Eggplant Parmigiana

This is one of my very favorite Italian recipes.  Eggplant is so hearty it is almost steak-like.  The melding of the flavors of the marinara, cheeses and eggplant are outstanding.  One recipe mentioned layering slices of zucchini in with the eggplant ! The dish is a perfect addition to a buffet table, excellent lunch entre, and…

Jason’s Grilled Vegetables in a Basket

Jason is our champion gardner.   He generously shares the bounty and we all enjoy the fruits of his labors.  Grilling is another one of his loves and the combination produces some delicious meals.  In this recipe he uses a grill basket.  We took these pictures in the beginning of the season so we just used…

Summer Vegetable Tian

This is an elegant way to use up those bountiful summer vegetables.  Using a mandoline to slice the vegetables is your best bet.  The thinner the slices are the more evenly they will cook.  Some of you might have a food processer with a thin blade, that would work too.  You certainly can do it…

Grilled Avocados

On my trip to the West side this Fourth of July I had the pleasure of dinner out with some of the kids.  We went to a small Italian restaurant whose featured appetizer was grilled avocados.  Whoever heard of that?  Well now you have!  They are fun, delicious , colorful, and a conversation starter.  What…

Homemade Salsa

Nothing like putting those fresh- from- your- garden tomatoes to work in something other than salads and BLT’s .  Top your Mexican fare  with   homemade salsa and hold on to your sombrero! Print Recipe Homemade Salsa Prep Time 15 minutes Servings Ingredients 3 large, ripe, tomatoes1 small onion finely chopped1 small green pepper seeds removed, and minced1…

White Chili with Chicken

This chili variation is good, easy, and will warm you up on a chille day!!!  (Get It?)  It calls for 3 chicken breast halves, but to speed things up you can get a rotisserie chicken at the store and cut up the breasts for the chili and send the other pieces in lunches the next…

Antipasto Salad Loaf

This is a perfect appetizer for any Italian meal.  Great along side a cheese , and meat board.  It serves a bunch and it sure isn’t in  the same ole’ same ole’ appetizer category.  Print Recipe Antipasto Salad Loaf Cuisine Italian Prep Time 1 hour Passive Time 24 hours Servings Ingredients 1 cup cauliflower florettes…

Beer Batter Vegetables

This recipe was given to us by one of our dearest friends, Susan Standish.  Just like her, you can always count on it to be one of your favorites!!!  I know we are trying to avoid fatty, fried, foods but there are times when you just need to let your hair down and enjoy your…

Spaghetti With Garlic Sauce

This is a very basic recipe.  It is a good side dish for most meat dishes.  The real fun with this recipe is when you add your own touches to the basic plan.  Jock’s favorite is to top it with mizithra cheese , Joe liked it with shrimp stirred in, I’m sure you will come…

Braised Short Ribs

At one time short ribs were considered a budget meal, similar to a stew or pot roast,  not anymore.  If you can find short ribs at your butcher, you have two parties : one that you are fortunate enough to have a butcher, not just a meat packer and second that he has short ribs in his meat  case. …

Cowboy Caviar

This is a recipe for a great, dressed up salsa type dip. It is lots of fun because of its colors and variety of ingredients. Serving with several different kinds of chips, such as, pita chips, sun chips, different colored tortilla chips will also add to its’ appeal. One of the most common comments to…

Lamb Chops Madrid

Even if you don’t think you like lamb you might want to give this recipe a try.