Spring has arrived and summer is not far behind, so my thoughts turn to eating outdoors, particularly entertaining friends and family. I have always loved a patio party, but the pandemic honed my skills immensely, as it was the only way to have a social life for awhile there. Of course, we did it in all seasons – outdoor fans and firepits, t-shirts and blankets. So that leads … [Read more...] about Italian Platter Salad
Farmers Market
Strawberry Margarita Bars
I love a sweet bite riffing off favorite cocktails, from Aperol Spritz Cookies to Pimm’s Bars or a Gin and Tonic Cake. It takes a pretty standard idea to the next level. A simple strawberry bar with a snort of tequila and a dash of lime is something special, and a perfect end for a Mexican-style meal, like Slow Cooker Chilorio or Chicken Tinga. I posted a Strawberry Margarita … [Read more...] about Strawberry Margarita Bars
Fresh Strawberry Pecan Crumb Cake
I gorge on strawberries when they are in season, and rarely eat them when they are not, which makes them a special seasonal treat. I eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner, out of hand in in all sorts of treats. This rich and tender crumb cake is a fantastic way to add strawberries to breakfast, though in all honesty this could also be a dessert with a scoop of ice cream, or … [Read more...] about Fresh Strawberry Pecan Crumb Cake
Zhoggiu Chicken Wraps (Sicilian Pesto Chicken)
I have called myself a chicken salad savant before, because I love chicken salad in its many, many forms. So here I take a trip to the Med, with this herb-forward, light and tangy version. Zhoggiu (pronounced zah-dew) is a Sicilian pesto that shows the Mediterranean crossroads heritage of the Italian island, creating a wonderfully flavorful sauce with a Middle Eastern twist and … [Read more...] about Zhoggiu Chicken Wraps (Sicilian Pesto Chicken)
Slow Cooker French Potatoes
The slow cooker is a great way to free up oven space, or to be able to put a dish in to cook with very little fussing about while you get on with other things. Using it to cook potatoes while you work on a beautiful roast and a lovely dessert, set the table, toss the salad and plate the hors d’oeuvres, can be a true boon. But here’s the thing – that’s why I originally tried … [Read more...] about Slow Cooker French Potatoes
