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February 2, 2015
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Lamb Hash

Before I made this I had never eaten lamb hash. I’d eaten brisket of beef hash, corned beef hash and even turkey hash. This was a total experiment. The idea came to me when I had leftovers from this exact leg of lamb recipe. The leg of lamb was so rich and loaded with flavors, I […]

January 19, 2015
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Roasted Tomatoes

It might seem silly to post a recipe for roasted tomatoes, but the more I talk to people, the more I realize that there is a need for even simple basic recipes. With a recipe this simple, it’s imperative that you use the best quality tomatoes you can find, and the best quality olive oil […]

January 16, 2015
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Pumpkin Monkey Bread

This is a recipe I used to make years ago using store bought biscuits. I was testing it two weeks before the New Year’s Day party and it was cooling on my kitchen counter one evening when two friends stopped by for an impromptu dinner. We sat at dinner commiserating about how we had eaten […]

December 3, 2014
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Chocolate Bark

Chocolate bark is simple to make and something everyone should try. I especially like this mix of flavors. The juiciness of the fresh pomegranate seeds, the subtle heat from the crystalized ginger and the crunch of the pistachio nuts combine for an exquisite finish to the Moroccan feast!   CHOCOLATE BARK EVENT: Moroccan Feast SERVES: […]

November 26, 2014
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Basmati Rice

This is my basic recipe for preparing basmati rice. The ration of rice to water I use is 1 cup rice to 1 1/2 cups water. The most important element to making perfect rice every time is to make sure you have a pot with a tight fitting lid. If you don’t, take a piece […]

September 22, 2014
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Almond Meringue Bites

I really love meringue cookies. These are some of my favorites because they are so easy to assemble and quick to bake. Unlike a traditional meringue which is usually baked for 1 1/2 – 2 hours, these are done in approximately 30 minutes. When first made, they are crunchy on the outside and a bit […]

September 8, 2014
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5 comments

Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits

When I was planning this menu, I thought about all those seductive looking Southern food spreads that always include homemade buttermilk biscuits topped with a slice of country ham or pork and served with a yummy sweet-savory spread. I have to confess that I’ve never made biscuits. I’ve eaten my share but never actually made […]

August 27, 2014
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Chicken Liver Pate

One of my friends does a holiday party every year. She always serves simple appetizers, salami, cheeses and turkey liver pate. Most of her guests are really health conscious, so I am always surprised that the pate totally disappears. I know where she buys the pate and I went and bought some. I made the […]

July 25, 2014
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6 comments

Roasted Baby Vegetables

My friend Dano, who volunteers to play bartender, is now a vegetarian. Over the years, during his pre-vegetarian days, we shared many meals. Dano and I worked our way through racks of lamb, short ribs and homemade tequila-cured gravlax. He hated vegetables and little by little I snuck a few on his plate. Surprise! He liked […]

July 23, 2014
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Parmesan Cheese Twists

If you’ve never worked with puff pastry, try these immediately! Don’t be afraid, it’s super easy. No matter how many you make, they will all be gone. This recipe makes use of readymade puff pastry. You will find it in the frozen food department of any supermarket. The most readily available brand which I use […]