Time for a confession. As much as I love to cook, I usually have to follow a recipe. I can alter a bit here and there, adding a spice I like - oregano or cumin - or omitting something obvious like walnuts or chick peas, but generally, I need a set of ingredients and instructions in front of me to get started. Luckily, making a dish out of ... view more
weekday/weeknight idea
Cheesy Breakfast Grits
I grew up in the Midwest, where all I knew about grits was "That's something they eat in the South." Really? How was this corn derivative not a staple in the Corn Belt? I first became acquainted with grits when I attended law school in the South - Shrimp and Grits made a believer out of me. But it wasn't until the last year or two that I have ... view more
Puppy Chow
When I was growing up, I distinctly remember the mother of one of my classmates making "puppy chow" for slumber parties and other gatherings. And I distinctly remember loving it. If you have had "puppy chow" - which I have learned is called "muddy buddies" in some regions - you understand how wide my eyes opened on my first bite of the crunchy, ... view more
After-Party Egg Scramble {Chicken and Dips}
This year for New Year's Eve, I wasn't in the mood to battle crowds at bars, or have dinner out and then make a 10pm decision on where to ring in the new year - and I'm always in the mood to cook. So I decided to have a few people over. I told my invitees that I didn't need to know if they were joining until the last minute, and I was happy to be ... view more
How to: Make Kale Chips
Guess what. You have ONE day until New Year's resolutions begin. One more day to live it up before it's back to salads and the overcrowded January gym for you. I hope you enjoy it! I will start the January detox one day early for you, with Kale Chips. If you have not yet tried Kale Chips, SPOILER ALERT: they are not chips. They are kale. Kale ... view more
Roasted Potatoes
I am often asked what my favorite dish to cook is, but today I was asked what my favorite food is. Not something that I have been asked in a long time, and it took me a minute to answer as the kid in the candy store that was my head ran around in circles. "French fries." But as the words came out of my mouth, I found myself running through ... view more