Sumac Scented Parsnip Patties with Blistered Cherry Tomatoes

The sumac bush, native to the Middle East, produces deep red berries, which are dried and ground into coarse powder. While it’s less common, the berries may also be sold whole. Ground sumac is a versatile spice with a tangy lemony flavor, although more balanced and less tart than lemon juice. A small sprinkle also…

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Silky Sweet Butternut Soup and Sage Croutons

For all those locavores and proponents of eating seasonally, there are times and circumstances when I beg to differ… And I make a case for butternut squash. Or, as I like to say ~ squtternut bash ~ In fact, I believe I’d like to petition a name change for the “winter squash” mislabeling of this…

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Creamy Lemon Cauliflower Risotto

After crafting preserved lemons in the kitchen a few weeks ago, I’ve been coming up with ways to savor the delicate delights of heaven and use then in any and every way I can. This really has been a simple task ~ I have no problem with creativity in the kitchen. Others, however, have been…

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Summer Sweet Radish and Rye Salad

Sweet radishes and rye? Why, yes of course! Radish and rye are a perfect pair, as part of a sweet summer salad. Well, not really “rye,” but caraway seeds ~ those lovely little gems that create the unique and un-ubiquitous “rye” flavor we all adore. Can’t you just smell it? And, the sweet marjoram freshly…

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Salsa Fresca – Fresh Fruit and Veggie Fiesta

Who doesn’t adore a super fresh salsa – salsa fresca. And one with BOTH fruits and veggies? You’re crazy not to feel your mouth water just at the thought on a hot summer day. Mmmm… Slathered across a crispy tortilla chip (maybe) Piled a top a crunchy plate of romaine (now that’s more like it)…

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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…

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Fennel and Celery Root Ravioli

Sometimes opportunity knocks. …and some of those “sometimes,” we may not necessarily entirely understand the opportunity or what it may bring, but simply recognize it as simply that – an opportunity. Somewhat recently I was contacted by vegas.com, complimenting me on my passion for food and exquisite taste, as well as my ability to make things…

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Meyer Lemon Salt

I’m an absolute salt fanatic. …and I adore Meyer Lemons. Thus, I’m in heaven with the best of both worlds. Great creative in the kitchen. I dare you.

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Cherry Espresso Balsamic Brownie Bites

Is your mouth watering yet? Not a giant fan of the typical “sweet treat,” I’ve been hankering to create some soft of chocolate delight at home these days. Is your mouth watering yet? Not a giant fan of the typical “sweet treat,” I’ve been hankering to create some soft of chocolate delight at home these…

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Baby Romanesco and Meyer Lemon Purée

  It’s May Day! Oh happy May Day. Fresh flowers, bright colors, and spring sensations at the table ~ this is my idea of the first of May. Remember those days of surprising a neighbor with a beautiful May Day bouquet by leaving the flowers on the doorstep, ringing the bell, and running away? I…

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