As I really hate the mess that frying bacon on top of the stove makes, I use my microwave when I need cooked bacon. On a dinner plate, place a piece of paper towel. Lay the bacon slices on top. Cover with another layer of paper towels. Place in the microwave and cook on high […]
Archives: Recipes
How To Make Creme Fraiche
So much more economical than paying $5.00 for a tiny bit of crème fraiche. You can use any leftovers (if you have any!) for making a pan sauce for chicken or pork chops or whatever else takes your fancy. Experiment using in other ways too, enjoy! Combine in a jar, 1 cup whipping cream and […]
Fruit Crisp Topping Mix
I have always loved fruit crisps, so simple but delicious, using glorious seasonal fruits. It’s quick and easy to put together a fruit crisp when this mix is ready and waiting in the freezer or in the fridge. You can mix different fruits together, perhaps using strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries and in the winter, apples, […]
Joe’s Tuscan Chicken
If you want to have the most delicious, easy chicken, then do what Joe does and “Tuscanize” the chicken! It always turns out so darned good considering just how really simple it is. We make it a lot. The chicken can be done in the oven at 425 F until juices run clear. If you […]
Eggplant And Lamb Stacks
This recipe definitely passes the test at our house! Although I much prefer to use eggplant when in season, I do buy imported occasionally. Ground beef can be substituted for the lamb if you prefer. Makes 4 Servings 2 medium eggplants, about 1 ½ lbs., ends trimmed and cut into 1/2” thick rounds EVOO 1 medium […]
Spinach Salad
An absolutely delicious main course salad, always welcome on our table! It makes a wonderful late spring or summer meal using locally grown spinach from a farmer’s market or from your own garden. The lemony dressing really adds sparkle and if I have fresh tarragon I will chop a bit and scatter that on the […]
Fried Zucchini Blossoms
I’d read about fried zucchini blossoms years ago and thought they sounded amazing! So the first time I saw blossoms at the Farmers Market, I had to buy them! My teenaged niece was a little hesitant when she tried them, but declared that “these are better than French fries!” Consider yourself lucky if you have […]
How To Peel And Seed Tomatoes
When it comes to cooking, peeling tomatoes is a very useful bit of information to know. I’ve used this method for years but have since discovered that when I’m in a hurry I can use my very sharp Victorinox knife especially useful for making a gorgeous, juicy in-season tomato salad, salsa or uncooked tomato pasta […]
Seasoned Toasted Almonds
These almonds were always a big hit with guests at the receptions I catered. The added bonus was not being worried about peanut allergies! To this day I often make them to serve as a quick appetizer, especially over the Christmas holidays when I make lots by doubling or tripling the recipe. Bet you can’t […]
How To Make Breadcrumbs
Having your own fresh and dried breadcrumbs on hand is a very good thing! And it’s very economical too! Fresh Breadcrumbs Either White or whole wheat bread, crusts trimmed. Normally I freeze all my leftover bread for making crumbs so end up with a mixture of white and whole wheat. Tear the bread into 1” […]