Blue Cheese Ranch Dip with Fresh Vegetables

The keys to potluck success I’ve learned over the years are to keep the food simple for transportation purposes and serve familiar favorites with my own twist to add interest. I reviewed my calendar recently and realized I had 6 potluck parties to attend in December! That’s a lot of Crockpot fare in my very [...]

Cool Pesto Dipping Sauce with Toasted Pita

I long for the days when I can clip basil in my backyard. Thankfully the ground hog didn’t see his shadow this month. That means my desire for truly fresh herbs will be satisfied in the very near future. Until that time arrives, quality jarred pesto will have to serve as a suitable substitute. I [...]

Black Bean & Corn Salsa

It’s been really hard to break-away from the mountains of reading and writing that is required for my graduate classes. When I’m able to focus on an ounce of something different, I immediately start thinking about the number of chapters I could be finishing within that same time period. I mentioned this challenge to one [...]

Bacon & Blue Dip

One of the ways I make entertaining look effortless is to always serve an easy and simple appetizer. It helps to keep my guests focused and entertained while I put the finishing touches on the meal. Best of all, appetizers keep my guests out of the kitchen and away from view should a mistake bubble [...]

Tzatziki Dip with Fresh Vegetables

My Easter holiday was full of good food, sun and a whole lot of fun. Since the weather reached well into the 80’s here in Pittsburgh, I thought it would be a fabulous excuse for an outdoor barbeque. I guess you can say this was the first of many outdoor gatherings I intend to have [...]

Caramelized Onion Dip

I love potluck parties because it gives me a chance to sample new recipe ideas beyond reading a typical blog, magazine or cookbook. My office recently decided to host a potluck party to celebrate the ending of another strong year. Of course, this couldn’t be just any party; all the participants had to bring an [...]

Chocolate Dipped Sugar Cookies

Would you believe even Culinary Cory doesn’t always have time to cook everything from scratch? Dare I say I occasionally turn to the semi-homemade way to save a little time? Insert screaming and crying here. The holidays have been pretty busy for me with a ton of things to do and little time to do [...]

Impromptu Guacamole

All I wanted to do this evening was hear the sizzle of a juicy steak on the grill, wrapped it in a tortilla, with a delicious pile of fresh guacamole. I planned to eat my meaty dinner flopped on the couch while watching a little mind numbing TV. Ahh…a perfect evening after a long day [...]

Ode to Summer Vegetable Trays

It’s a must have compliment to a menu of grilled deliciousness at any summer dinner party. No matter where you find comfort in an outdoor meal, always know the classic summer vegetable tray will be there with its bounty of flavors. I found myself not wanting to “cook” for a recent dinner party. It was [...]

Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

The bar was alive with a wide selection of movers and shakers ready to start the weekend off right.  I turned to my freshly poured beverage when I noticed a tiny droplet of water trickling down the side of my glass.  The music bumped in the background as I slowly brought the cold liquid to [...]

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