Now that we are approaching the end of the year, it is time for ALL the parties! While I have no issues with slaving away in front of the oven cooking and baking all day, sometimes I just want to whip something up and be done with it. In the spirit of quick and dirty party planning, today I want to share recipes for sangria and a marble chocolate trifle that won’t take long to make. Continue reading
This is one of my favorite desserts in the whole wide world. I cobbled together the recipe by using Alton Brown’s brownie recipe, and Tyler Florence’s Ultimate Cheesecake recipe. Continue reading
These “brownies” should probably be called something else, since there is no cocoa in them. However, don’t let that stop you, as these are sure to be a hit for Thanksgiving and the rest of the year’s holiday celebrations. Continue reading
Nothing beats fresh Fall apples. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, so many options to choose from. I like to mix apples when I bake to get a good blend of sweetness, tartness, and different consistencies. This recipe can be made with any apple variety you want, so go crazy! Continue reading
One of the best things about Fall weather (even in hot-ass Florida) is that it feels “right” to start baking. Although it is not quite cool here yet, I find myself fantasizing about baking all sorts of pies, tarts, cakes, and cookies. I like this recipe because it is so easy to make, even on a lazy Sunday afternoon, and it only ties up the oven for about 30 minutes, which means the house won’t get unbearably hot. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find a good explanation for the name. Be warned, these bars are like crack. Continue reading
Traditional carbonara consists of eggs, pancetta, black pepper, and grated cheese. This version is inspired by a family friend’s recipe. It is not a traditional carbonara since I like to add onions and just a touch of cream. However, I find it is very close to the real deal, and it’s not as creamy as you typically find at most Italian-American restaurants. Continue reading
Last weekend, I was asked to bring a side dish to a friend’s house. On the menu: college football, pulled pork sandwiches, and smoked chicken wings. Since summer is still in full force here in Central Florida, I decided to bring something lighter, instead of the typical baked beans or potato salads that are the usual fare at these gatherings. Immediately, my thoughts went to an Asian-style coleslaw a neighbor once brought to a block party, and David Lieberman provided an easy recipe that turned out to be a hit. Continue reading
There are some weeks where there is just SO much work that I don’t feel like cooking anything. However, being on a budget means eating less take-out and more home cooked meals. While looking for a quick and easy recipe, I came across this one in last year’s Bon Appetit Italy Issue. What is ramen doing in an Italy issue? I’m not quite sure, but the recipe was part of the 4 Chefs/1 Ingredient Challenge, which was to get creative with canned tuna. I like that the recipe highlights the flexibility of ramen, and has made me curious about other ways to jazz up the noodles. Continue reading
Today I am sharing my grandmother Luz’s recipe for pork chops. I like to use a thinner pork chop; I am not a fan of the really thick chops. I like this dish because it doesn’t require a lot of prep. You can serve the pork chops with rice or roasted veggies. Continue reading
Crab Rangoon, or crab wontons, is a staple at many American Chinese restaurants, as it is not a traditional Asian recipe. In fact, the dish is believed to have originated in the United States. I’m not going to lie, making the individual pieces is a pain in the ass. That’s why I make my husband do it. Continue reading