Olive Dip

Olive DipWinding down … Summer about to end. Squeezing in as many barbecues as possible. Enjoying icy wines in the now less than 3 digit heat. If you’re doing the same and need a new quick dip recipe here it is! This recipe is inspired by the 3 ingredient dip recipe in the latest Wine Enthusiast magazine. The September edition has a beautiful Porchetta, a Beer Braised Chicken and so many more delicious recipes. It’s an amazing issue!

I’ve changed up the recipe because I love Greek olives but any black olive will do. I’ll bet homemade green olives would work, Leonard! (My cousin, who cures his own.) Instead of Parmesan (I was fresh out) I used Asiago. Take a look at this easy recipe. You’ll love it!

Continue reading


Chick Pea Pasta e Fagioli

Chick Pea Pasta e Fagioli Light, quick, vegetarian easy … Spicy Chick Pea Pasta e Fagioli. Use vegetable broth or stock for a true vegan experience or add chicken broth if you prefer this taste.

Continue reading


Cold pasta Salads

From Your Pantry or Garden

Cold Pasta Salads

 

 

Faster than going through the drive-thru you can create a Cold Pasta Salad. If you have pasta (fusilli to shell to wagon wheel and much more works) in your pantry you are more than half-way there. Freely make substitutions to this salad to make it a family favorite. All sorts of room for creativity. I just love these salads year ’round.

 

Be fearless and give this a try!

Continue reading


Shrimp, Pasta with Baby Spinach

Shrimp, Pasta with Baby Spinach

I’m always for quick, easy and delicious! This is my acquaintance Dan’s recipe. Can you imagine, a conversation with me goes to food. HaHa. A perfect lunch or dinner meal when you wanna get out of the kitchen fast on these hot triple digit days. Thanks Dan!

Continue reading


July 4th Celebration 2016

July 4th Celebration 2016

Great recipe choices for the Fourth! Just click for the recipes!

Starters

Jalapeño Popper DipMargherita Triscuit PizzaSnack Mix Recipe

 

 

 

 

 

Condiments

KetchupMilk Mayonnaise

 

 

 

 

 

Sides

Sour Cream and Onion Potato SaladMexicali Pasta SaladRatatouille

Vegetarian BeansRoasted Vegetables Recipe for the Oven or BBQPotato SaladJuly FourthCucumber Onion Salad

 

 

 

 

Curry Cole Slaw

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hot Dogs & Buns

Hot Dogs & Buns

 

 

 

 

 

Special Drinks

LimoncelloPurple Cow

 

 

 

 

 

Desserts

Berry CobblerBlueberry PieCandy Bar CookiesChocolate Chip CookiesDevil's Food CakeLazy Daisy CakePopcorn Balls Make a Come BackS'moresStrawberry Sundae

 


Zucchini Patties

Zucchini PattiesThis very popular recipe is so easy.  Do you have a favorite meatball recipe? Try substituting grated zucchini for the meat used. That’s pretty much what I have done here … Then simply cooked in a little olive oil. Look at this recipe and see if you don’t want to give it a try.

Continue reading


Pesto Spread

with Italian Grill Cheese

Pesto with Italian Grill CheeseTraditional Basil Pesto used as a sandwich spread. This may go quickly during your Fourth of July Celebration. So, you may want to double the recipe. The garlic taste is pronounced. I have family who say they’re allergic to garlic but really just want a great flavor without tasting garlic. How does that work?! If this is your thought process this recipe isn’t for you. Pesto is versatile. Use this recipe as a pasta sauce for linguini. Mix in a bit of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a great addition to roasted meats. This is a great topping for crostini too. Enjoy my friends!

Continue reading


Linguine and Clams

For Two

Linguini and ClamsYou have 12 and one half minutes to prepare dinner and what do you do? You fix this! My foodie partner and I love pasta but no cream please (for him) … or rarely. This rich sauce has the flavor without the heaviness. If your herb garden is not what you’d hoped just add dried herbs instead. Hope you enjoy this rich tasting Clam Sauce as much as we do. As for the wine I’m a Pinot Noir fan and am guilty about pairing with just about everything. Have you noticed you can see through this varietal when you hold up your glass to light, or maybe not? When you can’t it is most likely a blend. Nope, it is my understanding this doesn’t need to be on the label. So depending, this varietal can be a little heavier than expected. We’re having this wine here. Delicious!

Continue reading


Limoncello Topping

 

Amazingly simple topping for cakes, cookies, pies, ice cream, fruit, fruit ices, crepes. You get the picture! I love lemon and chocolate … And have served my topping over a brownie crust ice cream pie. Sounds time consuming? Simply bake your brownie recipe in a pie plate, cool, spread with softened ice cream or sorbet, and refrigerate for two hours before serving with the cooled Limoncello topping. That’s it! I have a couple of brownie recipes if you need one, Blondies and Brownies. If you use a boxed mix my suggestion is Ghirardelli or Barefoot Contessa just as noted in Cook’s Illustrated.

Our ice cream is melting in our 103 heat … So let’s get on to the recipe.

Continue reading


Limoncello Chocolate Dessert

Adults Only Please

LimoncelloThis looks more like a drink. Just a teaser until the dessert is finished. Try it! Limoncello