Happy Summer, ya'll!! They say the third time is a charm and I most certainly agree, especially when it comes to homemade focaccia bread! I made a loaf last night to go with a sweet and savory farmer's style ragú I served over penne with pesto, and it was my best loaf yet; oily yet … Continue reading Fantastic Focaccia
Today's a two-fer and it's not even Tuesday!! Following my Ratatouille Nachos appetizer this afternoon, my family will dine on this delightful summer side salad and grilled pork chops (also on the blog, search brined pork chops). I love a good Panzanella and the addition of watermelon is a no-brainer this time of year! Enjoy!! … Continue reading Watermelon Panzanella
Hello, strangers! Sorry it's been so long since I've posted a recipe, but late spring got away from me with school ending and all the activities that go along with such a busy time of year. Fast forward to summer and I've literally been on the road more than I've been home, touring colleges with … Continue reading Ratatouille Nachos
This easy quinoa salad was the brain child of my darling daughter who was craving something nutritious and delicious for lunch; after-all, it's June and both school and bag lunches are completely over-rated by now! This hearty grain bowl type salad tastes great served over your favorite salad greens and even better when topped with … Continue reading Easy Quinoa Salad
Can't go wrong with this salad! It's filling, fresh, flavorful and makes a great side dish. Tonight I served it alongside kababs and tomorrow it will make a great leftover lunch. It feeds a crowd so consider taking it to your next bbq or block party! Enjoy!! Ingredients: Feeds 8 4 cups low sodium chicken … Continue reading Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Heads up, if you're a fan of cauliflower, vodka sauce and/or parmigiana, trust me, you'll want to try this recipe! With all three rolled into one delicious dish, how can you go wrong?! Ingredients: Feeds 6 - 8 2 tbsp olive oil 1/2 small onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 28 oz can crushed tomatoes 1 … Continue reading Drunken Cauliflower
They say 1 in 10 of these little green peppers is "hot" but somehow I ate 24 in one shot and only ran into 1 that made me grab my drink for some minor relief!? My point is, the shishito isn't recognized for it's heat but more for it's flavor and versatility. I've seen them … Continue reading Blistered Shishito Peppers
As I was prepping this dish I came to the realization that I have never posted a mac-n-cheese recipe!? That kinda blew my mind considering what a cheese-head I am, coupled with my love of pasta! Anyhow, my recipe for mac-n-cheese is a derivative of Alton Brown's original recipe. I discovered it years ago and … Continue reading Loaded Broccoli Mac-n-Cheese
As the days grow shorter and the nights get a little colder, I start craving comfort foods like risotto! I came across this recipe in Cooking Light magazine (of all places) and made it for supper just last night, paired with grilled pork loin and sautéed asparagus. Now I took a few liberties with the … Continue reading Sweet Corn Risotto
I was skeptical when I first tasted this sauce as is, but was pleasantly surprised after smothering a pork roast with it to make pulled pork in my slow cooker! It's both sweet and tangy and despite concerns that it might burn in the crockpot due to it's sugar content, it did not... even after … Continue reading Homemade BBQ Sauce
