Cuisine: Cheese

Cheesy Baked Asparagus

I love making asparagus and am always trying to find new ways to serve it. This Cheesy Baked Asparagus is seriously easy to make and is so good. It's the perfect no-fuss side dish.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 25 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Pistachios

These Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Pistachios is one of Evan Kleiman's signature appetizers. She recommends using Cypress Grove Purple Haze fresh goat cheese with a hint of lavender and fennel pollen. The tart tangy cheese pairs really well with the sweetness of the dates.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins

Cheesy White Bean & Sausage Tomato Bake

I made this Cheesy White Bean & Sausage Tomato Bake last night for dinner and it got rave reviews. The original recipe did not have any sausage. you can leave out the sausage and then it's paleo, sugar-free, low-carb, gluten-free, whole30, and vegetarian! It is so fast and easy to make and it's all done in one pan.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Potato, Ham & Leek Gratin

We love leeks and I always say, they are under-utilized in the US. This Potato, Ham & Leek Gratin is a classic combination. You can leave out the ham to make it vegetarian. It gets topped with Gruyère cheese. What's not to love? 

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 1 hrs
  • Yields: 8 Servings

Cauliflower Toasts

I made Ina Garten's Cauliflower Toasts and I now want to make it again. Apparently, it's one of Ina's favorite things to have for lunch. It calls for prosciutto, but you could leave it out to make it vegetarian. You can use any cheese you like. Also, you can double the cauliflower mixture and keep in your freezer.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 25 mins
  • Cook: 30 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Roasted Tomato Risotto with Basil and Parmesan

As most of you know, I love risotto. I made this Roasted Tomato Risotto with Basil and Parmesan, which is delicious. Roasting the cherry tomatoes adds a depth of flavor. You could also use these tomatoes for pasta. Make sure you boil the water in advance. You may not have to use all of the boiling water; the last ½ cup is for adjusting the consistency of the risotto at the end, if needed.It's also important to stir the risotto vigorously, which coaxes starch from the rice for a creamier consistency.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Yields: 4 Servings

Alice Springs Chicken

Alice Springs Chicken is from Outback Steakhouse.The chicken breast is marinated, grilled and topped with sautéed mushrooms, crisp bacon, melted Monterey Jack, Cheddar cheese and honey mustard sauce. I have never been to an Outback Steakhouse and not sure why you wouldn't order a steak! Apparently, this chicken dish is very popular. The chicken is so tender and juicy! 

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 30 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Baked Broccoli Polenta with Roasted Mushrooms

I saw this recipe for Baked Broccoli Polenta with Roasted Mushrooms in Saveur magazine. I have to say, it was outstanding. You make the polenta, stir in roasted broccoli and grated Parmesan and put it in a loaf pan, refrigerate over night.  Then it's sliced and roasted  and serve with roasted mushrooms. It calls for maitake mushrooms, but I used cremini mushrooms. This would be a great addition to your holiday meal for your vegetarian guests or all guests! Oh, and it's gluten free!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Yields: 4 Servings

Ham Shepherd’s Pie

I made this Ham Shepherd’s Pie because I had some random ingredients in my fridge. If you don't have a leek, use an onion. The recipe can be adapted to what you have on hand. The best part is the cheesy mashed potato topping. What's not to love?

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 1 hrs 20 mins
  • Yields: 4 - 6 Servings

Potatoes au Gratin from Todd Coleman

The thing about Potatoes au Gratin is that it takes forever to make and you have to do it at the last minute. This recipe is totally make ahead-friendly. You can even prepare it the night before, which I will find very helpful for the upcoming holidays.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 45 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings