BRIAN’S DUTCH BABY PANCAKE

Dutch baby pancake in a speckled pan, rising unevenly in an oven.

For years on our annual family ski trips, all the adults have shared the cooking chores as the next generation did their part to devour everything in sight. But as time has marched on, the day has finally come when that generation has stepped up to the stove. My young cousin Brian—who has always been…

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EASY DIM SUM

Plate of fried dumplings with a side of soy sauce, garnished with green leaves, on a textured blue surface.

Try as I might, I’m all thumbs when it comes to shaping dim sum. Even though it tastes pretty good, it NEVER looks as good as it does in the restaurant. But I found this nifty inexpensive press that makes me look like a pro. All you have to do is place a wonton wrapper…

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SEA URCHIN AND QUAIL EGG BOWTIE PASTA

A close-up of a colorful pasta dish with various shades and textures, served on a white plate.

Admittedly, this dish may not be for everyone. But for those of us that love sea urchin, otherwise known as uni at your local sushi bar, this dish is a rich treat—rich in flavor, but unfortunately rich in expense. I had purchased a tray at my local fish store with hopes of making my favorite…

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DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME

A close-up of sushi rolls garnished with roe and quail eggs, with soy sauce, wasabi, a sake bottle, and a sake decanter blurred in the background.

I know we’ve all felt the pinch of inflation over the last few years. When eating out, I find myself ordering half as much, yet everything costs twice as much as it used to. Sadly one of my favorite dishes at our local sushi restaurant has gone over the top. $18 for one piece of…

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ORANGE CHOCOLATE RICOTTA CAKE

Freshly baked cake on a plate with a slice cut out, sprinkled with powdered sugar and chocolate shavings, under warm lighting.

I love a good sale, and when I found a 32 oz. tub of ricotta cheese in the market for $2.99, I couldn’t just pass it by. So after making a lasagna, I still had tons of the ricotta left. So although I’m not much of a baker, I thought maybe a dessert would be…

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LAMB STEW GREEK STYLE

Four plates of pasta with beef and feta cheese, served on a wooden table with a salad bowl and a glass of red wine in the background.

Looking for a new idea for your Easter lamb? Here’s a hearty dish that got a thumbs up from my neighbors. I often use this cut of lamb for a cassoulet, but I wanted to try a different flavor profile. By simply changing some of the spices to a more Mediterranean leaning and subbing out…

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GRILLED SALMON OVER FRIED RICE

Grilled salmon fillet on a bed of rice with spinach and chopped green onions, served in a red bowl.

I hate wasting food, so when I found some leftover rice, a half package of spinach and some other bits and pieces in the fridge, I knew I had the makings of a quick fried rice. I topped it with some grilled salmon and I had dinner on the table in less than thirty minutes.…

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CHEESY MASHED POTATOES

A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes garnished with herbs, served on a wooden table with garlic and parsley nearby.

This recipe had me at “cheesy.” I’ve never been a big mashed potatoes fan until I had them with cheese. Although decadent, it’s worth the splurge once in awhile. I love to serve these as a side for steak or roast dishes. It’s also great to use the leftovers—if there are any—on top of a…

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MUSHROOM BARLEY SOUP

A bowl of mushroom soup garnished with herbs, surrounded by slices of brown bread and fresh mushrooms on a textured surface.

We’re deep into soup season now, so I’m always looking for variations on a theme. Every week I make a big batch of bone broth and I’m always trying different ways to use it. My husband is a big barley and mushroom fan, so this one is for him. Enjoy! INGREDIENTS (serves 6-8) 1 cup…

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GARLIC BREAD

Slices of garlic bread with herbs, butter, garlic cloves, and hazelnuts on a textured surface.

Whenever I need a quick side dish that everyone loves, I default to garlic bread. It’s great with steak or pasta dishes. I’ve also used it as the base for a really decadent sandwich. Rather than melting butter, I like to infuse olive oil with minced garlic. I strain the oil before using to avoid…

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