Thursday, May 17, 2012

Cool Pesto Dipping Sauce with Toasted Pita

February 26, 2011 by  
Filed under Appetizers

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 [...]

Pear, Gorgonzola & Caramelized Onion Focaccia

January 9, 2011 by  
Filed under Breads

It was quite an experience the first time I had a back massage. My masseuse was a sturdy 35-year old woman with tattoos scattered on her arms, shoulder-length dreadlocks and a silver ring pierced through her nose. Her meaty hands pounded my tight muscles into submission as I thought to myself, “pain is beauty…pain is [...]

Thanksgiving 2010

November 26, 2010 by  
Filed under Stories

Would you call me crazy if I told you I cooked a 20 lb turkey for two people? What can I say? I really like leftovers. You probably noticed there is also a 3.5 lb sliced ham placed next to the golden bird in the picture above. I imagine there is an omnivore softly crying [...]

Roasted Breakfast Potatoes: Simplified

September 26, 2010 by  
Filed under Breakfast & Brunch

Potatoes, in any form, are a welcomed item on my weekend breakfast menus. They are hearty and oh so comforting. The problem is most cooking methods using fresh potatoes take forever. Unless I’m expecting to sit in my pajamas for most of the day, I don’t have that kind of patience. So I use a [...]

Sweet Sun-Dried Sweet Tomato Corn Bread

September 8, 2010 by  
Filed under Breads

The magic of discovery was in full bloom when I swung by a local farmers market this past weekend. I’m no stranger to the deliciousness of sun-dried tomatoes, but I’ve never seen farm fresh cherry tomatoes in this form before. They were lovely tiny nuggets that were full of sweetness with every bite. I’m almost [...]

Mexican Tomato Salad

August 30, 2010 by  
Filed under Entertaining, Salads

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

August 10, 2010 by  
Filed under Entertaining, Salads

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

August 1, 2010 by  
Filed under Salads, Sides

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

June 12, 2010 by  
Filed under Sides

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

June 6, 2010 by  
Filed under Salads

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 [...]

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