Summer Berry Pavlova

Summer Berry Pavlova

When I grew up in Texas, I remember my mother’s wonderful parties.  She made everything from scratch.  One of my mother's favorite desserts to make for a crowd was a Pavlova, a large meringue base filled with fruits and topped with whipped cream and of course ice...

A Taste Of Capri Party

A Taste Of Capri Party

Hi all! I’m so excited to be back with my bi-weekly blog!  It’s been a hectic 6 months with a heck of a lot of packing and unpacking. My husband and I sold our NYC apartment and bought an apartment in Palm Beach last November.   And because I am not ready yet to exit...

The Perfect Healthy Spring Pasta Primavera!

The Perfect Healthy Spring Pasta Primavera!

Having survived my first brutal winter in NYC, in 1977, I remember being so relieved when the magnolia tree outside my window started blooming its deep pink blossoms. I was a single girl in NYC living in the West Village. I had very little money, and I was happy when...

Spicy Cauliflower Tacos with Tangy Avocado Crema

Spicy Cauliflower Tacos with Tangy Avocado Crema

Cauliflower can do no wrong in my book! She can be turned into a creamy carbonara sauce, smothered in Gruyere for my cauliflower gratin, or simply roasted whole and served as a vegetarian entrée. I'm always looking for fun new ways to replace meat with cauliflower in...

My Espresso Martini Is A Perfectly Indulgent Cocktail

My Espresso Martini Is A Perfectly Indulgent Cocktail

There are cocktails that you make for a cozy night in, like my hot cider-mulled wine, and there are cocktails that give you a little pep to your step. The beloved espresso martini is one of those drinks that gets your night started!  My version of this time-honored...

Kabocha Squash and Ricotta Crostini

Kabocha Squash and Ricotta Crostini

Inspiration could strike at any time when it comes to a brilliant flavor combination! Sometimes I'll find inspo in a new cookbook or even an old cookbook that I haven't opened in ages. Sometimes I'll have a dish at a restaurant that sparks my interest and I'll go home...

My Secret Ingredient Sweet Potatoes

My Secret Ingredient Sweet Potatoes

You can’t go wrong with my Secret Ingredient Sweet Potatoes for an easy appetizer. With simple ingredients and day-of prep, these adorable sweet potato bites are a no-brainer for your holiday table. The secret ingredients here are fresh orange and pineapple. Every...

Learn My Secrets to the Best Sweet-and-Sour Brisket

Learn My Secrets to the Best Sweet-and-Sour Brisket

I've posted several brisket recipes in the past, but bar none, this year's brisket is the best I've ever made.  It's so perfectly tender that it melts in your mouth. The Perfect Brisket Let me tell you, I've had my fair share of tough, chewy brisket in my life. After...

7 Insider Tips For Your First Capri Vacation

7 Insider Tips For Your First Capri Vacation

Jaw-dropping scenery, brilliantly simple cuisine, and luxury shopping make Capri a sought-after destination in Southern Italy. There's a reason why so many celebrities park their yachts on this breathtaking island! You'll spend your days wandering through the gorgeous...

Asian-Style Sticky Ribs

Asian-Style Sticky Ribs

If you have the time, low and slow is always the best way to cook your food. My favorite part about BBQ ribs is that the longer you cook them, the more tender they get! These Asian-style sticky ribs were a huge hit at my first dinner party of the summer. There wasn't...

Easy Thai-Inspired Carrot Salad For Your Summer Menu

Easy Thai-Inspired Carrot Salad For Your Summer Menu

If you're not making carrot salads, you're seriously missing out! Roasted or stewed carrots are wonderful, but the sweet, fresh, and crunchy elements of a raw carrot salad will turn even the biggest carrot haters around. A little fun fact: Moroccans brought carrot...

Coconut Cilantro Rice

Coconut Cilantro Rice

A delicious trick for making flavorful rice is to simmer it in a combination of coconut milk and chicken stock. Jasmine rice that's simmered in coconut milk has a wonderful sweet flavor. Garnish the rice with a little bit of chopped cilantro and you've got an easy,...

My Memorial Day Pink Party Was The Perfect Summer Kickoff

My Memorial Day Pink Party Was The Perfect Summer Kickoff

Summer has unofficially begun in my book! I've been waiting in anticipation for Memorial Day Weekend all year. Summer is my absolute favorite cooking season. Who doesn't love to grill with a cold glass of sangria in their hand?! I couldn’t be more excited to dance,...

5 Fantastic Grill Dishes For Your Memorial Day BBQ

5 Fantastic Grill Dishes For Your Memorial Day BBQ

I'm ready to party! Aren't you? I feel like I've been let loose from my cage! Memorial Day Weekend certainly has a different kind of significance this time around. Not only is it the unofficial start of summer (and a vaccinated summer at that!), but now we can all get...

MIX IT UP, SALAD IN A JAR!!!

MIX IT UP, SALAD IN A JAR!!!

Our world today is all about convenience. Grab and Go is what so many of us do especially for lunch. When I don't plan ahead I find myself eating unhealthy. I might grab a little something here and a lot of something there and next thing I know I have binged on...

Herbed Lentil Salad with Walnuts and Goat Cheese

Herbed Lentil Salad with Walnuts and Goat Cheese

  One bite of my Herbed Lentil Salad will send your palate on a journey to France. My favorite lentil salad is perfect for a spring or summertime picnic and loaded with fresh herbs, crunchy walnuts, and creamy goat cheese. This rustic and earthy vegetarian dish...

Level Up Your Brunch Game with my Three-Green Shakshuka

Level Up Your Brunch Game with my Three-Green Shakshuka

If you love brunch foods as much as I do, shakshuka is a dish you'll have to try at home! Now that my friends and I are all vaccinated, I can't wait to pick up where we left off with Sunday brunches and mimosas. As we welcome spring with open arms and everything...

Crispy Shrimp Tacos

Crispy Shrimp Tacos

I absolutely love Mexican food. What better way to showcase all kinds of bright and beautiful fruits and vegetables than with shrimp tacos! The key to any taco dish is getting your hands on fresh corn tortillas and of course, homemade guacamole. The light, crisp...

The Best Easter Recipes

The Best Easter Recipes

Easter is the perfect excuse to cook the ultimate Springtime feast, and of course break out all of my favorite floral tops. To me, Easter means eating all of the delicious greens, deviled eggs, and glazed ham! For anyone who gave up their favorite foods for lent, this...

Cauliflower Gratin

Cauliflower Gratin

I don't know about you, but when I hear the word gratin, my ears perk up. At its core, gratin is a dish of melted cheese and butter with a crust of breadcrumbs on top. It's one of those dishes that puts the word comfort in comfort food. The classic French preparation...

Shiitake, Asparagus, and Boursin Cheese Frittata

Shiitake, Asparagus, and Boursin Cheese Frittata

A frittata is the ultimate brunch food. Cooked slowly over a low flame, a frittata is basically a crustless quiche. You can make it with any combination of eggs, vegetables, herbs, and cheese. Since frittatas are often served at room temperature, they're perfect for...

Caesar Salad with Big Chile Croutons

Caesar Salad with Big Chile Croutons

Caesar Salad with Big Chile Croutons Salad:2 large heads romaine lettuceCaesar Dressing (recipe below)1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese24 Big Chile Croutons (recipe below)Caesar Dressing1 cup mayonnaise2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese4 oil-packed...

Grilled Artichokes with Remoulade

Grilled Artichokes with Remoulade

Grilled artichokes are one of life's simple pleasures. Artichokes can be so much fun to eat! I brush them with butter and garlic and grill them to get a wonderful smoky flavor. You can't have grilled artichokes without a rich, tangy dipping sauce like remoulade! Since...

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted Vegetables

Every dinner table needs a plate of beautifully roasted vegetables to serve alongside the main course. You don't have to get fancy about it. With a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and fresh cracked black pepper, you'll have a healthy side dish ready in 15 minutes. Roasted...

Passover Charoset

Passover Charoset

If you've ever been to a Passover seder, you might know Charoset as the sweetest (and hands down, most exciting) element of the seder plate. This typically sweet and sticky dish, traditionally made with fruit and nuts, symbolizes the mortar used by the Israelites when...

Passover Macaroons

Passover Macaroons

Coconut macaroons are the quintessential passover dessert! Not to be confused with the French-style pastry made with almond meal,  coconut macaroons are baked with shredded coconut, beaten egg whites, and sweetened condensed milk. They're naturally gluten-free which...

Matzo Ball Soup

Matzo Ball Soup

Matzo Ball Soup, aka Jewish penicillin, is the epitome of comfort food. Whether you're Jewish or not, chances are you've had a bowl of matzo ball soup in your life and I'm sure it put a huge smile on your face. Every family has their secret to making this Jewish...

Cornish Hens with Wild Rice, Leeks, and Mushrooms

Cornish Hens with Wild Rice, Leeks, and Mushrooms

I love to cook with Cornish hens. The taste is very similar to chicken, but slightly more delicate and tender. For a beautiful main dish to serve your guests, I love to stuff Cornish hens with a medley of wild rice, mushrooms, herbs, and toasted almonds. The rice...

The Best Passover Recipes

The Best Passover Recipes

Spring is in the air and Passover has a particularly special meaning this time around. Ultimately, Passover is a celebration of freedom. It's a holiday that commemorates the exodus of the Jews from slavery in Egypt. A Passover seder is the feast that marks the...

The Best Passover Lemon Meringue Pie

The Best Passover Lemon Meringue Pie

This tart and buttery Lemon Meringue Pie is at the top of my dessert list. When it comes to lemony desserts, I can't get enough. Whether you're keeping kosher for passover or looking to go gluten-free this year, my Lemon Meringue Pie recipe is all kinds of decadent. I...

Cucumber Cilantro Tonic

Cucumber Cilantro Tonic

Now, more than ever, self-care is so important! My Cucumber Cilantro Tonic will make you feel like you're having a day at the spa, with an added splash of tequila 😉. There's something about the blend of cucumber, lime juice, and cilantro that puts my whole body at...

Roasted Rosemary Potatoes

Roasted Rosemary Potatoes

Every home cook has their secret trick to making roasted potatoes perfectly crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside. My Roasted Rosemary Potatoes will have your whole kitchen filled with the aroma of fresh herbs in no time. I have two tricks for you that will...

Coconut Curry Spiced Red Snapper

Coconut Curry Spiced Red Snapper

Look at those colors! Have you ever heard the expression, "eat with your eyes?" That's what I was aiming for with this recipe. The bright colors of the fish, curry sauce, and fresh herbs complement each other to create a visually appealing dish that you just want to...

Crostini with Herbed Ricotta and Candied Kumquats

Crostini with Herbed Ricotta and Candied Kumquats

Crostini originated when poor Italian peasants used bread to eat their food off of instead of plates, because they didn't have any! It was often stale and had to be soaked in a liquid to make it edible. Today, you can find crostini around the world, served as small...

Kumquat Bellini

Kumquat Bellini

Kumquats are a seasonal fall and winter fruit but many of us never use them in cooking! What do you do with them anyway?  I’ve developed these recipes that I know you’ll love. This grape-sized fruit is in the citrus family.  They have a hint of sweetness. You can eat...

Manhattan with Spiced Brandied Cherries

Manhattan with Spiced Brandied Cherries

On a cold winter night, what could be better than sitting by the fire drinking a Manhattan with spiced brandied cherries? My hubby and I love classic cocktails, but of course I put in a twist by making my own brandied cherries. You can of course go buy some, but I...

Parmesan Polenta

Parmesan Polenta

  Parmesan Polenta 3½ cups chicken or vegetable stock1 bay leafSaltFreshly ground black pepper1 cup polenta4 tablespoons unsalted butter½ cup grated ParmesanChives, finely chopped for garnish In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the stock with the bay...

Blood Orange Mint Sorbet

Blood Orange Mint Sorbet

    Blood Orange Mint Sorbet Zest from 1 orange Zest from 1 lemon ¼ cup honey ¾ cup sugar 2 sprigs fresh mint 2 cups water Juice from 3 blood oranges Juice from 1 orange Juice from 1 lemon Place the orange and lemon zest, honey, sugar, mint, and water in a...

Strawberry Risotto

Strawberry Risotto

  Strawberry Risotto 2 cups chicken stock2 unsalted butter½ yellow onion, finely chopped½ cup arborio rice½ cup Nicole Miller Rosé Wine½ cup mashed strawberries2 tablespoons heavy creamSaltFreshly ground white pepperFresh basil leaves Pour the stock into a pot...

Cappuccino Mousse

Cappuccino Mousse

  Cappuccino Mousse 1½ cups whipping cream4 large eggs, separated, at room temperature½ pound bittersweet chocolate, chopped4 teaspoons instant espresso powder⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar¼ cup sugar¾ teaspoon vanilla extractUnsweetened whipped cream, as optional...

Branzino Provençal in Parchment

Branzino Provençal in Parchment

Branzino Provençal in Parchment 6 Branzino filets (1/2 pound each), skin on, trimmed, and pin bones removed Or 3 whole fish about a pound each. Ask your fish monger to clean 6 sprigs fresh rosemary, sprigs removed and chopped 3 cups fresh fennel, sliced into thin...

Coconut Magic Bars

Coconut Magic Bars

  Coconut Magic Bars 8 tablespoons (1 stick)  unsalted butter1½ cups coarse graham cracker crumbs, preferably low-fat1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk, skim or low fat6 ounces (1 cup) semisweet chocolate chips1 3 ½-ounce can sweetened flaked coconut1 cup (4...

Chocolate Covered Almond-Orange Biscotti

Chocolate Covered Almond-Orange Biscotti

  Chocolate Covered Almond-Orange Biscotti 12 ounces (about 2¼ cups) whole, unblanched almondsSoftened butter, for the baking pan, unless using parchment paper1¾ cups sugar¼ cup minced orange zest (colored part of peel, removed with a zester and minced)3 cups...

Zucchini-Walnut Muffins with a Twist of Lemon

Zucchini-Walnut Muffins with a Twist of Lemon

    Zucchini-Walnut Muffins with a Twist of Lemon Solid vegetable shortening, for the baking pans2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour2 teaspoons baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon salt¾ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg3 large eggs, at room...

Thai Red Seafood Curry

Thai Red Seafood Curry

  Thai Red Seafood Curry 3 tablespoons olive oil½ small yellow onion, peeled and thinly sliced2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh lemongrass bulb6 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped4 teaspoons finely chopped fresh ginger1 serrano chili, stemmed and sliced...

Winter Salad of Grapefruit, Fennel, and Watercress

Winter Salad of Grapefruit, Fennel, and Watercress

Winter Salad of Grapefruit, Fennel, and Watercress Ingredients for the Salad3 medium pink grapefruits (1 ½ pounds total)2 medium bunches watercress, tough 1 ½ inches of bottom stems trimmed1 medium fennel bulb, very thinly sliced1 small red onion, peeled, halved and...

Chai (Indian Spiced Tea)

Chai (Indian Spiced Tea)

    Chai (Indian Spiced Tea) test Ingredients for Masala Chai Spice4 teaspoons freshly ground canela (a soft and fragrant type of cinnamon; canela chips are easiest to grind)4 teaspoons freshly ground cloves1 tablespoon freshly ground green (not white)...

New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Salad

New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Salad

  New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Salad 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, picked over, see Note6 tablespoons cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil5 tablespoons white wine vinegar1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce1¼ teaspoons Tabasco Pepper Sauce2 garlic cloves, peeled and...

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple Walnut Butter

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple Walnut Butter

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple-Walnut Butter ⅔ cup chopped toasted walnuts4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened3 tablespoons genuine maple syrupsaltFreshly ground black pepper2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed2 tablespoons canola oil Position a rack in the...

Extra-Spicy Gingersnaps

Extra-Spicy Gingersnaps

  Extra-Spicy Gingersnaps Solid vegetable shortening, for the cookie sheets, plus ¼ cup shortening2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour2 teaspoons baking powder2 teaspoons ground ginger1 teaspoon ground cinnamon½ teaspoon dry mustard½ teaspoon ground white pepper½...

Chocolate Peppermint Martini

Chocolate Peppermint Martini

Chocolate Peppermint Martini 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted (you can do this in the microwave or use a double boiler)½ cup peppermint candy, crushed in a food processor or crushed in a Ziplock bag with a mallet4 oz. Peppermint Schnapps4 oz. Godiva Chocolate...

2020 Holiday Gift Guide For The Food Lover In Your Life

2020 Holiday Gift Guide For The Food Lover In Your Life

What should you get for your favorite cooks, hosts, and foodies this holiday season?? Well, I just happen to be the perfect person to answer that question. While the holidays might look a little different this year, that doesn't mean you can't express how much you...

Polenta-Crusted Deep Dish Cheese and Vegetable Tart

Polenta-Crusted Deep Dish Cheese and Vegetable Tart

  Polenta-Crusted Deep-Dish Cheese and Roasted Vegetable Tart 1 medium eggplant, about 1 pound, cut lengthwise into ¾-inch-thick slices2 large portobello mushroom caps, about ¾-pound total3 fresh plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise and seeded6 tablespoons olive...

Walnut Brownies U.S.A.

Walnut Brownies U.S.A.

  Walnut Brownies U.S.A. Solid vegetable shortening, for the pan 4 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate, chopped 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter 2 large eggs 1 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon packed dark-brown sugar 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract ⅛...

Three-Cheese Pasta Gratin with Mushrooms and Radicchio

Three-Cheese Pasta Gratin with Mushrooms and Radicchio

      Three-Cheese Pasta Gratin 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus butter for the baking dish 4  garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1 pound 3 large) portobello mushrooms, stem ends trimmed, cut into ½-inch chunks Salt 1...

Sunberry Jam

Sunberry Jam

  Sunberry Jam 1 (16-ounce) bag unsweetened frozen strawberries, with their juices, or 2 ½ pints hulled, chunked fresh strawberries1 (16-ounce) bag unsweetened frozen raspberries, with their juices, or 3 pints fresh raspberries, picked over1/4 cup sugar3...

Corn Bread, Mushroom and Toasted Pecan Stuffing

Corn Bread, Mushroom and Toasted Pecan Stuffing

  Corn Bread, Mushroom and Toasted Pecan Stuffing 6 tablespoons (3/4) stick unsalted butter, plus softened butter for the baking dish2 cups chopped yellow onion1 cup finely chopped celery1 cup finely chopped carrot3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced3 tablespoons...

Harvest Nut Pie with a Touch of Bourbon and Chocolate

Harvest Nut Pie with a Touch of Bourbon and Chocolate

A whole harvest's worth of crunchy nuts is found in this rich treat, a flavor-boosted variation on old-fashioned pecan pie. A splash of good bourbon and a hint of chocolate make for a less-sweet pie, a change I find very welcome. 9-inch pie, 6-8 servings Harvest Nut...

Cranberry-Pecan Tea Bread

Cranberry-Pecan Tea Bread

    Cranberry-Pecan Tea Bread Solid vegetable shortening, for the baking pans 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1½ teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened 2 cups sugar 4 teaspoons...

Very Lemony Pound Cake

Very Lemony Pound Cake

There's nothing I love more with a cup of tea than a slice of moist lemony pound cake. This recipe is loaded with fresh lemon zest and a dash of grated nutmeg. I like to drizzle a quick lemon simple syrup over the pound cake right when it comes out of the oven. Not...

Caraway Sausage, Cabbage and Apple Skillet Supper

Caraway Sausage, Cabbage and Apple Skillet Supper

      Caraway Sausage, Cabbage and Apple Skillet Supper 2 slices thick-cut preservative-free bacon, chopped 1 ½ pounds (about 6 links) fully cooked, smoked sausage, such as Aidells’ smoked-chicken-with-apple, see Note 2 medium McIntosh apples, cored, peeled,...

Chinese Chicken and Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing

Chinese Chicken and Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing

  Chinese Chicken and Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing Chinese Chicken and Noodle Salad2 large, whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds total)Salt4 cups broccoli florets3 cups angle-cut 2-inch pieces of asparagus9 ounces narrow fresh egg...

You Need This Cold Soup In Your Recipe Repertoire

You Need This Cold Soup In Your Recipe Repertoire

It might be fall, but there's still plenty of time to serve a cold soup as your starter! Since I'm still living out in Watermill, surrounded by so many gorgeous farm stands, I can't help but crave healthy dishes that showcase all of the raw local produce. I'm...

Chicken, Corn, and Noodle Soup with Saffron

Chicken, Corn, and Noodle Soup with Saffron

Chicken, Corn, and Noodle Soup with Saffron 8 1/2 cups chicken stock 2 pounds assorted chicken parts, including both halves of a split breast, a thigh, a wing, the neck and giblets (except the liver) 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 cups chopped yellow onion 1 1/2 cups...

Sweet and Sour Glazed Shallots

Sweet and Sour Glazed Shallots

Sexy is an understatement when it comes this easy, sweet-and-sour condiment. A quick braise in the saucepan and these shallots become melt-in-your-mouth tender. Add these sweet-and-sour shallots on top of your grilled meats, salads, bruschetta, or anything else you...

Fall is Here. Make The Best Apple Cake Recipe!

Fall is Here. Make The Best Apple Cake Recipe!

I have a confession to make: Sometimes I get so caught up with life that I don’t have time to create new recipes! When this happens, one of my favorite things to do is search online for recipes that inspire me. Recently, I took a recipe break and stumbled upon an...

A Road Trip With A New Sense of Adventure 

A Road Trip With A New Sense of Adventure 

Hi everyone! There’s no denying that 2020 has been a roller coaster for all of us. This year has brought so many ups and downs, but one of the hardest parts for me was missing the birth of my granddaughter because of the pandemic. My son and daughter-in-law live in...

Sizzling Thai Beef Salad

Sizzling Thai Beef Salad

Sizzling Thai Beef Salad 1 small flank steak, about 1 ½ pounds1/3 cup fresh lime juice2 tablespoons plus 1/3 cup olive oil3 tablespoons nam plah (Thai fish sauce, see below)1 cup finely chopped cilantro2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh ginger3 garlic cloves, peeled...

Easy Stuffed Veal Chops

Easy Stuffed Veal Chops

This quick and easy dish, one I have been making for workday suppers for years, is, with the right accompaniments, dressy enough for a dinner party as well. Fine choices would be Rosemary-Pancetta Potato Sauté (page 161) or Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and...

Zuppa di Primavera

Zuppa di Primavera

Zuppa di Primavera, or Italian spring soup, is the essence of spring in a bowl. Chock full of sugar snap peas, fava beans, asparagus, and haricots verts, this bright soup is an awesome way to use up your vegetables from the farmers market. When it comes to...

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