party food
Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions on Quinoa Polenta
I bought a bag of sweet baby peppers the other day and knew that if I didn’t use them soon, they would go off. Sausage, peppers and onions are perfect for a sandwich (hoagie) but I was thinking of something more for dinner. I’ve made many versions of polenta over the years but as I…
Read MoreMinced Duck and Scallops on Pineapple
There’s nothing quite like a new recipe to try and plan a dinner menu around. Sometimes we’ll choose a wine and build a meal from that but most times it’s the former. I had originally thought of a Mediterranean-based meal for Saturday’s get together but wondered if this Thai-inspired dish would be out of sync.…
Read MoreCrostini with Beetroot Jam and Goat’s Cheese
Holiday parties are in full swing now and we all have our favorite dishes we like to make that tend to be specific for this time of year. I, too, find myself repeating appetizers especially those that are given the two thumbs up by my family. So it can be daunting to want to step…
Read MorePretzels Dipped in White Chocolate and Crushed Candy Cane
I’m in the holiday bake mode! This is ‘the most wonderful time of the year‘ for me. I am in my element as I bake, cook, and roast all leading up to the 25th. Forgive me if I sound mawkish but I love Christmas. I love how people seem a bit kinder, smile more and…
Read MorePepperoni Pesto
When I think of pesto my mind immediately sees plump basil leaves, pine nuts, a mound of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and smashed garlic bound together with olive oil. But when we think ‘outside the box’, a funny thing happens…we tend to experiment. There are oodles of options out there when rethinking the term pesto. …
Read MoreTzatziki
Tzatziki is a thick Greek sauce where it is served with gyros, souvlaki or in a mezze. But you can use it with just about anything! Try it as an accompaniment to fish, grilled chicken, lamb, pita bread, falafel, grilled vegetables, as a dip – you get the idea. Tzatziki is easy to make and is…
Read MoreBaked Ricotta Dip
Fall might be just around the corner but this is a recipe that knows no seasons. Ricotta is an Italian cheese that is made from the leftover milk whey from cheese and the name in Italian means recooked. Ricotta cheese is so versatile. It’s perfect in savoury and sweet dishes. I’ve used it in lasagnas,…
Read MoreApple Pie in a Jar
Apple pie conjures up good, wholesome food made by grandmothers and moms. There’s something so pleasing to the senses when a pie is baking in the oven. The aromas immediately say ‘welcome’. I wonder, though, why the pie is made in a round plate and not a square. Is it because it’s easier to lift…
Read MorePolenta Sticks with Mozzarella and Salami
I love simple ingredients as they tend to work symbiotically to create great flavors. Less is more…I know this sounds cliché but it’s true and not just in the food world. The more ingredients you use the greater the risk of losing the essential flavor of your food. When the ingredients are good, they need…
Read MoreBaked Fontina Dip
I was on the train into the city and caught a glimpse into my future. I spotted an elderly couple who were deep in conversation. They looked so cute together; her silver hair was a bit disheveled and his white mane slicked back. Both were in great shape. He pulled out two books from his…
Read MoreQuinoa Salad
Ancient grains…two words that conjure up something you might find in an archeological dig! They’ve been around for a millennium and include quinoa, amaranth, spelt, and kamut. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) is a grain that comes from the Andes mountains of South America and its origins dates back to that of the Inca’s. There are more…
Read MoreLemon Rosemary Sorbet
Want to make an easy, delicious-tasting dessert or pallet cleanser? Sorbet is simple to make and because it contains no dairy, it’s perfect for anyone who is lactose intolerant or vegan. This frozen treat knows no boundaries so use your favorite fruit or chocolate and satisfy your cravings for a frozen treat. Lemon and rosemary…
Read More