Arroz negro (Black Rice)

Black rice (arroz negro) is popular along the entire Mediterranean coast of Spain, but specially in Castellon de la Plana, the extreme north of the Valencian Community, and in Tarragona, the most southern area of neighboring Catalonia. The original recipe Read More …

Goat Cheese Wings

This is one not to be undertaken by neat-freaks. Getting the cheese mixture onto those little buggers takes plenty of counterspace, and a bit of dexterity. The end result: fantastic. 2-1/2 pounds wings, trimmed and separated 6 ounces mild goat Read More …

Chocolate Truffle Cakes

You’ll need those little tin moulds for these beauties! Four-ounce size is perfect for this recipe. I’ve never tried them in cupcake tins, but I don’t see why that wouldn’t work. Makes 4 servings 4 ounces small pieces milk chocolate Read More …

Pink Champagne Truffles

Champagne truffles are one of life’s little luxuries. Is there a woman out there who would not admit to having a penchant for the odd Champagne truffle from time to time? Well, this gem of a recipe combines dark and Read More …

Ensalada de Jicama con Melon (Jicama-Melon Salad)

Although many fresh condiments in Mexican cuisine are called pico de gallo (rooster’s beak), this refreshing salad from the Mexican state of Jalisco is known as Pico de Gallo. Depending on the seasonal availability of fresh fruit, the salad is Read More …

Forty Clove Dutch Oven Brisket

Whole cooked garlic is far milder than processed garlic when cooked. The more you process garlic, the stronger the garlic flavor. Just to prove that point, try this recipe using forty cloves of garlic for one little ‘ol chicken instead Read More …

Warm Asparagus Spears with Aged Gouda and Sherry Vinaigrette

Asparagus are finger food in my family, like corn on the cob or clams on the half-shell, and in the spring when they first appear in the markets, we eat as much as we can. Unless the spears are pencil-thin, Read More …

Cherry Slurpee

Here’s a clone recipe for that popular convenience store slush that most everyone knows from the excruciating brain freeze that follows a big gulp. You must have a blender to make this clone of 7-11’s Slurpee, and enough room to Read More …

Cranberry and Strawberry Sangria

This playful sangria is sure to become one of your party staples. It is only slightly more tedious to prepare than the other sangrias, but well worth the extra little effort. This fruity, delicious sangria is practically a fiesta in Read More …

Chocolate Pecan Torte

A European style torte with a wonderful mix of textures and flavors. The top crust bakes up with a hint of crackly crunch, giving way to a moist, light interior studded with tiny bits of toasted pecans and intense chocolate Read More …

Roasted Corn and Tomato Salad with Herbed Oil

This is a creative way to present a tomato salad. It goes nicely alongside grilled fish or meat. A little fussy but worth the effort. Make extra of the herb scented oil for your pantry. Herbed Oil 1/2 cup olive Read More …

Grilled Zucchini Wraps with Tomatoes and Goat Cheese

It takes a bit of time to oven roast the tomatoes but otherwise this recipe is really simple. Very good, beautiful presentation. Great holiday appetizer. Wouldn’t recommend this as a passed hors d’oeuvre, though, as it is a little hard Read More …

Cheese Tortellini Salad with Sun-dried Tomato Vinaigrette

The wonderful sun-dried tomatoes go nicely with the three cheese tortellini in this salad. When tossing the vinaigrette into the salad, use as little or as much as you like, according to your preference. Salad 9 ounces Fresh three cheese Read More …

Fresh Caprese Vegetable Kabobs

This is a beautiful appetizer dish or side dish. It’s great for potlucks and it always gets lots of compliments. The key is to use the freshest of ingredients. I buy the fresh basil and tomatoes from my farmer’s market Read More …

Mustard-Crusted New Potatoes

A flavour packed roast potato recipe which results in crisp and crunchy little new potatoes with caramelised shallots in a wholegrain mustard crust. Wonderful for dinner parties as well as BBQ’s. These are SO easy to prepare, no peeling required Read More …

Molten Chocolate Cakes with Sugar Coated Raspberries

Dessert is individual molten chocolate cakes. They’re simple and elegant, and they bake in under 10 minutes in a standard muffin pan. The best part about these little beauties is that the cake batter is extremely forgiving: You can make Read More …

Spaghetti Carbonara

A carbonara sauce is typically made with just Italian bacon, eggs, cheese, and black pepper. A little half-and-half creates an even silkier texture. 1 pound(s) spaghetti 8 ounce(s) (8 slices) bacon, cut 1-inch-thick crosswise 3 large eggs 3/4 cup(s) grated Read More …

Homemade Italian Sausage

Homemade Italian Sausage without all the commercial fillers and gluten free. I admit, that this is a long process, but the end product is worth it. The reason so many commercial sausages have gluten in them is because they tend Read More …

BLT Bites

These are like taking a little bite of summer. The flavors blend so well and taste great. They never stand a chance at picnics or potlucks. They always are gone before the meal begins. Quantities and ingredients may be adapted Read More …

Potato Pancakes or Blinis

These little pancakes/blinis are great topped with caviar…but in a pinch, smoked salmon is a great alternative. Feel free to use whatever topping you like. They can also be gluten-free, if you use the potato starch. Wonderful as an appetizer… Read More …

Easter Coconut Nests

Cute and delightful little confections sure to please young and old. Let the little ones help with this fun and easy-to-do recipe. For added flavor and a crunchy texture, toast the coconut before using. 1 pound white candy coating 1 Read More …

Crostini

Crostini translates as “little toasts” in Italian. For flavor variations, try brushing the crostini with infused oils or sprinkle with desired dried herbs or seasonings. 1 loaf French bread, ends trimmed and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices Extra virgin olive Read More …

Curried Tomato Corn Soup

Onion, tomatoes and corn form a toothsome trio of vegetables in curried chicken broth. A little yogurt whisked in at the end results in a creamy but light and flavorful first course or simple luncheon dish. 1 teaspoon butter 1 Read More …

Grilled Peppered Tomatoes with Lemon and Garlic

This dish is a prime example that really good produce needs very little done to it to create a great-tasting dish. Since the quality of the dish depends entirely on the quality of the tomatoes, make sure you get vine-ripened Read More …

Shrimp Stuffed Avocado

Get a lot of flair with little effort with these elegant shrimp and avocado cups. Iceberg lettuce mixed into the creamy filling adds a juicy crispness to this refreshing salad. 8 ounces bay shrimp, cooked and cleaned 1 package (8-oz.) Read More …