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. [...]

Summer Cucumber Salad with Feta Vinaigrette

Summer is about simple and easy salads for me. It’s a perfect way to take advantage of all the freshness Mother Nature has to offer. Plus, I think things taste better when I don’t have to turn on my stove in 90-degree weather. This recipe captures all of my favorite ingredients in one bite. Did [...]

Roasted Corn & Zucchini Salad

One of the talents I seem to have is the ability to take parts of several ingredients and create a complete meal. During a recent family visit to Pittsburgh, I found myself with three ears of corn that was leftover from a previous dinner. While in need of a delicious side dish, I wasn’t in [...]

Grilled Seasonal Vegetables

I don’t know if it’s the warmer weather or if my taste buds are changing with age. But I’m finding myself leaning toward more seasonal and cleaner flavors. I’m also starting to incorporate new ways to make my recipes easier without crossing into the “semi-homemade” world of cooking. Roasting vegetables is a common practice in [...]

Tangy Broccoli Slaw

I’m willing to bet there are several hundred picnics going on as I write this post with a variation of cole slaw on their menu. When done right, its slightly crisp texture of ingredients combined with a creamy sauce can be a perfect accompaniment to anything that just “came off the barbie.” Sadly I have [...]

Pasta el’Moundo Salad: A Story

Let’s face it. When you’re invited to one of my dinner parties, you are sure to be greeted with more food than you can imagine. Unless your jaw was wired shut and you drank meals through a straw, there is no way you would leave my dinner table hungry. Even then, I would pull out [...]

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 [...]

Artichoke & Roasted Red Pepper Focaccia

Located near Pittsburgh’s downtown core is a one half square mile area known as the Strip District. This landmark neighborhood is home to a wide variety of gritty independent retail shops, ethnic food emporiums and local restaurants. The place is not for those seeking to wrap themselves in the sanitized comfort of a suburban strip [...]

Tuna Pasta Salad: Remixed

Attend any small town summer potluck and you are sure to find a Tupperware bowl full of tuna pasta salad. These small town pasta creations always seem involve “famous, world class, or Big Dave’s”. Every small town has a Big Dave right? Believe me, I’ve had my fair share of small town potluck pasta salads [...]

Succotash

Way before the term “locally grown” was woven into the social fabric of life; I was living off the land when I was a kid. I grew up on a small farm in northern Michigan where summers were full of vegetables that always seemed to magically emerge from the rich soil. Since it’s a little [...]

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