Tomato, Basil Pesto & Three Cheese Strata

This Tomato, Basil Pesto & Three Cheese Strata recipe is from Julienne’s in San Marino. It is extremely rich and decadent, but worth the calories. I've actually lowered the fat by using half and half instead of cream and 2% milk and made the recipe simpler. The beauty of this recipe is that it can be made a day ahead and sit in the refrigerator overnight.

By Leslie Blythe

Yang Chow Slippery Shrimp

Recently we had lunch at Yang Chow, home of the world-famous Slippery Shrimp. Chinatown's Yang Chow opened in 1977 and expanded to several more locations in Los Angeles. The origin of slippery shrimp, a curiously named dish of wok-fried shellfish in a sticky sweet sauce, can be traced to the ritzy Chinese American restaurants that dotted L.A. in the 1960s. It sounds really terrible, but I can assure you that it is addictive. The magic lies in the sauce, which is a combination of crushed chili, ginger, and vinegar, garlic and sugar, and finished with, yes, ketchup. It’s not a very glamorous Chinese restaurant, but this dish is a winner!

By Leslie Blythe

Lemony Yogurt Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Brussel sprouts often get a bad wrap! This Lemony Yogurt Brussels Sprouts Casserole is a lighter, fresher way to serve them. I'm always trying to come up with new ways to serve Brussels Sprouts and this recipe is definitely a keeper. This method would also work with broccoli or cauliflower.

By Leslie Blythe

Bundt Pan Spice Cake with Sticky Toffee Sauce

I know this Bundt Pan Spice Cake with Sticky Toffee Sauce is a bit over the top sweet, but I made it anyway. The gooey toffee sauce kicks it up a notch with a shot of rye whiskey. 

By Leslie Blythe

Albondigas Soup

Family Traditions
Every Christmas eve, my wonderful mother-in-law made the most amazing Albondigas soup. I still carry on the tradition. She also serves tamales, which she used to buy every year from a secret source in East Los Angeles. I now make my own tamales!

By Leslie Blythe

Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

This Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce is a fresh take on an old classic. It's really easy to make and it has so much more flavor than store-bought sauce.

By Leslie Blythe

Christmas Lima Bean and Mushroom Stew

I bought these Christmas Lima Beans online from Rancho Gordo. My friend Jennifer introduced me to these amazing heirloom bean producers located in Napa, California. I decided to make this Christmas Lima Bean and Mushroom Stew, which is a hearty vegetarian dish.

Christmas Limas are an intriguing variation on the traditional Lima. In Italy, you'll find them as Fagioli del Papa or "Pope's beans." Also known stateside as "Chestnut Lima" and sometimes even "Calico" beans. Whatever you call them, they've done a great deal to help fix the bad reputation of traditional Lima beans. They have a rich chestnut texture and an almost nutty flavor make this the most unusual Lima bean. A true revelation for those who believe they don't like Limas.

By Leslie Blythe

Zebra-Striped Shortbread Cookies

My daughter Zoe made these Zebra-Striped Shortbread Cookies, a  wonderful combination of vanilla and chocolate shortbread! Each bite of these cookies has just the right amount of both. Stacking the dough in alternating colors and then smushing them into a roll is as easy as making shapes with Play-Doh. The method makes for a fancy-looking swirl that novices can succeed at too.

By Leslie Blythe

Homemade Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Leeks

You might have a go-to green bean casserole recipe, but you have to try this Homemade Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Leeks. The thin, crispy fried leeks are an absolutely delicious topper and look way more elegant than the canned fried onions. They fry up very quickly; keep a close watch on them as they cook.

By Leslie Blythe

Roasted Shrimp Cocktail Louis

This Roasted Shrimp Cocktail Louis is from Ina Garten's new cookbook, Cook Like a Pro. It was invented in 1915 at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. This sauce is Ina's updated version and it's out of the world. Roasting shrimp makes them more tender and flavorful. 

By Leslie Blythe