Key lime pie tastes light and bright, but surprisingly the light part isn’t true.   Traditional recipes can include raw egg yolks, fatty whipped cream and clock in at about 450 calories per slice. Greek yogurt gives this pie a creamy texture and I would eat this pie over the full-fat version any day –…

Out of all the pierogi that I make, the sauerkraut is our favorite.   This is a quick way to get all the flavors of sauerkraut pierogi without having to make the dumplings.  I’ve seen quite a few recipes for “lazy sauerkraut pierogi” using spiral macaroni and mushroom soup.  You could add some sauteed mushrooms…

 We made a trip recently to a bakery that my niece was raving about!  This family-owned bakery, Natale’s  specializes and is famous for this cake.  Where did it get it’s name?  Philly, I assume comes from the cream cheese in the recipe.   In the bakery case, these cakes look like an Angel Food cake…

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…

This is one of the best Minestrone I have made.  I wish it made a bigger pot! 1/4 lb. pancetta, diced 6 cups chicken stock 6 medium garlic cloves, sliced 2 cups finely chopped onion 1 cup diced celery 1 cup diced carrots 1 Tbsp. finely chopped rosemary 1 (14-ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained (or…

My vegetable garden was a complete flop this year.  Probably due to the excessive heat we had.  Luckily, I have a Farmer’s Market nearby where I can get lots of fresh produce.  I have been waiting for the little kirbys to arrive so I can make my pickles.  They finally came in yesterday!  I recycle…

Yes, yes you can make zabaglione with white wine!  Marsala is tradionally used, but you can also substitue sherry, Madeira, or a sparkling wine.  You can also combine the wine with a spirit such as bourbon, rum or other brandy.  How about adding your favorite liqueur such as Limoncello or Frangelica! Zabaglione began it’s life…

This Dole-icious smoothie captures paradise and the crisp winter holidays in one glass, with a flavor profile that includes Dole® Pineapple Juice, frozen Dole® Pineapple Chunks, cinnamon and nutmeg. What a great way to celebrate the Dole Packaged Foods participation in the first  “Live on Green” event in Downtown Pasadena, December 29-31, and its annual tradition…

If you have never invested in a pressure cooker, you really should consider it.  The new models are so easy to use and take all the fear out of making a quick meal.   This quick meat sauce with all the flavor of Bolognese, is cooked with the uncooked pasta and is ready is 5…

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…

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!…

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…

Corned Beef and Cabbage on St. Paddy’s Day is really more American than an Irish Tradition.  Irish immigrants couldn’t find a traditional Bacon Joint  and turned to their Jewish neighbors in New York City who were enjoying pickled beef brisket. We rarely (if ever) make it ourselves, which is a shame, because it is so…

Soup, salad and pasta – in one bowl! Warm broth ladled over the fresh spinach just wilts it slightly, just enough to still call it a salad. 1 lb. frozen cheese tortellini 1/2 cup diced onion 1/4 cup diced carrot 1 Tbsp. minced garlic 1/2 tsp. oregano 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes 3 Tbsp. olive…