This week, I have been experimenting in the kitchen with a grain free-gluten free-dairy free-nut free muffin.  So far, this darn muffin troubles me.  Sure, I have come across a few recipes online with fabulous pictures of such muffins, which makes me wonder why mine won’t work?  They look good, but the middle of the… Continue reading

A few weeks ago I posted a recipe for this fabulous black bean soup, hard to believe that a bag of God-knows-how-old dried beans  could produce such a remarkable bowl of soup.  I thank the crock pot for that. It was so easy that I felt we had to do it again, for  quality control… Continue reading

I have to admit although pasta is certainly in our regular dinner rotation, lasagna is not.  We love it  – of course, but it’s a lot of effort for a weeknight dinner. There is the option of no-boil noodles, sure, that would be a lot easier, however those noodles tend to be gummy, especially when reheated. … Continue reading

From my over stuffed pantry I unearthed 3 packages of dried beans while trying to find 2 packages of the same spaghetti for dinner.  To tell you the truth I have no idea how long they have been languishing in there.  Months? Years? The thing about dried beans, ancient in this case I fear,  is… Continue reading

My daughter regularly texts me obscure grocery items that she wants purchased – by me of course.  Last month it was: matcha powder, cocoa nibs, jackfruit and cardamon pods.  All with the intention of creating something she most likely has seen on Pinterest. Most of the time these specialty items are used once, then languish in the… Continue reading

I have posted a lot of cheesecake here – mainly because I love them,  also because you can adapt them to so many occasions.  Dinner party?  This Meyer Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake or Key Lime Cheesecake marry well with any menu. Holiday? Try this Pumpkin Pie Ricotta Cheesecake or equally as festive Pumpkin Cheesecake with Candied Nut… Continue reading

I have to admit by this time in the summer I long for a cooler day.  Though, not as a respite to the heat, more for the opportunity to turn on the oven and bake.  The thought of twisting that dial, and indadvertedly heating the kitchen, when it’s so hot outside doesn’t seem right With… Continue reading

I picked up a tin of Za’tar Za’tar while traveling a while back, such a while back that I don’t remember where.  It seemed like serendipity when I found a recipe for Socca – a grilled chickpea flatbread made frequently in the south of France. A Middle Eastern spice blend of marjoram or thyme, oregano, dried… Continue reading

Every summer there seems to be a salad that I gravitate to, and tend make again and again.  The criteria is usually that it’s super easy to whip up, no ingredients that are strange or hard to procure. Extra points if it contains local, in season produce, doesn’t need extended refrigeration, can pair well with most… Continue reading

I am not going to pretend that I haven’t posted these muffins previously, I have.  The reason to share them with you again is because they are so versatile.  I made them the first time because I was traveling and needed them to be hearty enough to last in my carryon without being squashed too… Continue reading

Some of the best dishes I have ever created have were developed, not because I followed the recipe correctly (I am really not good at that) but rather because I didn’t have all the ingredients listed, and had to just wing it.  For all you recipe followers, I know that is a tough concept – just call me… Continue reading

My daughter was home from university last weekend and noticed a small container of ricotta cheese in the fridge.  Lately, I have been spreading it on toast, then showering it with lemon zest and capers, adding few slices of smoked salmon, and finishing with tons of fresh chopped dill for a fabulous and easy lunch…. Continue reading

When most people plan a big trip I think the last thing on their mind is baking.  Not so much for me – of course.  I need to bake to make sure I have something gluten free to resort to if there are no other options. Bonus points if it travels well, fills me up, with sweet… Continue reading

In these dwindling December days filled with endless parties full of punch bowls laden with egg nog, bacon wrapped scallops on fancy trays, and entire tables devoted to artistic cheese displays, I thought you might appreciate something a bit lighter to ingest between Fêtes. This one simple soup may be the thing we all need… Continue reading

I certainly have developed a newfound respect for cornstarch.  It usually hangs out way in the back of that cabinet that houses the baking powder and various exotic spices rarely used – until today that is. Sure, most of us already know it can be used to thicken soups, sauces and stew.  But used alone… Continue reading

I have been spoiled this last year, with the kids off at university I wasn’t called on for breakfast duty. I could leisurely sip coffee with a few sections of the newspaper, glance at the today show now and then, and enjoy whatever I deemed acceptable for breakfast. Now, with them both home for the… Continue reading

I know this time of year you would expect me to be posting all kinds of light, refreshing, don’t you even think about turning that oven on, type of recipes.  Thing is, it’s cold and rainy here today and I wouldn’t dream of turning on the heat in July to warm up – the oven… Continue reading

I have noticed that every summer I seem to gravitate to a go-to salad, one I can quickly whip up for a impromptu BBQ at a neighbors,  a dish to pass for a picnic, or maybe just for a quick fix dinner here.  Last year it was this Summer Squash with Feta and Herb Salad, the… Continue reading

Food trends seem to come and go without me jumping on the bandwagon.  Did you see a ton of kale chip recipes here a few years back? Nope.  Ancient grain concoctions? Endless ways to eat an avocado? Cauliflower pizza?  Okay that one I couldn’t resist.  I really wanted to believe all those raving reviews.  While… Continue reading

Luckily, everyone here loves coleslaw, and, in my quest to make sure we all get enough veg in our diet – that certainly helps.  While fish tacos usually get a traditional savoy cabbage slaw –  other meals are ripe for different versions of coleslaw. The beauty of coleslaw is that you can julienne almost any vegetable and… Continue reading

I am sure I have mentioned before, that we eat a lot of eggs for dinner here.  Sometimes it’s a quick and easy frittata – like this Broccolini Frittata today, or maybe eggs Benedict with blender hollandaise, always a hit. And, my all time favorite – toast with smashed avocado, a sprinkle of lemon juice,… Continue reading