And now to focus on the humble side dish. It’s easy to spend a lot of thought and time on a showstopping main, or to build a meal around it. But a delicious side dish can make a meal special, and I even think it’s worth building the rest of the meal around a dish like this creamy orzo. Its great beside a simple roasted chicken or pork tenderloin, but you can serve it as the … [Read more...] about Roasted Garlic and Spinach Orzo
spinach
Bloody Mary Shrimp Platter Salad
The early days of summer are a perfect time for a big, beautiful salad. Bountiful enough for a meal with make-ahead elements that just require some last-minute assembly. I love to serve these platter salads outside with everyone gathered around to mix and match their own perfect meal. From the hearty Steak House Platter Salad to the sophisticated Lyonnaise Style … [Read more...] about Bloody Mary Shrimp Platter Salad
Sardou Dip (Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Hollandiase)
The inspiration for this dip is a menu. I don’t remember where or when, but some menu I saw online – either Instagram or researching restaurants or something a friend sent me - had a Sardou dip. I didn’t eat at the restaurant, but the dip idea really appealed to me, so I started from scratch. Eggs Sardou is a New Orleans brunch classic in the benedict vein, an artichoke bottom … [Read more...] about Sardou Dip (Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Hollandiase)
Italian Chicken, Pasta and Tomato Bake
I’m not presenting here a recipe that is going to change lives or set the culinary world on fire. But this is the time of year for basics, as we move from the easy days of summer to the frantic start of a new school year and as the fresh summer produce fades before the autumn bounty begins. It’s a great time to gather around the table for a satisfying meal, but not such a great … [Read more...] about Italian Chicken, Pasta and Tomato Bake
Greek Herbed Spinach Pie
I do love dishes made with phyllo dough, spanakopita, tiropita and the myriad of sticky sweet desserts made with it. But after a number of failed attempts, I have discovered that I simply do not have the patience to work with it. So I am attracted to recipes that mirror the tastes of my phyllo favorites without the work. My first success was Greek Feta Parcels, and now I have … [Read more...] about Greek Herbed Spinach Pie
