There's nothing like a good, hot, gooey dip to go with your sip of wine on a cold evening. This baked ricotta dip can be thrown together in five minutes and makes a nice alternative to the usual artichoke dip or baked brie that is often served for parties. What I really like is its perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, in addition to … [Read more...]
Read This if You Hate Chickpeas/Garbanzo Beans
Did I get your attention? Good. You can read this even if you do like chickpeas/garbanzo beans. I have never liked these little stinky orbs. I first experienced them as a kid in a salad at an Italian restaurant and thought they were disgusting. In addition to the smell, I didn't like the texture. Fast forward to adulthood and I still don't really … [Read more...]
The Stinking Rose
I dont think there's another produce item that changes so much from raw to cooked as garlic. Raw garlic is a bit harsh and bitter, but roasted garlic is smooth, rich and fantastic. Roasted garlic is one of the simplest and most delicious ingredients for an easy appetizer. Most people have a bulb of it on hand. If you have a baguette or some … [Read more...]
I Can Bring Home the Bacon
If you remember the song "I can bring home the bacon," (dum, dum, dum, dum) "Fry it up in the pan," from the Enjoli Perfum commercial from the 80's, you are on my side of 50. Like the smell of bacon, that jingle stays with you forever. (Sorry, it'll be in your head all day.) When I was in culinary school and we were making a recipe with … [Read more...]
Garlic Herb Shrimp – Look Fancy without any Fuss
One of the great things about having a convection steam oven (CSO) is being able to steam foods to retain their beautiful color, flavor and nutrients more so than in a conventional oven. Steaming is my favorite way to cook shrimp for appetizers. This garlic herb shrimp recipe is super simple. You can marinate the shrimp earlier in the day and then … [Read more...]
Entertaining in the Morning with Scones
I am an early riser, and by early I mean about 4:30 in the morning. During the work week I rise at 4:30am, meditate for 30 minutes and then pop over to LEAP Yoga to open the studio and practice with my sunrise yogis. Then it is off to 9 Rounds Fitness for some serious punching and then home before 7:45am to shower and start my … [Read more...]