Bulgur Salad with Cannellini Beans, Feta & Mint

Whenever I feel as though we’ve eaten too much red meat, we take a break and consume loads of veggies and ancient grains such as bulgur.  It’s this sort of balance that keeps us healthy…I can’t recall the last time I had a cold or the flu.  Bulgur is made from precooked wheat berries.  It’s…

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Conchiglie with Braised Pork Belly and Radicchio

Bacon lovers take heed as this dish will knock your socks off!  Braised anything in my books is a good thing with mouth-watering aromas filling the kitchen as the food is cooking.  Braising the pork belly means fork tender deliciousness.  What’s the difference between pork belly, bacon and pancetta?  Bacon and pancetta are made from…

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Shrimp with Garlic and Chili

Shrimp with Garlic and Chili

I had been missing Asian food and when I saw this recipe I knew this was the answer to my hankering.   There’s something about a subtle heat/spice that awakens all the senses.  I’m not a fan of over-the-top heat or spice especially if it makes me uncomfortable and unable to enjoy what’s on my plate.  …

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Mushroom and Herb Polenta

Mushroom and Herb Polenta

Anthropologie is a favorite shop I like to frequent.  It’s an interesting mix of clothing, accessories, gifts and home décor all which draw me in…it’s eclectic and I love it!  The books they showcase are unique and it was at their Rockefeller Center that I spotted Yotam Ottolenghi’s book, Plenty.  It’s a vegetarian cookbook although…

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Chinese Meatballs with Sweet & Sour Chili Sauce

Chinese Meatballs with Sweet & Sour Chili Sauce

Ho ho ho!  Yep, I’m gearing up for some holiday treats and this appetizer is absolutely scrumptious!  I’ve been an avid fan of Matt Armendariz (Matt Bites) for a few years now…he seems the type of person I’d want to meet and I love these two lines from his bio: I believe life happens quickly.…

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Fresh Mozzarella and Roasted Tomatoes

Fresh Mozzarella and Roasted Tomatoes

I finally got the chance to make my first batch of fresh mozzarella!  Beecher’s in the Flatiron District sell kits from Urban Cheesecraft and it was in the summer that I picked one up but never got around to trying it until now.  Their deluxe DIY Cheese Kit allows you to make mozzarella, chèvre, paneer,…

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Kale Salad with Wild Rice and Cranberries – A Vegan Delight!

How can anyone resist a salad that is popping with color?  Not only is it colorful but healthy.  Kale’s anti-oxidant health benefits means it has been studied more extensively in cancer research than any other health condition.  Kale’s nutrient richness is found in three areas: 1) antioxidant nutrients, 2) anti-inflammatory nutrients, and 3) anti-cancer nutrients…

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Roasted Cauliflower

After a five day visit to Canada’s Ocean Playground, I was happy to get back into my kitchen and cook!  Don’t get me wrong, the meals we had at Bicycle Thief, Sushi Nami, Seasons, Woody’s Bar-B-Q and La Perla were scrumptious but 5 days of dining out morning, noon and night had a toll on…

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