a bit about layering salt
The idea of thinking of salt in layers is something important to cooking. We often may just assume that adding salt to saucepan of boiling...
Lamb with herby breadcrumbs and mustard
A boneless leg of lamb has a milder flavor than that with the bone. The recipe here uses a mustard sauce that coats the meat inside and outside before the...
Chicken, spinach & herbs in phyllo bundles
A dish with flavors of Greece and the classic Spanakopita. Here I have added the addition of chicken to the pungent flavors of herbs- chervil, parsley, and dill. Each piece...
charred broccoli with olive oil & lemon
You can keep this simple with lemon and olive oil, or add some red chili flakes, grated parmesan (or other type), pine nuts or sun...
Stuffed Branzino Persian style
Making fish takes a bit of confidence. I say that for no other reason than because many people feel intimidated by it.
Risotto with mushrooms
Another flavor of risotto made with mushrooms. Select a variety of mushrooms that are fresh and will give the risotto a nice flavor. I think the best is a mixture...
A basic risotto with parmesan
Making risotto requires time. Time to allow the starch in the rice grains to slowly release creating the creamy consistency but firm bite of each...
potato leek & Jerusalem artichoke soup
A soup that is a creamy and a bit decadent but works perfectly for either lunch and dinner. You can use either Yukon or Russet potatoes but it works better...
Fish fillets with green beans & potatoes in pesto broth
This recipe creates a delicate broth that is then boldly flavored with pesto.
Classic Agnolotti dal Plin (meat filling for ravioli)
During the time of Italian Dukes, the large amounts of meat left over from celebrations were used to make Agnolotti al Plin. If you have...
Ricotta ravioli filling
Super easy and classic filling for any shape of ravioli. The creamy ricotta cheese is seasoned with just enough flavors to create a delicate filling. If you are feeling adventurous...
ravioli dough
Ravioli dough is slightly different than a noodle pasta dough in that it has more egg yolks that create a greater amount of moisture, more fat and a brighter color.
Pasta with eggplant (alla Norma)
Pasta all Norma is a classic recipe containing only vegetables. The flavors of the eggplant, tomatoes and onions create a luscious sauce that coats the...
fresh homemade pasta
Why not try making homemade pasta noodles? It is not difficult and adds an extra bit of pizzazz to any meal.
sesame crusted salmon rice bowls
Fabulous bowl food that samples some interesting flavors to complement the sesame crusted salmon. You can change the ingredients on top of the rice to include other favorites such as...
classic and delicious beef stroganoff
What is about beef stroganoff that makes it such a classic dish? Even if you have never eaten or prepared the rich, delicious dish, no...
cod in tamarind, cilantro and fenugreek sauce
Fish or cod can often be served in delicate sauces or with very simple ingredients but here is a recipe that brings lots of spice to your plate.
the best ever tortilla soup
The spicy tomato-based broth with an entire rotisserie chicken is super filling...and satisfying. You can add 3-4 fresh strips of corn tortillas to soup with the onions, sautéing all together.
grilled sumac spiced chicken skewers with pomegranate glaze
Delicious! Juicy and tender chicken skewered with fennel and red onion finished with the bittersweet pomegranate glaze makes this recipe memorable. Cooking the skewers in...
garlic lamb cutlets with mustard mint sauce
The mint in the recipe cuts some of the stronger flavors often found in lamb while the mustard adds a bit of tartness. What is best of all, is the...
frittata with zucchini and mushrooms
Basically a frittata is an open faced Italian omelette or I often think of it as a type of quiche without the crust. The key difference between a frittata and...
grilled salmon on cedar boards
If you have never made salmon on cedar planks you will find it hard to ever eat salmon in a different way. The flavor is...
grilled salmon on cedar boards
If you have never made salmon on cedar planks you will find it hard to ever eat salmon in a different way. The flavor is rich, hearty and wonderful.
Roasted Tequila and Lime Chicken
The dish definitely "feels" Mexican but without overwhelming spices or heavy ingredients. The tang of the tequila and lime roast the chicken to create an unusual and clean flavor.
Chicken patties with pistachios, cumin, coriander and sumac
I enjoy experimenting with different types of meatballs or meat patties, not only changing the type of meat used but also the seasoning and the...
Pesto Salmon Papillote with green beans
The salmon is wrapped in parchment paper, in a cooking method known as “en papillote” which gently steams the fish. You can also achieve delicious flavor using fresh herbs rather...
Chicken tagine with preserved lemon and olives
The first Nomad inhabitants of Morocco, the Berbers, greatly influenced Moroccan cuisine creating the slow-cooked tagines and couscous. Tagines are wonderful, warm pots of comfort comprised of amazing spices with...
Chicken teriyaki bowls
Teriyaki sauce is actually as much of a cooking method, grilling, or “yaki” as it is in the sauce or glaze, “teri.” Believed to have...
Linguine alle Vongole (linguine with clams)
One of the best memories of summers in Portugal is Linguine with clams. How unusual that an Italian dish ignites the tastes, sights and sounds of another country.
Indian butter chicken
If you have never made an Indian dish from scratch, here is the perfect one to try.
whole wheat pizza dough with mozzarella and tomatoes
My preference is whole wheat pizza crust. I like the texture better than regular white dough. It tends to be more chewy and satisfying.
Chicken Shawarma in the oven
The lemon, olive oil and garlic flavors are delicious, and the tumeric creates a bright, wonderful color that adds a subtle taste and visual appeal.
Orange soy seared salmon
The mixture of honey, soy sauce and orange juice creates a fantastic glaze with a deep rich color and incredible flavor. And best of all the recipe is super simple...
miso chicken with leeks, broccoli and noodles in broth
This hearty soup with the addition of ramen and broccoli, and a base of chicken broth is deeply satisfying and filling enough to be served...
roasted pork tenderloin with apples and onions
A pork tenderloin, cooked properly is the tenderest of meats, and the apples and onions add a savory sweet flavor that everyone will enjoy. I like to serve this dish...
Pork, apricot and tomato tagine
Morocco is one of my favorite places in the world, and of course tagines represent much of what there is to love in a beautiful part of the world.
Pumpkin Chili
A seasonal treat for the autumn season when pumpkin is on your mind! My niece, who is a nutritionist, posted a picture of the dish...
Pumpkin and ricotta filled ravioli (by hand) with butter and sage
Heavenly, creamy and seasonal homemade pumpkin ravioli that takes a bit of effort but results in an unforgettable dish. I recommend if you have never made your own pasta or...
Lime and Tumeric roast chicken
The recipe here is fool-proof and really delicious. The high cooking temperature of the oven cooks the chicken in 1 1/2 hours resulting in a beautiful crispy skin and very...
Not too spicy chili with red beans
A recipe staple that works well on a cold night when something warm, hearty and flavorful is called- I love to serve as a ‘help...
Juicy and tasty turkey burgers
Turkey burgers are a great alternative to beef burgers. In order to add lots of flavor, the fresh scallion, basil and capers create the perfect combination. I like to serve...
Spiced eggplant and peppers with bulgar wheat
I took this recipe from Julia Moskin in a New York Times article. Her recipe included pearl couscous but I made it with bulgar wheat since I had some in...
Prawns with fresh tomatoes
I first had this dish at my sister-in-law’s house. She is from Argentina, and grew up having the dish as a regular feature in many...
Florentine grilled steak
The simplicity of this recipe makes it ideal for any meal. The addition of a rub of fresh garlic after grilling adds such depth of flavor, you will never do...
Portuguese pork with clams
A classic Portugese dish most often found on menus in the central area of Portugal called the Alentejo. I made a face when I first saw this on a menu,...
Cauliflower and Black Beans Enchiladas
A different, vegetarian take on traditional meat enchiladas that is delicious. When I first thought about this combination it seemed quite strange but the flavors,...
Best Beef Enchildadas
A friend of mine is a wonderful cook despite her protests to the contrary. I took this Enchilada recipe directly from her after enjoying the dish many times at her...
Grilled chicken with fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes
Grilled chicken tastes great and is super fast and easy to prepare. I prefer it in the summer months but that being said, anytime really...
Curried mango and ginger chicken salad
I first made this recipe for a bridal shower with an English tea party theme. I wanted to keep the menu somewhat traditional with a few little twists, and thought...
Roast crispy chicken with fennel and onions
What I like about this recipe is the essence of the fennel and onion steam through the chicken while roasting, adding a deeper flavor.
Pasta Amatriciana
If you have ever been to Rome, Italy, you surely have seen Amatriciana pasta on the menu. It is a staple in Roman cuisine but...
super flavorful chicken, broccoli, bacon pie
Savory pies are popular in the UK but not so much in the US. What I love about this recipe is the interior is made with chicken broth and then...
salmon with fresh pesto
Fresh pesto can be delicious on a variety of different fishes but works especially well with a luscious piece of salmon fillet. The spicy, bright flavor of pesto complements the...
Lemon parmesan baked chicken
What can make a chicken breast more interesting? This recipe takes chicken to a new level with the sharp flavor of parmesan cheese offset by...
Lemon risotto with a dab of pesto
Incredibly delicate with the perfume of lemons, a beautifully balanced dish that brings forth the essence of each ingredient. This recipe is delicious and creates a dish that can be...
pasta with pesto & mascarpone
Since some people find pesto rich or overpowering, I created this recipe to smooth the flavor of pesto in order to make it easier and sweeter on the palate.
Lamb with cilantro, mint and honey
This is my go-to, and I never liked lamb until I had a version of this recipe at a dinner party. Wow!
swordfish with tomatoes & olives
The key is to check the fish while in the oven, grill or pan, and remove just before you think it is done – looking for the fish to be...
Orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe & romanesco
Orecchiette pasta translates to pasta with “little ears” due to its round, squidgy shape. The pasta is one of my favorites and not often seen on restaurant menus – not...
Easy Cacio & Pepe Pasta
I have been making this pasta forever and am never disappointed. With just a few ingredients – pasta, cheese, butter, olive oil, salt and ground...
Chinese Hot Pot (Da Bin Low)
Any type of fondue, savory or sweet, is such a fun dish to serve. Over 10 years ago, I received two beautiful copper fondue pots and was eager to use...
bright and striking centerpieces with lemons
Love, love lemons! And in California when the Meyer lemons come out in markets, I cannot resist buying lots of them. The bright, yellow and fragrant fruit brings color to...
one pan chicken with chorizo and potatoes
Anything I am able to put in the oven for a few hours and have a delicious meal without fuss is a winner. This recipe...
thinly sliced beef with arugula, tomatoes and pine nuts
I have a friend, Alexandra, from the Tyrolean area of Italy – a wonderful part of the world that blends the best of Italy and Austria. She claims not to...
flavorful and fabulous brisket with lentils
Brisket is a cut of beef that requires long and slow cooking for its true wonders to be revealed. You can make this a day in advance, without adding the...
heart-y grilled cheese
A combination of hot creamy tomato soup and heart-shaped grilled cheese is not only good for Valentine’s Day but anytime you want to have some...
simple is beautiful, rose centerpiece
Creating a striking centerpiece does not have to be time-consuming or expensive. Every once in a while, I love the beauty and simplicity (and tradition) of red roses. In a...
veal with prosciutto and sage (saltimbocca alla romana)
Literally the name of this Roman recipe means “jump in the mouth” referring to how delicious the meal tastes. Some people feel uncomfortable serving veal, and a good substitute for...
my favorite rigatoni pasta with eggplant & ricotta sauce
In a perfect world, I would eat pasta at every meal…along with a crunchy, crispy salad…just pure happiness. And rigatoni pasta is one of the...
vietnamese chicken salad
Now this is a really good salad with its crunchy, salty, sweet and tart melange of flavors. The first time I made it was in a class with a cookbook...
deliciously good flank steak with cocoa-coffee rub
An easy seasoning made of cocoa, coffee and a bit of cayenne pepper for flank steak or any type of beef. Delicious!
minted lamb meatballs with fresh peas & asparagus
These lamb meatballs are light and delicious because of the blend of fresh mint and parsley. It is best made in spring when fresh peas...
spiced up lamb Koofteh
I have made a lot of meatballs with beef, turkey, pork, and veal but Persian cuisine introduced me to the lamb meatball. Each region has a different name for its...
turkey meatballs with pesto
I usually but spinach in meatballs but one day, I had no spinach and thought that pesto would be a good flavor to add to the mixture. The extra benefit...
super moist and juicy turkey meatballs
Turkey is not meat that is often thought about outside of a holiday or on the occasional sandwich. And when not cooked properly, it tends...
slow cooked lamb with garlic and rosemary
Slow roasting lamb allows all the garlic and rosemary to work magic, plus the acidity of the malt vinegar and the sweetness of the brown sugar adds the perfect balance...
the classic grilled filet steak
Grilling steak may take a few tries to master but the key is not to overcook, if anything, undercook because you can always cook it more. A good meat thermometer...
roasted chicken with herbs, potatoes and fennel
Roast chicken always perplexes me because I find the cooking temperature of a juicy, well done interior compared to the crispy, golden skin on the...
fabulous fish cakes
Fish cakes are delicious for a light and flavorful lunch or a starter course. Slightly unexpected and always appreciated, it is hard to go wrong with this recipe. The only...
perfect balance of flavors
making it slowly – cooked carnitas
Mexican food is ideal meal for casual, fun get-togethers, especially if any kids are involved. Fresh Mexican food is a crowd pleaser and carnitas are...
It’s pesto
Fresh basil has such a strong, wonderful fragrance. It fills a room with its aroma and just begs to be put into some amazing dish. Liguria is a region in...
rich and warm french onion soup
Having returned from a cooking class called ‘French Cooking at Home” at Sur La Table in San Francisco, I was reminded how delicious a hot, steamy dripping-with-cheese French onion soup...
crispy pork in lettuce cups with lime chili dressing
A recipe with lots of flavor and one that can be made well in advance- the flavors of the pork actually get better if made...
An easy Lasagne
Why is this lasagne easier? Because Bechamel sauce is eliminated and only a meat sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheese is layered. I prefer no Bechamel because the density of the...
Marcella Hazan’s classic Bolognese sauce
Marcella Hazan is the author of the most popular Italian cookbook in the US, called Essentials of Italian cooking. Her bolognes sauce, or ragù, is from northern Italy and contains...
Pasta Bolognese sauce (Ragù)
There are hundreds of different Bolognese sauces, also known as ragù. This one is my own recipe that has been adapted over the years. The...
fresh and easy tomato sauce
This sauce is quite simple and is made with fresh cherry or baby tomatoes. I like to mini San Marzano Plum tomatoes but buy what is the freshest or easiest. ...
honey soy roasted salmon
I don’t remember when I first started making this dish and it has been changed and adapted over the years. Salmon is such a hearty, flavorful fish making it ideal...
