Pancetta Pecan Butter Stuffed Dates

Sometimes you want to make something a little extra special. You might have guests visiting or want to bring something truly exquisite to a holiday get together. Or, maybe you just want to treat yourself. Either way, it’s time to create something exciting, out of the ordinary, and truly delicious! The stuffed date is often…

Read More

Fig Horseradish Tarragon Chicken

I love that I’m constantly faced with challenges and “proposals,” if you will, in the kitchen. I’ve made a bit of a name for myself in crafting exotically combined flavor-filled dishes. As a result, I’m approached with, “well what if you had this, that and the other – what could you do with that?” Well,…

Read More

Cumin Cayenne Tomato Jam with Fresh Herb Ricotta

  The tomatoes just keep on coming. And that’s simply okay with me. It seems the tomato crop in this neck of the woods is always awfully late. Better late than never, I say. And, reduced into a spicy jam, these ta-maters made my heart smile…and my eyes water too. Oh, with creamy herbed vegan…

Read More

Fresh Vegetable Terrine

Both dramatic and gorgeous a terrine isn’t just visually arresting; it’s also absolutely delicious in every way— and such a sophisticated change of pace from a simple salad or steamed side. A vegetable terrine, chock full of farm fresh veggies, is really something else. It’s cultured. It’s elaborate. And, oh, yes Brian, it is French. A terrine (French…

Read More

Burgundy Basil Butter

In beloved Brian’s words: “Can you put this on a burger?” “I’d eat that on a cracker!” It’s Burgundy Basil Butter ~ a smorgasbord of veggies, herbs, and downright deliciousness. Hunkered down behind a computer screen, editing repetitive documents for a week at a time, I had a hankering to get back in the kitchen…

Read More

Quince Mint and Sweet Potato Rounds

  Just last week one of my very nearest and dearest friends sent me the text,“Any idea what to do with quince jelly? I have some but it’s bland and has no flavor.”I immediately shot back ~“Of course! Mix it with a little honey, some mint, serve it on a crispy sweet potato, and garnish…

Read More

Renee Erickson’s Sautéed Dates

Umm…I think I might have just died and gone to heaven. I saw this GENIUS RECIPE from Food52. Uh “genius?” yes. “pretty much the best thing ever?” double yes. In fact, I literally almost cried as I sifted through the beauty of this slippery sweet and sensationally salty concoction. Appetizers don’t have to be much…

Read More

Stacked Heirloom Sliders

Slippery sliders are an amazing treat. I love them with beef or lamb, for sure.  Really love them, actually. However, there are times when a garden fresh heirloom tomato does the meaty trick! With a splash of balsamic vinegar for sweetness and plenty of salty goodness sprinkled atop the veggie meaty mess of baby bellas…

Read More

Surprising Citrus and Cilantro Salsa

  As I’ve been noshing on and enjoying the spectacular flavors of fresh cilantro, combined with my love affair with Jeff’s Naturals olives, I’ve been dreaming up creative ways to combine the two in a new and interesting way. And, as spring and summer are on my mind, citrus and the bright orange reminder of…

Read More