Cuisine: Cheese

Spinach Madeleine

This Spinach Madeleine is incredible. A certain person at my dinner table who doesn't like spinach said, "Never in my life did I think spinach could be that delicious!" It's a good way to introduce spinach to your family.

This recipe is rather famous in Louisiana. It's from the Junior League of Baton River Road Cookbook. The original recipe calls for a roll of 6 ounces of Jalapeño cheese. Kraft Foods no longer makes it, so you can substitute 4 ounces of Velveeta cheese, cubed, and 2 teaspoons of minced jalapenos. I actually used Tillamook Pepperjack.

By Leslie Blythe

Cuban Inspired Ham & Swiss Pizza

I know this is deeply weird, but this Cuban Inspired Ham & Swiss Pizza is absolutely delicious. I'm mean pickles on pizza?! Don't knock it until you've tried it. I love having pizza night and ask your guests to bring their own toppings.

By Leslie Blythe

Broccoli Rabe with Parmesan and Lemon

Broccoli rabe or rapini is a superfood packed with vitamins and nutrients to fuel your meal. It boosts your immune system, supports heart health, improves digestion, protects your eyesight and detoxes. This Broccoli Rabe with Parmesan and Lemon is really quick and easy to prepare. Give it a try.

By Leslie Blythe

Spinach Artichoke Ravioli Casserole

This Spinach Artichoke Ravioli bake is easy, cheesy rich and creamy. It was a real crowd-pleaser. I made it a few hours ahead of time and then put it in the oven. It uses frozen ravioli, Alfredo sauce and pesto.

By Leslie Blythe

Pimiento Cheese

I grew up in the midwest and one of my favorite things was Kraft Pimento Spread in a little jar that you could use for a juice glass. I loved it with Cheez-its. Yes, I know "very classy", but it's delicious and I still like it! Anyway, I decided to make "real" Pimiento Cheese spread. It's mostly popular in the south. It has a hint of spiciness. This spread is perfect for parties served as an appetizer with crackers or spread it on a sandwich, burger, etc...

By Leslie Blythe

Omelet Soufflé

I made this Omelet Soufflé for breakfast. It's quick and easy and a rather elegant way to start the day. When life gives you eggs, take them to eleven!

By Leslie Blythe

Parmesan Crisps

A friend of mine came over for drinks and brought these delicious Parmesan Crisps. They make a great low carb, gluten-free snack, and are also good as a topping for soups or salads. Here is the ridiculously easy recipe.

By Leslie Blythe

Cornbread Waffles and Chili

I had some leftover chili in the freezer and a box of Jiffy Cornbread mix and then this happened...  Cornbread Waffles and Chili is a fantastic dinner solution.

By Leslie Blythe

Grilled Raisin Bread Cheese Sandwiches with Gorgonzola, Mascarpone, and Asian Pears

Last Friday night a friend of ours took us to see Elton John's final tour called 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road'. I was transported to my bedroom in 1974, lying on green shag carpeting listening to his albums - over and over and over again. At 71 years old he still has it. It was absolutely fantastic - as in Captain... 
Anyway, it got me thinking about recipes he likes. Each year, the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party, which is the hottest ticket in Hollywood, is catered by Chef Wayne Elias and his partner Chris Diamond, owners of Crumble Catering/Rockwell Table & Stage. Most of the menu is updated every year to keep it fresh and exciting. However, the one item they keep on the menu every year (because it's Elton's favorite) is a Grilled Raisin Bread Cheese Sandwich with Gorgonzola, Mascarpone and Asian Pears. So I, of course, made it. It's delicious. 

By Leslie Blythe

The Original Hollywood Brown Derby Cobb Salad

From Hollywood’s Brown Derby restaurant and named for its owner, Robert Howard Cobb, the Cobb Salad is the original chopped salad. 

There’s some dispute about the recipe’s genesis. Was the first Cobb salad made by Cobb and theater mogul, Sid Grauman, while rummaging through the restaurant’s cooler for a late-night snack in 1939, or, by the restaurant’s executive chef Robert Kreis, who created it for the restaurant’s 1929 launch? Either way, the Cobb is one of America’s longest-standing salad favorites, inspiring dozens of different renditions. The original recipe consisted of a head of lettuce, watercress, avocado, tomatoes, cold breast of chicken, hard boiled eggs, cheese, crumbled bacon and some old-fashioned French dressing.

By Leslie Blythe