Gravlax, a Nordic dish of raw fish, is something my mom makes every Christmas Eve. She prepares pounds and pounds of it, and every year the amount grows as our family does the same. The salmon is marinated, spiced, and pressed with weights. It is…

Meatballs….everyone makes them differently, and every time it is an event.  I have honed my recipe for meatballs over the years, and I never make less than 10 lbs at a time. If you are going to commit to meatballs, commit!  The added benefit is…

Apples are oddly personal. There are so many different varieties and flavors, but usually one or two types will trigger nostalgia. As a kid growing up in New England in the 1970s, the apple of choice in our family was the tart Macintosh. When we…

Clams! I love all types of seafood, but when they are sweet, small and cooked to perfection, clams ring out at the top. My love affair with the clam started in Cascias, Portugal, where I broke my own rule of photographing a meal in public.…

Layer Salad usually makes its appearance in the Summer at a pot luck or BBQ.  It traditionally has peas, cheddar cheese, bacon and ranch dressing or mayo, but you can make this salad with any ingredients you have on hand. I decided to challenge myself…

If guests unexpectedly stop by and your house is a train wreck, relax! Sit them on the back porch with a tall glass of fancy iced tea and a jar full of homemade cookies. This recipe is quick and easy to make and will buy…

Roasted almonds are the best snack ever, but store bought ones tend to be salty and dry. Making them at home is remarkably quick and gratifying. These almonds are yummy for any occasion. I keep some in a dish on my kitchen counter year-round, and…

Deviled eggs are amazing. As a kid, I wasn’t entirely sure I would like them. Then I had an Easter farm egg sandwich with sea salt, fresh ground pepper and a touch of mayo and thought hmmm…I just might try a deviled egg! I’ve seen…

This roast pork loin can served hot or at room temperature. One big misconception of dinner is that it always needs to be piping hot.  Room temp food can often taste better, as the flavors and juices have time to become more fragrant.  I like…

This crunchy, sticky, crumbly, tart, sweet, chocolate mess requires wine and conversation…. what else do you need?! I made this meringue for a dinner party. They were a last minute addition to the menu due to an excess of egg whites from pot du cremes.…

I’ve been making this braised pork chili for years. I made 15 pounds of braised pork chili for the Super Bowl, but don’t worry! This recipe has been adjusted for 5 lbs and is every bit as good. Braising is the process of cooking lightly-seared…

Roasted Red Peppers make most things taste better.  It is worth the extra money to buy peppers that have a thick wall, as the cheaper thinner ones will not yield as much of the roasted meaty pepper. I throw ours directly on the low flame…