Basil Grape Crush

We went away last weekend to do some wine tasting in Santa Ynez. On the way home we stopped at this restaurant in Montecito, CA called the Honor Bar. The food was outstanding. I noticed they had a drink called a Grape Crush on the menu, which I had never heard of before. So my husband made me one when we got home. It's very refreshing. You can use red or green grapes.

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Creamy Lemon-Dill Shrimp

I made this Creamy Lemon-Dill Shrimp using Florida Gulf pink shrimp. Years ago, I was hired to demo Florida pink shrimp at a Whole Foods convention. I made shrimp scampi about 100 times for 2 days! I fell in love with pink shrimp. The combination of cream, lemon and dill is absolutely perfect.

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Instant Pot Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

“Pasta e Fagioli” translates to “pasta and beans” in Italian. This recipe is outstanding. I have to admit I have never even been to an Olive Garden and hope I never do (sorry! I know it sounds snooty, but I just can't go there). I have given both the Instant Pot instructions as well as the stovetop version. This is a real crowd-pleaser. I should have added some chopped Italian Parsley to serve.

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Instant Pot Chili

I have many chili recipes, but this is my new favorite. I have given the Instant Pot instructions and also the stovetop instructions. The addition of a small amount of cocoa powder adds a subtle depth of flavor.

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Hatch Chile Cheddar Cornbread

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Creamy Champagne Vinaigrette

One of my favorite salads is ridiculously simple. It's butter lettuce, hearts of palm and this smooth and delicately sweet vinaigrette with the elegant blend of champagne vinegar, olive oil, fresh shallots and Dijon mustard. Mixing this the dressing in a food processor or blender gives it a creamy consistency. 

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Japanese Vegetable Pancakes

My friend Jessica made these Japanese Vegetable Pancakes, which are known as Okonomiyaki in Japan. They are savory pancakes that have shredded cabbage and a variety of vegetables in a flour-based batter. The name is derived from the word okonomi, meaning "how you like" or "what you like", and yaki meaning "cooked".

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Maple and Miso Salmon

Miso paste is made from fermented soybeans and is a key ingredient in Japanese cooking and forms the base of the staple dish, miso soup. It adds a huge depth of flavor and I always try to have some in my refrigerator. The salty miso paste mixed with the sweet maple syrup is a match made in heaven. I absolutely love this combination of flavors.

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Creamy Mushroom & Chicken Noddles

This Creamy Mushroom & Chicken Noddles is made in an Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker. Using evaporated milk ensures a creamy result with half of the fat of normal creamy pasta recipes. You can substitute with half and half for the cream if you wish!

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Gege’s Banana Bread

Gege's Banana Bread recipe is from my husband's grandmother. It was always made in this Cane Mixing Bowl by Mason Cash. I guess it just tastes better if you make in this bowl. I always seem to have several overripe bananas lurking on the counter. This recipe makes one loaf of bread, but I like to make 3 small loaves and freeze some.

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