Tortuga Rum Cake

I made this Tortuga Rum Cake. It has a combination of almond and all-purpose flours, which makes the cake moist. You pour rum syrup over the cake while it's warm so the syrup soaks into the cake. Rum cakes are very popular in the Caribbean and were made available by the Tortuga Rum Company, Ltd, which was the first rum maker in the Cayman Islands in 1984. They then used their rum to make the famous Tortuga Caribbean Rum Cake in 1987. You can order them online, but it's easy to make your own.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 45 mins
  • Yields: 10 - 12 Servings

Paprika Chicken, Eggplant and Tomato Bake

This Paprika Chicken, Eggplant and Tomato Bake is a recipe from Australia. I know it looks burnt, but it's just crispy and really delicious. This is so fast and easy to throw on a sheet pan. I just happened to have some leftover chicken thighs and a random eggplant. I cut this recipe in half for the two of us.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 1 hrs
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Egg Boats

I often have random leftover ingredients from various catering events. These Egg Boats are a product of that. I used goat cheese, but you can use your favorite cheese.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 30 mins
  • Yields: 2 Servings

Coq Au Vin Blanc

Coq au vin is a classic French dish of chicken that is braised in wine, with bacon, and mushrooms. A red Burgundy wine is typically used, though there are variations in the different regions of France, such as coq au vin jaune, coq au riesling, coq au pourpre or coq au violet, and coq au Champagne. I actually prefer it using white wine. Coq au vin is basically a chicken stew.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 35 mins
  • Cook: 1 hrs
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Twice-Baked Goat Cheese and Thyme Soufflés

Soufflé sounds a lot more intimidating than it actually is. These Twice-Baked Goat Cheese and Thyme Soufflés are easy and you can make them the day before and finish them in the oven. Served on a bed of dressed greens, this makes a rather elegant starter that will impress your guests.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 40 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Crispy Parmesan Potato Stacks

These Crispy Parmesan Potato Stacks are SO crispy. I am always on a quest to find the crispest potato recipes. These are a quick and easy alternative to classic roast potatoes. Unless you have serious knife skills, I suggest you get a mandoline. You can get one on Amazon. Just be VERY careful!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 1 hrs 10 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Ham, Potato, and Leek Soup

This Ham, Potato, and Leek Soup has few ingredients and is quick and easy to make. You can replace the cream with stock if you want it dairy free. It's similar to Vichyssoise, though this version is served hot instead of cold.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 45 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Roast Beef Sliders

These roast beef sliders are delicious! Slices of roast beef, caramelized onions, and cheese are layered between sweet Hawaiian rolls, which get a savory butter sauce on. Oh, and there is also au jus to dip them in! These are great for parties. Your guests will reach for seconds before they finish their first bite!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 50 mins
  • Yields: Makes 12 sliders

Salmon with Rhubarb Sauce

I somehow woke up and decided I wanted to make some sort of sauce with rhubarb for salmon. It's a ridiculous idea in February when rhubarb is not exactly available, so I ended up buying some rhubarb preserves. This Salmon with Rhubarb Sauce is a revelation. The tartness of the rhubarb preserves works well to cut through the richness of the salmon.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Gordon Ramsay’s 10-minute Turkey Pasta

Gordon Ramsay's 10-minute Turkey Pasta is obviously quick to make, though it took me slightly longer because I used dried pasta instead of fresh. It has leeks, shallots, and sage, which gives it a wonderful aromatic depth of flavor. It's then topped with buttery, sage-infused breadcrumbs.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 5 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings