Recent Posts

Three’s A Charm Apple Crisp

Three’s A Charm Apple Crisp

I call this apple crisp, three’s a charm, as it took three tries to perfect. It was one thing or another —either too many apples, not enough topping, or forgetting the brown sugar. But the third time was a charm and well worth the blunders, (more).

Asparagus, Leek, and Potato Frittata

Asparagus, Leek, and Potato Frittata

My asparagus, leek, and potato frittata was inspired from the tortilla española, a Spanish omelet made of egg, potato, and onions. The changes I made were to swap out leeks for onions and add asparagus, goat, Parmesan, and cottage cheese. Try it for yourself and (more).

My Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies

My Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies

As a young girl, I grew up on my Grandma Phyllis’s old-fashioned sugar cookies. Whenever I went over her house, I’d have free license to pull out one of these cookies from a tin in her freezer. Sample one and you’ll know why I grew (more).

Nourishing Cream of Asparagus Soup

Nourishing Cream of Asparagus Soup

Held to be an aphrodisiac, asparagus was also long known for its medicinal properties, as it was used by Hippocrates in ancient Greece to combat diarrhea.*  But for me, what asparagus means is the beginning of spring. With bundles of asparagus available in my produce (more).

A Grain-Rich Redo of Tabbouleh Salad

A Grain-Rich Redo of Tabbouleh Salad

While the typical tabbouleh recipe calls for a higher proportion of parsley and mint to bulgur, here, I flip-flop the ratio out of personal taste. What results is a grain-rich salad that is still accentuated by mint and parsley. Tell me which way you prefer! (more).

Tzatziki, Yogurt Cucumber Dip

Tzatziki, Yogurt Cucumber Dip

This tzatziki, or yogurt cucumber dip, is worthy of a prize, as it can be combined with my Baba Ganoush, Eggplant Dip and my Ever-So-Delicious Classic Hummus (see Appetizers). Serve these for a Middle Eastern/Greek dinner, and your guests will be moved by your food! (more).

Baba Ganoush, Eggplant Dip

Baba Ganoush, Eggplant Dip

Who knew that this Arabic phrase, bābā ḡannūj, translates to father of coquetry or pampered daddy? And who knew that it was rumored a member of the royal harem supposedly created this glorious dip? * **This dip is regal with its mix of roasted eggplant, (more).

Ever-So-Delicious Classic Hummus

Ever-So-Delicious Classic Hummus

After years of trial and error, you can learn from my blunders and benefit from the right balance of tahini to lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. This creamy mix is a welcome taste for vegans and the population at large. Try it once and (more).

Oriental Peanut Teriyaki Salad

Oriental Peanut Teriyaki Salad

My Oriental Peanut Teriyaki Salad is exploding with a palate of Asian flavors— from that classic teriyaki sauce to a dressing full of sesame oil, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Plus, the peanut butter in this dressing makes you want to lick the spoon! And (more).

Oriental Pasta Salad with Spinach, Mandarins & Almonds

Oriental Pasta Salad with Spinach, Mandarins & Almonds

This scrumptious, protein-packed salad features over 76 grams of protein per serving from the dense chickpea pasta and the sweet yet savory teriyaki chicken. And don’t forget the nutrient-rich spinach, high in folate and Vitamin K, which is highlighted in this salad. And if that (more).

Stellar Oriental Salad Dressing

Stellar Oriental Salad Dressing

My Stellar Oriental Salad Dressing is a must-try for anyone who loves the taste sensations of Asian cuisine but has little time on their hands. With the robust mix of sesame oil, lime juice, and teriyaki sauce, it’s unthinkable it takes 10 minutes to make. (more).

Ham and Cheese Panini with a Balsamic Drizzle

Ham and Cheese Panini with a Balsamic Drizzle

My sensational panini will awaken your taste buds with a burst of hickory ham, melting gouda cheese, fruity pear, and my secret ingredient, a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. The homemade vinaigrette plays off the pungency of the Dijon mustard and complements the smokiness of the (more).

Salad with Goat Cheese, Pecans, and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Salad with Goat Cheese, Pecans, and Balsamic Vinaigrette

With a one-of-a-kind blend of creamy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and a savory balsamic vinaigrette, your guests will think you labored all day in the kitchen. Don’t tell them, it took just 9 minutes to assemble and used only 4 ingredients. Everyone deserves a secret!

Quick and Best Balsamic Vinaigrette

Quick and Best Balsamic Vinaigrette

I’ve learned over time that sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. This rings true for my Quick and Best Balsamic Vinaigrette. With only 7 ingredients that take just 9 minutes to make, this recipe adds dazzle to any salad, without a lot of toil (more).

Heavenly Fruit Date Muffins

Heavenly Fruit Date Muffins

My Heavenly Fruit Date Muffins are not only delicious, but they are free of refined sugar, adding molasses, dates, and honey for a shot of sweetness. My recipe also adds a twist of orange zest for zing, along with the traditional ingredients of carrots, pineapple, (more).

My Original Mexican Lasagna

My Original Mexican Lasagna

My Original Mexican Lasagna is a healthy adaptation of the traditional Mexican dish called chilaquiles. Here, a red sauce of tomato, onion, and sweet peppers is layered with chicken, tortillas, and peppers, and is topped off with mozzarella cheese and a dollop of sour cream. (more).

My Original Mexican Lasagna Sauce

My Original Mexican Lasagna Sauce

Decades after my junior year abroad  in Mérida, Mexico, I began experimenting with an unusual take on a regional dish known as chilaquiles. From the typical mix of sweet peppers, tomatoes, and onions, I ran across a rich sauce to use for my Mexican lasagna. (more).

Chipotle Hummus With A Kick

Chipotle Hummus With A Kick

Here My Chipotle Hummus With A Kick is the perfect fusion of Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines. This tasty starter draws on the heat of Mexican chipotle peppers in adobo sauce but tames it with the cooling effect of absorbent sour cream, garbanzo beans, and tahini. (more).

Lusciously Creamy Italian Dressing

Lusciously Creamy Italian Dressing

Try your hand at this lusciously creamy Italian dressing and you’ll see it lives up to its name! Here a rich base of buttermilk and cream cheese is balanced by the tang of vinegar and lemon juice and the pungency of shallots and garlic.

Classic Cantucci (Italian Almond Biscotti)

Classic Cantucci (Italian Almond Biscotti)

Biscotto, the plural form of biscotti, is derived from the Latin word, biscotus, for twice baked. So, this popular twice baked cookie is perfect for dipping in your morning coffee or capping off a long evening. Full of anise and almonds, this Italian version is (more).

Healthy Asian Veggie & Chicken Stir-Fry

Healthy Asian Veggie & Chicken Stir-Fry

This healthy Asian stir-fry is packed with 32.7 g. of protein, making it a guilt-free dish to serve to your loved ones or yourself. And the subtle heat of the garlic chili paste is set off by the sweet hint of the rice seasoning, the (more).