I was shown how to make this traditional recipe by a friend’s Yia Yia (Greek grand-mother) many years ago and below is her recipe (with a few variations). Glaze Ingredients: 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar 1 cup water 2-inch piece lemon peel 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice Pie Filling Ingredients: 6 eggs 1 cup granulated [...]
The origin of the name ‘buckle’ in a dessert is thought to be from the ‘buckling’ of the cake as it bakes under the fruit from the addition of baking soda to the batter. Whatever the provenance of the word, this dessert is a perfect ending to a Summer dinner. Think steamed, soft cake, gooey [...]
One day as I was preparing for Mexican Fiesta Night at Casa Chickie, my dear friend Lisa who loves all things Mexico/Central & South America, offered to make homemade tortillas. To my delight, she didn’t arrive with already-prepared tortillas, but with her tortilla press, ingredients and griddle! This is her simple recipe for tender, delicious [...]
Since moving to New Jersey five years ago, I’ve been enjoying some of the best produce I’ve ever had. New Jersey, the Garden State, is specially famous for its corn, tomatoes and blueberries. Lucky for me, I’m partial to all three! Something new I’ve been enjoying this season is corn on the cob grilled without [...]
I recently spent the weekend with dear friends in St Louis and was fortunate that I was introduced to tons of St Louis local favorites. Gooey Butter Cake is a true dessert staple to locals and here’s a cookie version kindly provided by St Louis kitchen maven, Chris Absheer (here with cutie grandson, Mikey). Seriously, [...]
My guy, Pat, adores key lime pie. For our first date, over 10 years ago, he cooked a fabulous meal and baked a key lime pie for me. He was so proud of his foodie achievements, and we laugh to this day, about the overuse of green food coloring which turned the pie nearly fluorescent [...]
I’m the first in line for new and innovative cooking and have dined at some pretty eclectic restaurants all over the world, but sometimes, old school-type dishes are what I really crave. Beef Wellington, turkey Tetrazzini, macaroni salad…stuffed tomato? Yes, stuffed tomato is a Summer favorite when tomatoes are ripe, juicy and perfect. Plus, it [...]
It’s nearly Summertime and all of us are looking for simple dishes to make while entertaining friends and family. Here are five dishes to try throughout the Summer that won’t keep you away from the party. Beef Chili for a Crowd: http://bit.ly/96QARr Quick and Easy Pan Fried Smashed Potatoes: http://bit.ly/cQRipt Whole Grilled Chicken for the [...]
Like to entertain but not a master in the kitchen (or at the grill)? I have a fantastic grilling idea for you that will take about 5 minutes to prep, cooks virtually unattended on the grill and is sure to impress your guests. Ingredients: 4 pound whole chicken 12 ounce bottle of ginger salad dressing [...]
Last weekend, I was looking for a dish to add to my collection of tasting menu dishes that everyone would love. Yes, this dish is rich, decadent and pretty over-the-top, but if served as a degustation portion, it’ll be satisfying while not being over-indulgent. Poached Lobster Ingredients: 2 – 8 ounce lobster tails, uncooked, shell [...]
