Peanut Butter, Scallion, and Bacon Canapés

We used to be members of the California Club in downtown Los Angeles. They often served these peanut butter and bacon canapés that were our favorite. Peanut butter and bacon are a classic combination, and the scallions add a nice freshness and crunch. The combination of salty and sweet flavors is really addictive. I will admit, the recipe sounds extremely strange, and when I made these, they disappeared in less than 5 minutes! My husband insists that the Cal Club version was lots of butter, then peanut butter, then bacon on toast.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yields: Makes 36 canapés

Stovetop-Braised Carrots & Parsnips

Braising is a cooking method that involves cooking vegetables in a liquid, usually a broth or wine, at a low temperature for a long period of time. This method is ideal for vegetables that are tough or dense, as it helps to break them down and make them tender. Braising is a versatile cooking method that can be used to cook a variety of vegetables. These Stovetop-Braised Carrots & Parsnips are a delicious and healthy side dish. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 40 mins
  • Yields: 8 Servings

Roast Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce

I made this Roast Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce for my husband’s birthday. It is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The beef is tender and juicy, and the red wine sauce is rich and flavorful. The dish is also relatively simple to prepare, making it a great option for busy cooks.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 1 hr 40 mins
  • Yields: 4 - 6 Servings

Barley and Roasted Tomato Risotto

This Barley and Roasted Tomato Risotto is a hearty and flavorful dish. The roasted tomatoes add a sweetness and acidity that pairs well with the earthy barley. The parsley adds a freshness that brightens the dish. This risotto is perfect for a vegetarian or vegan meal, and it can also be easily made gluten-free by using gluten-free barley.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 1 hr 30 mins
  • Yields: 8 Servings

Baked Bacon and Leek Risotto

I found this recipe on Sainsbury's website. I have completely changed it. Yes, Baked Bacon and Leek Risotto is much easier to make than stovetop risotto. The oven does the hard work of cooking the rice, so you don't have to stand over the stove stirring constantly. This dish is also less likely to overcook, as the oven will keep the risotto moist and creamy.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 40 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Columbia’s 1905 Salad

Columbia's 1905 Salad is from Florida's oldest restaurant in Tampa, and the oldest Spanish restaurant in the United States, called Columbia Restaurant. The restaurant opened in 1905, but this famous salad wasn't "invented" until 1940 by waiter Tony Noriega. He made it using leftover Spanish and Italian ingredients from the kitchen. The Columbia’s legendary salad is tossed tableside. They are the biggest restaurant consumer of Lea & Perrin’s Worcestershire sauce in the country, which is the “secret sauce” in the dressing recipe.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 25 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Rosemary-Brined Pork Chops with Apples and Potatoes

After finishing all 3 seasons of The Lost Kitchen, I am a little obsessed with Erin French. I suppose my love for Maine also fueled the fire. I know this is a rather autumnal recipe, but I made Rosemary-Brined Pork Chops with Apples and Potatoes. By brining the meat for 24 to 36 hours, it insures these pork chops will be juicy and flavorful. This is served with sautéed apples, shallots, potatoes, and rosemary.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 45 mins

Pan-Roasted Salmon with Tomato Vinaigrette

This Pan-Roasted Salmon with Tomato Vinaigrette is a recipe from Ted Allen, from the TV show Queer Eye and host of the TV cooking competition series Chopped. This salmon is topped with a vibrant combination of
sautéed tomatoes, shallots, capers, and red wine vinegar.

By Leslie Blythe

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

Tennessee Onions

I have to admit, I had never heard of Tennessee Onions. It appeared in my inbox, so I thought I would try it. It's very simple to make and could be a side dish to any kind of meat or used on a burger. You use sweet onion like Vidalia. Vidalia onions are a type of sweet onion. They have a mild flavor, and a relatively high sugar content. This would also be great to put on the grill.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 35 mins
  • Yields: 8 Servings

Filet Mignon with Mustard Cream Sauce

We have recently discovered a fabulous gourmet store/warehouse, which we have been to twice in two weeks! Anyway, I bought this "fancy" mustard and my husband made this Filet Mignon with Mustard Cream Sauce. The mustard that we used is Edmond Fallot Blackcurrant Dijon Mustard. They have many other flavors, which I will be experimenting with soon. Also, you should be using your good dishes and not wait for some special occasion or holiday. Why have nice dishes and cutlery if you are not going to use them! I think a filet mignon merits some fine china. I once cooked for a very hoity-toity lady. After the butler (wearing a tux, I kid you not!) let me in the back door, she asked me if I knew my way around fine china. Needless to say, I did not work for her for long.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 25 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings