I have a couple of recipes I can’t wait to share with you (and I promise I will)… but we had an amazing birthday celebration for my dad and I this evening and I couldn’t help but prioritize this wonderful recipe. Think of cioppino as a seafood stew. It’s not an everyday meal or a…
Creamy Chipotle-Cider Dressing
This is the perfect dressing for that southwest inspired salad. For me, it was the delicious Cajun Rubbed Steak Salad. So simple, so easy. Creamy Chipotle-Cider Dressing 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon minced chipotle pepper (or less, if you don’t like it as spicy) 1 teaspoon adobo sauce…
Cajun Rubbed Steak Salad with Creamy Chipotle-Cider Dressing
Salad is to summer what soulful soup is to winter. And in the depths of February, I find myself craving sunshine, warmth and bright, fun recipes. So, to break up the monotony of hearty winter dishes (and my bacon-in-everything streak – but don’t think it didn’t cross my mind for this one) we are going…
Red Wine-Dijon Vinaigrette
This Red Wine-Dijon Vinaigrette is simple, flavorful and elegant. Perfectly paired with the Spinach and Arugula Salad with Raspberries and Avocado. Recipe: 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon dijon mustard 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 squeeze of half lemon 1 teaspoon fresh thyme 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper Folks,…
Champion of Chilis
Steer clear, vegetarians. This one is meaty. I’m talking hot Italian sausage, pork, ground beef, andouille sausage and bacon (this is getting embarrassing). Do I use too much bacon? Maybe. Am I a quitter? Not a chance. This is a very, very hearty chili. And perhaps I am biased, but this is truly the BEST chili…
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized Onion and Bacon
You’re going to have to trust me here. Yup, I know. Most people don’t have a hankering for brussels sprouts, or baby cabbage heads as my sous chef refers to them. Even he had a baseless aversion to these beauties until… well, this recipe walked into his life (it’s a pretty permanent fixture now, too. And might I…
Chicken Stuffed with Fontina, Bacon and Sun Dried Tomatoes
WARNING: This recipe requires a serious appetite. Just imagine: Bacon. Cheese. Pouring out. Did someone say bacon? Yum. My sous chef insists I cook entirely too much with bacon but I simply cannot part ways with its deliciousness. So much so, that my wine might feel like I’m having an affair. Not to mention my…
Roasted Cornish Game Hens with a Red Wine Onion Compote
If you’ve never had a cornish game hen, you’re in for a treat. These delicious little birds are, well, delicious. Now don’t get me wrong here. This isn’t your weeknight dinner. This is a Sunday night / special occasion type deal. It’s a bit labor intensive but well worth the reward. It’s a three part…
Cedar Planked Salmon with Shallot and Thyme Cream Sauce
Well, well, well, we meet again. Under the most favorable of circumstances. That is, of course, because I come bearing a great recipe. A simple and easy recipe that is delectably satisfying. The cedar plank and rosemary add a depth of flavor to the salmon, beautifully complemented by a white wine cream sauce. Now, here’s…
Seared Sea Scallops with an Apple Cider and Balsamic Vinegar Glaze
I love sea scallops. Big, beautiful sea scallops. You know when you have your mind set on one dish you really, really want to make for dinner? Yeah, that happened. And the grocery store was out of those big, beautiful scallops. So, we improvise. It’s a critical and necessary function of cooking. Nonetheless, I settled…