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It may seem like extra work to first grill and then saute the zucchini, but it really makes party prep easier. You grill the zucchini the day before the party while you’re grilling the eggplant and carrots. You finish the dish in a saute pan, just before dinner. You don’t have to stand and wait […]
This dish is a great example of the magical blend of heat, savory and spices. The harissa creates the heat and the garlic, ginger and cumin — the savory, and the honey balances it all with a touch of sweetness. Don’t worry: This dish does not taste sweet. The honey brings all the flavors […]
Until I started reading about Moroccan food, I had no idea that artichokes were featured in the cuisine. In this recipe, they are treated to a glorious bath that includes preserved lemons, saffron, honey and other spices. The flavor is unique and wonderful! This can be made early in the day and served at room […]
Olives are great to serve with drinks before dinner. Of course, you can just buy good olives, put them in a dish and stop there. If you want something sensational, go the extra step and make these. You might be tempted to omit the vanilla but don’t. The combination of vanilla and all the spices […]
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 […]
A Caprese salad is a simple salad made of sliced mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and fresh basil. Even when I make this with the freshest mozzarella cheese and sweetest tomatoes, I find it a little flat in flavor. I long for the saltiness of good olives and a bite of fresh grilled veggies. So I put […]
BLACK BEAN EMPANADITAS EVENT: Apps & Alcohol SERVES: 9 Pieces per Sheet of Dough (36 Pieces) Ingredients 1 can 15-oz. black beans, drained 1 large Russet potato, baked and cooled 3 canned plum tomatoes, crushed 3-4 tablespoons tomato liquid from canned tomatoes 2 pasilla chiles, rehydrated, seeded and chopped 2 tablespoons olive […]
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 […]
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 […]
I’ve been making these for many years. My friends can attest to this. I wanted the equivalent of homemade potato chips without all the frying. Recently the New York Times posted a recipe for smashed potatoes that is similar but different. I think mine are better. This is a great recipe to add to your […]
