Warm and Cozy Fall Recipes X Atlanta and Company

On the set of Atlanta and Company

I'm a stickler for riding out a season until the very end, but once it's gone, it's gone--no strings attached. :)  And saying farewell to Summer recently in anticipation of embracing my most favorite of seasons, Fall, was a welcomed transition.  Never mind that the temperatures in my parts have not fully caught on and co-signed on the recent autumnal equinox, Fall is finally here!

For most, Fall is beloved for the cooler, crisper weather, gorgeous foliage, football, tailgating--and the seasonal fare that makes it all delicious.  Warm and cozy seasonal fare, to be exact.

Ready to share my Fall recipes on the set of Atlanta and Company

I provided a head start on Fall eats during my recent segment on Atlanta and Company, where I dished on spices and herbs that make for richly flavored, versatile and, yes, scrumptious, food and drinks to carry you tastefully through the season and beyond.

I featured some of my tried and true favorites, including:
Spicy (Turkey) Chili
Rosemary-Thyme Cornbread Madeleines; and
Hot Mulled Cider.

This menu will suit any weeknight, game day, weekend gathering, or celebration, so be prepared to keep it in constant rotation as the season continues to unfold.

Finally, in case you missed it, you can watch the full segment below for extra tips and fun!

Happy Eating!

French Potato Salad

I've come a long way baby.

Let me explain.  Growing up, I had a very loose, slightly on, mostly off, relationship with potato salad.  And considering that most of the potato salad I came across at family meals, barbecue's, cookouts, and the like, contained their fair share of mayonnaise, I was simply not a fan.

It's never easy to convey why you don't take to a particular food--especially when it seems that most you know and come across are fans.  But there I was--the girl, now woman, with a distinct disdain for this favorite dish and its main dressing.  However, I'm fortunate that as my natural development continued, so did my palate's evolution, and I ultimately came to like--not love--traditional potato salad.  Nothing major, but I could handle a serving or two a few times a year.

And then I was given the gift of discovering what seemed to be a recipe created just for me and my fellow non-mayo cohorts: an herb-y, vinaigrette tossed, and beyond delicious, French Potato Salad.  Made of tender red and white potatoes, with accents of fresh herbs, a luscious champagne vinaigrette, and a few other flavorings of white wine, chicken stock and green onions, it's one of my favorite side dishes for any occasion and my definite go-to when I'm on potato salad duty.  It's a lighter, elegant spin on the classic American-style and suits me (and my taste buds) perfectly.

I brought it back to life in my kitchen recently for a family gathering, and let's just say the bowl was empty at the end of our time together (humble brag -:) ).  It serves up beautifully warm or at room temperature, making it extremely versatile and picnic friendly.  Make it for yourself and I'm certain you'll be coming back for more.

Happy Eating!

French Potato Salad >>> Get the recipe here!

{Savory & Sweet}: Herb-Truffle + Honey-Cinnamon Compound Butters

If you know me, then you know how I feel about a good compound butter.  Over the weekend, I decided to whip up two varieties--one sweet and one savory--to add extra flair and flavor to my holiday tables.  And what resulted were insanely good butters that will have you feigning long after the holidays have come and gone.

On the savory side, I took to my pantry for truffle salt (because it's the holidays, you know), and garlic, then I rounded up some fresh Italian herbs to create a decadent Herb-Truffle Butter.  This delicacy will take your turkey, chicken, roasted veggies, popcorn, and more, over the top with bold, savory goodness.

On the sweet side of things, I went for the warmth of cinnamon, coupled with the floral sweetness of honey, for a Honey-Cinnamon Butter that will make you forget what you did with your pancakes, waffles, french toast, muffins, baked sweet potatoes, and then some, before it came along. 

Easy to make and wonderful for sharing, these compound butters are the perfect special touches to your holiday fare.

Happy Eating!

Herb-Truffle Butter
Ingredients:
1 stick (4 oz.) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon truffle salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Medley of fresh basil, rosemary and thyme, chopped  

Method:
In a small bowl, combine butter, herbs, salt, garlic and pepper.  Place on parchment paper and roll up into a log.  Refrigerate, or freeze, to firm.  Serve and enjoy!

Honey-Cinnamon Butter  
Ingredients:
1 stick (4 oz.) unsalted butter, room temperature
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
1/4 teaspoon salt
Splash of vanilla extract

Method:
In a small bowl, combine butter, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.  Place on parchment and roll up into a log.  Refrigerate, or freeze, to firm.  Serve and enjoy!

(Cook's Note: Butters can be stored in freezer and refrigerator.)   

Rosemary-Thyme Cornbread Madeleines

I'll be honest.  There was a moment (or two or three) when I wondered if any semblance of a real winter would ever surface.  70+ degree temps through Christmas bode less than favorably for this Southern girl who longed for the more characteristically cooler weather that winter dreams are made of.  (And to finally be able to sport my new coat that I snagged in eager anticipation of some serious stylin' and profilin'.) :)

And then there was this past weekend.  Winter decided to dust off any remaining cobwebs from last year and finally make its entrance--accompanied by a blizzard effect in some parts of the country, and a milder, yet welcomed, cold snap in my parts.  Fleeting snowflakes made for warm and cozy inclinations, including whipping up some chicken soup for the soul--and baking a batch of homemade, herbed cornbread madeleines.  Life was as it should be.

Starting with my trusted cornbread recipe, I gave a savory twist to these delicacies--replete with fresh rosemary and thyme--and the yield was just as scrumptious as my sweet renditions.  And just as gorgeous.  Although the temps have already begun their ascent back to milder days of yore, I'll continue to relish my soup and cornbread combo--made all the better in the beautiful little package of madeleines.  

Happy Eating!

Rosemary-Thyme Cornbread Madeleines
Ingredients:
1 stick (8 ounces) unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
1 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups milk
2 large eggs 
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
Heavy drizzle of honey (optional)

Special Equipment: Madeleine Baking Pan

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.  Grease and flour the baking pan.  Melt the butter in a small saucepan, pour the butter into a large bowl and set aside to cool.

In a medium bowl, add the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, and stir to combine. To the large bowl, add the milk, eggs and honey (if using). Toss in the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Spoon the batter into a madeleine pan(s) using a tablespoon measure.  Bake for 15-20 minutes, until madeleines are light brown and the edges are browned (don't overbake!).  Remove to a cooling rack and allow to cool for 10 minutes.  (Repeat as often as necessary with remaining batter.) Serve warm and enjoy!



 

Chilled Red Pepper Soup

So there I was recently--in my kitchen and trying to decide what to cook for dinner.  Oftentimes my taste for something will steer me right away, but on this occasion it wasn't happening.  So I did what any card-carrying food lover would do next--I reached for my sources of inspiration, specifically my Ottolenghi cookbook.  I hadn't cooked from it yet, so I decided that it was time that I finally break it in.

As soon as I could tear myself away from all the glorious dessert recipes (that's honestly what drew me in most when I considered buying this book), I stumbled upon a perfect, warm weather recipe--a chilled version of Red Pepper Soup.

 I'm quite the fan of Red Pepper Soup and my usual preparation, until now, had been a warm, roasted red pepper version.  But hey, it's Spring and the temperatures are rising, so a chilled fresh red pepper version sounded like the refreshing fare I especially crave this time of the year.

Peppers, herbs, aromatics, spices and seasonings combine for a beautiful puree accented with the texture of fresh vegetables stirred in at the end.  Finished off with a garnish of more fresh herbs--and my special addition of a scrumptious, flaky puff pastry crouton--rounded out this simple, yet satisfying, soup.

Happy Eating!

Chilled Red Pepper Soup
Recipe adapted from Ottolenghi The Cookbook

Ingredients:
1 large onion
3 tablespoons olive oil
8 sage leaves, finely chopped
4 large red peppers
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
Grated zest of 1/2 lemon
1 clove garlic, crushed
Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Fresh parsley, chopped
Puff pastry dough
1 egg

Method:
Peel the onion and chop it coarsely.  Heat the oil in a large saucepan.  Add the onion and sage and saute over medium heat for 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent.

While the onion is cooking, halve the peppers lengthwise.  Take a pepper half, remove the seeds and white flesh, and cut it into 2/3-inch/1.5 cm dice.  Set aside.

Remove the sees from the rest of the peppers, coarsely chop them, and stir into the saucepan with the onions.  Add the salt, bay leaves, cumin, sugar and red pepper flakes.  Saute for another 5 minutes.  Add the stock and bring it to a gentle simmer.  Cover the pot and cook over very low heat for 15 minutes.

Once the peppers are soft, remove the bay leaves from the soup.  While still hot, use a regular blender or an immersion blender to puree the soup until it is totally smooth.  Leave to cool down a little.

Once the soup is just warm, stir in the diced red pepper, lemon zest, and garlic.  Leave until it becomes room temperature and then refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.  Remove soup from the fridge half an hour before serving.  Stir well, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.  Sprinkle over a generous amount of chopped basil and parsley and top with a crouton.  Serve and enjoy!

Flaky Croutons
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Roll out, thawed (but chilled) dough on a lightly floured surface.  Use a biscuit or cookie cutter for desired shape and cut dough into individual croutons.  

Place dough on a parchment lined baking sheet and using a fork, prick holes into the dough.  Brush with egg wash (1 egg beaten) and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Bake in oven until golden brown on top, about 8-10 minutes.  Remove from oven, serve and enjoy! 
    

Garlic Herb Salt

Infusion is, without question, one of my most favorite ways of imparting extra umph and scrumptious goodness to the foods and drinks I love.  From coffee, to compound butter, to vinaigrettes, and beyond, it's found its way into my repertoire on more than a few occasions.  No coincidences there.

Over the weekend, I was inspired to combine some of my favorite herbs (thyme, rosemary and parsley) with several cloves of fresh garlic to create a beautiful and exceptionally delicious garlic herb salt.  And, if you're remotely like me, then you might be tempted to salivate slightly at just the thought of all the ways this treasure will transform your dishes and enhance your cooking regimen. 

The hand-chopped technique, along with the overnight air-drying, yielded the perfect coarse, crumbly texture.  All stored away, with a little reserved for gifting, it's a welcomed gourmet addition to my pantry--and it should be in yours, too.

Happy Eating!

Garlic Herb Salt
Recipe courtesy of Saveur

Ingredients:
6 cloves garlic
½ cup kosher salt
1 cup mixed fresh herbs

Method:
Crush garlic and coarsely chop with half of salt to form a chunky paste. Slowly add herbs and remaining salt and continue to chop into a fine paste. Spread on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and let sit uncovered overnight or up to 24 hours until dry and crumbly.  Store in an airtight glass jar up to 1 month.
 

Rosemary Popovers

If you're looking to bring some simple, homemade goodness to your table, then homemade popovers is a great way to go.  I baked some over the weekend, adding in fresh rosemary for an extra savory touch.  It was my first time--and a good excuse for putting my popover pan to use, although you don't need one to make these.  A muffin pan will also suffice in yielding warm, delicious popover goodness.

Happy Eating!








Rosemary Popovers
Recipe courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

When making popovers, its important to use a pan that absorbs heat well. The batter needs a burst of heat to convert the moisture to steam, which causes the batter to expand and pop over the sides. When perfectly cooked, popovers emerge with crispy brown exteriors and moist, almost hollow centers.

 

Ingredients:

2 eggs  
1/4 tsp. salt 
1 cup milk 
2 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted 
1 cup all-purpose flour 
1 1/2 Tbs. very finely chopped fresh rosemary 
1/2 Tbs. very finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

 

Method:

Butter a popover pan or the wells of a 12-well muffin pan.

In a bowl, lightly whisk together the eggs and salt. Stir in the milk and butter. In another bowl, stir together the flour, rosemary and parsley. Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, whisking until just blended. Do not over beat.

Fill each cup about half full and place the pan in a cold oven. Set the oven temperature to 425ºF and bake for 20 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 375ºF and bake until the popovers are golden, 10 to 15 minutes more. They should be crisp on the outside. Quickly pierce each popover with the tip of a small knife to release the steam. Return the popovers to the oven for 2 minutes for further crisping, then remove and serve immediately.

 

Mint Ice Cubes: {Spring in a Glass}

If you're celebrating the recent arrival of Spring, then you'll want to add this to your list: mint ice cubes.  And if you have to ask why, it's because nothing says Spring (in a glass, at least) like gorgeous, herbal ice cubes.  The bright pop of color, coupled with the extra flair, will take your favorite sips to the next level of toast-worthiness faster than you can say "cheers".

So the next time the occasion calls for it, go ahead and pour. chill. sip. and repeat--with Spring-infused ice cubes!  

Happy Sipping!

Mint Ice Cubes
Ingredients:
Fresh Mint Leaves
Water
Equipment: Ice Trays

Method:
Place a mint leaf in each tray compartment.  Fill with water and freeze.  Enjoy!      

Spring Lamb Stew

"Is it Spring yet?"  If I had to guess, I'd say that's probably the question most lingering on everyone's minds these days.  Especially after the type of winter we've been having.  And especially after the interludes of warm and sunny days that have shown up recently.

While the calendar is clear that Spring is still a little ways off, I decided to hurry it along just a bit--in my kitchen, at least.  Feeling inspired by the abundant sunshine last weekend, I cooked up a bright Lamb Stew as my personal ode to Spring.

On the lighter side of a more traditional stew, this dish serves up lamb, vegetables, herbs and aromatics, bathed in richly flavored broth, for the perfect bowl of Springtime indulgence.

So here's to a Spring that's sure to be filled with brighter days...and Happy Eating!

Spring Lamb Stew

printable recipe

Ingredients:
Lamb shoulder
1 onion, diced
1 bouquet garni of thyme and rosemary
2 tablespoons olive oil
Carrots, chopped
Asparagus
Green Peas (frozen or fresh)
4 cups chicken broth
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Method:
In a large pot or dutch oven, heat the olive oil over a medium-high heat.  Season the lamb with salt and pepper and add to the pot.  Sear on both sides, remove and set aside.  Add onions and carrots and saute until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.  Add in broth, bouquet garni, and lamb.  Bring to a boil and then lower heat to a simmer.  Allow to simmer for 25 minutes.   Add in the green peas and asparagus and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Serve and enjoy!
   

 

Whole Roasted Branzino + The Fixins'

Food memories can be some of the sweetest to recall, transporting you back to times, places, scenes--and tastes--that make life special for all the right reasons.   One such memory recently came to mind, as I recalled a scrumptious Whole Roasted Branzino that I had enjoyed at the Italian food emporium, Eataly, during one of my jaunts to NYC.

A simple, yet elegant, preparation served up amazingly moist and succulent fish, with a crispy skin to match, for one of the best seafood bites I had enjoyed to date.  And with that delicious memory now back in view, I set out to bring the same delectable bite to my kitchen. 

My first time preparing a whole fish, rather than fillets, I was excited as much by the presentation of the dish, as I was the preparation.  I decided to stuff the fish with the wonderful flavors of citrus, onion and herbs, with an outcome that was as delicious as what I recalled at the restaurant.  I added to the decadence with a creamy parsnip puree and crispy, roasted kale to round out one amazing meal—and another delectable memory.

Happy Eating!

Whole Roasted Branzino

Ingredients:

2 Whole Branzino, cleaned, with head and tail intact (tip: get your fishmonger to do this)

Fresh thyme sprigs

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice and lemon slices for stuffing

Onion slices

Kosher Salt

Flaked Sea Salt, optional

Freshly ground black pepper

Olive oil

1/4 cup dry white wine 

1/4 cup water 

Method: 

Preheat oven to 350°F. 

Sprinkle fish inside and out with kosher salt and pepper. Stuff each with thyme sprigs, onion and lemon slices. Arrange fish in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Pour in wine, 1/4 cup water, and lemon juice. Drizzle with 1 1/2 tablespoons oil.

Roast fish 35 minutes. Remove from oven and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of sea salt, if using.

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit

Roasted Kale   

Ingredients:

Kale, chopped or torn into leaves

Olive oil

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Method:
Arrange kale on a baking sheet.  Drizzle with olive oil and season liberally with salt and pepper.  Toss to combine and place in preheated 350 F oven.  Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until preferred crispness. 

 

 

{Savor}: Decadent Stuffed Cornbread

Comfort food is always in season.  And when you're talking hot, buttery skillet cornbread--with a little lot of extra goodness baked inside, it's especially so.

A fun twist on my traditional cornbread stuffing trappings, my recipe for Turkey, Herb and Cranberry Cornbread is nothing short of scrumptious goodness, bite after bite.  It's featured now on POPSUGAR Food--just in time for the holidays (or whenever you want to indulge!)  So be sure to add this to your repertoire & enjoy.

Happy Eating!

Lemon Thyme Bars

I have quite a thing for citrus-y, tangy, tart desserts.  Whether we're talking pie, cakes, ice cream, or any other confectionery delight, my taste buds have a distinct affinity for citrus--particularly lemon.

A few weeks ago while visiting New York, I made my usual pit stop by Magnolia Bakery.  In addition to a decadent slice of Pistachio cake that I ordered to go, my companion and I interrupted the order of the evening and indulged in a little pre-dinner dessert with the most scrumptious and perfectly sweet-n-tart lemon bar.  (We similarly devoured the slice of cake, but only after we finished our dinner, of course.)  

The memory of that lemon bar, in all of its mouth-watering goodness, has remained with me like a sweet dream, so this past weekend as I toggled back and forth on what dessert to bring to my family barbecue, I decided to recreate my own version and savor those flavors up close and personal once more.  Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest deliver an undeniably lemony punch, with a little extra flair via the thyme shortbread crust, finished with a decadent lemon glaze to bring it all together. 

It was a sweet endeavor that filled my kitchen--and weekend--with recent fond memories and one pan of, dare I say, lemon-thyme perfection.  And as far as the barbecue went, everyone raved about how good they were, which is always a wonderful bonus. :)  Once you make them, I'm confident you will, too.

Happy Eating!

Lemon Thyme Bars

Ingredients:

Crust:
1/2 lb. unsalted butter at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar 
2 cups flour
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt

Lemon Layer:
7 large eggs
2 1/2 cups sugar
3 tablespoons grated lemon zest
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup flour
Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish

Lemon Glaze:
2 cups confectioner's sugar
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (around the juice of 2 lemons) 
 
Method:
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking pan.

For the crust, cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer until light. Combine the flour, thyme and salt and, with the mixer on low, add to the butter until just mixed. Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and gather into a ball. Flatten the dough with floured hands and press it into the greased baking ban, building up a 1/2-inch edge on all sides. Chill.
Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes, until very lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.

For the lemon layer, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or about five minutes beyond the point where the filling is set. Cool to room temperature.

For the lemon glaze, whisk together the confectioner's sugar and lemon juice.  Add more or less sugar and/or juice for desired consistency.  Pour glaze over lemon bars and spread with a spatula to cover evenly.  Allow the glaze to set for at least 20-30 minutes.  Cut into squares and garnish with fresh thyme, if desired.  Serve and enjoy! 
Recipe adapted from Ina Garten
 

On the Table: Chicken with Herb-Roasted Tomatoes and Pan Sauce

While the days of Summer are starting to dwindle, the tastes of Summer are still very much alive.  And that especially holds true for fresh, vibrant tomatoes.  Enjoying this fruit in-season makes for delicious noshing, whether they're the star of a soup, salad, main course or served on their own, luscious lonesome--the way I most enjoyed eating the tomatoes from my grandparent's garden as a little girl.

And with this recipe for Chicken with Herb-Roasted Tomatoes and Pan Sauce from Bon Appetit, they become the star ingredient in a simple, but satisfying, dish that's perfect for both a quick weeknight meal and a leisurely weekend dinner.

The tastes of Summer were meant to be savored and this fresh and healthy dish gives you lots to love.

Happy Eating!

 



P.S. What tastes of Summer do you enjoy most?

Chicken with Herb-Roasted Tomatoes and Pan Sauce

Ingredients: 

1 1/2 pounds cherry tomatoes or other small tomatoes on the vine

6 tablespoons olive oil, divided  

2 tablespoons herbes de Provence  

1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more  

Freshly ground black pepper  

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce  

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts

1 small shallot, minced  

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar  

3 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley leaves

Method: 

Preheat oven to 450° F. Combine tomatoes, 2 Tbsp. oil, and herbes de Provence in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large heavy ovenproof skillet until oil shimmers. Carefully add tomatoes to pan (oil may spatter). Transfer skillet to oven and roast, turning once, until tomatoes burst and give up some of their juices, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl and drizzle with Worcestershire sauce.  

Meanwhile, season chicken all over with 1 tsp. salt and pepper. Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown, 6–8 minutes. Transfer pan to oven and roast chicken until cooked through, 8–10 minutes. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for at least 5 minutes. 

Add remaining 1 Tbsp. oil to same skillet; heat over medium heat. Add shallot and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Deglaze pan with vinegar, scraping up browned bits from bottom of pan; add tomatoes and their juices and simmer until sauce is just beginning to thicken, about 1 minute. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper. 

Slice chicken; divide among plates. Spoon tomatoes and sauce over; garnish with herbs.  Enjoy!

Recipe Courtesy of Bon Appetit

 

A Taste of Spring: Basil Pesto

What can I say about basil pesto?  Other than it's fresh, full of flavor, versatile--and perfect for Spring!  Oh, and it's to be enjoyed in more ways than the classic pasta and pesto preparation.  So check out my latest guest post on RecipeLion.com and get my recipe + a host of ways to indulge.

Then, let me know how you best like to serve up your pesto.

Happy Eating!

Shine Supper Club: Orzo Pasta Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Vegetables

I truly love the fresh and delicious flavors that welcome Spring into our kitchens and cuisine.  Fresh herbs, summer squash, zucchini, cherry tomatoes and peppers are just a few of the many tastes that make their way front and center into my cooking during this time of the year.  And that's why I was so excited to join in with Yahoo Shine Supper Club's April theme for Spring Cleaning My Supper!  In fact, that's exactly what happened recently when I decided to make a delicious pasta tossed with grilled vegetables and shrimp. 

A favorite dish for healthy, lite and delicious noshing, that constitutes a meal-in-one, this recipe was the perfect wind-down to my busy weekend.  With little more effort than chopping some vegetables, aromatics, and herbs, grabbing some shrimp from the freezer for a quick defrost ( I like to keep these on hand for quick and easy meals, like this), whisking up my favorite vinaigrette, and boiling the pasta, I was ready to chow down in a matter of minutes rather than hours.  I was pleased to sit down to 'fast food' that wasn't an assault on my waistline and wouldn't leave me murmuring, "why did I just eat that?".

This recipe is simple, yet it offers the best of flavors we love, especially as the days become longer and lighter fare is in order.  It's pasta salad 'elevated' with the use of the often overlooked orzo variety that's frequently mistaken for rice at first glance.  Cooked to al dente perfection, then dressed with the vinaigrette to give it extra savory punch and finally tossed with the grilled vegetables and shrimp and garnished with fresh dill, this is one dish you'll want to keep close at hand for long days and busy nights.  It's also great for picnic and bbq fare when the weekend beckons us to enjoy dining al fresco.

By now, it's obvious that I'm a fan. And when it's this easy, quick, delicious--and perfect for Spring--there's no reason not to be.

So here's to Spring Cleaning Your Supper....and Happy Eating!

Orzo Pasta Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Vegetables

Ingredients: 
1 pound of orzo pasta
Bell peppers, chopped (recommended: red, orange or yellow)
Summer squash, sliced
Zucchini, sliced

Cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red onion, chopped
2-3 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
Shrimp, peeled and deveined
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 recipe for champagne vinaigrette

Instructions:
Pre-heat grill (or grill pan)
Prepare vinaigrette and set aside 
Bring a large pot of water to a boil

Season vegetables, except for tomatoes, with salt and pepper and lightly coat with some of the vinaigrette.  Place on the pre-heated grill and grill until lightly cooked through, but still somewhat firm in texture.  Remove from grill and set aside.

Repeat with shrimp, seasoning and grilling until shrimp are light pink. (Be careful not to overcook!)

Season boiling water with salt and add in pasta.  Cook according to package instructions for al dente doneness.  Drain pasta and pour remaining vinaigrette onto warm pasta.  Add in the grilled vegetables, shrimp and tomatoes and toss to combine.  Finish with a garnish of fresh dill.

Serve warm, room temperature or chilled.  Enjoy!

Split Pea Soup

There's nothing quite like homemade soup.  And this past weekend, I decided to cook up a pot of one of my favorites--split pea.  Comforting, healthy, chocked full of flavor, and a cinch to pull together (no advance soaking of peas required) are qualities that make this soup a star for all the right reasons.  Pair with hot, crusty bread, and you've got a scrumptious, soul-satisfying meal that will keep you coming back for more.

Happy Eating!

Split Pea Soup

Ingredients:

1 pound dried split green peas, rinsed
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 bouquet of fresh thyme
4 medium carrots, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
3 red potatoes, diced
8 cups chicken stock or water, plus more as needed

Heat olive oil in large stockpot and saute the onions, garlic, oregano, coriander, salt and pepper until the onions are softened.  Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, split peas, thyme and chicken stock.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for an hour and a half, or until all the peas are soft.  (The soup will thicken as it sits, so adjust the consistency by adding more stock or water.)  Skim off the foam while cooking and stir often.  When cooking is complete, taste for seasoning.  Serve hot and enjoy.  
Adapted from Ina Garten   

My "Presidential" Linguine and Meatballs

"Presidential" Linguine & Meatballs

One of my favorite recipes, and assuredly a favorite among friends and family, is my recipe for linguine and meatballs.  The homemade marinara, flavored with sweet onion, garlic, pepper flakes and a medley of herbs, creates a wonderful “bath” for my succulent turkey—yes turkey—meatballs that burst with the flavors of fennel seed and sundried tomatoes and the freshness of basil.

This recipe is so special because it oozes a comforting casualness, while still serving up decadence, and can be whipped up in almost no time at all.  I've served it to business colleagues with the same success as with long-time friends and family.  And it never fails to impress, to my delight.  In fact, I am so confident in this recipe’s ability to suit any occasion that, when once asked, I named it as the recipe that I would likely serve the President, if so given the honor.  When I later recounted this story to some friends one evening, they immediately piped up and said, “Hmmm, Presidential linguine and meatballs.”  And the name has stuck ever since! 

Happy Eating!

Presidential Linguine and Meatballs

This dish keeps on the light and healthy side of the beloved pasta and meatballs dish, without sacrificing any of the savory delight that you would expect.  The use of turkey for the meatballs and the incorporation of fresh and dried herbs make it both hearty and light in the same bite.

Ingredients:

¾ lb. linguine, fresh or dried

1.5 lbs. dark ground turkey

1 tablespoon of your favorite seasoning or spice blend

Salt                                                                                                                                         

½ teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon fennel seed

¼ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped

¼ cup fresh basil leaves, rolled into a bundle and finely sliced

2 tablespoons of olive oil, plus a little extra for drizzling

28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

½ teaspoon each of dried thyme, rosemary, basil and oregano

Sprinkling of sugar

Several dashes of Worcestershire sauce

Preheat oven to 400° F.

In a large bowl, combine the turkey, seasoning blend, a light sprinkle of salt, fennel seeds, sundried tomatoes, fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil.  Be careful not to overwork the meat while mixing.  Next, form golf ball sized meatballs from the mixture and place them on a baking sheet.

Once all the meatballs are formed, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large sauté pan or skillet and place over medium heat and preheat.  Add in the onions and cook for 4-5 minutes.  Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until the onions are translucent.  Pour in the crushed tomatoes, a sprinkling of salt, the pepper, each of the dried herbs, a sprinkling of sugar and the Worcestershire sauce and stir to combine.  Add in the meatballs, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and reduced.  Stir occasionally.

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Once it comes to a roaring boil, toss in a generous amount of salt (at least 2 tablespoons) and add in the pasta.  Cook the pasta according to the package directions and drain when done cooking.

Pour the drained pasta into a big serving bowl and top with the marinara and meatballs.  Toss to combine.  For an added finish, sprinkle with fresh basil and freshly grated Parmesan.  Serve and enjoy!