Tomato Pie

I’ve always wanted to make this, but never had pie dough, and tomatoes, and friends to share with all at the same time…until last weekend. Better than I thought, but yes, it is possible to salt it too much, although …

Winter Greens and Rice Gratin

Serves 10 to 12.  Freezes well, and easily halved. This is a great winter dish as greens are in abundance in backyard gardens, farmer’s markets, and in the grocery market.  Obviously, this is the time which they taste the best, too. …

Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup

One of the simplest and most flavorful soups I know how to make. You will need: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound Italian sausage 1 medium onion or leek, chopped about 4 to 6 cups finely shredded green or savoy …

Basil Pecan Pesto

  Pesto alla Genovese…so green, so savory, such a sign of summer.  Aside from fresh grown tomatoes and watermelons,  nothing says summer more to me more than the pesto. Basil has a short growing season.  As far south as we …

Roasted Red Peppers with Shrimp

If you have the opportunity,  it is best to roast the peppers on the grill a few days in advance, if you know that you will be grilling the week that you will be preparing this dish.  Fire-roasted peppers have …

Butternut Squash and Potato Gratin

This is one of my most favorite dishes to serve at Thanksgiving.  Right now, my husband’s family is probably saying, “Really?  We’ve never had it!”  Well, it’s a bit of work.  Well worth it, though.  The first time I made …

The Real Deal: Classic Artichoke Dip

I was introduced to this  classic appetizer just a few weeks ago, at Thanksgiving Dinner with my husband’s family.  Apparently, it is an old family favorite, having been in the family recipe book for many, many years. This is a …