Don't you love it when you start to see the many kinds of melons in the market? Now, I know these gems that are imported from other states will not be as flavorful as our own seasonal beauties but I still smile and wonder which grandkids/kids might stop by soon to...
Side Dish
YUMMY ZUCCHINI-CORN PATTIES WITH DIPS
I started this post and took photos at the height of zucchini season last summer. However, troubles with my computer, apps, and photo programs (one right after another) made me consider giving up my blog completely! However, anyone who knows me well, knows that I...
RICE PILAF: SO GOOD NO SAUCE IS NEEDED!
RICE PILAF: SO GOOD NO SAUCE IS NEEDED! Rice is one of the most widely consumed staple foods for over half of the world’s population. Based on archeological evidence, rice was first domesticated (adapted from its wild grassy state to become edible) in China in 8000...
GARLIC, BROWN BUTTER, PASTA AND KALE-PERFECTION ON A PLATE!
This recipe only has 5 ingredients, not counting salt and pepper. And it uses two of my favorite kitchen tools; the garlic press and silicone spatula. My garlic press has two sections, so I can mince or slice garlic, which is great for quick prepping. I don’t know...
THE NEVER-ENDING SIDE DISH: STREGA NONA IN MY KITCHEN
WHEN WILL I EVER LEARN?! Sometimes I cook more than one person can eat, and I live alone. Did I say “sometimes”?! Well, okay, most of the time. If I don’t freeze the leftovers, I diligently try to give food away to family and friends. One evening, I decided I wanted...
EASY TO MAKE, EASY TO PLEASE
BISCUIT BITES and WARM MEMORIES Every child should have someone who makes them feel incredibly special, and Allen’s Aunt Edna was the person who gave Allen that gift. No matter what, Edna was always there to make Allen feel good about himself. When I make these...
ORANGE-CUMIN SALAD DRESSING AND SOUTHWESTERN SALAD
ORANGE-CUMIN DRESSING AND SOUTHWESTERN SALAD As my daughter says, this a tasty dressing: "The orange comes forward with bright citrus notes, and the subtle cumin lingers on the backend”. She is a food snob, after all, but she is correct. It is easy to amp up the heat...
A GORGEOUS POWERHOUSE: TOMATO-ZUCCHINI CASSEROLE
TASTES AS GOOD AS IT LOOKS When was the last time you made a recipe you love that is also actually good for you? Not only do people feel good when eating this, they should also feel good about eating this. And what a beautiful presentation-this dish looks great,...
ENTICING GREEK STYLE GREEN BEANS
Crave-Worthy Vegetables This is a fairly new recipe, but I love the flavor combination and have enjoyed it multiple times already. Based on another traditional Greek recipe (maybe I should check to see if Greece is in my lineage) this is modified for my own...
BAKED TOMATOES: EVEN BETTER THAN BACON
Baked Parmesan Tomatoes Originally, I only made these with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, but I now vary this according to mood. My mood depends on whether I feel like going out to the store to get more Parmesan, or if I just want to use whatever I have...
BACON MAKES IT BETTER: Lemon Rosemary Potato Salad
LEMON ROSEMARY POTATO SALAD I love the classic yellow picnic potato salad with hard boiled eggs and that yummy mayo/mustard/pickle dressing. My mom used to make it for family gatherings and "court picnics". We used to live on a horseshoe shaped street that would...