Cooking Method: Mixing

Slow-Roasted Filet of Beef and Basil Parmesan Mayonnaise

This Slow-Roasted Filet of Beef and Basil Parmesan Mayonnaise is very easy to prepare and will impress your dinner guests. The Basil Parmesan Mayo makes it.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 1 hr 30 mins
  • Yields: 6 - 8 Servings

Aviation Cocktail

The Aviation Cocktail is made with gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice. 

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Yields: Makes 1 cocktail

French 75

French 75 is a cocktail made from gin, champagne, lemon juice, and sugar.

The drink was originally concocted by the Franco-American World War I flying ace Raoul Lufbery who was part of Escadrille Américaine air fighting unit. Legend has it that he liked champagne, but wanted something with more of a kick to it. The combination of ingredients was said to have such a kick that it felt like being shelled with the powerful French 75mm howitzer artillery piece, also called a “75 Cocktail”, or “Soixante Quinze” in French. The French 75 was popularized in America at the Stork Club. Originally, Cognac was used instead of gin.

If Vodka is substituted the result can be referred to as a French 76.

“It’s unclear what makes the French 75 so powerful—maybe it’s the combination of liquors— but, whoo boy, do you feel it when you down one!” – Jean Shepherd, raconteur and author.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Yields: Makes 1 cocktail

Penicillin

The Penicillin was created by New York bartender Sam Ross in 2005. This chilled version of a hot toddy will cure what ails you with this heady concoction of smoky scotch, honey-ginger syrup, and fresh lemon juice.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Yields: Makes about 1½ cups

Sicilian Chunk Vegetable Salad

I've been making this Sicilian Chunk Vegetable Salad for years. It’s a wonderful, satisfying salad. I love anything crunchy. It’s best to make it earlier in the day.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 5 mins
  • Yields: 4 - 6 Servings

Bruschetta & Lentil Dip

This Bruschetta & Lentil Dip is so addictive. It's such a great change from salsa. If you don't have a Trader Joe's near you, buy some ready-made bruschetta and cook some lentils.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Yields: 6 Servings

Balsamic Chicken, Fresh Figs, Pistachios, Gorgonzola and Arugula Salad

My husband created this absolutely delicious Balsamic Chicken, Fresh Figs, Pistachios, Gorgonzola, and Arugula Salad. The sweet figs, salty pistachios, creamy Gorgonzola, and peppery arugula are all perfectly balanced in this salad, and the balsamic dressing adds a touch of acidity that really brings everything together. It's such a great combination of flavors. We used to have a huge fig tree at our old house and miss it terribly.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 30 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yields: 4 - 6 Servings

Cannoli

Cannoli are a fried pastry shell filled with sweet ricotta cheese. We had a taste test in three famous pastry shops in the North End of Boston. They were all amazing.

By Leslie Blythe

Grapefruit Basil Vodka Fizz

How do I use all that wonderful fresh basil in my backyard? The answer is Grapefruit Basil Vodka Fizz! It's light and refreshing.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Yields: Makes 1 Cocktail

Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing

This Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing is simply divine. It's great on a BLT salad, or any salad for that matter.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Yields: Makes about 2 cups