Recent Posts

Khachapuri (Georgian Cheese Bread) with Pizza Dough
Appetizers, Breakfast

Khachapuri (Georgian Cheese Bread) with Pizza Dough

 

 If you enjoy a slice of pizza occasionally, you will definitely appreciate Khachapuri – soft, cheese-filled bread that originated in the country of Georgia. Khachapuri (Georgian Cheese Bread) with Pizza Dough is my version of the famous national dish. It is made with store-bought pizza dough and features a mixture […]

Appetizers, Salads

Stuffed Baby Bell Peppers

 

 Flavorful and crunchy, colorful and crowd-pleasing, this easy-to-make Stuffed Baby Bell Peppers appetizer will wow your family and friends. It’s gluten-free, high-protein and low-carb – perfect for sharing at any get-together! A few simple ingredients (that can be substituted with almost anything you have in the fridge) and 5 minutes […]

Appetizers, Salads

Olivier Salad – Russian Style

 

 Olivier Salad – Russian Style, is a traditional potato salad that is wildly popular in Eastern-European countries. In Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and their ex-pat communities worldwide, this salad has become one of the main dishes during family gatherings and holiday celebrations. It’s an easy-to-make dish and a great ‘make-in-advance’ option […]

Appetizers, Salads

Burrata, Grapefruit & Red Leaf Lettuce Salad

 

 Winter may seem bleak at times, but you can help beat the winter blahs and boost your spirits with this bright and cheery Burrata, Grapefruit & Red Leaf Lettuce Salad. This winter salad features a unique combination of ingredients. Delicate burrata, bitter-sweet pink grapefruit, tender red leaf lettuce, sweet-tart golden berries, […]

Zucchini Fritters
Appetizers

Zucchini Fritters with Chilies & Salad Garnish

 

 Zucchini Fritters with Chilies & Salad Garnish provide a delightful and satisfying alternative to serving up vegetables. Their lovely texture, pleasant aroma and familiar pancake appearance make them a definite ‘comfort food’ dish either on their own or as a side dish. Crispy on the outside and tender in the middle, these […]

Chicken & Mushrooms
Meat & Fish

One-Pan Scrumptious Creamy Chicken & Mushrooms

 

 Seriously delicious and simple, this One-Pan Scrumptious Creamy Chicken & Mushrooms recipe has proven to be a family favorite comfort-food dish over the last two decades. Everyone in my family, including small children, enjoyed it countless times. It has been a hit every time! Actually, I wasn’t going to include […]

Breakfast, Desserts

Dutch Baby Pancake

 

 A Dutch Baby Pancake isn’t just a cute name. It’s an easy to make, attractive and delicious pancake baked in the oven on a cast-iron skillet on one side only. The result – a puffy pancake with the crispy edges and custard-like center. The striking shape of this pancake makes […]

Desserts

Spiced Almond & Rum Cookies

 

 Celebrate Valentine’s Day with these Spiced Almond & Rum Cookies that make a wonderful edible way of saying “I love you”. We look forward to Valentine’s Day, not for what we will receive but for what we can give. That’s what inspired me to create this particular recipe. So, skip […]

Appetizers, Desserts

Cheddar Cheese Pastries

 

 This treasured Cheddar Cheese Pastries recipe has been passed down through generations of my spouse’s family. From the first time I baked these pastries, they’ve been a delectable success. Time-tested (literally!), scrumptious and unbelievably addictive, these golden treats make a perfect holiday pastry. With only a few ingredients, the Cheddar […]

Gingersnap Cookies with Fresh Ginger_6
Desserts

Gingersnap Cookies with Fresh Ginger

 

 Baking traditional gingerbread cookies during Christmas time simply sparks my festive mood. In fact, don’t we all love some sugar & spice in our holidays?  Try these gently spiced Gingersnap Cookies with Fresh Ginger in your favorite seasonal shapes. I am partial to stars and pine tree silhouettes, as you […]

Blackberry salad served
Appetizers, Salads

Blackberry Kale Salad with Peach and Mango

 

 We enjoyed this delicious and vibrant Blackberry Kale Salad with Peach and Mango salad last weekend after I picked a few handfuls of wild blackberries on the side of the road, close to the cottage. This colorful and decadent Blackberry Kale Salad with Peach and Mango is a snap to […]

Meat & Fish

Espresso-Rubbed Strip Loin Steak

 

 Try this espresso-rubbed strip loin steak with sauteed rapini for an attention-grabbing twist on a conventional steak recipe. Just rub your favorite finely-ground espresso on one side as part of your seasoning. Pan sear and finish in oven. [Written by Brad, my partner] I confess, I’m a “meat-atarian”! Guys, it’s pretty hard to beat […]

Spinach Blueberries Salad
Appetizers, Salads

Spinach Blueberries Salad with Tomatoes & Cucumbers

 

 This simple, healthy, refreshing, and artistic Spinach Blueberries Salad is the perfect addition to any protein-based entrée. In fact, it always has a wow-effect on our guests/friends when the salad is presented. A combination of super-foods like spinach, blueberries, almonds and tomatoes with the abundant brightness and natural flavors make this […]

Appetizers, Salads

Festive Kale & Goji Salad with Lemon Dressing

 

 Here is my new colorful creation – Festive Kale & Goji Salad with Lemon Dressing for your 2020 Holiday season! This salad will surely whet your guests’ appetite in anticipation of your main course.  It features delicate, vermillion-colored goji berries. These miniature berries render a light sweetness to contrast the […]

Appetizers, Salads

Fig, Beet & Orange with Walnuts & Prune Puree

 

 I was honored to be asked to contribute to an exclusive collection of salad recipes published in a digital gazette by “The Devil Wears Salad” – an enterprising collaboration by three Australians.  In fact, the publication collected 31 delicious salad recipes from creators around the globe in a celebration of food diversity and […]

Appetizers, Salads

Baby Kale and Blackberry Salad

 

 I created and photographed this simple Baby Kale and Blackberry Salad while being at the cottage in mid-August. Regrettably, I didn’t have a chance to publish it right away. Now, that I am thinking about it, this salad doesn’t have to be branded as a summer salad. It will be […]