Cooking Method: Sautéing

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

Homemade Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Leeks

You might have a go-to green bean casserole recipe, but you have to try this Homemade Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Leeks. The thin, crispy fried leeks are an absolutely delicious topper and look way more elegant than the canned fried onions. They fry up very quickly; keep a close watch on them as they cook.

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

Turkey, Cranberry & Goat Cheese Quesadillas

These Turkey, Cranberry & Goat Cheese Quesadillas are absolutely amazing. A perfect way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers.

By Leslie Blythe

Drip Beef Sandwiches

This recipe for Beef Drip Sandwiches is adapted from a recipe from Ree Drumond, The Pioneer Woman. She makes it 2 different ways, one on the stove top and the other in a slow cooker. 

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

Skillet Lasagna

This Skillet Lasagna is an easier and faster way to make lasagna than the traditional way all in one skillet. Do not substitute no-boil lasagna noodles for the traditional, curly-edged lasagna noodles here. Use either whole milk or part-skim ricotta here, but do not use fat-free ricotta, which has a very dry texture and bland flavor.

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

Butternut and Chicken Chili

I am currently on the east coast staying with my mother. When I visit I cook several recipes for her freezer. This Butternut Squash and Chicken Chili is a perfect thing to freeze especially when it's FREEZING outside!

By Leslie Blythe