Easy Outback Croutons: A Taste of the Outback, Straight from My Kitchen There are certain smells that instantly transport you back in time, and for me, the distinct aroma of garlic and toasted bread simmering in butter is one of them. As a former hot-side and cold-side prep cook at Outback Steakhouse, I had the … Read more
The Symphony of Sweet and Savory: A Ricotta, Gorgonzola, and Honey Spread There are some flavors that, when you taste them for the first time, feel like they’ve always existed, simply waiting to be discovered. For me, that was this Ricotta, Gorgonzola, and Honey Spread. I remember a particularly crisp autumn evening, the kind that … Read more
The Ultimate Roast Duck Quesadilla: A Symphony of East Meets West There are certain dishes that, with a single bite, transport you back in time, conjuring vivid sensory memories. For me, the Roast Duck Quesadilla is one of those culinary time capsules. I remember the first time I encountered this glorious fusion. It was at … Read more
Roasted Red Pepper Dip: A Symphony of Smoky Sweetness and Cheesy Bliss I remember the first time I encountered this Roasted Red Pepper Dip. It wasn’t at a fancy restaurant or a catered event, but at a casual backyard barbecue, nestled amongst a spread of vibrant crudités and crusty bread. The aroma alone was intoxicating … Read more
Roasted Red Bell Pepper and Garlic Dip: A Symphony of Sweetness and Spice There are certain dishes that transport me back to sun-drenched afternoons in my grandmother’s garden, the air thick with the scent of ripening tomatoes and fragrant herbs. This Roasted Red Bell Pepper and Garlic Dip is one of them. I remember the … Read more
Oysters With Horseradish Cream: A Zesty Ode to the Sea There’s a primal joy in shucking an oyster, a small, briny treasure brought forth from the ocean’s depths. My husband, a lifelong seafood enthusiast, and my father, who approaches every culinary endeavor with the same gusto he applies to, well, everything, share a particular passion … Read more
Ricotta Stuffed Mushrooms: A Delicate Dance of Flavor and Texture There’s something undeniably charming about a perfectly executed stuffed mushroom. It’s a bite-sized revelation, a miniature masterpiece that can grace any table, from a casual gathering to a sophisticated soirée. My first encounter with these ricotta-stuffed wonders wasn’t in a bustling restaurant kitchen, but at … Read more
The Enduring Charm of Relish and Ham Deviled Eggs There are certain dishes that evoke a deep sense of comfort and nostalgia, and for me, deviled eggs are undeniably one of them. I can vividly recall my grandmother’s Sunday suppers, where a glistening platter of perfectly halved deviled eggs, always adorned with a sprinkle of … Read more
The Sweet, Savory Secret Weapon: My Ultimate Onion “Jam” There are those moments in the kitchen, usually late on a crisp autumn afternoon, when the aroma of something truly magical begins to fill the air. It starts with the humble onion, softening and sweetening, transforming into a rich, deeply flavored condiment that defies easy categorization. … Read more
The Unassuming Powerhouse: Crafting Your Own Raw Sunflower Seed Cheese There are moments in a chef’s life that redefine what you believe is possible in the kitchen, especially when working with plant-based ingredients. I remember first encountering raw “cheese” years ago, skeptical but intrigued. The idea of transforming humble seeds into something so rich, tangy, … Read more