Author: Heidi

Grilled Salad Nicoise

| Heidi

Salad Nicoise

When we were growing up, we had a house boat on the Susquehanna River and our parents loved to entertain on the weekends. Mom was in charge of everyone being well fed and there were always plenty of weekenders to feed. One of my favorite dishes she made for the beautiful summer days on the river was her Salad Nicoise. I would call this a French version of an antipasto. I loved my mother’s 1980’s version of this classic salad, but I must admit I gave it a 2015 twist. Here grilled vegetables take on a whole new dimension. This is my version of her Salad Nicoise.   Continue reading →

First in the Herb Garden Marinated Lamb Chops

| Heidi

chivesthyme

I was beyond excited today when I visited my four gardens to see what I need to do. To my surprise in my #1 herb garden, spring had yielded thriving chives. They were all sprouting beautifully. Along with chives, the thyme had begun to climb back and curly parsley was peeping up its little sprouts… I have two herb gardens and yeah to that because boy do I use them. Today’s lamb chops are being marinated in what I have growing now. Why waste a minute, I say!   Continue reading →

Classic Shrimp Scampi made with Shrimp Stock

| Heidi

Shrimp Scampi 1

For those of you who love to eat shrimp scampi, but can never seem to replicate that perfect restaurant taste, this is the recipe for you. Years ago when I was making this with a chef friend of mine, I had forgotten an important ingredient… the clam juice from his ‘restaurant’ ingredients list. I didn’t know what to do, but not to worry, as we cleaned the shrimp shells off the shrimp, a light bulb went on and we quickly replicated what I had missed. To both our surprise, a star was born! The shrimp shells became the perfect substitute and the perfect broth… and what a difference it’s made to my Scampi. Some of the best dishes are born out of the excellent mistakes we make…What a flavor punch! It added depth and lightness to the dish at the same time!    Continue reading →

Creamy Roasted Tomato & Garlic Soup with Grilled Cheese on Rosemary Garlic Bread Stuffed with Fried Tomatoes

| Heidi

grilled cheese and T soup

When I was in kindergarten, (you know back when it was half a day), I just couldn’t wait to get home for lunch. My mom would tell you I loved my Campbell’s Tomato soup with an American grilled cheese sandwich Monday through Friday. Like clockwork she knew what I wanted. I still love grilled cheese and tomato soup, only now I like them a little more grown up.

Here is my amped up version of my childhood favorites!   Continue reading →

Don’t Throw Away That Sauce!

| Heidi

pizza4I never throw away the leftover sauces from my dishes. Even if I only have a little, they are like little flavor bombs to be used in all sorts of ways. Today’s lunch consisted of Naan bread topped with sauces from last week. I reserve them in little containers and freeze them to be recreated another day. No waste! When you put love into your food, throwing away a great sauce is like throwing away something you treasure. Just for this reason, you will see me finding creative ways to serve up that little morsel of goodness.

Continue reading →

Baked Eggs in a Cheesy Bechamel Sauce

| Heidi

baked eggs 3

Happy Easter and good morning!!! This morning I’m up early to make baked eggs… I call them Maria’s Eggs, because the first time I ever had baked eggs was at my brother and sister-in-law’s house. They were yummy and ‘my favorite’, simple. I loved the concept of baking the egg, so I started to play with all the different ways I could serve this little gem. Recipes like this can be made in so many different ways once you have the basic premise. Perfect for a morning like today Easter Sunday.  Continue reading →

Sauteed Scallops in Herb Butter with WonTon Ravioli

| Heidi

wrapped wonton

Sea Scallops have to be in my top five for ‘favorite’ ocean fare. I love how sweet and tender they are, but most of all I love how easy and quick they are to prepare. It seems no matter what you pair them with they are elegant and sophisticated. So tonight I paired them with my won ton ravioli. Making my homemade ravioli on occasion is great, (and I will share them with you soon), but tonight I took my favorite shortcut. Continue reading →

Simple Saturday Dill Omelette with Spinach and Creamy Goat Cheese

| Heidi

Dill Omlit
This is the perfect breakfast for you and your honey on a beautiful spring morning. I’m not going to tell a lie, I served this beautiful omelette to my hubby in bed this morning! It’s simple, full of flavor and just the right amount of protein, iron and nutrients to get the day started right. Continue reading →

Rosemary Shrimp on Rosemary Skewers

| Heidi

Shrimp on Rosemary skewer

I love herbs from the garden and that is why I have two herb gardens. Sadly, I have yet to break ground this year. When I am in swing, the garden produces late spring, all summer and early fall, I have a plethora of herbs to cook with and I make sure to use them in everything. However this time of year I have to buy my herbs in the grocery store. The only problem with that is, you have to buy the amount they give you and the rest either goes bad in the refrigerator or you have to use them all… asap! I have a few tips on what and how to use your abundance of store bought herbs. Continue reading →