When it comes to hosting summer gatherings, this sweet pea and ricotta crostini is a versatile and elegant choice. This delectable appetizer combines the rustic charm of crostini with the vibrant flavors of sweet peas and creamy ricotta cheese. Embrace the summer season and the abundance of healthful vegetables and fruits that come along with […]

A cream pie, of any kind, is a variation of an old-fashioned custard pie. But to me, a banana cream pie is a culinary work of art.  It is a magical combination of creamy vanilla custard, bananas, and whipped cream all layered together. This dreamy filling is set in an irresistible coconut graham cracker crumble […]

Most who read my blog already know I’m a cookie fanatic. These matcha-coconut tea cookies are my latest and when I say make, eat, and repeat, I’m not kidding around. These soft, pillowy matcha cookies are truly unforgettable. Matcha Matcha has been a traditional drink in Japan for over 800 years and used in tea […]

A shredded Brussels sprout and feta frittata may seem fancy and complicated, but the truth is, it’s not. It’s also the perfect dish for mom if breakfast in bed is on the menu for Mother’s Day. For those unfamiliar, a frittata is an Italian open-faced omelet, often made in a cast iron pan, featuring a […]

Red velvet cupcakes (or cakes) are traditionally red, crimson, or scarlet-colored colored cakes, with fluffy white ermine icing. And aside from my classic coconut layer cake, red velvet has become a recent obsession of my older son. The deep red hue of this popular flavor is visually striking and immediately draws attention. For my kid, […]

Crispy tofu with Napa cabbage slaw is a tried and true family favorite. Dredging the tofu in cornmeal and cornstarch, before lightly pan frying, creates a crunchy exterior with a soft, pillowy texture inside. This is not my recipe, it’s from Cook’s Illustrated magazine. I have adapted this recipe a little over the years, but […]

Almond butter buckeye balls are one of my latest obsessions. Buckeye balls are a beloved American confection that is easy to make and sure to please just about anyone. These delectable bite-sized balls have been around forever, but are typically made with a combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar, which creates a creamy, […]

For as much as I love fruit, I have never loved grapefruit.  I’ve always wanted to, but it’s been a struggle.  When I was a little kid I thought that eating a halved, sectioned grapefruit, lightly sprinkled with sugar and topped with a maraschino cherry served with breakfast was considered an elegant side.  I never […]

Although I am not a die-hard chocolate fanatic, many I know are. This recipe is for them. Chocolate can make many wonderful things, pudding is one of them. Chocolate pudding was a childhood treat that sometimes appeared in my school lunch box. But the kind I ate was not the homemade kind, it came in […]

Truffled quail eggs have been a favorite of mine for many years. If you’ve been to a dinner party I’ve hosted, chances are you’ve had them. These flavorful, mini, deviled eggs, make phenomenal hors d’oeuvre at just about any gathering no matter what the occasion. What Are Quail Eggs? Quail eggs are, rather obviously, the […]

Not all cakes are created equal or considered beautiful, by modern-day standards. The fallen chocolate cake is the most well-known of all the “ugly” cakes. Despite that, I still find it remarkably intoxicating. The cake’s cracks are inviting and its uneven top is a curiosity. What lurks beneath that delicate sugary top layer is a […]

This halibut crudo is a fusion dish I developed inspired by my love for Japanese sashimi. “Crudo” is the Italian word for “raw,” and refers to a dish of uncooked fish, shellfish, (or sometimes meat) that is seasoned and dressed with an oil, some type of citrus juice, or, at times, a vinaigrette. Despite what […]

The saying chicken soup is good for the soul is one I’ve always loved. What’s funny about that phrase is that when you Google it what pops up the most in the search is Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, two motivational speakers who, in 1993, had the simple idea that people could help each other by […]

I can’t deny it, chocolate is a wonderful thing. And many of us crave rich chocolatey desserts or, at times, an eye-catching, cream cheese frosted red velvet cake. But the beauty and simplicity of a lemon pound cake can be just as wonderful. This lemon sour cream pound cake is one of my all-time favorite things. […]

One-pot vegetarian chili is the perfect comfort meal to make, eat, and repeat all winter long. This simple dish is hearty, flavorful, and wholesome, and it could not be easier to make. Perhaps the best part, this chili recipe is loaded with plant-based protein, from red kidney beans and black beans, so you won’t even […]