Easy Tomato Soup inspired by Ina GartenYield: 4-6 servings
We like heat in our meat and I recently discovered a new kick it up ingredient called Gochujang that is a chile paste used in many spicy Korean dishes. I think you’ll like it. My family does.
1. Roast the chicken wings:Preheat the oven to 475°F. Line a sheet pan with foil. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and place on the foil-lined sheet pan. Drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper; toss to thoroughly coat. Arrange in a single, even layer and roast 22 to 24 minutes, or until lightly browned and cooked through.
Thinly slice the top green part of the scallion (Save the white part for the bok choy side dish). Peel and mince the garlic and ginger. To make the sauce, in a medium bowl, combine the soy glaze, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and as much of the gochujang as you’d like, depending on how spicy you’d like the dish to be.
Remove the roasted chicken wings from the oven and evenly brush or drizzle with the sauce. Return to the oven and roast 6 to 8 minutes, or until browned on top. Remove from the oven.
Divide the finished chicken wings between 2-3 dishes. Garnish with the sesame seeds and green top of the scallion. Serve with the seared baby bok choy on the side if you like. Enjoy!
PSST! This is a tasty appetizer too. Don’t forget the napkins though!
Summer BBQs would not be complete without this these tantalizing shrimp hot off the grill. The platter empties almost as fast as I can make them. Often I will double or even triple this recipe to satisfy my family’s craving. I use fresh sprigs of rosemary right from the garden and just picked Meyer lemons straight from the tree in our back yard.
48 large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on (approx. 1 lb)
3 T extra virgin olive oil
3 T fresh lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, finely minced with ½ tsp. coarse (kosher) salt
1 T finely minced fresh rosemary
Finely ground fresh pepper to taste
These are an easy, patriotic addition to your Memorial Day, Veterans Day or Fourth Of July BBQ table
Looking for an easy and elegant appetizer to serve guests at your next soiree? This recipe is just the thing: simple, pretty and delicious, with caramelized onions, apples and grated Gruyère cheese atop store-bought puff pastry. I think the fresh thyme and chives make all the difference.
We make this classy appetizer every holiday. My Great Aunt Lillian Vogt gave me the recipe when I was a child. She has since passed away but I always think of her when I make this and it makes me smile. I hope it makes you smile too.
1 can cream of celery soup
1 8 oz. package of cream cheese (look for reduced fat cream cheese that is labeled Neufchatel. It is healthier)
1 cup celery, finely minced
2 small cans of crabmeat
2 small bunches of green onions (finely chopped)
1 envelope of gelatin
Directions: Continue reading
Our family loves this yummy and delicious soup on a cold rainy Sunday afternoon and often during the holidays with family and friends. We first enjoyed it at Zov’s Bistro in Tustin, CA, a lovely Mediteranean restaurant in our area. Zov, the chef and owner was gracious to share her delicious recipe with all of us. It’s a family favorite!
Yield: 12 servings
3 tablespoons olive oil
6 celery stalks, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 carrots, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 onions, chopped
1 pound dried red lentils, see cook’s notes
1/4 cup raw long-grain rice
12 cups water ( I use 1/2 water and 1/2 low sodium vegetable stock)
1 tablespoon lemon pepper
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
2 teaspoons salt (I use just 1 tsp)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Garnish: fresh Italian parsley
Cook’s notes: Dried red lentils are sold at natural food stores, Middle Eastern markets and some supermarkets. When they cook, they turn yellow.
I adapted this recipe from one I found in Celebrate Cookbook by Sheila Lukins. I love her deviled eggs and make them every year at Easter. This modified recipe allows you to enjoy this vegetarian delight for lunch or as a snack. Continue reading
Don't Forget the Secret Ingredient 