Cooking Method: Simmering

White Asparagus with Tarragon Cream and Toasted Panko

To grow white asparagus, the shoots are covered with soil as they grow, so that there is no exposure to sunlight, which keeps it white. White asparagus is considered to be slightly milder in flavor and a bit more tender than green asparagus.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 25 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Badem Joon

My friend Chris made this Persian eggplant stew called Badem Joon. You can make it with lamb or beef. He served it with basmati rice. It's really delicious!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 1 hr
  • Cook: 2 hrs
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Citrus Vodka Dipping Sauce

This Citrus Vodka Dipping Sauce is perfect for lobster or shrimp. The tang from the citrus pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the lobster.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins

Zinfandel Barbecue Sauce

This Zinfandel Barbecue sauce is to die for. It is always a crowd pleaser at any party. Excellent as a dipping sauce, or brush generously on chicken, pork, or beef before grilling. I usually use it with meatballs and throw them in a slow cooker with the sauce.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 45 mins
  • Yields: 16 Servings
Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles

Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles

One of the things (which my husband Eric invented) I always made for my kids is something we call peanut butter ramen noodles. By adding peanut butter, it adds some much needed protein. I also like to add some shelled edamame for even more of a protein boost. It's really delicious!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yields: 1 Serving

Veal Goulash with Egg Noodles

One of my clients that I personal chef for requested I make this dish. I made this healthy version using non-fat sour cream, no salt, canola oil spray instead of butter and No Yokes Noodles. It got rave reviews. Eric wants me to make this for us soon. I know most people are horrified about using veal, if so, use beef instead.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 50 mins
  • Yields: 8 Servings

Swedish Creamed Potatoes

These Swedish Creamed Potatoes go really well with Swedish Meatballs and is a staple in most Scandinavian homes.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 40 mins
  • Yields: 8 Servings

Parmesan Crusted Swordfish with Lemon and Crispy Caper Sauce

My friend Mary Ann had an incredibly elegant dinner party and made this Swordfish. No on has formal dinner parties anymore. So many people put in "high-end" kitchens in their homes and never entertain. Mary Ann made everything seem effortless, but it was due to her advance planning and preparation. You could actually do this with different kinds of fish or chicken.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 30 mins
  • Cook: 35 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Japanese Beef Curry

I love Japanese Beef Curry. To me it's like Japanese comfort food. There's something so deeply satisfying and soul-warming about it. Japanese curry sauce mix, often called "curry roux," typically comes in the form of solid blocks or powder. It's a blend of curry powder, flour, oil, sugar, salt, and various seasonings and spices. Vermont Curry and S&B Golden Curry are ready made and the two most most popular brands. These mixes usually have MSG. I prefer to make my curry from scratch. Though making the roux does take about 20 minutes to reach "color of a fox," as the say in Japan, a deep tan color. It’s well worth the wait!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 2 hrs 15 mins
  • Yields: 4 - 6 Servings

Kale & Quinoa Salad with Lemon Garlic Dressing

Kale has been deemed the number one superfood, a nutritional powerhouse. The benefits of eating kale are too numerous to list. I was recently in a supermarket and notice a whole wall of kale in the salad section. There is some sort of kale salad on almost every restaurant menu these days. Quinoa (pronounced 'keen-wah') is another superfood, which is a complete protein. It has the perfect ratio of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and is one of the best sources of protein you can get from a plant source. By pairing these two superfoods, you've now got an explosion of nutrition, not to mention flavor!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings