For years I made my own pesto, a favorite summer condiment. Basil is so full of flavor and has many uses in recipes. In the past I used a lot as I could grow as much as I wanted; I always started my plants from seed too. Make a batch, top with a little olive … Continue reading
Think about the countryside of France, fields of lavender and one of France’s famous blends, Herbes de Provence. This is also a favorite combination of herbs that I’ve been using for a long time – I think the lavender element pulled me in. I highly recommend this wonderful mixture of different herbs as it elevates … Continue reading
What is one thing you can make with leftover ham, besides ham sandwiches or a breakfast casserole? Soup – which is perfect during the cold month of January in Michigan. I often use a honey-baked ham leftover from a holiday where the ham bone is an ingredient as well as the ham. But there is … Continue reading
A recipe worthy of a celebration with ingredients such as chile crisp (a favorite condiment at the moment) and a special savory honey from Dr. Jane Goodall’s collection of Woodland Honeys. In memory of this famous icon the world recently lost, it’s a privilege to share one of these special honeys sourced directly from the … Continue reading
During busy times of the year in the kitchen I am always looking for simple recipes that make me feel satisfied while I am busy making sweets and other dishes to serve over the holidays. When I saw this pasta dish I knew this could be added to the list. Peanut butter +pasta are always … Continue reading
What a wonderful combination – fresh, cheesy, lemony, herby and of course with zucchini. This seems to be the summer vegetable whether it’s the star of a recipe, an ingredient in pasta, salads, or in savory and sweet dishes. I just happen to love zucchini and enjoy using it so many different ways so I … Continue reading
Recently, I have been drawn to two Hetty Lui McKinnon’s dumpling salads. This is the second one I chose to make as it is perfect for a light summer meal with little cooking – the peanut sauce is made with hot water. You might remember my smashed cucumber salad with a sweet sour sauce. Anyways, … Continue reading
Chile crisp in a vinaigrette really defines this tomato salad. Fresh, ripe tomatoes touched with basil and garlic, pre-made dumplings and finishing with store-bought crispy dried shallots. This salad is hearty yet light and requires little cooking. Of course you can make your own dumplings and crispy shallots especially if you make them ahead of … Continue reading
New York Times Cooking included this salad as one of “The 23 Best Salads of All Time” in a recent email I received. One of the categories; The Leafy Ones is where this recipe belongs. It is among some of the most common salads we know; the garden salad (house salad), caesar salad and wedge … Continue reading
I just loved this recipe – my second attempt at cooking gnocchi. It was perfect for a 90+ degree light dinner. Awhile ago I made a recipe using gnocchi and it turned out terrible. This happens occasionally but I had never cooked with gnocchi before so it was a little disappointing; I actually threw it … Continue reading