: From My Home to Yours, and given their current name by Dorie’s neighbor, Richard Gold, who is convinced that a daily dose of these cookies is all that is needed to ensure planetary peace and happiness. I […] Read more…
Mini Derby Pie
Invented in 1950 in Prospect, Kentucky, Derby Pie is also known as “Pegasus Pie” and “May Day Pie” because the original creator, the Kern Family, has sued to protect its trademark “Derby Pie” name 25 times—including Bon Appetit who tried to claim the term is generic. Well, whatever it’s called, it’s a delicious staple at my Derby Party every […] Read more…
White Chocolate Cherry Cookies
My friend, Shannon (doctor by day, pastry chef by night), bakes these festive White Chocolate Cherry cookies every holiday season. Now that I live a million miles away from Shannon and her delightful desserts, I felt like this was the year to add them to my own baking playlist. These amazing treats are based on […] Read more…
Nectarine Caprese Salad
This versatile fruit salad made with nectarines, blueberries and mozzarella, is perfect for lunch, as complement to dinner, or as a party dish. The sweet nectarines are perfectly balanced by the creamy mozzarella, making this a refreshing fruit salad with substance. Read more…
Renee Erickson’s Roasted Chicken
Renee Erickson’s roasted chicken is one of my favorite dishes to order at her restaurants, so I was excited to recreate her recipe from “A Boat, a Whale & a Walrus.” In just a few steps you’ll have the most amazing tasting chicken. Read more…
Preserved Lemons
Preserved lemons are incredibly easy to make, keep for a year in the fridge, and can be used in so many dishes that there’s no excuse not to always have them on hand. Try using Meyer Lemons when they are in season. Read more…
Blueberry Fool
The dessert is great for the person who doesn’t like cake—I know, I know, but these people do exist in my life, and I’m still friends with them—and it’s also a light, refreshing summertime treat that can be made with any seasonal berry. Try it with raspberry, blackberry, marionberry, etc. and let me know what […] Read more…
John Besh’s Fruit Crumble
This fruit crumble is a favorite go-to of mine, especially during berry season—I like to use raspberries, blueberries, or peaches—and it’s easy to toss everything into one baking dish for a party, or divide into individual ramekins for a quick weeknight treat. You can even assemble it in advance and bake when ready. Read more…
My First Month of Blue Apron
One month ago, I subscribed to Blue Apron when my friend, Angela, sent me a promo code for a week’s worth of free meals. I had been cooking at home more and was falling into a recipe rut, so I thought I’d give it a try. It was really easy to create an account, sign up, […] Read more…
Smoky Barbecue Ribs
At the first hint of sunny weather I get the itch to grill every kind of meat! I like how easy this smoky-spicy-sweet dry rub recipe is to make with a few pantry staples—and it’s great on grilled pork tenderloin, steak, and chicken, too. Give it a try this weekend! Read more…
S’mores Whoopie Pies
I really love bite-side food. Maybe that’s why I love spanish tapas and why I like to make a bunch of appetizers when I entertain. I also love bite-size dessert, so these mini whoopie pies fit right into my bite-size food obsession. Read more…
Salmon with Roasted Fennel and Lemon Vinaigrette
This recipe from Real Simple is one of my favorites. The roasted lemon makes the dish bright and the fennel gives it depth. If you want to add more flavor (and a reason to heat up the grill) leave the skin on the salmon fillets and grill (skin side down) on cedar planks, over medium […] Read more…
Breakfast Casserole
This breakfast casserole is great for weekend brunch with friends. Or, you can pre-make and portion out for a few quick weekday morning meals. Use the recipe as your base and customize it by adding your favorite omelet ingredients such as mushrooms, bell pepper, bacon crumbles, spinach, etc. Read more…
Grilled Peach & Prosciutto Pizza
Grilled pizza is one of my go-to dishes during the summer months when it’s peak peach season, but I also like to substitute grilled figs in the fall. I haven’t experimented with pizza sauce yet—my version usually incorporates ingredients that work well with just a little olive oil brushed on the crust. Read more…
Panzanella
I can’t get enough of this healthy, crunchy bread salad. Sometimes I make it in the beginning of the week and eat it for lunch the next few days, but is also makes a great refreshing dinner on hot summer evenings. Read more…
Crockpot Meatballs
These days I’m loving the simplicity of a delish crockpot meal. These meatballs were easy to make, and got a big thumbs up from the hubby, who considers himself a meatball expert of sorts. INGREDIENTS Low moisture mozzarella cheese ball 1 pound ground beef 1 pound hot Italian sausage 1 jar of your favorite tomato […] Read more…
Deviled Eggs
Happy Easter! Nothing reminds me of today’s celebration more than deviled eggs. My grandmother and great-grandmother always made a sure we had plenty of this delightful treat for our Easter family gatherings. Now that the Easter Bunny has left you with a basketful of hard-boiled eggs, try this twist on the classic recipe. Read more…
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Homemade vanilla extract is one of my favorite gifts to make and give during the holidays. It’s fun, easy, and lasts a long time. I like to personalize the bottles by creating my own handwritten labels and tags. Don’t forget to make an extra bottle to keep for yourself! Read more…