Cooking Method: Frying

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

Cheese Ball

The Cheese Ball is the centerpiece of any Midwest cocktail party. There are many variations of this recipe. Last year I made this Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Cheese Ball. I am not a big fan of serving a boring cheese platter at a party. It usually doesn't get eaten. I guarantee this cheese ball will be the hit of your next party. Cheese balls were all the rage in the 1970s. So easy to make and the best part is that it has to be made ahead, so you can enjoy your party.

By Leslie Blythe

Spinach Salad from The Plantation Cookbook

I recently made this Spinach Salad from The Plantation Cookbook. The salad dressing is absolutely spectacular. The key is to make the dressing at least 6 hours ahead or the day before.

By Leslie Blythe

Chicken with Tomato-Balsamic Pan Sauce

This Chicken with Tomato-Balsamic Pan Sauce is basically the exact same technique as the Chicken with Ginger-Pear-Cider Pan Sauce just a different set of ingredients. The fennel seeds give this tomato and balsamic sauce an added depth of flavor.

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

Cornflake-Crusted French Toast with Bananas

Let's take French toast to a whole new level. Cornflake-Crusted French Toast with Bananas is light and with a deliciously crunchy coating. I know it's a bit decadent, but every once and awhile... 

By Leslie Blythe

Fried Squash Blossoms Stuffed with Mozzarella & Basil

My daughter Grace made these Fried Squash Blossoms Stuffed with Mozzarella & Basil. They are the epitome of summer! Served with warm marinara sauce for dipping. YUM!

By Leslie Blythe

Chili Lime Chicken Burgers

These Chili Lime Chicken Burgers are a copy of the ones you can buy at Trader Joe's. Instead of guacamole, I just put slices of avocado on top. They are citrusy and spicy. What more could you ask for?!

By Leslie Blythe

Avocado and BLT Salad with Roasted New Potatoes

My sister-in-law brought me the food magazine from Waitrose, which is a supermarket in the UK. This Avocado and BLT Salad with Roasted New Potatoes got my attention immediately. It was very easy and really delicious. And yes, there's bacon...

By Leslie Blythe

Orange French Toast

This Orange French Toast is incredible. It's golden on the outside and super soft in the middle, with subtle flavors of orange and cinnamon. It's topped with an orange marmalade syrup. 

By Leslie Blythe