lemon

Tomato Jam

| Linda

Tomato Jam

My sister in law Soraya once gave me a jar of homemade Tomato Marmalade – it was so very good! We used it as an appetizer with crackers and cream cheese…yummy! So I recently decided to try my hand at making it…but as I like things simple and quick, and I did not want to make a lot, I started with a can of Fire Roasted Tomatoes. The results were divine! We used half of this delicious jam with crackers and cream cheese and the other half I used for a recipe I’ll be sharing on Wednesday!    Continue reading →

Honey, Lemon, Feta & Walnut Pasta

| Linda

Honey, Lemon, Feta & Walnut Pasta

Today is Ash Wednesday – the beginning of the 40 days of Lent for all Christians (not counting Sundays). During these 40 days of repentance we reflect on our lives, the things we have done and our transgressions; praying for forgiveness and observing specific days of fasting and abstinence from meat. Traditionally during Ash Wednesday we fast and abstain from meat, eating just one full meal. We observe Lent to mirror Christ’s 40 days in the desert where He endured temptation.

In light of today’s abstinence and fasting I have prepared a meat-free dish that is healthy, tasty and very filling. Continue reading →

Cocktail Corner: Margarita Madness

| Heidi

Coctail Corner 1

It’s Margarita time!!! I had my Peeps (friends) over for a Mexican lunch with pitchers of delicious Margaritas. I made my Mexican Beef Burritos with all the trimmings. I must say the Margaritas were a huge hit. Authentic all the way! I didn’t rim the glass because I don’t enjoy them with salt or sugar, so feel free to rim the glass if you want… Continue reading →

En Papillote Salmon with Lemon, Tomatoes & Sparkling Wine

| Heidi

En Papillote simply means cooked and served in a paper wrapper. Foil and parchment paper are the best ways to accomplish this poaching technique. I prefer parchment because the end result is a little more dramatic. This is a great way to serve and impress company while keeping cleanup to a minimum. While the entire dish is cooking, you can be enjoying cocktails with your guests! You can make the pouches individually for each guest to receive their own little pouch, or make the entire dish in one large pouch to serve everyone. They can be assembled in advance and refrigerated while you get ready for your guests. When your guests arrive, just pop in the oven… Simple and divine! Continue reading →

Cocktail Corner: Springtime Sangria

| Linda

Springtime Sangria

Last weekend we had a few visitors! My brother Rob came in for the weekend and we had an unexpected visit from my husband’s college roommate Todd on Saturday. While we were overjoyed to see Rob and Todd I quickly realized that my husband Raf didn’t have any beer to offer them! Seeing some fruit leftover in the fruit bowl reminded me of our recent trip to Spain where we tasted the most delicious sangrias in every city/region we visited (Madrid, Barcelona, Seville & Toledo). Every restaurant that we visited in each city had their own version of sangria. Each was unique and tasty! After a quick perusal of our bar, I decided to surprise them with Springtime Sangrias! We were sitting around the kitchen island chatting and laughing while the Sangria was easily prepared. It was a delicious ruby red brandy-inspired sangria that everyone loved…hope you enjoy it too!   Continue reading →