Halibut with Citrus Ginger Beurre Blanc

Ever walked into a higher-end restaurant and just get the feeling that your meal is going to be average? Something about the decor maybe or the clientele is turning you off? And then had your socks literally knocked off? Yeah, I sorta had that experience a few months ago. I was taking a much needed [...]

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Chicken with Teriyaki Sauce

A few years back, my cooking club made these fab chicken wings with teriyaki sauce, sesame seeds and cilantro. I loved the flavor of the sauce but I do admit, I’m not all that keen on chicken wings. Gnawing on bones is so not my thing. So I’ve decided to make the recipe using chicken [...]

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Beef Bolognese

So I put one of the techniques I learned in class to the test today by peeling and seeding five pounds of tomatoes for Wolfgang Puck’s Bolognese sauce. Things: 1. So you know how I injured myself in class coring tomatoes? Yeah…I didn’t learn. Sliced the same finger. Doing the same damn thing. Christ… 2. [...]

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Smoked Chicken, Caramelized Pear and Camembert Pizza

So whenever I visit the parents for the weekend, my mom always tries to pawn off her groceries on me. Like I’m a just-out-of-the-nest, starving college student or something. Never mind that I’m in my 30′s and fully able to grocery shop for myself. On a recent visit, I arrived back at my condo toting [...]

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ATKs Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken

I love reading cookbooks written by chefs. Interesting ingredients and techniques enthrall me. More often than not though, these books aren’t translated for the home cook. Take the Alinea cookbook – I know there is probably just ONE recipe in the entire book I could make at home without expending major effort.  And trust me, [...]

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Shrimp Piri Piri

Note to all: No matter how pretty and inviting habaneros look, eating them raw may not be in your best interest. Unless you have a pint of whole milk standing by. AND EVEN THEN. Think twice. I’m just saying… I couldn’t help myself. Really, it was calling my name. Teasing me. Whispering “Don’t be such [...]

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Pomegranate glazed chicken

Let the grilling begin! I have a bottle of pomegranate molasses in my refrigerator that is a bit past its prime. Way, way past its prime… I don’t know why I’ve kept it sitting around for so long – since it adds such an interesting flavor to food. But whatever, it’s been sitting there a [...]

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Nut Crusted Fish with Vanilla Bean Sauce

My previous post about the fantastically rich and creamy Vanilla Mashed Sweet Potatoes could only be made more decadent by being paired with Macadamia Nut Crusted Halibut with Vanilla Bean Butter Sauce. But sadly, we have to start here: How to reduce that fishy smell? Answer: you shouldn’t have to (but you can give it [...]

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Provencal Tomato Spread

Provencal Tomato Spread: flavors of the south of France at Pantry Raid.

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