Pumpkin Spice Hot Honey Brie Bites
My friend Jenny made these Pumpkin Spice Hot Honey Brie Bites. They are absolutely delicious. The recipe calls for frozen puff pastry, but she used phyllo dough. The ultra-thin layers of phyllo create a crackling sound and feel when bitten, providing a spectacular contrast to the creamy, soft texture of the melted brie. This is a great addition to your holiday party appetizers.
By - Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Yields: Makes 24
Russian Pickled Mushrooms
I left my husband alone in the kitchen with some mushrooms, which reminded him of Mikhail Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita, the character of Behemoth the cat is famously shown spearing a pickled mushroom with a fork while holding a glass of vodka. This scene features Russian pickled mushrooms, known as Marinovannymi Gribami, a traditional and popular snack in Russia. These pickles are highly versatile: serve them as a simple appetizer with crackers or rye bread, and with chilled vodka.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Yields: 12 Servings
Fresh Cranberry Salsa
Fresh Cranberry Salsa: The perfect easy holiday appetizer! This salsa delivers a bright, bold flavor profile that is tart, sweet, and spicy. For the best taste, prepare it the night before and let the flavors meld in the fridge. Serve it classically with tortilla chips or crackers, or pour it over a block of cream cheese for a creamy, tangy holiday dip.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Yields: 8 Servings - makes about 2 cups
Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage
I know there are lots of “Marry Me” recipes out there, but the base of these recipes happens to be really good. I need to use up some Italian sausage, so I made this Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage. It carries the signature creamy, flavor-packed base of the original, but the hearty sausage and comforting broth make it a complete, cold-weather meal.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 40 mins
- Yields: 6 - 8 Servings
Brussels Sprout and Bacon Risotto
Brussels Sprout and Bacon Risotto is a rich, beautifully marries the creamy texture of Italian risotto with the earthy, slightly bitter crunch of Brussels sprouts and the savory, salty notes of crispy bacon. It's a perfect meal for a cozy evening.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
Japanese Curry Chicken Pot Pie
My daughter Grace made this delicious Japanese Curry Chicken Pot Pie. It’s a harmonious marriage of two beloved comfort food icons. The filling takes the soul-warming essence of a traditional pot pie—juicy shredded rotisserie chicken, potatoes, and carrots—and smothers it in a velvety, rich Japanese curry sauce. Using a store-bought Japanese curry mix, which gives a gravy-like thickness, deepened by warm spices and a bright hint of fresh ginger. The entire concoction is then sealed under a buttery, store-bought puff pastry crust, which bakes to a beautiful golden crispness, ready to soak up every drop of that savory, spicy-sweet sauce.
- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 1 hr 25 mins
- Yields: 4 - 6 Servings
Salmon with Rosemary Sauce
This Salmon with Rosemary Sauce is an excellent and easy salmon recipe for all those times when you want a touch of luxury with minimal effort. The luscious, aromatic sauce is the perfect decadent partner for rich, flaky salmon. And the best part? It’s ready in 15 minutes.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Baked Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese
The ultimate comfort food hybrid is here. Baked Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese merges the irresistible richness of the classic dip with the hearty satisfaction of baked macaroni. This decadent, creamy casserole is guaranteed to please a crowd and instantly turns a simple dish into an indulgent, flavorful main course.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 50 mins
- Yields: 8 Servings
Vesuvio Potatoes
Vesuvio Potatoes are a classic of Italian-American recipe, particularly associated with Chicago, Illinois, where it is believed to have originated in the 1930s. It's named after Mount Vesuvius, the volcano near Naples, Italy. They are garlicky, lemony wine-infused potato wedges. The original dish is Chicken Vesuvio. I went to Mount Vesuvius when I was 16 with my friend Alina. I have a pathological fear of heights. Hence, going to the top of Mount Vesuvius on the back of a mule was a bad idea..... Ditto Saint Paul's cathedral dome in London.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 40 mins
- Yields: 4 - 6 Servings
Tuscan Chickpea and Pasta Soup
This recipe for Tuscan Chickpea and Pasta Soup (Pasta e Ceci) is from Trattoria Bel Mi' in Colle di Val d'Elsa, Italy. It's absolutely delicious, though not so soupy. Serve it with a crisp green salad and crusty bread. By the way, I would have been fired from any food magazine for publishing a photo without cleaning the plate!
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 50 mins
- Yields: 4 - 6 Servings
