Classic Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwich

I originally wasn’t planning to post this recipe because I thought its simplicity would never interest any of you. However, I realized the simplicity is what makes it interesting. With really good ingredients like fresh baked bread and sharp cheddar cheese, you too can turn a classic grilled ham and cheese sandwich into a masterful [...]

Grilled Asparagus with Crumbled Feta

Late last summer I discovered a farmer’s market that is along my route home from work. Sometimes I would even stop by before heading home even if I didn’t need anything just to see the bounty of the local harvest first hand. It actually became pretty therapeutic and a great way to unwind after the [...]

Prosciutto Wrapped Stuffed Baby Bell Peppers

Have you ever hunted for the perfect ingredient to make all your dinner party dreams come true? Only to crash and burn like a forgotten soufflé when it is nowhere to be found? But alas, you are saved from total destruction when you discover a completely new ingredient that evokes new thoughts of culinary greatness. [...]

Grilled Caprese Pizza with Balsamic Reduction

Summer is quickly coming to an end, but there are still a few more weekends to take advantage of outdoor grilling. Sure your neighbors might be satisfied with a classic combination of burgers and hot dogs. They even may be ok with a tub of potato salad mush from the grocery store. You, on the [...]

Tips for Creating the Perfect Antipasti Platter

What Tuscan meal would be complete without a platter of meats, cheeses and roasted vegetables? There was no set recipe when it came to creating a perfect antipasti platter for my Party on the Porch. It just took a little creativity, a flair for styling and a love of great flavor. Here are a few [...]

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

I remember the exact moment when I read about this recipe on Jersey Girl Cooks. I was sitting in my windowless office, procrastinating on a project to make an odd technology sound sexy. Rather than diving into the fabulous world of work, I opted for a much more enjoyable hour of blog reading. The simple [...]

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 [...]

Grilled Summer Vegetable & Chicken Kabobs

I could hear my dress shoes tap along the pavement as I bounced between the booths piled high with fresh picked vegetables. Every Monday, I stop by my local farmers market after work to take advantage of the season’s best flavors for my week of meals. The market was full of all of its bounty [...]

Marinated Grilled Lemon Rosemary Chicken

This was the entrée for my Impromptu Dinner Party. The sun awakens from a restful slumber and shines its golden rays of light through the herbs growing in my kitchen window.  About a month ago, Brent’s mom gave me basil and a parsley plant because she felt our kitchen needed to be filled with some [...]

Impromptu Dinner Party: Brent & Ty Take Over

After returning home from a wonderful trip in Toronto, the last thing I wanted to do was eat in yet another restaurant.  I craved a home cooked meal and the comfort of relaxing in the backyard, without the annoyance of servers asking us if we were American based on what we ordered.  While trying to [...]