It was a weekend of heavy dinners for me. I seem to have made up for the (self-imposed) absence of beef in my diet at home by having steak with my girlfriends Friday night and a burger with other friends Saturday night. By the time Sunday rolled around I was ready for something a little ... Read More
Spinach Salad with Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese-Herb Polenta Croutons
Have you gone through all your leftover turkey yet? I have a few servings left of mine but I couldn't stand to eat another bite of turkey for the 6th day in a row. There's still tomorrow, after all. Tonight I wanted something--anything--besides turkey. Polenta has been on my mind ... Read More
Mixed Greens with Apples, Candied Pecans and Cranberry Vinaigrette
Thanksgiving is officially over. After being served five turkeys in three days (2 roasted, 1 grilled, 2 deep fried) I'd say it's time for a change, wouldn't you agree? I'm dreaming of pasta, fish, rustic homemade bread and even waist-friendlier options using quinoa but first I must get ... Read More
Caprese Salad with Fig Balsamic Dressing
If there is one type of dish that makes me miss not growing tomatoes this year it would be a salad. A bowl of pasta tossed in a simple tomato-based sauce is a close second, but I can usually come up with easy substitutes like capers, olives or anchovies to add substance to pasta in the absence ... Read More
Sesame Noodles with Kale and Cabbage
As I struggled up the last hill towards home, the thought of a big lunch dampened the pain on my burning legs. I was ready for my reward after an overly-ambitious bicycle ride with the boys--lots of food! I inched along, mentally itemizing the contents of my refrigerator and pantry. This was ... Read More
Mixed Green Salad with Nectarine-Blueberry Vinaigrette
Salads reign supreme in my kitchen these days. Who wants to slave over a stove for a meal when it would mean a sweltering kitchen for the remainder of the evening? I don't have the luxury of central air conditioning and have a home framed by windows and skylights so keeping indoor ... Read More