Cooking Method: Baking

Hasselback Yams with Butter and Sage

I am a big fan of Hasselback potatoes, mainly because it cuts the cooking time. People will try to Hasselback just about anything, your best bet is russets or yams. Here's a tip: set the potato between two wooden chopsticks or wooden spoons before you start slicing. The sticks will stop the knife from cutting all the way through. These Hasselback Yams with Butter and Sage are a wonderful combination of flavors.

By Leslie Blythe

Mixed Berry Tart with Vanilla Cream

This Mixed Berry Tart with Vanilla Cream is an easy and beautiful dessert for your next dinner party. You can do it two ways - 1 - 9" tart or 6 small individual tarts.

By Leslie Blythe

Hasselback Russet Potato Gratin

Hasselback potatoes are a recipe developed at one of Stockholm's popular old Restaurant Hasselbacken. You normally make thin slices in the potatoes but not all the way through. This recipe for Hasselback Russet Potato Gratin uses potatoes that you slice all the way through. They're made with whole grain mustard, heavy cream, dill seed, cheddar cheese and topped with fresh dill. YUM!

You can play around with the way you place the potatoes in this gratin: back and forth in rows, concentric circles, or randomly. Any way you choose will result in the same crunchy, cheesy top.

By Leslie Blythe

Risotto Cakes

I have never been a fan of leftovers, they end up as a "science experiment" in the back of the fridge. However, I do like to turn leftovers into a completely new dish. These Risotto Cakes are a perfect example. Served over a bed of dressed greens and topped with gorgonzola, they make a great lunch or starter.

You can also make Arancini, which are the epitome of southern Italian street food, they are stuffed with mozzarella, dredged in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried. They are great as an hors d'oeuvres dipped in marinara sauce.

By Leslie Blythe

Fagioli Al Uccelletto “Tuscan Baked Beans”

I serve these Fagioli Al Uccelletto “Tuscan Baked Beans” with the Italian-style Slow-Roasted Pork Roast with Oranges & Onions. They go perfectly with it. These beans are a typical dish from Tuscany, particularly in the Florence area.

By Leslie Blythe

Plum Galette

This rustic Plum Galette is the perfect summer dessert. The ripe plums are juicy and delicious and it takes only minutes to throw together. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche.

By Leslie Blythe

Beef and Tomato with Zucchini Casserole

Here's another family-friendly weeknight meal. Your kids will love this cheesy casserole. It's also the perfect way to use up some of the zucchini in your garden.

By Leslie Blythe

Mixed-Berry Galette

One of Summer's greatest offerings is the abundance of berries. This Mixed-Berry Galette is a very quick and easy dessert. A galette is a French rustic, free-form tart made with a single crust. This basic galette recipe can be tailored to fit whatever fruit you have on hand.

By Leslie Blythe

Costco Chicken Bakes

One of Costco's most famous menu items is the Costco Chicken Bake, the object of a cult following. It's cheesy bread roll encasing a gooey mix of chicken, bacon and Caesar dressing. Somehow, it just works.

By Leslie Blythe

Tomato Gruyère Tart

This Tomato Gruyère Tart is an easy and incredibly delicious tart. Perfect for using up homegrown garden tomatoes. It only needs a few ingredients. You can also replace the Gruyère with some Parmesan or mozzarella.

By Leslie Blythe