November 2012

Pearl Onions with Brown Butter and Balsamic Glaze

November 29, 2012

Pearls. Lovely to wear and delicious to eat. That would be pearl onions. Petite when compared to their larger family members, pearl onions have a sweet flavor that is wonderful. Don’t turn your nose up until you’ve tried them cooked this way, browned in a little butter and finished with a little Balsamic. You might be happily surprised…or completely amazed.

Continue Reading →

Thanksgiving Side Dishes

November 18, 2012

What will you serve with that glorious, golden bird? Here is a round up of side dishes for your Thanksgiving table. A few easy, yet healthy recipes. I’ve included tips on quantity for your shopping and make-ahead tips for your schedule.

Continue Reading →

Fast and Flavorful Chicken Rice Soup

November 11, 2012

In the heat of summer, hot soup is the last thing most people think of eating, much less cooking…unless you are Russian. This summer, I made pot after pot of homemade soups for seven straight weeks while working as a private chef. My clients were professional hockey players training in Southern California. This soup was their favorite, hands down. Mikhail said it reminded him of his grandmothers in Belarus. That made me smile. 

Continue Reading →

Pomegranate Seeds and a Dozen Things to do With Them

November 4, 2012

A friend recently offered me fresh pomegranates off of her overflowing tree. What a gift! Besides being packed with nutritional power (high in vitamins C, B, fiber and minerals), pomegranate seeds are just downright beautiful. Like nature’s edible rubies, pomegranate seeds add sweet-tart flavor and gorgeous color to many dishes. With availability from October through December, now is the time to enjoy pomegranates seeds. Here are a dozen ideas for what to do with them.

Continue Reading →