Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup

My friend Steve gave me this recipe for Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup. It's quick to make, low in calories, and packed with flavor. Coconut milk tames the heat from the chile paste. You can adjust the heat to suit your taste.

By Leslie Blythe

Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema

I made this Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema for dinner with some shrimp I had in the freezer. I also happened to have an avocado that was on the verge of going bad and the perfect candidate to make avocado crema. This is quick and easy to throw together. You can serve it over rice on in corn tortillas.

By Leslie Blythe

Carrot Tart

This Carrot Tart is just store-bought puff pastry, a layer of Boursin cheese, roasted carrots, Monterey Jack cheese, and topped with fresh dill. It's not only beautiful, but it embodies the freshness of Spring. It can be served hot or at room temperature.

By Leslie Blythe

Corned Beef Casserole

This Corned Beef Casserole has layers of potatoes, corned beef, thinly sliced shallots, brussels sprouts and I topped it off with some Irish cheddar cheese. I have to say this was so good that I'm not sure I will ever go back to making it the traditional way. It can be made ahead ready for the oven later in the day.

By Leslie Blythe

Jennifer Aniston Friends Salad

I guess I might as well jump on the bandwagon with this recipe that is flooding the internet. Actually, the reason I made it is because I can never figure out what to have for lunch. I absolutely hate eating the food I make while catering because I've shopped for it, cooked it, and served it. By that time, I want something else.

This is the salad that Jennifer Aniston ate every day for 10 years on the set of Friends. What I like about it is that it's very versatile, you can easily adapt it to suit your taste. I used a packet of ready-made 7 grains instead of bulgar. You could use quinoa, brown rice, or any combination. You can change the kind of cheese, nuts, etc. Next time I make this, I will use green onions instead of red onions, I'm not a fan of red onions even after I soak them in water to remove some of the "oniony" taste. Anyway, it's a very good, healthy and nutritious lunch.

By Leslie Blythe

Bananas Foster Shortcake

I happen to love Banana's Foster. When I was pregnant with my first daughter, Zoe, I woke up one morning and said to my husband. "I want bananas foster." He then said that we would make it that evening. I then said, "No, you don't understand, I need it now!" It's really amazing that we had all the ingredients in the house. He granted my wish and it hit the spot! It's one of my favorite desserts. Zoe likes it too! Anyway, I have made Brennan's Bananas Foster, Bananas Foster Layer Cake, and Bananas Foster Upside-Down Cake. I guess you could say I'm a bit bananas! Anyway, I went further and made this I love

By Leslie Blythe

Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage

Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage is the ultimate nostalgic comfort food. Comfort food can be enjoyed year-round, but it’s generally synonymous with cold weather. It's made with ground beef, and rice, wrapped in cabbage and topped with crushed tomatoes. The whole dish can be made ahead and finished off in the oven when ready to serve.

By Leslie Blythe

Salmon with Leeks and Mushrooms

I love developing recipes from ingredients I happen to have. This Salmon with Leeks and Mushrooms is what I came up with for dinner. It has a creamy lemon sauce which marries well with the leeks and mushrooms.

By Leslie Blythe

Crispy Lemon Smashed Potatoes

These Crispy Lemon Smashed Potatoes are so easy, tangy, and oh so crispy! You can use as many potatoes as you want depending on how many people you are feeding, though you might want to double up, they don't last long!

By Leslie Blythe

Salmon and Feta Pinwheels

Salmon and Feta Pinwheels is a Mediterranean inspired entrée that makes a great presentation for a dinner party. You can make them ahead and put them in the oven for 15 minutes.

By Leslie Blythe