The secret to a great Creole stew is a slowly cooked, chocolate colored roux (and, of course, the right balance of seasonings). Here is a recipe I used just last night, with great results. Ingredients: 1/3 cup olive oil...
A Great Breakfast Alternative…..
I made this recipe today, having found it on the site for Babbo Ristorante (one of Mario Battali's group of dining spots). This makes a light, not-too-sweet, perfectly moist cake that is perfect for breakfast. I did cook it...
Pumpkin Flan Beats Pumpkin Pie Everytime!
Creamier, lighter, elegant to serve, no soggy crust .....these are some of the reasons why I prefer Pumkin Flan to pumpkin pie for the holidays. Here is my recipe for a dish that will change your mind about holiday...
Brining a Turkey Breast
I was not a true believer in the brining technique until I tried this recipe. After the big turkey day, I found that there was not enough left-over bird to suit my cravings and so, I decided to roast...
Sangria for a Chilly Day
I love the infusion of warm spices into red wine. It is a festive way to serve wine as the weather gets colder and the holidays grow closer. Spiced Sangria 2 cinnamon sticks 6 whole cloves 6 black peppercorns,...
An Easy Alternative to Hollandaise
I love Eggs Benedict, Eggs Blackstone, Eggs Anything with Hollandaise. But, this most wonderful sauce is often a problem for home cooks and restaurants alike. I still have nightmares about working at the Ritz Carlton in Boston and hearing...
Arugula Galore….
Our arugula is overflowing this week so I am making one of my favorite pasta dishes. I call it Pasta BLT because it has pancetta (Italian bacon, cured but not smoked), arugua (which is in the lettuce family) and, of...
Caprese Omelette – a taste of summer, Italian style!
I started this morning with some wonderful grape tomatoes, some mozzerrella "pearls", some fresh basil and parsley. My mission, create a great new breakfast that used all these wonderful flavors. First, I took some good, unfiltered extra virgin olive...
Strawberry Arugula Panzanella Salad
Who doesn't like panzanella salad, the tasty Italian dish using leftover bread, sun ripened tomatoes and fresh basil. It is one of the most delicious summer dishes in my opinion. Since it is strawberry season, and strawberries only improve...
Simple Take on Eggs Benedict
Don't get me wrong - I adore Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine, all those "poached eggs on an English muffin with really rich sauce" dishes. But, sometimes I just do not have the time to make the sauces and sometimes they...