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Simple Grilling: How to Stay Chill this Season

One of my city living goals— To have private outdoor space, be able to dine al fresco on the reg., and become a grill master. Well, it is kinda happening. We have a pretty spectacular backyard, we purchased the Green Egg grill, and since we have moved in, I have been eating outside most evenings […]

Be a User…

In the refrigerator that is… Food waste upsets me, but it is inevitable with our “juggling act” schedules; and meal planning sometimes takes a back burner, per say. I dress my dishes with a variety of fresh herbs, but their shelf life isn’t as strong as their flavor. (if only I had out door space […]

Classic Fish and Chips with Homemade Punchy Tartar Sauce

This recipe/video is the third of my Iceland Inspired dishes Series. I am excited to share this tasty recipe because it is perfect for the summer season of easy entertaining. I just had this conversation with my husband over an early bite before an evening flight at a seafood bar… he said “you always order […]

Mushroom and Barley Arancini

Barley is one of my favorite grains.  I love the wholesome texture and the nuttiness… and I feel healthy just eating it. I spotted mushrooms and barley on the menu a few times in Iceland and I imagined recreating arancini, traditional Italian rice balls with this barley and mushroom combination. Dill is a popular herb […]

Golden Door: A wholesome food line…Heartfelt cause

Golden Door balances its luxury and zen aura making it one of the most elite spa sanctuaries in the world, focused on the trifecta of mind, body, spirit, located in southern California amongst some other wellness heavy hitters. I was introduced to their food line curated by the Executive chef, Greg Frey Jr. and I […]

Iceland Inspired Dishes: Roasted Beets with a Yogurt Dip

                        Food is such a an essential part of travel and it is also such a prevalent part of my day to day. Every time I travel I become more deeply inspired by the culinary and cultural roots. Returning back into my kitchen with […]

Pasta with Shrimp and Kale

I love experimenting with shrimp. There are endless combinations and this crustacean often guarantees one thing–a quick dish can be a reality. This meal took maybe 20 minutes and I am pretty sure anyone would be happy if this was plated in front of them at a dinner party.  I did not have a recipe […]

Fava Beans, Peas, Raw Mushroom & Olive Salad

I developed this recipe back in the late spring, yes–when fava beans are actually in high season and was delayed on posting it.   I am posting it now because so many of my recipes are about mixing and matching and using ingredients you have on hand to create your own version. With the produce […]

Lobster Lettuce Wrap w/ Lime Vinaigrette

A blog post about lobster feels very appropriate as I am spending some time in Cape Cod, visiting family and tending to baby duties. I love lobster, and have for as long as I can remember. My parents always, around this time of the year, repeat this story: we took a day trip to Martha’s […]

Strawberry Salad with Pine Nuts & Yogurt Balsamic Dressing

I incorporate strawberries all year round in my cooking regime. But in the summer they are abundant… at the farm stands, on menus to inspire, and as a special in the markets. When I saw these local strawberries I knew these were going to be showcased on this page–in some sort of salad. This salad […]

Banana Chia Peanut Butter Smoothie

I tend to lean more towards savory breakfasts; runny eggs with crispy potatoes and thick cut bacon, vegetable stuffed frittatas and breakfast burritos. But after seriously craving pancakes while pregnant, and recently incorporating steel cut oats my morning regime, I also felt whipping up some healthy smoothies would be a nice addition. Ingredients: (Makes 1 […]

Pineapple Jalapeño Popsicles

Popsicles sounded so good while I was in the “winter” of my summer pregnancy months. But so many packaged frozen treats are pumped with refined sugar and preservatives. I was craving something slightly sweet with a kick that I knew was made up of whole foods. With just a few ingredients and a blender you […]

Pasta with Scallops & Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Scallops are one of my favorite ways to entertain, but sometimes it can get a little pricy, I’ll admit. I am always interested in figuring out ways to “stretch” my favorite ingredients and really make their flavors shine. I cut these large dry sea scallops into thin strips to make sure each bite had some […]

Sweet Black Breakfast Rice with Berries

Black rice isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think breakfast. But, seriously, when you simmer in coconut milk and add tasty additions like mixed berries, shredded coconut, and vanilla, it transforms into a hearty breakfast and satisfies the sweet factor. I always like to balance something sweet with a savory edge […]

Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts & Avocado

Roasted carrots always seem to find a soft spot in my edible heart. When roasted,  dressed in a decorative array of spices and then tossed with nuts, avocado and herbs– this is an stellar dish (which can even be the foundation of a meal). These carrots bring brightness to both your table and your circulation […]

Grilled Corn with Lime, Butter, & Cheese

Corn equals summer. It is certainly nostalgic for me. But when I was younger I usually ate corn that was boiled in a bath of salty water and then rubbed with warm butter and salt. These days I prefer my kernels grilled or charred for that extra depth…either on the grill on toasted over the […]

The Miracle Mushroom: Discovering Chaga in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains

I took a road trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia in late spring to visit my friend who moved from Brooklyn to downtown Charlottesville, and while I was there we spent time  on Estouteville Farm, a sprawling 290 acre property with a house perched on it. The house was designed by the same […]

Chopped Greek Salad

When I am not feeling anything on a menu and I spot a Greek salad, I order it. The salad I compose the most at home is a Greek salad. When I take a road trip and want something satisfying to eat but don’t feel like being completely debaucherous, I seek out a local “House […]

Father’s Day Breakfast Sliders

I think it’s nice to cook for your dad on Father’s Day, because running to a brunch usually results in an overcrowded and not very intimate experience. That being said, I wanted to stick with something unfussy and hearty – something that will keep you out of the kitchen and free to enjoy time with your […]

Sardine & Artichoke Toasts

My in-laws were visiting for our “baby celebration”, a Jack and Jill party thrown by two of my girl friends which included no games, no opening of gifts, no table setting invaded with Pepto Bismol pink. Rather, a group of our friends and family mingling, eating and drinking in the backyard of a West Village […]

Asparagus with Anchovy Vinaigrette & Hard Boiled Egg

With the summer season sprouting up…We all crave bright and colorful foods but it is not a time to be slaving away in the kitchen. It seems like weeks blend into weekends more than ever from June through August. This asparagus dish is simple yet surprisingly satisfying. Roasting the asparagus with some of the vinaigrette, […]