Bacon Wrapped Chicken

I find it humorous when people say they are intimidated by roasting a chicken. It’s super easy to prepare once you get the hang of it and makes for a really elegant presentation. Plus, nothing could be easier than letting the bird do its thing in the oven while you focus on other meal preparations. [...]

Roasted Apple & Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash isn’t typically a go-to vegetable in my cooking routine. But I couldn’t help but pick up a delicious golden orb during a recent trip to the farmers market. I also happened to have a rather large bin full of apples after that unforgettable impulsive purchase at an orchard last weekend. I found this [...]

Roasted Tomato & Basil Soup

The warm summer days are nothing more than a distant memory now. But that’s ok because I’m a huge fan of fall for two reasons. I get to wear sweaters and roast vegetables. Sometimes I even wear a sweater while I’m roasting vegetables. This recipe is a little heartier than a traditional tomato soup with [...]

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. [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Grilled Vegetable Kabobs

This was the side dish for my Impromptu Dinner Party. Having grown up with an acre sized garden in northern Michigan, I am no stranger to garden fresh vegetables with every meal.  There were many fond childhood memories with that garden.  I still shutter at the thought of biting into a freshly plucked jalapeno pepper [...]

Roasted Rosemary Lemon Cornish Game Hen and Vegetables

This was the entrée and vegetable side dish for my Saturday Dinner Party. The aroma was intoxicating as I placed the large pan of golden game hens on the table.  I watched as he took a bite of the crispy skin and moist flesh.  He closed his eyes, chewed for a moment and swallowed.  Then, [...]