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Lemon, Herb and Garlic Marinade
This Lemon Herb and Garlic Marinade is so simple and fresh. It tastes like spring! Oh, how i’m wishing for spring. I don’t think it can get here fast enough! Lemon and herbs make the perfect seasoning for Pork, Chicken, Lamb and even Shrimp. Because of the high acidity of the lemon this is best used as a quick marinade. About 30 minutes or so. It’s also great for drizzling over grilled vegetables, grilled or baked fish, asparagus and grilled or roasted potatoes. Yum! I love it drizzled over Grilled Salmon. I am a huge fan of vinaigrette marinades and dressings, because they are so versatile. And such a great…
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Amazing Layer Bars
These Amazing Layer Bars take the traditional “seven layer bars” to new and amazing heights! Not that layer bars aren’t already amazing to begin with. But I took the original recipe and just “kicked it up a notch”! I mean, why use only one kind of chocolate when you can have three? And how about a bit of peanut butter chips as well? And while we’re at it let’s throw in some heath bar bits too! How does that sound? Amazing, right?! Oh, but there’s more. We can’t forget the coconut and crunchy walnuts, now, can we? Now that’s what i’m talkin’ bout! Down right amazing! And these little sweethearts…
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Little Gruyere and Scallion Biscuits
These Little Gruyere and Scallion Biscuits or, as I like to call them, “addictive little yum bites” are so good!!! And addictive! Especially when they are still warm from the oven. I have been on a bit of a biscuit kick lately. Maybe because of the cold winter weather, biscuits are so warm and comforting. Well, any kind of “fresh out of the oven” homemade breads are comforting, really. But biscuits, they seem extra cozy to me. And they go with just about everything wintery. Imagine a big pot of creamy chicken and vegetables simmering on the stove and fresh homemade biscuits baking away in the oven. Or a a…
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Simple Weeknight Bolognese
There is nothing more comforting than a big bowl of pasta. This hearty Simple Weeknight Bolognese is the ultimate comfort food fix. It takes little time to make but is big on flavor! Making it a great weeknight meal and not just a Sunday Gravy. To make it even easier, I like to chop up and measure out all of the vegetables the day before (carrots, onion, celery and garlic). Then it’s just a matter of adding everything to the pan in a few simple, easy steps. To make this hearty meat sauce, start by sauteing the vegetables in good quality olive oil. Cook until soft and just lightly browned.…
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Peanut Butter Bars
Peanut Butter Bars! Who doesn’t love peanut butter and chocolate? Yum! Now that Thanksgiving weekend has passed, it’s time to get in that holiday baking mode. Have you started baking yet? I decided to start out with this simple recipe, just to get me in the baking mood. Hahaha, actually, I was just craving a yummy peanut butter and chocolate treat. And these little taste treats, totally hit the spot! Peanut butter and chocolate is one of my favorite flavor combinations. I would never turn down a Reese’s or peanut butter m&ms. It just wouldn’t be right! I came across this recipe in the cookbook A Taste Of Oregon. I just…
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French Green Bean and Mushroom Casserole
This French Green Bean and Mushroom Casserole is a delicious combination of tender french green beans, earthy mushrooms and crispy onions cooked in a white wine cream sauce and then topped with more crispy onions and gruyere. Making it a definite “must have” dish for your holiday table. No canned soup or green beans in this baby! I did use canned crispy onions to save time but you can make your own as well. I used frozen french green beans because the are already blanched and more readily available in any area. If you are using fresh green beans, be sure to blanch them and then shock in cold…
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Pear and Cranberry Strudel
For this Pear and Cranberry Strudel, buttery puffed pastry is filled with fresh pears, dried cranberries and sweet spices then topped with sliced almonds. Strudel makes a great alternative or addition to the traditional pies and cakes served on your holiday dessert table. And it’s one of the easiest to make. Filled with fresh ripe pears, cranberries and warm sweet spices, it just tastes like the holidays! This makes a great dessert for Thanksgiving and all of the way through the new year. Cut it up into smaller pieces if you are serving it at a cocktail party or on a holiday buffet. Make sure to have some freshly…
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Mom’s Southern Cornbread Dressing
Mom’s Southern Cornbread Dressing is so simple to make and so delicious to eat! It has been a staple at our Thanksgiving table for as long as I can remember. And a favorite! I make the cornbread (recipe below) and chop the onions and celery a day or two before, making it a breeze to put together on Thanksgiving day. Or you can make the whole thing in advance and just pop in the oven the day of. If you make it up the day before, add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time. I recommend using the recipe for Mom’s Cornbread to make this dressing. But if you use a different…
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Red Potato Gratin with Caramelized Shallots and Crispy Prosciutto
This Red Potato Gratin with Caramelized Shallots and Crispy Prosciutto is the perfect side dish for your upcoming holiday meal. Delicious layers of thinly sliced baby red potatoes, sweet caramelized shallots, salty crisped prosciutto, nutty parmesan/asiago cheese are covered with heavy cream, fresh sage and a crispy panko topping. Cooked until creamy and bubbly on the inside and crispy on top. Resulting in a potato gratin that is anything but ordinary. And making it a beautiful compliment to roasted meats (turkey, ham, prime rib, etc..), sausages, salmon, shrimp, seared scallops and more. Not hosting this year? In need of a dish to bring? This dish is not only yummy but it…
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Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans
These Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans are crunchy and sweet with just a touch of spicy heat. They’ll make a perfect party snack for your next holiday gathering. Place them in little bowls around the room for your guests to snack on. They also make a nice addition to a cheeseboard, snack mix or tossed into a salad. They do come with a warning though: Highly Addictive!!! Once you start munching on these tasty little morsels, it will be very difficult to stop! These Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans would also make a nice addition to a holiday gift basket or a really great hostess gift. Just place these little…
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Vanilla Pastry Cream (crème pâtissière à la vanille)
I just realised that I haven’t posted a dessert recipe in quite a while. I decided to go with a simple yet classic dessert recipe this time, Vanilla Pastry Cream. One of my favorite ways to use it is in a Fresh Strawberry Tart. So Yummy! It tastes so decadent but is actually very easy to make and not a lot of crazy ingredients either. Just spread the chilled Pastry Cream into your favorite baked tart shell, pie crust or graham cracker crust and then top with fresh sliced strawberries. For added decadence, drizzle a bit of melted white or dark chocolate over the top! Yum! Vanilla Pastry Cream is…
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Pinot Noir, Garlic And Peppercorn Roasted Pork Loin
This Pinot Noir, Garlic and Peppercorn Roasted Pork Loin is marinated in a mixture of pinot noir wine, olive oil, garlic, fresh ground peppercorns and shallots creating a tender and flavorful roast. Nothing says fall like the smell of a delicious roast cooking in the oven. And paired with a mound of potatoes, it becomes the ultimate comfort food. Roasted pork loin makes an elegant addition to any holiday gathering. And it pairs beautifully with all of your traditional holiday side dishes. Or try something non-traditional like these colorful Grilled Polenta and Vegetable Stacks or Roasted Vegetable Lasagna. To make this roasted pork loin, combine wine, olive oil, shallots, garlic, salt and peppercorn…
