Summer Squash Gratin

SERVE THIS FAMILY STYLE AT A SUNDAY DINNER

SERVE THIS FAMILY STYLE AT A SUNDAY DINNER

Did you know the United States is the biggest importer of summer squash? I didn’t! Until last week when another shopper at the farmers market told me. I thought they must of been misinformed but as I researched, I realized most of our squash does come from Mexico. Like the VAST majority comes from Mexico. We do grow a small percentage locally; Florida, New York and California producing the most.

SUMMER SQUASH ARE GOOD SOURCES OF VITAMIN A & C

SUMMER SQUASH ARE GOOD SOURCES OF VITAMIN A & C

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Edamame & Arugula Spread

Edamame & Arugula Spread is a great alternative to the popular Bruschetta

Edamame & Arugula Spread is a great alternative to the popular Bruschetta

Crostini has always been one of my favorite go to appetizers. They’re easy & quick to make and are a heartier cocktail hour food. If you’re coming over to my house odds are there will be some cocktails or wine involved. I always want to have some appetizers on hand to soak up the alcohol. Don’t judge! I confess that normally I make my heirloom tomato bruschetta but I felt like switching things up. This Edamame & Arugula Spread was the perfect option!

Your edamame should look like this before adding to the food processor. Remember to remove the beans from the shells!

Your edamame should look like this before adding to the food processor. Remember to remove the beans from the shells!

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Olive Tapenade with Rosemary & Basil

Olive Tapenade with Rosemary & Basil. A simply addicting appetizer!

Olive Tapenade with Rosemary & Basil. A simply addicting appetizer!

YUM! This olive tapenade makes me want to dance. It’s so freaking good! I just can’t deal. This is DELISH served on Baked Parmesan Crisps, alongside a cheese platter, slathered on crusty bread or on slices of cucumber for a healthier approach. I made this the other night to have with a cheese platter and it was just as good as I remembered…. 

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Heirloom Tomato Salad with Burrata & Balsamic Glaze

A SIMPLE DRIZZLE OF BALSAMIC GLAZE AND A FEW BASIL LEAVES HAVE A BIG IMPACT ON THE FINAL PRESENTATION

A SIMPLE DRIZZLE OF BALSAMIC GLAZE AND A FEW BASIL LEAVES HAVE A BIG IMPACT ON THE FINAL PRESENTATION

Bur-ra-ta translated from Italian literally means ‘buttered’. It is a a typical product of Puglia, a region in the south of Italy and it is absolutely one of my favorite cheeses. Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from a combination of mozzarella and cream.  The outer shell is solid mozzarella, while the inside is a combination of both mozzarella and cream, producing a unique, soft texture. It’s so delicate and just plain decadent! Even

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Lemon-Ricotta Cupcakes with Fluffy Lemon Frosting

Lemon-Ricotta Cupcakes with Fluffy Lemon Frosting. The perfect cupcake!

Lemon-Ricotta Cupcakes with Fluffy Lemon Frosting. The perfect cupcake!

When my fiancé gifted me with a kitchen aid mixer, it seriously changed the game at home. Full disclosure: I’m not much of a baker. I love to decorate cupcakes & cookies occasionally, but I don’t have the same passion for baking as I do cooking. I would much rather make Halloumi Saganaki with Strawberry Salsa instead of a cupcake any day…. 

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Lazy Pea Soup with Fresh Mint & Crème Fraîche

SERVE IN A WHITE DISH TO MAXIMIZE THE POP OF COLOR

SERVE IN A WHITE DISH TO MAXIMIZE THE POP OF COLOR

This recipe is a freaking all-star in my eyes for a variety of reasons. It’s insanely quick and simple to make and the combination of flavors is on point. I’ve never made this for someone and not had them ask for seconds and/or the recipe. That’s always a promising sign!

FROZEN PEAS ONLY TAKE 3 MINUTES TO BOIL

FROZEN PEAS ONLY TAKE 3 MINUTES TO BOIL

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Rustic Pasta with fresh Bread Crumbs

THIS IS WHAT PEOPLE WOULD CALL A 'PANTRY PASTA'

THIS IS WHAT PEOPLE WOULD CALL A ‘PANTRY PASTA

Wondering what to do with that day old baguette? This pasta totally transpired on a whim because I was absolutely sick of throwing things away!!! I feel like every week I’m throwing out veggies or leftovers we thought we would eat. It really irritates me. This year I’m really trying to use what I have, with efforts to reduce the amount of waste I produce on a daily basis. I’m making a conscious effort to think of ways to use… 

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Prosciutto Wrapped Dates With Goat Cheese, Mascarpone & Basil

Family Favorite!

Family Favorite!

These sweet bombs of deliciousness aren’t just jam packed with potassium & fiber, they’re an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamin A. Dates are mainly produced in the Middle East and Northern Africa and are a staple in both cuisines. They can be used as a accompanying ingredient or as the main event.

I first made these as an appetizer for Canadian Thanksgiving. I had family visiting from Canada and it was my first year hosting. My family appreciates great food, so I felt a bit of pressure to deliver a deliciously different… 

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Simple Pesto Pasta with Peas

OFTEN TIMES, SIMPLICITY IS BEST.

OFTEN TIMES, SIMPLICITY IS BEST.

This is hands down the recipe I’ve made the most in my kitchen. It has few ingredients, not a lot of preparation and is very simple to execute well. I have made this so many times; I could make it in my sleep. This simple recipe is consistently delicious. I’m never disappointed when I make this for lunch or dinner.

This is one of those recipes that is so quick to produce but tastes like you’ve been cooking all day. It makes … 

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Speedy Greek Style Chicken & Lemon Soup

ENJOY THIS SIMPLE SOUP ALL WEEK LONG. IT'S EVEN BETTER THE NEXT DAY!

ENJOY THIS SIMPLE SOUP ALL WEEK LONG. IT’S EVEN BETTER THE NEXT DAY!

I was recently asked what my favorite comfort food was and it didn’t take me long to decide on soup. I have no real favorite, although I’m fond of Cream of Wild Mushroom  and Lazy Pea Soup with Mint & Crème Fraîche; any bowl of delicious soup will do the trick. This lemony chicken soup is my take on the soups I enjoyed so much in Greece & Albania…. 

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