Jacques Pépin’s Criques (Crispy Potato Pancakes)

I happen to LOVE potato latkes. I ate them right before I went into labor with my second daughter Grace. These are incredibly fast and easy to make.

Jacques Pépin is an internationally recognized French-born American chef. He was inspired by the various forms of potato pancakes called criques in the Lyon region of France where he grew up.

The beauty of this recipe is that all the raw ingredients are thrown into a food processor and turned into a pulp then fried in oil to get crispy. Who doesn't like crispy potatoes?!

If you don't have a food processor, Pépin says you could make the batter in a blender, starting with the liquid in the bottom and chopping the potatoes a little smaller.

By Leslie Blythe

Corn Medallions with Aioli, Cotija Cheese and Lime

My daughter Zoe made these Corn Medallions with Aioli, Cotija Cheese and Lime. It’s basically Mexican-style street corn sautéed instead of grilled.

It’s the perfect mashup of the balanced flavors that comprise great dishes - sweet corn, garlic aioli, sour lime, and salty cheese.

Cotija cheese is named after the town of Cotija, Michoacán where it originated, Cotija cheese has a strong, salty flavor and mostly used as a topping or mixed into sauces. Feta is a good substitute.

By Leslie Blythe

Omelet Potatoes

My Aunt Elba posted this recipe video for Omelet Potatoes. It looked so good that I made them for dinner. It's basically a twice cooked potato with omelet filling. This recipe is very versatile. You could make it vegetarian by using mushrooms instead of the ham. I also used Gruyère instead of mozzarella.

By Leslie Blythe

Banana Oat Bars

If you happen to have 2 overripe bananas, here's what you need to do! These Banana Oat Bars are a cross between a granola bar and a banana blondie! They are great for breakfast or a snack.

By Leslie Blythe

Shrimp, Leek, and Spinach Pasta with Lemon Cream Sauce

My husband was out of town last weekend and I can never figure out what to eat. Usually, I buy something ready made. I can see your eyes rolling, but I do cook a lot and sometimes get tired of it. Though this time I decided to make myself an elegant lunch. Why not?

This Shrimp, Leek, and Spinach Pasta with Lemon Cream Sauce is quick to make. The dish relies on the leeks, tang of lemons with the richness of cream sauce for its flavor.

By Leslie Blythe

Champagne Vinaigrette

Why buy salad dressing when you can make your own healthy champagne vinaigrette salad dressing recipe right at home? This Champagne Vinaigrette is sophisticated, simple, and yet complex. It's made with extra virgin olive oil and champagne vinegar.

By Leslie Blythe

Cranberry Margarita

I love cranberry juice and drink a lot of it. I do not really like margaritas because they are too acidic. I decided to try this bright and vibrant Cranberry Margarita recipe. The tart cranberry juice, lime, and tequila are lightly sweetened with a splash of triple sec or orange liqueur.

By Leslie Blythe

Black Eyed Peas for New Years Day

Eating Black Eyed Peas on New Year’s Day is a Southern Tradition for Luck and Prosperity in the New Year.  I think we could all use some luck in 2019!

By Leslie Blythe

Roasted Beets with Pistachios, Herbs and Orange

If you like beets, you will love these Roasted Beets with Pistachios, Herbs and Orange. Beets taste great even when they’re simply roasted with a little oil, but this recipe goes beyond that, topping red and golden beet slices with a lively mixed-herb dressing, pistachios and celery leaves.

By Leslie Blythe

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Honey Sriracha and Bacon

These Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Honey Sriracha and Bacon make a great healthy snack! They are a perfect mix of sweet, spicy and salty. You can serve them as a snack or a side dish.

By Leslie Blythe