Pear and Proscuitto with Balsamic Syrup

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Pear and Proscuitto with Balsamic Syrup, Italian Appetizer

There’s nothing quite like home. As much as Corey and I like our new home in Chicago, there will always be a special place in our hearts for Florida. As we each made our treks home to Florida to celebrate the holidays with our family, particular aspects of the landscape stood out to us, welcoming us back. For Corey, he missed the pine trees and upon first glace wanted to give one a hug. For me, I missed the glorious blue skies and the dazzling Florida sun—Florida is after all the Sunshine State and Chicago unfortunately is not. read more

Colored Dough Decorative Cookies

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Colored Dough Decorative Cookies, Christmas cookies

I love Christmas and I love all the delicious sweets that surround the holiday. Hot cocoa, apple cider, sugar cookies, eggnog, gingerbread men, candy canes, sandtarts, etc. One of my favorite parts of Christmas is making Christmas cookies. This year I learned a revolutionary technique, at least revolutionary for me! Instead of using icing or sprinkles to decorate your cookies, create decorative patterns using colored dough. Such a marvelous concept. It takes you back to your playdough days, where you roll out snakes and balls. For once, you can encourage your kids to play with their food! Take this simple recipe for dough and let your imagination go wild. This recipe can apply to all holidays and themes, just change the cookie cutter shapes and dye the dough whatever color you want. Voilà! Instant hit. read more

Tilapia with Tomatillo Sauce and Avocados with Creamy Corn and Peppers

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Tilapia with Tomatillo Sauce and Avocados with Creamy Corn and Peppers

Today I give you a dish inspired by the flavors of Mexico, utilizing cilantro, lime, garlic, tomatillos, and peppers. This dish makes for a wonderful presentation, with the yellow of the corn, the red and green of the peppers, and the nice golden-brown of the fish; it is sure to please the eye. This meal is packed full of flavor and healthy to boot. Serve with cold beer or margaritas and you’re in for a fun night.

Featured Ingredient: Tomatillo

Tomatillos

Tomatillos are related to tomatoes. They are small, round, green fruit and have a greenish-brown papery husk covering them. When using tomatillos, first remove the husks; the husks will be somewhat sticky. Carefully wash the tomatillos, removing any dirt. Next cut the top off the tomatillos. Then use the tomatillos as needed. Tomatillos are a staple in Mexican cuisine and can be used in salsas, as well as in a variety of sauces. If you have not tried them, you really should. read more

Sweet Potato Casserole

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Sweet Potato Casserole, Thanksgiving, Sweet Potatoes, Marshmellows

I love the holidays, the coming together of families and friends. One of my favorite things about the holidays are the traditions. Now normally, I tend to be adventurous in my cooking, constantly trying new dishes and recipes. However, when Thanksgiving and Christmas come around I’m all about tradition. After all traditions make the holidays special, each family having their own unique customs and eagerly awaited dishes.

This is my typical Thanksgiving Menu:

Cranberry Bread

Herb and Cheese Poppers read more

Red Pepper Hummus

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Red Pepper Hummus, Roasted Red Peppers, Pita Chips, Chickpeas

Hummus is one of the oldest foods in the world. In fact, it is believed that chickpeas were  being cultivated over 7000 years ago in the Middle East. The exact origin of hummus remains a mystery, since its long history. However, it is most often theorized as coming from the Middle East. The name hummus actually means chickpea in Arabic. You might also hear chickpeas referred to as garbanzo beans, which is the Spanish translation. There are endless variations of hummus and today I present you with one of my favorites: Red Pepper Hummus. read more