Enchiladas made easy!  This pie is topped with tortilla chips and while it bakes, the lowest layer transforms into a beefy-enchilada-like base while the top layer stays crisp.  Everyone asked for seconds! 1-1/2 lbs. lean ground beef 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup) 2 garlic cloves, minced One 10-ounce can of enchilada sauce 1/2…

Coconut Custard Pie is an old-fashioned dessert.  It’s one of my favorites.  This is a quick-to-make pie that makes it’s own crust!  Everything is done in the blender! 2 cups milk 1 cup sugar 4 eggs 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 6 Tbsp. butter, melted 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup coconut In…

Yes, you read it right!  There are actually no bananas IN the soup, but are used as a sweet garnish.  The bananas reminded me of the sweetness of plaintains and how good this would be with the spicy soup.  Of all the versions of black bean soup Jacque Pepin has made through the years, this…

These are light, airy cakes with blueberry filling and a lemony, white chocolate ganache glaze.  The original recipes was made with raspberry, which would be just as good.  I have a small ethnic store nearby and was able to find blueberry jam.  You can substitute any filling for these little cakes. Cupcakes: 1 lemon 3/4…

I’ve just joined Lady Behind the Curtain for The Improv Cooking Challenge!  This week’s challenge is Apples and Caramel. I couldn’t wait for this to cool off!  Apples swimming in a caramel sauce, topped with a buttery, crunchy crisp. Topping: 1-1/3 cup oats 2/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup sugar 2/3…

This is a great make ahead salad that is terrific to serve to company or take to a potluck.  It’s on my catering menu and it’s everyone’s favorite! You can add additional ingredients to suit your taste such as: slice ripe olives, zucchini, thinly sliced, chopped green pepper, etc. – make it your own! 1…

Now that summer is winding down, we have to savor the bounty we have been given.  Maybe 3 or 4 tomatoes still ripening on the vine and delicious Vidalia onions. This is a warm vinaigrette that can be used on a fresh spinach salad, a warm potato salad or just a fresh garden tomato salad.…

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday.  Every year I try to come up with some new ways to decorate. I have been on the look-out for some Cinderella Pumpkins, but I have not had much luck. Here is a little white pumpkin I found and just added some copper ribbon and some burgundy and…

I was never a big fan of cilantro until about 2 years ago.  The smell of it used to make me choke and it tasted like soap to me.  I read somewhere that you have to have a bitter taste perception gene to like cilantro. There is actually a website for people that hate cilantro!…

When I see a recipe for sweet and salty I just have to go for it.  Four ingredients and you are in sweet and salty heaven! Cooking spray 35 to 40 saltine crackers 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter 1 cup light brown sugar 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips (1-1/3 cups) Preheat oven to 425…

Who doesn’t love pub grub? Pub grub can go beyond the typical wings and fries. If I saw this on the menu – it would be the first thing I order. Onion & Ale Soup with Blue Cheese Croutons 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1-1/2 lbs. sweet onions (about 3 medium) thinly sliced Kosher salt…

Most of us never tire of a good, homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese – our all American comfort food.  A lot of recipes you might have eaten would have some form of a roux, cooked flour and milk.  When I saw this recipe – this step was completely omitted.  The traditional cheddar is here, along…

I was never a big fan of cilantro until about 2 years ago.  The smell of it used to make me choke and it tasted like soap to me.  I read somewhere that you have to have a bitter taste perception gene to like cilantro. There is actually a website for people that hate cilantro!…

Growing up in a Polish family, we had sauerkraut often with many meals.  My Mom’s sauerkraut was the best and I would make a sandwich with just sauerkraut.  When I saw this “burger” with sauerkraut, I had to give it a try. I’m calling this recipe German Meat Pies since it was a German/Russian family that…