Thursday, March 31, 2011

Butternut Squash Risotto
Recipe from Woman's Day

Easy to make and delicious! In addition to the romano, be sure to add at a healthy tablespoon of butter to finish. In my opinion, that is how all risotto should be finished. 

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Quesadillas
Recipe from 101 Cookbooks

This recipe looks quick and healthy. I love her method of cooking the tortilla on top of the egg––that opens up lots of other possibilities. If you are not familiar with 101 Cookbooks, it's a wonderful site that focuses on natural whole foods and ingredients. 

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Roasted Olives and Clementines with Rosemary and Chiles
Recipe from Bon Appetit

A beautiful and delicious way to serve olives as an appetizer.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Tuscan Bean Soup
Recipe from Saveur

Since winter is refusing to leave this year, this is on my list of dishes to make this week. Love the fact that the broth is made from pureed beans and veges, and the soup is finished with a drizzle of olive oil. 

Wednesday, March 23, 2011


Zucchini Ricotta Frittata
Recipe from Simply Recipes

I love eggs and could eat them any time of day. 
This recipe is one more reason they are good for more than breakfast. 

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Salted Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Okay, I have to get off of this sweet kick, but this one looked too irresistible!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Tiny Poppy Seed 'Tachen
Recipe from Smitten Kitchen

Polish Poppy Seed Bread has always been a family favorite. This is a cookie version of that bread and is simply delicious. Couple of changes to the filling: Instead of raisins, we added ground (in the food processor) pecans and omitted the orange zest. We served the cookies with home-made rum raisin ice cream (thanks to Patti!). 

Friday, March 18, 2011


Umbrian Lentil Stew with Olive Oil Fried Eggs
Recipe from Food and Wine

A fried egg with its rich yolk adds a wonderful richness to any dish. This one is especially good!



Thursday, March 17, 2011


Ground Peanut Brittle
Recipe from Eat, Make, Read

Okay, this just looks amazing!


Wednesday, March 16, 2011



Ricotta Gnocchi with Corn and Chanterelles
Recipe from Caviar and Codfish

This recipe is (slightly) adapted from Suzanne Goin's book, Sunday Suppers at Lucques, one of my most favorite cookbooks and most favorite restaurants. I have made this recipe several times to rave reviews. The gnocchi is light and fluffy and fool-proof. Use dried chanterelles if you can't find fresh. 

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Quick & Tasty Marinara Sauce
Recipe from Plum Tart

Everyone needs to have a good recipe for simple tomato sauce. Possible additions: 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes when you're sauteing the garlic––and/or anchovies!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Creamy Carrot Soup with Scallions and Poppy Seeds
Recipe from Food and Wine

What makes this soup so good––and unique––is the garnish of sauteed scallions and poppy seeds. It's a great first course that can be made ahead, with garnish done just before serving.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Soft Pretzels
Recipe from The Kitchen Sink

 It's a fool-proof, delicious recipe, but does take a bit of time to make. Note: The recipe calls for pretzel salt or kosher salt.  I used kosher and most of it dissolved. Pretzel salt would have been better.

Friday, March 11, 2011


Salted Brown Butter Crispy Treats
Recipe from Smitten Kitchen

How delicious does this look? A great spin on a classic recipe (or as a friend of ours said, "food porn").

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Whole Lemon Tart
Recipe from Smitten Kitchen

This recipe is adapted from a French pastry shop and is entirely made in the food processor using simple ingredients. The filling, which takes only minutes to make, is literally a whole lemon –– skin and all ( no seeds)!  Note: Next time I would reduce the sugar in the filling by a quarter cup.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Bouillabaisse, Simplified
Recipe from Epicurious

This recipe is simple, easy to prepare, and every bit as delicious as more complicated versions. Bottled clam juice works well for the stock. Crusty bread is essential.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

White Cheese Pizza with Ramps

This is on our list of pizzas to make. 
The recipe suggests using scallions if you can't find ramps. 

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Halibut Veracruz
Recipe from Guy Fieri

This is one of my favorite dishes to make at home. It is simple and full of flavor. Best part: It makes even the most novice cook look like a pro! 

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

White Bean with Onion Confit
Recipe from Food and Wine

A quick dish to prepare using canned beans. The flavor is delicious; caramelized onion, fresh rosemary and a kick of red pepper. Make at least a full portion––you'll want leftovers! Tip: Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water. 

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

If we made our dream risotto, this is what it would look like.