I love a savory tart. I just find them so versatile. They make a perfect lunch with a salad, or a homey dinner with a bowl of soup, or an elegant starter at a dinner party. They are a great thing to take to someone who needs a meal and are great eaten warm out of the oven or at room temperature, so leftovers are useful as well. Of course, the French-style Quiche Lorraine is the … [Read more...] about Red Onion, Blue Cheese and Walnut Tart
Rhubarb-e-Cue Sauce
I have this obsession with rhubarb. I think because it is not something I grew up with and it seems so exotic. It’s one of the many foodstuffs I was first introduced to while living in England, and there is always this mystique around those decidedly British things to me. Plus, the red stalks are so pretty and cheerful when they start to signal that spring is coming in the … [Read more...] about Rhubarb-e-Cue Sauce
Guinness Sausage Coddle
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, I always turn to hearty meat and potato dishes with a nice Irish flair, and this classic with a twist makes a perfect family meal. The origin of the name “coddle” is rather cloudy, but apparently it was a favorite of authors from Jonathan Swift to James Joyce. Loaded with smoky bacon, meaty sausages, rich potatoes and sweet carrots and little … [Read more...] about Guinness Sausage Coddle
Lemon Lovely Bars
The story I was going to write here was about the joys of bright citrus in the gray and gloomy weather of winter. A nice tale about citrus fruits being the sunshine in season during the bleak midwinter. But we've had a spring like February with 75 degree days this year and lovely sunny weather. I ate lunch on a patio. In February. I thought about putting off this post, but … [Read more...] about Lemon Lovely Bars
Bacon Praline Shrimp
Many years ago, I hesitate to say how many, the hot appetizer around town, both in restaurants and from party caterers, was bacon wrapped stuffed shrimp, often with a sticky glaze. They were an absolute hit with everyone. I, of course, re-created the dish at home and for some years served it at my own little gatherings. But it was (and still is) a lot of work. Butterfly the … [Read more...] about Bacon Praline Shrimp
