Recent Posts

Shrimp Mousse – With A Twist

Shrimp Mousse – With A Twist

This is one of my very favorite party foods. All Southerners have enjoyed this popular dish, omnipresent at every picnic, tailgate party, and backyard barbeque. My second mom has been making this for us ever since I can remember, and she calls it Shrimp Paté. 

Perfectly Pesto Cheesecake

Perfectly Pesto Cheesecake

This appetizer is an impressive and delicious centerpiece, and has made many appearances at cocktail parties I’ve hosted over the last 20+ years. The recipe is from the Junior League of Seattle cookbook “Simply Classic.” Crust: 1 Tbsp butter or margarine, softened 1/4 cup fine, 

Split Pea Soup With Ham

Split Pea Soup With Ham

This soup is incredibly tasty, starting with a stock made with ham hocks, or a meaty ham bone purchased from the Honeybaked Ham store or leftover from a spiral sliced ham. I usually increase the quantities and freeze some in containers, to have plenty of 

Green Beans with Cranberries, Walnuts and Blue Cheese

Green Beans with Cranberries, Walnuts and Blue Cheese

This side dish is a great accompaniment to a Thanksgiving turkey or an Easter ham. It can also be prepared in advance and served as a chilled salad. The recipe was developed by Bobby Dean for the Food Network. 1 3/4 pounds green beans, trimmed 

Deconstructed Chicken Pot Pie

Deconstructed Chicken Pot Pie

Dairy-free, condensed soup-free and pie crust-free, this alternative to a traditional pot pie starts with a sauce made from a roux and is slow cooked. 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 pound red potatoes, diced 

Autumn Apple Crisp

Autumn Apple Crisp

Fall leaves and cooler temperatures mean it’s time to fire up the oven and bake delicious comfort foods. We enjoyed this dessert treat every year around Halloween, accompanied by a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. 6 – 8 apples: Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, 

Easy & Colorful Pasta Salad

Easy & Colorful Pasta Salad

Once again, my second mom created a masterpiece, this time in the form of a pasta salad that’s perfect for any summer picnic, lunch or dinner. You can chop/slice/dice the vegetables however it suits you and your desire for something you can really sink your 

Marinated Asian Flank Steak

Marinated Asian Flank Steak

This flank steak has been a favorite of mine and my guests for many years – the flavors of the marinade are unexpected and wonderful! It can be doubled or tripled depending on the number of guests – the quantities used in this recipe will 

Bourbon, Rum or Brandy Balls

Bourbon, Rum or Brandy Balls

This is a recipe that takes me back to my childhood. I remember helping my Mom roll these by the hundreds (or so it seemed) and place them into cookie tins, in preparation for one party or another. My brother and I make these retro 

Mary Ellen’s Beef Bourguignon

Mary Ellen’s Beef Bourguignon

My first taste of this mouth-watering version of the classic French stew was during a trip to Vermont for my goddaughter’s christening.  It was made by her grandmother, Mary Ellen, for both sides of the family, and I have been a devotee of it ever 

Easy Cinnamon & Chocolate Fudge

Easy Cinnamon & Chocolate Fudge

This is a recipe by Giada De Laurentiis for an easy, no-hassle fudge. The cinnamon gives it an unexpected, delicious flavor. 1 can condensed milk 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. vanilla extract 3 Tbsp. butter 2 1/2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips Melt the chocolate chips 

Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Mediterranean Lentil Salad

With fresh parsley as a key ingredient, this super easy salad is packed with nutrition. It’s a refreshing side that can be served any time of the year. 4 oz. (1/2 bag) dry lentils, rinsed well 1 large bunch curly parsley 3-4 scallions (green onions)