American

Crispy, crispy kale

Kale is great anytime of the year, and eating crispy kale makes it feel like an indulgent treat.  I like to serve on the side of many different grilled meats...

orange bundt cake

The cake is baked and then soaked with orange juice, and then gets another punch of flavor with an orange glaze.

Fish en Papillote

The fish is wrapped in parchment paper, in a cooking method known as “en papillote” which gently steams the fish. 

roasted butternut squash soup

Nothing says winter like a warm bowl of butternut squash soup.  Serve this to start to a winter meal, or as a full on meal maybe with a large hunk...

Shrimp with orzo and spinach

This is a take on the classic recipe of shrimp scampi.  I have never loved shrimp scampi and this recipe cuts through the richness of...

pumpkin chocolate chip cookies

October is all about pumpkins, and this recipe is great to take advantage of the seasonal harvest.  There is something about a warm cookie that just warms the heart.

sweet potato fries

A healthier alternative to regular potato fries, sweet potato fries contain Vitamin A, C and E.  Oven roasting at a high temperature allows them to...

Summer salmon burgers

Anything on the grill for summer is always a great idea. You can feed a crowd and still be social while grilling away meats and vegetables.

Herb scented Hassleback sweet potatoes

Something a bit fun to try that I’ve done before with white potatoes.  But sweet potatoes are better for you nutritionally, and are often overlooked- at least in my saunter...

Black pepper chocolate cake

It is almost like a blank canvas because though the recipe here is with black pepper, you can also substitute many different ingredients and spices.

garlic bread

Who doesn’t love garlic bread? Somehow it works just as well with a plate of spaghetti or a big bowl of soup.

molten chocolate cake

A molten cake feels intimidating but you'll be surprised how easy it is to make this "sophisticated" dessert.  Y

green, green salad

Salads are usually green and this one adapted from Samrin Nosrat for New York Times cooking is especially green- not a color in sight!  Given I am not a big...

superfoods chopped salad

Kale salad is very good with a dressing that is a little creamy given the tough leaves. I like to remove the “rib” or large vein of the kale and...

Buttermilk marble cake

Can't decide between a vanilla or chocolate cake then this is the choice for you.  I adapted the recipe slightly from The New York Time's...

strawberry cheesecake cupcakes

The "cheesecake" in the recipe is nothing more than cream cheese icing.  Rich and delicious icing that sits atop a fluffy vanilla cake containing fresh...

sweet and savory red cabbage

Ahhh red cabbage, beautiful in color and wonderful to serve with a roasted pork, lamb or chicken.  I like to serve as a side dish but you can top on...

Viennese crescent cookies

Another of my mother’s “famous” Christmas cookies.  These are melt-in-your mouth delicious because they are rather delicate.  I love the flavor of almonds with the...

Christmas tree pressed cookies

The Christmas season begins when my mother makes her “famous” Christmas cookies. As our family has grown, her quantities have increased and she freezes the cookies as they are prepared...

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 on her Instagram and I...

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 yourself” buffet along with bowls...

pumpkin spice cocktail

The recipe for this drink was inspired by Autumn colors and the flavors of the squashes and apples you find in the market.

Apple crisp bars

Apples are good anytime of the year and this dessert is great anytime of the day- including as a morning treat.  Given the crumble topping, you can think of it...

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...

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...

Orzo with roasted eggplant

Orzo is one of those hybrids of pasta and rice that works well with so many meals.  This recipe is great for lunch but most often I use it as...

Longing for asparagus

When asparagus is in season, the long, thin and delicious vegetable makes for the perfect companion to any grilled or roasted meat or fish or served on top of a...

Oh my lemon & basil sorbet

When lemons are ripe in California, my friends know I love using them and send me dozens straight from their gardens – my sister Joanna’s...

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 whimsical fun. When we moved...

lovey potatoes

These potatoes are a little novelty to make whenever you want to send a little love. Yes, heart-shaped sliced potatoes…you are seeing correctly. You can easily create the shape with...

perfect buttermilk pancakes

Ahh, the pancake…fluffy, scrumptiously decadent round cakes cooked in a pan and then stacked on a plate.  Pour over some maple syrup and all the...

the best ever key lime pie

Ahhhh….key lime pie is creamy and tart and creamy and delicious, and the recipe is a real showstopper. Making the pie could not be more...

creamy tomato soup to love

What a delicious way to show your love.  Creamy tomato soup is surprisingly satisfying, and the heart-shaped croutons add a fun, loving way to make it more special for any occasion....

lazy (s)mashed potatoes

Who likes peeling potatoes?  I often make these potatoes when I do not want to bother to peel the skins of potatoes and want something slightly different (and lighter) than...

roasted cauliflower and broccoli

A super easy dish that I like to serve with the Indian butter chicken recipe, but works equally well with anything else.  It does not contain any spices, just salt...

green beans with fennel

Green beans are my go-to vegetable – easy to cook, work with a large variety of main courses, most people enjoy them.

horseradish sauce

A complement to so many dishes, I continually use this recipe for both meat and fish dishes.  It is super simple to make and adds a kick of flavor to...

basic but beautiful rice

What more is there to say about a well-cooked bowl of rice? Simple, pure and such a perfect companion to a variety of dishes.

herby chicken & spinach meatballs

Meatball, meatball, what's not to like about these mouthfuls of chicken, spinach and a few spices.  The recipe has been taken from many different sources, and my original version is...

simple green salad with fennel

This salad is extremely simple and full of flavor.  The fennel is what makes it so good….well the fennel and really tossing the salad with...