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Key Lime Bites

Key Lime Pie is one of the decadent treats my husband loves and can’t resist when he sees it on a menu. I think it reminds him of sea & sand filled vacations, and all the great associated memories. Despite his adoration for this dessert, I can’t remember the last time I made it…

Zucchini & Sweet Pepper Gazpacho

As is typical, I brought home a bounty of fresh vegetables from the local farmers market this week. Since there is no time like the present, I decided a refreshing gazpacho was in order for lunch. Gazpacho, a chilled soup originating from Spain, typically consists of pureed tomato, chopped vegetables and a garnish…

Blueberry Basil Compote with Orange Cheesecake Drizzle over Blueberry Waffles

Did you know that July is national blueberry month? I wasn’t aware of this until recently, but I’ll happily celebrate an excuse to consume more blueberries.  Blueberries are high in fiber and vitamin C, as well as contain phytonutrients that are touted for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Combined with the perfectly sweet…

Orrechiette with Sundried Tomatoes and Porcini

This pasta looks scrumptious, doesn’t it? You might be surprised to find it is a macaroni & cheese food hack. I’m not going to lie – some weeks are really busy. At the end of an extra long work week (or day) I’d rather spend my evening playing with my kids than whipping up…

Veal Piccata and Polenta Napoleon – Finalist Voting

Preparing an impressive meal while staying in a hotel sounds like an oxymoron, right? Well, 49 others and I have set out to prove that it can be accomplished. Extended Stay America posed a challenge – create a meal that could be prepared in one of their suites in 30 minutes with 11…

Lemondrop Melon & Mint Salad

Every now and then I am surprised by a melon variety I wasn’t aware existed. My latest find was lemondrop melon, which has a yellowish, netted exterior and pale green grooves. It is a hybrid variety or melon, which achieves a perfect blend of sweetness and citric acid content. In the United States they…

Perfectly Caramelized Onions – An Experiment

Caramelized onions are a food item that can make nearly any dish better. I love to stir them into eggs and dips, or add then as a topping to steak, burgers, or pizza, just to name a few uses. The key to perfectly caramelized onions is the old mantra – Low & Slow…

Grilled Spiral Sliced Ham & Pineapple

Spiral sliced ham is one of those food items that is a drool-over main event at Easter feasts, only to be passed by for other protein-laden treats as spring fades to summer. Since turning on the oven during the dog days of summer isn’t fun, why not take the spiral sliced ham to…

Firecracker Coleslaw

As July fourth approaches, it usually means an abundance of picnics and barbecues to celebrate Independence Day. Most certainly the typical fare of pasta salad, potato salad, burgers and franks will be present, as will be . . . coleslaw! For my contribution to this weekend’s festivities, I’ve decided to bring my vibrant and irresistible coleslaw…

Spiced Iced Coffee

One of the latest trends in employee perks in New York businesses is an office delivery of kegs . . . kegs of iced coffee. I have to admit that I think this a brilliant service – and I give kudos to Joyride Coffee for creating a niche market. Since their service doesn’t…

Cedar Plank Salmon with Spinach Chimichurri

If you haven’t done so already this year, why not fire up the grill to celebrate the start of summer? Making an easy and delicious cedar plank salmon with spinach chimichurri is just the way to kick-off days filled with warmth and sunshine. Cooking fish on a wood plank is a foolproof, yet impressive way…

Rhubarb & Apricot Compote Parfait

What is one of the best ways to sneak an extra serving of vegetables in at breakfast or dessert? Pretend the vegetable is a fruit! Rhubarb is actually a vegetable, despite its famous use in strawberry-rhubarb pie. It is also delicious in savory dishes, but one of my favorite ways to eat it…