This is such a simple salad and can be eaten all year round. I often use different herbs such as rosemary, basil or chives, but for this time of year, I love it with fresh mint. Ingredients 2 pounds beets, trimmed, washed, cut into 2 inch chunks 2 shallots, halved, thinly sliced and sautéed for […]
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Best Ever Crab Cakes
It’s a snow day today and Herman’s birthday is coming this week. I thought I would work ahead and start making some of the appetizers for a soiree I am hosting for him. Crab cakes are on the menu so why not make them ahead. They freeze well and it was the perfect zen project […]
Roasted Beet Salad with Watercress and Toasted Walnuts
One of my favorite ways to enjoy beets is to roast them until they are caramelized and tender. I can eat them just like that or slice them up and add to a salad or vegetable plate. In this delicious recipe I toss beets with watercress, endive, toasted walnuts and a lemon vinaigrette. Warm Beet […]
Asparagus Gruyere Tart
What an beautiful and delicious appetizer this is, or it could be a side for a simple meal of grilled fish and green salad. Puff pastry is the easiest dough to work with, as it isn’t finicky like phyllo or pastry dough. I buy it frozen and defrost it on the counter for an hour […]
Burrata on Crostini with Caramelized Shallots
Looking for an easy and fabulous appetizer for the holidays? Try this super yummy burrata on crostini, topped with crisp applewood bacon and caramelized shallots or onions. This is sure to be a go to recipe for any occasion. Burrata on Crostini with Caramelized Shallots and Bacon Serves 6 to 8 Ingredients ¼ cup olive […]
Cucumber Cups with Citrus Smoked Salmon
I made these recently for a client who had a small dinner party and wanted an appetizer that was pretty, healthy and not too filling. Easy to make ahead these cucumber cups can be filled with a variety of things such as herbed chèvre, cream cheese with chives, smoked fish and curried tuna salad. Cucumber […]
Beef Negimaki with Scallions
This is a wonderful appetizer that is easy to prepare and is gluten and dairy free. You can use pork tenderloin or boneless, skinless chicken breast in place of the beef if desired. Served warm, this is a great appetizer to impress friends and family. Beef Negimaki with Scallions Serves about 6 Ingredients 1 pound […]
Thai Shrimp Salad
What better way to beat the heat than to make a shrimp salad with Thai flavors. This is one of my go to recipes for entertaining and any other protein can be used such as; scallops, tofu, chicken breast or pork tenderloin. It’s a beautiful presentation salad and can be made in the morning or […]
Asian Garlic Sesame Ribs
This is party food folks, perfect for entertaining a crowd and easy peasy because you marinate the ribs ahead and then pop them on the grill. Of course if you don’t have a crowd just halve the recipe and its a great weekend dinner or part of an appetizer selection. Either way you can’t imagine […]
Shrimp Summer Rolls
I make these gorgeous shrimp summer rolls all the time and love them. They are healthy, creative, versatile and best of all are fun to make. I sometimes use cooked leftover chicken which I shred in place of the shrimp or marinated diced tofu. Traditionally these rolls have cooked vermicelli noodles as the filler but […]
Cauliflower Cakes with Mixed Greens
As we all know cauliflower is the new kale and is seen in every incarnation this year. With its bland taste and multiple uses this very nutritious and versatile vegetable can be used as a replacement for potatoes, rice, pizza crust and more. In this delicious and simple recipe I use it to make a […]
Persian Eggplant and Walnut Dip
Persians use a lot of eggplant in their cuisine and this eggplant walnut dip is perfect for a crowd as you can make it ahead and it will last for days. I love any type of dip that can be served with crackers, cut up vegetables or even as a spread for a sandwich. I […]