I've been a bit busy planning an extended vacation and can't wait to take a few cooking lessons while I'm gone. I thought I'd try my hand at one or two dishes before I go. Larp Gai is a favorite of ours at Thai restaurants, wrap it in a lettuce cup and its a great appetizer. mise en place 1 pound ground chicken ½ cup...

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Paul and I were flown down to Ft Lauderdale for a week during the holiday to be the guest chef's (lol) at my mom's for Christmas dinner.  It turned out great, although there was a bit of an issue with my gratin atop the filet. There is a specific amount of time allowed to cook it, however the fillet was bigger than we...

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Ingredients 6 Tbsp butter2 cups chopped onion2 cloves chopped garlic2 Tbsp chopped bell pepper (red or green)1/4 cup chopped celery1 lb crawfish meat 1 1/2 tsp salt1/4 tsp pepper1/8 tsp cayenne pepper2 Tbsp chopped green onion (green part only)2 Tbsp chopped parsley1 packet brown gravy mix Directions: In large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Saute onions, pepper, garlic, and celery until onions are...

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I spent the morning making these scones with a dear friend. We doubled the recipe and made 20 glorious scones. Although I'm going to thoroughly love the big scone, next time I double this I'll try making them smaller. I can't wait to have one of these beautiful scones with orange butter and a nice cup of tea. makes 10 scones mise en place 2...

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The holidays are upon us and I always enjoy giving gifts from the heart to family and friends. This year my friend Dawn joined me to make a few things, including Moose Munch. Although it takes time out of your day, it's actually very easy to make. I doubled this recipe. Give it a try because the results are worth it! mise en place...

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This is the way they to eat roast chicken in France. By slipping a beautiful tarragon butter under the skin, you not only keep the breast moist, but all that flavour gets absorbed by the chickpea stuffing as well. Take the stuffing out after cooking and mix in the roasted garlic and some of the vinaigrette and  those will be the tastiest chickpeas...

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Have Vitamix, will use. One of my most frequent uses of my Vitamix is a green shake. It's so easy and such an way to get you fruits and veggies.  Use kale, spinach or both and whatever fruit you have on hand. I buy fresh pineapple when it's on sale, cut it up and freeze. The same can be done for unused bananas...

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Anyone who knows us, know that we like experimenting with cocktails and trying all kinds of wine. The Pink Squirrel is a classic cocktail… ladies if you like tasty sweeter drinks you'll love this one.  I can't wait to try it with ice cream, it will be a fantastic "Grown-up Milkshake" 2 oz Amaretto2 oz Creme de Cocoa, traditionally made with the pink...

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If you haven't asked the meat department for their thick cut bacon, try so. The price is about the same as packaged bacon. I like to bake my bacon. 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees depending upon the thickness, turning half way through. mise en place 2 slices sourdough bread 3 slices thick cut bacon 2-3 oz smoked Gouda  Honey Crisp apple slices salt...

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If you like the flavor of of baked beans you will love this recipe. This thick and richly flavored sauce infuses the pork in such a way that you will want to keep this as a winter favorite. Serve it over mashed potatoes or my favorite creamy polenta.  The reason this is made in a Dutch oven is not only for the even...

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When I was looking through the freezer today for dinner inspiration and found some ground beef. The big decision next was what to make for dinner. I decided on a pasta dish after finding a carrot, celery and onions. During our conversation over breakfast my boyfriend mentioned how he practically lived on Bolognese sauce while traveling throughout Italy. He said that it was...

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When it comes to clams you either really love them or really hate them. As for me, I really really really love them. Thankfully so does my boyfriend especially since I'll be cooking them on a regular basis. Steamed clams make a great appetizer, but better yet with a few additions they make a fantastic 10 minute dinner. I like to make a...

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I love mussels, and it's probably one of the cheapest and fanciest dishes you can make.  There are so many flavorful ways to create the broth that I could almost eat them every night.  Although I need my crusty bread to sop up the broth, so making this every night isn't such a great idea for me. mise en place 2 tablespoons peanut...

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My boyfriend and I recently purchased a smoker and we've been having fun trying it out. Yesterday was our first attempt at smoking a brisket, which I thought was incredibly flavorful and tender. This was very scary as this  was to be the main dish for Hanukkah and Paul's dad, the family patriarch, had been in charge of making the brisket for the past 20...

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