Chicken with Tomato-Balsamic Pan Sauce

This Chicken with Tomato-Balsamic Pan Sauce is basically the exact same technique as the Chicken with Ginger-Pear-Cider Pan Sauce just a different set of ingredients. The fennel seeds give this tomato and balsamic sauce an added depth of flavor.

By Leslie Blythe

Chicken with Ginger-Pear-Cider Pan Sauce

I love luring my husband into the kitchen. I prepared all my ingredients and asked him to cook this chicken. As usual, he did a stellar job. After the first bite, we were astounded at how good it was. The pears and sage are a nod to fall.

This Chicken with Ginger-Pear-Cider Pan Sauce is incredibly delicious. The pan sauce is glossy, rich and smooth and yet exquisitely simple and extraordinarily tasty. Deglazing the pan with apple cider, then adding ginger and sage makes the most delicious sauce.

By Leslie Blythe

Hasselback Russet Potato Gratin

Hasselback potatoes are a recipe developed at one of Stockholm's popular old Restaurant Hasselbacken. You normally make thin slices in the potatoes but not all the way through. This recipe for Hasselback Russet Potato Gratin uses potatoes that you slice all the way through. They're made with whole grain mustard, heavy cream, dill seed, cheddar cheese and topped with fresh dill. YUM!

You can play around with the way you place the potatoes in this gratin: back and forth in rows, concentric circles, or randomly. Any way you choose will result in the same crunchy, cheesy top.

By Leslie Blythe

Ottolenghi’s Simple: Chicken Marbella

In the early '80s, Chicken Marbella, became a staple of New York dinner parties, especially for Passover Seders. It is so easy and incredibly delicious. The quintessential recipe came from The Silver Palate Cookbook, which was one of the most popular books in the '80s. This version of Chicken Marbella is from Yotam Ottolenghi's new cookbook Simple. Instead of prunes he uses dates, molasses instead of brown sugar and replaces the parsley with fresh oregano.

By Leslie Blythe

Shrimp Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce

This Shrimp Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce is very easy to make and full of delicious flavors. By the time you cook the pasta, the shrimp and tomato basil sauce is done.

By Leslie Blythe

Risotto Cakes

I have never been a fan of leftovers, they end up as a "science experiment" in the back of the fridge. However, I do like to turn leftovers into a completely new dish. These Risotto Cakes are a perfect example. Served over a bed of dressed greens and topped with gorgonzola, they make a great lunch or starter.

You can also make Arancini, which are the epitome of southern Italian street food, they are stuffed with mozzarella, dredged in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried. They are great as an hors d'oeuvres dipped in marinara sauce.

By Leslie Blythe

Butternut Squash Risotto with Gorgonzola and Walnuts

In anticipation of autumn, which doesn't actually exist in Los Angeles, I had a hankering for some risotto. I will give you the recipe two ways - stovetop and Instant Pot. The Instant Pot makes perfect risotto every time in 6 minutes! This Butternut Squash Risotto with Gorgonzola and Walnuts is an outstanding combination of flavors.

The gorgonzola adds a sweet, tangy flavor and the walnuts add an earthy, crunch to this delicious autumnal dish. I would probably serve the gorgonzola and walnuts passed around the table.

By Leslie Blythe

Instant Pot Chicken Chili

This Instant Pot Chicken Chili is a lighter version than traditional beef chili. Cooking in an Instant Pot makes dinner effortless during a busy work week. 

By Leslie Blythe

Fagioli Al Uccelletto “Tuscan Baked Beans”

I serve these Fagioli Al Uccelletto “Tuscan Baked Beans” with the Italian-style Slow-Roasted Pork Roast with Oranges & Onions. They go perfectly with it. These beans are a typical dish from Tuscany, particularly in the Florence area.

By Leslie Blythe

Plum Galette

This rustic Plum Galette is the perfect summer dessert. The ripe plums are juicy and delicious and it takes only minutes to throw together. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche.

By Leslie Blythe