Scoop this . . . picnic dip
Guests in most sizes, shapes and ages love this easy party picnic dip. It held up well last night at an outdoor fest. The best part: prep time is only 15 minutes. Here’s what you’ll need: 12-16 ounces refried beans 1 cup mild salsa 1 avocado, diced 1 sweet red pepper, chopped 3 scallions, finely chopped 16 […]
Confessional Coconut Cookie Bars
Confession . . . the kids and I are bumping it up a couple of octaves in the cookery today. An ingredient in the cookie bars we’re going to deliver to some hungry teenagers this evening: one full dose of vocals from Freddie Mercury. How’s that for a secret element in the mixture? Coconut […]
Give it up for Gazpacho
Gazpacho Want to add a dash of hot flavor to your cold soup? Blend these ingredients for a simple gazpacho. This is my own twist on a summer favorite. The kids love it when we break out the blender. One, two, three, liquefy! 16 ounces vine ripened cherry tomatoes 1 medium cucumber 1 small […]
Soup Kitchen
This cookery transforms into a soup kitchen this weekend with chilled fruit soup and gazpacho. I’ll be trying a recipe from a noted Hudson Valley culinary inspiration. I watched this teacher prepare her gazpacho in under 20 minutes. She really knows how to encourage home cooks. It’s time to dust off the food processor.
Spin This . . . Spinach Salad
Thinking of lightening your plate now that the days are warmer? Try this spin on spinach salad. Thanks, Carla! Spinach Strawberry Salad 1 bag rinsed fresh baby spinach (9 ounces) 1 cup cleaned and sliced strawberries 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon raspberry preserves 1 tablespoon light sour cream 1 teaspoon dijon mustard […]
Browsing the shelves at the Craig Claiborne Book Store
Occasionally . . . it’s essential to make time for food adventures. Last week, I joined two friends for a visit to the Culinary Institute of America. If you appreciate the world of food and you’re within shouting distance, this is one destination you shouldn’t miss. In addition to enjoying our “dining out,” the trip resulted in a […]
Dressing the Greens
A request just came in for this recipe. Here’s the vinaigrette dressing that lightly enhances the greens. Vinaigrette Dressing 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 ½ teaspoons balsamic vinegar ½ tablespoon chopped fresh basil ¼ teaspoon sugar Whisk ingredients together and toss with your favorite greens. Serve immediately.
29,998 pounds of bananas
The banana bread made its way out the door last night. My neighbor filled my wish list at Trader Joe’s again and I like to show my appreciation. She tells me that her husband polishes off the candied banana bread with little trouble. But back to TJ’s: they had my favorite Roasted Plantain Chips in stock. I serve them […]
Curry favor
I broke out the curry for dinner last night. Chicken curry doesn’t last long around our table. Today I’m transitioning into a new herb rhythm. How does fresh dill over cucumber wedges sound? The combination tastes light and fresh. Perfect for a warm spring day.
Thirty thousand pounds . . .
of bananas. We’ve all heard the fruit cake and banana bread jokes, yet I still turn out my share of candied banana bread. What else to do with all of those bananas that ripen so quickly on the counter? Okay . . . so now that the word is out, and to those of you […]