Roasted Tomato Risotto with Basil and Parmesan

As most of you know, I love risotto. I made this Roasted Tomato Risotto with Basil and Parmesan, which is delicious. Roasting the cherry tomatoes adds a depth of flavor. You could also use these tomatoes for pasta. Make sure you boil the water in advance. You may not have to use all of the boiling water; the last ½ cup is for adjusting the consistency of the risotto at the end, if needed.It's also important to stir the risotto vigorously, which coaxes starch from the rice for a creamier consistency.

By Leslie Blythe

Pork Chop Shop with Sweet Potato Mash and Spinach

When I was recently at my daughter Grace's house I was in her kitchen watching her cook us dinner (one of my favorite pass times!), I saw Snoop Dogg's From Crook to Cook cookbook on her shelves. It's actually her roommate's book. I leafed through it and made his Pork Chop Shop with Sweet Potato Mash and Spinach. The recipe looks like a long process, but it's not. The lemony spinach works really well with the sweet potato mash and the barbecue sauce is divine.

I love his long friendship with Martha Stewart and their show Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party. Gee, I wonder what they have in common?!

By Leslie Blythe

Risotto à la Carbonara

My family is obsessed with carbonara. It's one of the things we make when there's "nothing to eat". I have made many different versions of carbonara, which apparently really pisses off some Italians. The New York Times cooked up the controversy in Italy after tinkering with the recipe for the classic Roman dish pasta carbonara. There is also Carbonara wars: why Italy is right to be mad about a French farfalle travesty. Clearly, I do not care and always "tinker" with my damned carbonara! So I made this Risotto à la Carbonara in my Instant Pot (I have also included the stovetop version). All I can say is that I saw my guest's eyes roll back in there head. It's just that good. 

By Leslie Blythe

Crispy Gnocchi with Burst Tomatoes & Mozzarella

This Crispy Gnocchi with Burst Tomatoes & Mozzarella is easy and insanely good. The recipe can easily be cut in half. Yum, yum, yum...!

By Leslie Blythe

Alice Springs Chicken

Alice Springs Chicken is from Outback Steakhouse.The chicken breast is marinated, grilled and topped with sautéed mushrooms, crisp bacon, melted Monterey Jack, Cheddar cheese and honey mustard sauce. I have never been to an Outback Steakhouse and not sure why you wouldn't order a steak! Apparently, this chicken dish is very popular. The chicken is so tender and juicy! 

By Leslie Blythe

Crispy Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes

I grew up on canned yams with a pound of brown sugar and butter... Yes, there were a tad sweet! This recipe for Crispy Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes, are sliced very thin and roasted with shallots and rosemary. It's my new favorite way to make them. You can serve this for a holiday meal or any weeknight meal.

By Leslie Blythe

Pan-Fried Giant Latke with Caramelized Apples and Sour Cream

I happen to love latkes, but making them is a process. This Pan-Fried Giant Latke with Caramelized Apples and Sour Cream is kind of cheating, but it works. You can serve it in slices. I left out the matzo meal. My method of squeezing the water out of the potatoes is using a potato ricer, which is one of my favorite kitchen tools. I also use it for spinach, canned artichoke hearts, etc and it make the best mashed potatoes.

By Leslie Blythe

French-Cut Green Beans With Dill Butter

I love green beans and I adore fresh dill. These French-Cut Green Beans with Dill Butter are a match made in heaven. Frenching green beans is easy, if you have a French Cut Green Bean Cutter. French cut green beans are basically julienned, or thinly sliced green beans. Yes, you can do it by hand, but why?!

By Leslie Blythe

Spice-Roasted Salmon with Lemon and Chickpeas

This Spice-Roasted Salmon with Lemon and Chickpeas is quick and easy, all done on a sheet pan. The Indian spices really works with the salmon, which is a great source of protein and rich in omega-3 fatty acid and is heart healthy, gluten free, low carb, and low in calories.

By Leslie Blythe

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Our friends came to dinner the other night and offered to bring dessert which was delicious and right on target for the holiday season: Pumpkin Cheesecake. In this case, it takes two old favorites—pumpkin pie and cheesecake—and the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts.  Sinfully rich and as Autumnal as can be, this cheesecake has a ginger snap crust and cinnamon whipped cream.  It is not too late if you are stuck for what to serve this Thanksgiving!

By Leslie Blythe