March 2012
2 posts
Chocolate Espresso Torte
Dinner with my sister’s family and my dear friend Joanie last night. I mention her a lot in my posts because she is a big “foodie” who always adventurous in her cooking. She brought this dessert which is gluten free. My sister needs to eat gluten free and needless to say, this dessert made her very happy. Absolutely delicous!
Ingredients:
1/3 c unsweetened applesauce
6...
Nutella Sandwich Cookies
Who does not like Nutella? My husband and I first discovered during our skiing trips to Quebec. Then you could not find it in the states, so we would get our fill during these trips. This came from Cooking Light magazine but I don’t know how light they are.
Ingredients:
13 oz. jar Nutella 1 extra large egg 2 tablespoons butter 1 1/4 cups self rising flour
Instructions:
Preheat oven to...
February 2012
1 post
Chile Con Carne
I usually just resort to the chile mix in the grocery store, but this time I decided to make it from scratch. For super bowl, our friend Paul took a corn muffin and crumbled it into a bowl and put this chile over it. It was “YUMMY.”
Ingredients:
6 slices of bacon
2 lbs. ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1...
January 2012
3 posts
Pumpkin Crunch
Pumkin pie is one of our favorite pies! This puts a nice twist on it.
Ingredients:
I 29 oz can of pumkin
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 box yellow cake mix
1 c. chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
1 c. sugar
1 can evaporated milk
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 c. butter, melted
Directions:
Line a 9 x13 inch pan with waxed paper. Mix pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, salt, and cinnamon...
Meyer Lemon Meringue Pie
Meyer Lemon Meringue Pie
I discovered meyer lemons about a year ago, but I did not think there was a big difference between plain old lemons and meyer’s lemons. I was absolutely wrong. They are different (combination of lemon and tangerine, how can you beat it) make the best lemon meringue pie ever! Unfortunately for me, living in the Northeast, they are hard to find. When I do find them I...
3 tags
Spiced Winter Sangria
When I think of sangria I think of white wine and summer. Well, now we can have sangria in the winter!
Spiced Simple Syrup:
2 c. water
1 c. sugar
2 - 3 cinnamon sticks
sliced orange peel
1 inch peeled fresh ginger
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon whole peppercorns
Combine water, orange peel, ginger, cloves and peppercorns and bring to a boil. Stir in sugar and boil until...
December 2011
1 post
2 tags
Peanut-Butter-Cup-Stuffed Ginger Cookie
As everyone knows, I am always on the look out for new xmas cookie recipe and I am pretty picky. This is good enough to make my list!
Makes about 3 dozen
Ingredients:
3 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. salt
2 sticks butter (8 oz) at room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 molasses
36...
November 2011
4 posts
Chocolate Pecan Praline Pie
When I was a child, my mother would often entertain. This was one of her favorite desserts to serve her guests.
Meringue Shell Ingredients
2 egg whites
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cream of tarter
1 cup of sugar
1/2 tsp of maple and vanilla extract
1/3 cup of finely chopped pecans
Beat egg white until frothy. Add salt and cream of tarter. Beat until peaks, add sugar gradually, and beat until...
Mexican Layered Bean Dip
Mexican Layered Bean Dip
I found this in Cooking Light magazine and my family loves it and I do not believe they know it is “light.” Oops, they will know now! You can always fatten this up a bit if you like.
Ingredients:
Serve with pita chips or baked tortilla chips
1 (16 oz.) can of fat-free bean dip (I use regular)
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 c. reduced fat sour...
Guiness Beef Stew
Ingredients
3 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 pounds boneless chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt, divided
5 cups chopped onion (about 3 onions)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
4 cups fat-free, lower-sodium beef broth
1 (11.2-ounce) bottle Guinness Stout
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups ...
1 tag
Choco-Nut Dainties
I found this cookie in the Boston Globe one year and have made it one of our xmas cookies. My husband renamed them “Christmas Dinkies” and when you make them you will know why. When people ask me what they are I sometimes slip and call them by the wrong name! Enjoy!
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup margarine or butter
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons...
October 2011
1 post
Chicken Broccoli and Pasta
My girls beg me to make this dish. I am a good cook so I always guessed at the ingredients and have also made a lighter calorie version. I learned something, there are some recipes you just can not try to do this to. I made this for the first time Erin (daughter) and all her girl friends the night before she ran her first half marathon to raise money for the Dana Farber. Also the first time I...
September 2011
1 post
1 tag
Apple Crisp with Oatmeal
I have been searching for just the right apple crisp recipie and think I just found it on the King Arthur flour web site! I made this for a dinner party last night and got great reviews. Fall is here in New England and nothing like apple crisp!
Filling:
9 cups sliced apples
1/4 c. rum or apple cider (I think you know what I chose!)
1/2 c. brown sugar (add more if your apples are tart)
2...
July 2011
2 posts
Lobster Rissotto
I tried this for the first time when Ryan, Jen, Annie and Kevin came for dinner. Fun night playing ladder golf in the yard.
Lobster Stock
4 lobster carcasses
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1/2 chopped onion
2 carrots diced
2 celery stalks
1/4 tsp. red paper flakes
2 bay leaves
1 tsp. thyme and tarragon
1tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 cup white wine
In a large...
Cherry Almond Crisp
I have an obsession with crisps. I think I have tried every fruit and this might be a favorite. I made this for our traditional fish fry with friends. They catch the fish and I bring the dessert!
Wet Ingredients:
1 cup dried cherries
1 c. boiling water
2 pounds pitted sweet cherries
2/3 cup sugar
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Dry Ingredients:
1/2 cup...
June 2011
2 posts
1 tag
Roasted Tomatoes
Here is a recipe I got from my daughter. I thought you would all get a kick out of how she wrote this recipe!!
Ingredients:
Plum tomatoes
2 minced cloves of garlic (I used 4)
2 tbs sugar
1 1/2 tbs salt
1/2 tbs pepper
3 tbs olive oil
2 tbs balsamic vinegar
450* for 25-30 minutes
When they are finished baking and cooled cut into smaller pieces and add:
1/2 lb mozzarella (we...
1 tag
Bacon Lettuce and Tomatoes
We had a wonderful dinner with Joanie, Paul and Monica last night and I made these for an appetizer. Paul suggested to also add some parmesan cheese and Dennis said he wanted more bacon! You can never have enough cheese and bacon! I might add these next time I make them. We also thought this would be a good side dish with dinner.
Ingredients:
4 tomatoes
1/2 pound bacon
1 clove garlic
1/2...
May 2011
1 post
1 tag
Cauliflower, Bacon, Caper Gratin
Ryan, my son loves cauliflower. I find it a bit boring but this recipe definitely takes the boring out of cauliflower!
1 lb head cauliflower
4 tablespoons butter
2 c. bread crumbs
3/4 c. heavy cream (I lighten it up and use milk or even skim milk)
1 tsp. flour
1/4 c. capers
8 oz. bacon, cooked until crispy and sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
1 c. Gruyere cheese, grated
salt...
April 2011
1 post
March 2011
1 post
1 tag
Chicken Divan
Chicken Divan always reminds me of spring. I usually double this recipe.
2 bunches fresh broccoli
1/4 c. flour
1/4 c. butter
2 c. chicken broth
1/2 c. whipping cream or Half and Half
3 tbsp. cooking sherry
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
3 chicken breasts, cooked (steam them in a vegetable steamer or boil 15 minutes or until done)
Cook chicken breasts first and...
February 2011
1 post
1 tag
Guiness Beef Stew
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 pounds boneless chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt
5 cups chopped onion (about 3 onions)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
4 cups fat-free, lower-sodium beef broth
1 (11.2-ounce) bottle Guinness Stout
1 tablespoon raisins (optional, I did not use)
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
1/2 ...
December 2010
2 posts
1 tag
Winter Sangria
We made this sangria recipe yesterday thanks to my daughter Erin who insisted we had to have it. It was a big hit. She also helped me post this using my new IPad!!!!! 1 cup apple juice 1/3 cup Triple Sec (orange-flavored liqueur) 1/4 cup sugar 4 whole cloves 3 blood oranges, cut into 1/4-inch slices 2 lemons, cut into 1/4-inch slices 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks 1 Bartlett pear, cut...
1 tag
Peanut Brittle Bars
Dough:
2/3 c. unsalted butter (softened)
1/3 c. sugar
2 c. flour
1 egg plus one yolk
Topping:
3 tablespoons corn syrup
1/4 c. packed light brown sugar
1/4 unsalted butter
2 tablespoons milk
1 1/2 c. unsalted roasted peanuts
In a large bowl with electric mixer beat butter and sugar until well blended. Gradually add flour. Add egg and yolk; mix until well blended. Press dough...
November 2010
3 posts
1 tag
Thanksgiving Stuffing
First time I cooked stuffing out of the turkey. Everyone loved it.
1 stick butter
2 c. diced onions
2 c. diced celery
1 tablespoon each, sage and thyme
3 c. turkey or chicken broth
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 c. chopped parsley
16 c. cubed stale bread
2 chopped apple
Melt butter an large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, celery, sage and thyme; add salt and pepper and cook five...
1 tag
Cranberry Brie
Great appetizer for the holidays.
Ingredients:
3/4 c. canned whole berry cranberry sauce, well drained
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1 package (17 1/4 ounces) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
1 round (15 ounces) fully ripened Brie cheese (you can also use two of the smaller sizes)
1 egg
1...
1 tag
Bran Flax Muffins
You know you are getting old when you post a recipe like this one. I made them this morning and Dennis told me they were a “keeper.” Something healthy that tastes good! Notice there is no butter or oil in this recipe. I did not have the oat bran and just increased the flour and flaxseed meal instead and they were great.
1 1/2 c. flour
3/4 c. flaxseed meal
3/4 c. oat...
October 2010
4 posts
1 tag
Oreo Truffles
New recipe for my christmas cookie give away. Thanks to Julie911.
Ingredients for 48 pieces
1 pkg (1 lb 2 oz) Oreo cookies (regular or reduced fat)
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese (low fat)
2 pkg (8 squares each) semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted (see below for instructions)
Directions
Crush the cookies to crumbs (best with a food processor, just be careful not to crush them to...
1 tag
Eggplant Parmesan (light version)
I love eggplant anyway you can make it. Once again this is from Cooking Light, but it really did not taste low calorie at all. Even my husband who hates light versions of recipes liked this one. For those who like more sauce, I might put some additional sauce at the table when you serve.
Ingredients
Eggplant:
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon water
2 cups whole-wheat panko...
1 tag
Cranberry Orange Apple Crisp
Apple crisp in the fall without all the extra calories. You can really taste the fruit. Got this from my favorite magazine Cooking Light.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup chilled butter or stick margarine, cut into small pieces
7 cups diced peeled Rome apple (about 3 pounds)
1 cup ...
1 tag
Portobello Stuffed with Sausage, Spinach and...
I cheated on this one and stole it from Food Network from Bobby Flay. I can taste them right now.
Ingredients
3/4 pound mild Italian sausage
1 medium Spanish onion, sliced
6 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup dry red wine
8 ounces fresh spinach leaves, stems removed and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup water
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
4...
September 2010
2 posts
1 tag
Spaghetti and Meatballs
My son Ohryankelley’s birthday dinner today. Perfect for when you are tired of grilling and a feel of fall is in the air. When my mother (swearing grandma, as my kids call her) made spaghetti and meatballs, she always guessed at the ingredients so I am always trying to find a good recipe. This is for my children (Ryan, Annie and Erin), may you always have a good spaghetti and meatball...
1 tag
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 1/4 cups salad and about 1 tablespoon cheese)
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked orzo (rice-shaped pasta; about 8 ounces)
2 cups bagged prewashed baby spinach, chopped
1/2 cup chopped drained oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves
3 tablespoons chopped red onion
3 tablespoons chopped pitted kalamata olives
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
...
July 2010
3 posts
1 tag
Lobster Cakes
We love crab cakes so why not lobster cakes. These are delicious!!
Ingredients:
2 lb fresh lobster meat, chopped
1 red bell pepper, minced
3 ribs celery, minced
1 medium red onion, minced
3/4 homemade aioli (I used regular mayo with garlic powder)
2 tablespoons fresh chopped herbs of your choice (I used sage and thyme. You could use dill)
1 c. panko bread crumbs
Dash...
1 tag
Chicken and Spinach Salad with Spicy Pineapple...
While the boys went to the BB game, Joanie and I floated in the pool for hours! Then I made this salad for our “girls night”. Very refreshing on a hot summer evening. I turned out to be a real winner. I got it from Cooking Light magazine.
Ingredients:
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Cooking spray
1 1/4 ...
1 tag
Nina's Blueberry Cake
Every forth of July, Nina makes this cake for the cookout and fireworks!! I double the recipe because everyone eats it so fast. Keep the tradition going kids.
Ingredients:
1/2 c. butter
1 c. and 1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs separated
1 1/2 c. and 1 tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/3 c. milk
1 1/2 c. blueberries
Instructions:
Cream butter and 3/4...
June 2010
2 posts
1 tag
Whoopie Pies
If you are going to a barbecue today, surprise them with Whoopie Pies!!
Ingredients for pies
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup well-shaken buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
Beat sugar, shortening together and add egg. Mix well. Sift...
1 tag
Rustic Berry Crostata
We have been invited to Joanie’s for dinner tonight and this is what I am bringing. I am spoiling the surprise!!
Ingredients
PASTRY CRUST:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 large egg yolk
3 tablespoons ice-cold milk (or water)
BERRY FILLING:
2 cups fresh blueberries (about 1 pint)
1 cup ...
May 2010
1 post
1 tag
Raspberry Rhubarb Pie
Just picked my first bunch of rhubarb from the garden. Wish I could pick this all summer! Making this pie today. I think it might be a keeper.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons uncooked quick-cooking tapioca
4 1/2 cups fresh raspberries (about 24 ounces)
3 1/2 cups chopped fresh rhubarb (about 6 stalks)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons crème de...
April 2010
2 posts
1 tag
Barley, Butternut Squash and Shiitake Risotto
Ingredients:
3 cups (1/2-inch) cubed peeled butternut squash (about 1 1/2 pounds)
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
2 cups thinly sliced shiitake mushroom caps (about 1/2 pound)
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
1 cup uncooked pearl barley
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2/3 cup white wine
3 1/2 cups organic vegetable broth
1/4 teaspoon ...
1 tag
Pan Seared Scallops with Lemon Orzo
I am posting this before I make it tonight, but I trust this one! I am also serving this with Mango Sorbet (or lime) with fresh strawberries. Thank you Cooking Light magazine!
Ingredients
Cooking spray
1/2 cup prechopped onion
1 cup uncooked orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
1 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons ...
March 2010
10 posts
1 tag
Bomba Di Riso (Baked Risotto)
Another recipe from my food friends! If you are bored with risotto this will kick it up a notch or two. I think you might consider serving this as a main meal.
Ingredients:
1 1/4 c. uncooked risotto
2 eggs
1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese
pinch nutmeg
1 tablespoon olive oil
5 oz. sausage with casings removed and crumbled
3/4 c. ricotta
3/4 c. provolone cheese
1/4 prosciutto...
1 tag
Pan Roasted Salmon and Warm Bread Salad
I big shout out for my friend Joanie and her niece, Emily for this recipe. Both of them are huge foodies and follow my blog. This recipe is great. Joanie served it hot at a get together last week; but I had left overs cold out of the fridge and it was just as good! I hope they give me more “keeper” recipes like this to post!
Ingredients:
12 oz loaf ciabatta bread torn into...
1 tag
Black and Tan Brownies
This is for “Beeriety” and their crew. I am not a fan of Guiness, but in brownies, wow!! Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all. (I only married an Irishman!)
Ingredients, Tan Brownies
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
4.5 oz. flour (about 1 cup)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 c. chopped pecans
...
1 tag
Law School Barbecue Sauce
My husband bought gas for the grill!!! This means barbecue season is right around the corner. I got this from a recipe book called “Forum Feasts” and it tells me this recipe is “a marvelous way to spruce up inexpensive cuts of meat.” I guess that is why it is called “Law school” barbecue sauce. I suggest you make it ahead and store in the fridge just like you...
1 tag
Pasta with Fresh Pesto, Corn and Zucchini
I am always searching for more vegetarian recipes that are satisfying. This is a great mid summer recipe to make when the garden is full.
Ingredients:
2 cloves garlic
1/4 c. toasted pine nuts
2 c. packed fresh basil leaves
1/2 c. parmesan cheese
1/2 c. plus one tablespoon olive oil
Salt and Pepper
1 pound pasta such as rigatoni or fusilli
3 ears of corn
2 zucchini, cut into sticks...
1 tag
BLT Bread Salad
This recipe is from the Cooking Light magazine, but it does not taste “light” at all. Feel free to fatten this up a little for guests!
Ingredients:
6 c. (1/2”) cubed french bread
1/4 c. white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons fat free mayonnaise (use regular if you like)
2 1/2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
...
1 tag
Spinach and Strawberry Salad
Spring is here!!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 bags baby spinach
1 pint strawberries
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1/2 c. oil
1/4 c. vinegar
1/2 c. sugar
Instructions:
Combine oil, vinegar, sesame seeds, poppy seeds and sugar and mix well. Slice strawberries and add to spinach. Dress salad right before serving.
1 tag
Homemade Pizza
I just got a pizza stone from Pampered Chef and I love making homemade pizza because I can make it with my favorite toppings. You can freeze this dough if you like and the morning you want to make it, pull it out of the freezer and let it thaw and rise during the day.
Ingredients Pizza Dough:
3 3/4 cups white flour (I like whole wheat and will use half white and whole wheat)
1 1/2...
1 tag
Lemon Bars
Nothing says spring like Lemon Bars. Happy Spring everyone!
Ingredients Crust:
1 1/2 sticks cold butter, diced
2 c. flour
1/4 c. packed light brown sugar
1/4 c. confectioners sugar (plus more for garnish)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Ingredients Filling:
4 large eggs plus 2 egg yolks
2 c. sugar
1/3 c. flour
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 c. fresh lemon juice (8 lemons, but I often use...
1 tag
Almost Famous Maple Butter Brownies
Getting together with the girls this week and we are going to lose our “girlish figure” by eating these brownies!! I got this recipe from the Food Network magazine. I think I might subscribe!!
Ingredients Blondie Brownies:
10 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1 c. walnut pieces
2 c. four
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 c....