Friends recently came over with a large pot of gumbo in hand. I loved it, and after a brief interview, I began forming this recipe in my mind. My friend used different proteins, but shrimp and sausage gumbo sounded so good to me. However, I …

One of my favorite appetizers is a classic shrimp cocktail. If shrimp cocktail is on our menu, it’s probably a special occasion.To be honest, I’ve always bought frozen or thawed precooked shrimp; I have yet to buy raw shrimp and boil it myself for shrimp …

Scrambled eggs, bacon, Martha Stewart’s popovers, and mimosas has become my family’s go-to menu for holiday breakfasts. Whether it is Thanksgiving morning, Christmas morning, or Easter morning there is a good chance that my Mom is making this breakfast. Even though my husband and I …

Turkey Enchiladas with Homemade White Sauce is made with left-over turkey. It’s like a surprise to your palate—going from savory sage to spicy chili. Therfore, it’s one of my favorite leftover recipes after Thanksgiving.  I’ve had something similar to this recipe except it was made …

Are you wondering what to do with all the Thanksgiving leftovers in the refrigerator right now? This is a great time of year for a Turkey, Spinach, and Cheese Panini. Paninis are grilled Italian sandwiches. They became popular in the 1970s and 1980s in Italy. …

Turkey Chili—Texas Style is Made with leftover Roaster Turkey. The day after Thanksgiving means that people are out shopping, putting up Christmas decorations, working on Christmas cards, looking for leftover turkey recipes, or all of the above.  I typically make soup with my leftovers, like …

This is not-your-ordinary fruit salad because tomatoes, olives, and avocados are not often thought of as fruits. Technically, they are fruits. Add apples to the ingredient list and that makes four fruits in this salad. This salad is a bit like a party in your …

My husband and I have been having 4th of July open house parties for the last five years. Now that we live on a golf course with an excellent view of our local fireworks the party is better than ever. For the last two years …

Recently, my husband and I entertained another family for dinner. Our guests were unexpectedly surprised with a menu that was Thanksgiving part II. We did the whole thing all over again: roaster turkey, crock pot mashed potatoes, classic turkey stuffing, etc. We were all happily …

Some friends invited my husband and I to a party recently. Their menu called for heavy hors ‘doeuvres. That is one of my favorite kind of party menus because you can usually get many different kinds of small bites in one evening. That makes my …

I’m not sure where this tradition started, but I’m glad for it. I was introduced to “ham buns” around the first of February last year. The youth group in our church sold them for $2.50 each (and they freeze well). Until that point in my …

Now I know what the fuss is all about. I think everyone knew about kale chips except for me. Several months ago I saw an episode of Down Home with the Neely’s on Food Network. When I finally got around to making these and tasting …

I have made some version of this recipe at least a dozen times in the past 6 months. I’m not even sure if I’ve made it the same way twice. The original Chicken Capri recipe is on page 214 of The South Beach Diet Cookbook. …

Everyone loves my Mom’s potato salad—even when I make it! I have been making my mom’s potato salad for several years, mostly for large gatherings. I’ve made  it for 4th of July parties, potlucks, and even a wedding with hundreds of people. This is one …

When invited to someone’s house for dinner, or a party, my Mom taught me to always ask if there was anything I could bring.  So, when my husband and I were invited to an impromptu barbeque at a friend’s house, and asked what we could bring, …

When my husband and I have a busy in our lives we have a tendency to not think about what we eat.  We derail from a health lifestyle – and throw all dietary guidelines out the window, eating whatever we want whenever we want.  When …

I used to be intimidated to make a whole side of salmon. Not anymore! Making seafood has been a learning curve and it takes practice. This is a salmon preparation that I now serve to guests! Broiled Wild Salmon1 large fillet (about 2 pounds)3 tablespoons …

The following recipe is one of my brother’s go-to recipes. He has made it so many times that he no longer needs the original recipe, and now just cooks it by feel and what looks good. I love when that happens! It all started one …

A few weeks ago I happened to catch Food Network show with Giada. One of the dishes she made really stuck in my mind. So much so, that the next time I went grocery shopping I bought fingerling potatoes. As Giada was cooking the potato …

I have made this recipe a several times now. I usually triple or quadruple the recipe, put it in my crock pot and then chili is waiting for us when we come home with guests.  What makes this special is all the optional fixings.  It …

Penne Pasta Bake is not only great on a weeknight, but also for any occasion you would like to have something assembled before hand. Then all you have to do is bake it.  It’s easier than lasagna but just as tasty, and this casserole can …

Using a slow cooker is very useful for making sure Thanksgiving day (or any special dinner with guests) goes smoothly.  After all, there are so many dishes to make sure we get to the table hot – why not take an opportunity to make it …

The other day I was walking through Whole Foods admiring their salad bar area (I often cruise by to get ideas) and I saw the biggest station of roasted garlic cloves that I had ever seen—hundreds of little cloves in a light amount of olive …

Friends of mine have a bountiful garden, and I’m grateful that they have shared their abundance with me. They gave me spring onions, Japanese eggplant, zucchini, carrots, turnips and basil. Also, my neighbor gave me some yellow squash. So, almost everything in this salad is …

While I was grocery shopping in the produce section, I noticed that the pico de gallo was $3.99 for an 8 oz tub. Now, it is not beyond me to pay for something chopped up and ready made once in a while for a quick …

Here is one way to take away some of the winter chill. Make some Glühwein (a.k.a. Gluhwein, Gluvine or Hot Mulled Spiced Wine). The first time I tasted Glühwein was at a German Christmas market in Esslingen, Germany. Yep, I had the real deal, and …

I love bread. Sometimes, I really think that I could survive on wine, bread, and cheese alone. (But it would have to be really good bread). Even though there all countless types of bread. My favorite type of bread has a crispy crust with a …

Quick Fish Tacos are perfect for a busy weeknight since dinner can be on the table in 30 minutes. Trader Joes has some great convenience food options—some are healthier than others. One day they were sampling their lightly breaded fish sticks. Within the 10 second …

This Easy Lemony Chicken Piccata is made healthier by using a combination of butter and olive oil and nutrient-dense homemade chicken stock.

This recipe has made its way to an Easter tradition in our home, and has been served as a brunch item, and used as an appetizer on occasion. If there are any left over (and that is a big “if”) I love to chop them …

I have had many versions of potato pancakes, after all, they come in many shapes and sizes. When I was a kid my mom made a version from leftover mashed potatoes which we all loved. I have made them from box mixes. I have ordered …

Have you noticed a spice in your local grocery store called “ground chipotle chili pepper?” I bought some thinking this might be the trick to spicing up my plain white-chili recipe. I really liked the results, because the chipotle chili pepper imparts a smokey, earthy …

I made tri-tip in a slow cooker and turned it into the best sandwiches. This recipe is a treasure because it’s simple and delicious. I can come home and have a meal on the table in about 15 to 20 minutes. Here’s what happened. I …