Cooking Method: Boiling

Bundt Pan Spice Cake with Sticky Toffee Sauce

I know this Bundt Pan Spice Cake with Sticky Toffee Sauce is a bit over the top sweet, but I made it anyway. The gooey toffee sauce kicks it up a notch with a shot of rye whiskey. 

By Leslie Blythe

Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

This Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce is a fresh take on an old classic. It's really easy to make and it has so much more flavor than store-bought sauce.

By Leslie Blythe

Christmas Lima Bean and Mushroom Stew

I bought these Christmas Lima Beans online from Rancho Gordo. My friend Jennifer introduced me to these amazing heirloom bean producers located in Napa, California. I decided to make this Christmas Lima Bean and Mushroom Stew, which is a hearty vegetarian dish.

Christmas Limas are an intriguing variation on the traditional Lima. In Italy, you'll find them as Fagioli del Papa or "Pope's beans." Also known stateside as "Chestnut Lima" and sometimes even "Calico" beans. Whatever you call them, they've done a great deal to help fix the bad reputation of traditional Lima beans. They have a rich chestnut texture and an almost nutty flavor make this the most unusual Lima bean. A true revelation for those who believe they don't like Limas.

By Leslie Blythe

Gourgères

Gourgères is a baked savory choux pastry made of choux dough mixed with cheese. Basically, they are cheese puffs. My daughter Zoe, went to a book signing for this new book by Rebekah Peppler, Apéritif, Cocktail Hour the French Way. She says the French have perfected the casual, pre-dinner practice of drinks and snacks. I thought Eric and I had perfected that! Anyway, it's a wonderful book and the cheese puffs are great for any party.

By Leslie Blythe

Ginger Miso Udon

I was shopping at Trader Joe's recently and this Miso Ginger Broth caught my attention. I thought I would make  Ginger Miso Udon with it. If you can't find this broth, I have included a recipe to make it from scratch. You can add any number of things to this soup like tofu, chicken, pork, bok choy, etc.

By Leslie Blythe

Warm Brown Rice & Butternut Squash

Yesterday I posted a recipe using sweet potatoes and today here's a recipe for Warm Brown Rice & Butternut Squash from Ina Garten's new cookbook called Cook Like a Pro. It is outstanding! Will definitely be making this again! It can be served warm or at room temperature.

By Leslie Blythe

Farro with Vinegar-Glazed Sweet Potato and Apples

This Farro with Vinegar-Glazed Sweet Potato and Apples recipe is a wonderful combination of roasted sweet potato and apples with a little sherry vinegar, tossed with farro, dried cherries and roasted cashews. Farro is an ancient whole grain with dietary benefits. It's derived from wheat so it is not gluten-free.

By Leslie Blythe

Spaghetti Pomodoro

My daughter made this Spaghetti Pomodoro recipe from Bon Appétit, Basically 10 x 10 recipe, which is "Ten weeks, ten recipes that will make you a better cook". The recipe is very detailed for beginner cooks.

By Leslie Blythe

Hearty Italian Sausage, Cannellini Bean & Spinach Soup

Here's another one for the freezer. This Hearty Italian Sausage, Cannellini Bean & Spinach Soup is healthy and is an easy meal for a weeknight dinner. Serve it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a loaf of crusty bread.

By Leslie Blythe

Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta with Bacon and Crispy Sage

I was rummaging through the fridge and came up with this Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta with Bacon and Crispy Sage. I was inspired by Trader Joe's Autumnal Harvest Alfredo Sauce which is made with pumpkin and butternut squash purées. All I can say is that it's a great idea. You can cheat and just buy their sauce or make it yourself with canned pumpkin.

By Leslie Blythe