Posts by The Culinary Chase
Lavender Shortbread
Shortbread is a dessert that was once reserved for Christmas but is now enjoyed on any occasion. It’s been with us for centuries and ancient records trace this cookie as far back as Medieval and Elizabethan times. Shortbread has been attributed to Mary, Queen of Scots who was said to be very fond of Petticoat…
Read MoreAsparagus, Smoked Bacon and New Potato Salad
My fondest childhood memories of summer were swimming long hours down at the beach where my grandparents lived and only leaving the watery playground to eat. You could work up such an appetite swimming, skiing, playing in the water! Potato salads were a favorite my siblings and I always enjoyed. It was usually accompanied by…
Read MoreLemon Drop Martini infused with Lavender Syrup
We all know that lavender is used extensively with herbs and aromatherapy but more recently it’s making a comeback in sweet and savory dishes. The flowers and leaves can be used fresh, and both buds and stems can be used dried. Lavender is a member of the mint family. It is best used with fennel,…
Read MoreSouthwestern Grilled Chicken Salad with Tomato and Black Bean
For casual entertaining or an easy weeknight meal this dish gets the thumbs up from my husband. Black beans are popular in Latin American cuisine and are also found in Cajun and Creole cuisines of South Louisiana. The black bean has a dense, meaty texture making it popular in vegetarian dishes. Because of its mix…
Read MoreSpinach, Fennel and Roquefort Filo Pies
Roquefort cheese is blue cheese made from sheep’s milk and hails from the South of France. Its distinctive veins of green mold helps to give it a sharp taste with salty overtones. Roquefort is also delicious on top of steak, in salads and perfect with fortified wines A perfect starter, these vegetarian tartlets are delicious…
Read MoreBaked Figs with Gorgonzola
My husband was never a big fan of figs mainly because he had only tried the dried version. A few years ago I presented him with fresh ones and he was amazed at their taste (sweet with a texture that combines the chewiness of their flesh, the smoothness of their skin and the crunchiness of…
Read MoreButter Beans with Chorizo
Butter beans (aka lima beans) are a very good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber. Their high fiber content prevents blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly after a meal, making these beans an especially good choice for people with diabetes, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia. Use butter beans in curries, soups, in a dip, in chili con…
Read MoreSalt and Sugar-Cured Asparagus, Poached in Butter
The title alone in this recipe was enough to peak my curiosity. Poached in butter…doesn’t that sound delicious, over-the-top delicious? I had been wanting to try lobster tails poached in butter but decided this was an easier and more economical option. Asparagus is a Spring vegetable and now is the time to savor them! To…
Read MoreGordon Ramsay’s Vietnamese BBQ Pork Skewers
This is an easy recipe with outstanding flavor! Lemongrass is native to the Philippines and is used in Asian cuisine. You’ll find it in teas, soups and curries. It’s a tall tropical grass which has a lemon-like scent because the stalks contain essential oils. Lemongrass is considered a diuretic, tonic and stimulant. It’s also known…
Read MoreThe Big Apple!
Travel. It’s an emotive word for me where in an instant I recall fond memories of places visited and people I have met. I’ve been to a number of exotic destinations in the world and one thing that always stands out is people. It’s the stories we take home with us when the vacation…
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