Spicy Gazpacho

Summertime tomatoes are ripe and the freshness of gazpacho is inviting and healthy.  I love the flexibility of putting ripe tomatoes in the food processor along with a cucumber, red and yellow pepper, slices of scallions, onions, or even leeks.  The quantities are flexible with each ingredient.  Use a variety of tomatoes like cherry, heirloom, or ...

Date Cake

Celebrating our dear friend Ellie's baby shower we had a Mediterranean theme.  This Date Cake was served warm with the caramel sauce drizzled over the top.  Because of its rich dark texture and color, it deceivingly looks like a chocolate cake, but the deep date flavors are a pleasant surprise.  Not too sweet, just a ...

Lunch on the Porch

Warmer weather brings us to our screened-in porch for most meals.  Connecting with nature and making meals more of an experience is what summer is all about. I try to minimize the use of the oven this time of year as the temperature heats up outside.  This layered tostada is similar to huevos rancheros and packed ...

Strawberry Fields Salad

  This salad says freshness and springtime. Layer arugula leaves with roasted yellow beets, peppers, or tomatoes. Add a healthy serving of fresh sliced strawberries and slivered almonds. Strawberry Almond Dressing 1 cup fresh strawberries, rinsed and hulled 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon honey pinch of salt Process in a food processor or blender until ...

Quintessential Quiche

  We have had at least a week of rain here in Georgia and I'm listening to Ray Charles sing "A Rainy Night in Georgia" as I know that a warm quiche filled with roasted vegetables and swiss cheese bakes in the oven. Quiche is comfort food any season of the year.  I love its flexibility ...

Yeasty Bread

  Winter is barely lingering around here and comfort food is in order. Who can resist warm yeasty bread fresh out of the oven? This recipe has few ingredients and when you use high quality flour, it is healthy and nutritious. Plan a bit ahead to get the "starter" going and enjoy the pay off of a ...