Corn and Orange Pepper Salad

Fresh herbs are one of my favorite ways to add a boost of flavor to a dish. This time last year, I planted an herb garden near my front entryway. The location is a wonderful conversation starter for arriving guests – particularly those who can’t resist running their hand over the plants as they walk [...]

Blueberry Basil Cocktail

The whole idea for this beverage started when I was standing over my two basil plants. I hovered over them in awe at how well they are growing this summer. It seemed like every time I clip, the bushier they grow. I couldn’t fathom the idea of making anymore pesto. So I clipped a few [...]

Red Sangria

The first time I had sangria was many years ago on New Year’s Day. A group of friends decided to go to a local tapas restaurant that was running a special brunch that day. We showed up in our pajamas to receive half-off sangrias and a gift card toward a future purchase. It was actually [...]

Mexican Tomato Salad

Who says the flavors of pico de gallo have to be limited to a mere condiment? Summer tomatoes are still producing in large qualities this time of year, and I’m a huge fan of the tiny grape tomato varieties because of their sweetness and hearty texture. I love the simplicity and versatility of this recipe. [...]

Ask Culinary Cory: Zesting

Zest makes my recipe taste bitter.  What am I doing wrong? While attending a Pampered Chef party, I watched in agony as the hostess fiercely ground the peel of an orange down to its soft flesh.  I explained to her the proper way to zest was by only removing the outer peel of the citrus based ingredient.  This [...]