Slow Cooker Bourbon Beans

I consider this time of the year to be my official start of the outdoor dining season. This means I take great lengths to keep my yard in comfortable condition and my grill is always ready for a party. Beyond their musical qualities, this recipe is sure to become a classic outdoor menu option. The [...]

Roasted Herb Shrimp Skewers

There’s something wonderfully elegant about serving meat on a stick. In this case, plump and juicy shrimp are the stars of the show. My preferred method for perfectly cooked shrimp every time is by tossing them in a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper. A quick roast in the oven helps to bring out [...]

Caprese Skewers

The voices in my head debated long and hard about what to bring to a recent potluck gathering. A little birdie told me there would be the usual variety of dips, chips and sweets. Plus, there would be a few people who prefer the veggie side of life. I thought it would be nice to [...]

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 [...]

My First Tomato of the Summer

I had grand visions of planting a lush garden in my backyard this past spring. It would have been bountiful and ripe with gleaming red tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, string beans and even a few of zucchini plants. Sadly, life got in the way and the activities of summer began to take priority. Those daydreams were [...]

Rhubarb Apple Crisp

Summer is a time for sharing the excesses of nature’s bounty among friends. Recently, my friend Loie asked if I was interested in some fresh rhubarb given to her by a neighbor kid. While I’ve never used the celery-like ingredient in cooking, I saw the gift would be a good excuse to be adventurous. It [...]

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 [...]

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