Cappuccino Pavlova

A Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert and is the perfect vehicle for many fruits; cherries, lemons, and strawberries to name a few. The dessert was named after the prima ballerina Anna Pavlova, who was a principal artist of the Imperial Russian Ballet and famous for her creation of the role of The Dying Swan.

I have several different versions of pavlova, but this Cappuccino Pavlova version which, is from Nigella Lawson, is exquisite. It's baked and then left in the oven to cool completely before topping it with whipped cream.

By Leslie Blythe

Cheesy Brussels Sprout and Bacon Bake

I saw this Cheesy Brussels Sprout and Bacon Bake on Diane Morrisey's Instagram account and she dared anyone to make it and not take a bite right out of the pan. Well, she was right, I did do just that. This is just a great combination all done in one pan. I dare you to make it!

By Leslie Blythe

Seared Salmon with Spicy Red Pepper Aioli

This Seared Salmon with Spicy Red Pepper Aioli is from Ina Garten's new cookbook Modern Comfort Food. It is absolutely delicious. The salmon is crusty on the outside, moist on the inside and the red pepper aioli adds a subtle spicy note.

By Leslie Blythe

David Lebovitz’s “Ménage à Quatre” Cocktail

I found this recipe for Pandemic Punch in the October issue of Savuer magazine and told my husband to make me one. It's a blend of gin, citrus, and Lillet. I prefer vodka, which works just as well.

By Leslie Blythe

Basil, Lemon, Garlic Pork Chops

These Basil, Lemon, Garlic Pork Chops are very flavorful. The basil, lemon garlic combo really takes these chops to a whole new level.

By Leslie Blythe

Creamed Corn

I grew up in Indiana and the only Creamed Corn I had came out of a can. I suppose it is because it was the '60s when eating out of a can was the thing to do. Anyway, I decided to make my own version of Creamed Corn and it's super easy and WAY better!

By Leslie Blythe

Welsh Rarebit

My husband, Eric, made lunch. Instead of making grilled cheese, he made Welsh Rarebit. A dish from Wales made with old cheese melted on toasted bread. Often called Welsh rabbit because it is thought the people of Wales were too poor to eat meat. The following recipe is from the legendary late Cock n' Bull restaurant on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. I miss going there! By the way, The Cock n' Bull invented the Moscow Mule Cocktail. Another great place to have Welsh Rarebit is at Fortnum & Mason in London, though Eric’s is just perfect!

By Leslie Blythe

Toad in the Hole with Rosemary

When we were living in London in the '90s, we would go to our local Guy Fawkes bonfire in Highbury Fields in Islington. Friends who didn’t have access to a Georgian square complete with a burning man were invited (specimen invitation below) to join us.  We would start at our flat with drinks (and fill all flasks), bundle up and head to Highbury Fields with hot roasted chestnuts in paper bags (mainly to keep our hands warm), cider and lots of smoke. I have to say, the atmosphere was deeply weird and sort of a nod to a Stephen King novel with a bit of Harry Potter (though HP didn't exist then) thrown in.

Thoroughly chilled, we would return to our flat for English fare such as Toad in the Hole and more cider. November 6th is always a slow start in English workplaces. Some blame it on the cider; I blame it on the Guy.

Guy Fawkes night is a British celebration that commemorates the capture of Guy Fawkes, a man who was instrumental in trying to overthrow the king in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. It falls on the 5th of November and is a night filled with bonfires and fireworks, and of course British food. The weather is often freezing, but can sometimes be wet and warm.

By Leslie Blythe

Butternut Squash Soup with Cannellini Beans, Ham and Swiss Chard

I made this Butternut Squash Soup with Cannellini Beans, Ham and Swiss Chard with leftover ingredients I had In my fridge. Here are two ways to make it - on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot. You could also purée a few cups of it to make it a creamy soup. Serve it with some good crusty bread and a salad. I love butternut squash, which has more potassium than a banana. Its benefits are too many to mention!

By Leslie Blythe

Apple Almond Tart

My daughter Grace made pot roast and I kind of invited us over for dinner... She then serves this incredibly delicious Apple Almond Tart with Amaretto Whipped Cream that she made up. Seriously good!

By Leslie Blythe