National Pasta Month - Fun and Simple!

It’s National Pasta Month! One of my favorite things about this job, is photographing the food I’ve created, except for eating it, of course! (Above: shooting my Pumpkin Ravioli for this Blog Post, see the photo in the gallery below)

No wonder October is my favorite month of the year! All of my favorite dishes and flavors come together in one glorious fall month! I had been having such a hard time getting motivated lately and the further we move into COVID living and with no end in site at the moment, the more difficulty I had staying inspired. Then October arrived with my favorite fall flavors and features. It’s not just National Pasta Month, it’s Pumpkin Month, Merlot Month, and National Food Day and Dessert Day in October, so my mojo in the kitchen has been full on with new Fun & Simple recipe creation and updates to some of my old favorites.

Pasta is the best comfort cooking I know, simple to prepare, super versatile and so delicious! I’ve spent a lot of time in the kitchen this month, my happy place, and since we are basically still in quasi lock down, cooking and baking have been my COVID calm. I thought I would share some of my favorite Fun & Simple pasta dishes and wine pairing tips to help get you inspired. Nothing like comfort food to bring a smile to anyone’s tummy!  Continue to stay safe and well and I hope you enjoy some of my favorite pasta comfort dishes while spending time at home.

So the thing about pasta is that it really is a blank canvas.  Cook some pasta, your favorite shape or whatever you have in the pantry, make a sauce, add some extras, bring it all together, top it with your favorite cheese, nuts, herbs and you have a fun & simple gourmet masterpiece!

One of my very favorite and flavorful pasta dishes is a simple Puttanesca.  Cook Pasta: Start with a pound of linguine, spaghetti or fettuccine cooked to package directions for al dente, keeping one cup of the pasta liquid set aside.  Drain. 

Make Sauce: In a large sauté pan, heat ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil over medium heat and add a medium fennel bulb, halved and sliced into ¼ inch thickness.  Sauté until soft and translucent but not browned. Add one-half cup halved garlic cloves and swirl around until the garlic just begins to become aromatic. Be careful not to burn the garlic.  Add 2 cups of diced San Marzano tomatoes (canned or fresh) and simmer for 5-7 minutes until reduced and beginning to thicken. Add Extras: Add ¼ cup dry white wine, ¼ cup capers, ¼ cup pitted kalamata olives, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1 tablespoon tomato paste.  Stir well to combine and continue to cook about 5 minutes more.  Taste for seasoning and add more salt if needed. 

Bring it All Together: Add the pasta and ¼ cup of the pasta liquid into the sauce and toss to coat (with tongs).  If the sauce seems too thick, add another ¼ cup of the pasta liquid and continue to toss.  Cook about 2 minutes longer and pour into serving bowl.  Finish with Toppings: I like, freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese, chopped fresh basil leaves, fresh flat leaf parsley or both, freshly grated lemon zest, a sprinkling of kosher salt and a fresh grind of black pepper, then a nice drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and serve!  If you like tuna in your Puttanesca, add 8 oz. of flaked oil-packed tuna during the last two minutes just to heat through tossing to combine into the dish.

That’s it!  A super fun & simple and most delicious and comforting pasta dish. Here are some more of my fun & simple favs…including a creamy cheesy Pumpkin Zita and my favorite Pumpkin Ravioli!

Pumpkin Zita

Pumpkin Ravioli

Spaghetti & Wilted Greens

Pasta Calamari

Orange Scented Capellini

Creamy Orecchiette

Hope you enjoy these Fun & Simple #National Pasta Month dishes. And, not just because it is also Merlot Month, but a nice medium to full-bodied but soft Merlot pairs exceptionally well with any of the pasta dishes I’ve shared here. Like pasta, Merlot is also versatile, known as a chameleon among wines because of its adaptive properties, Merlot also blends very well with a variety of foods and flavors. #MerlotMe

Continue to stay home, stay safe and stay healthy! Remember Fun & Simple Gourmet is available at iTunes for your devices and is filled with more delicious pasta recipes and other fun & simple menu ideas.

It's Al Fresco Dining Season!

Time to fire up the Barbie and get the table set out doors for summertime alfresco dining! Longer days and summer weather make for perfect outdoor dining with fresh, healthy and delicious meals right off the grill! Whether you are Green Egg, Infrared Gas or traditional Weber Charcoal Grill Meister, we’ve got you covered with Fun & Simple menu ideas from grilled shrimp cocktail to slow roasted pulled pork shoulder, citrus glazed salmon and grilled corn on the cob.  And who can resist fresh seasonal summer fruit crumbles for dessert?  When it comes to table dressing, I prefer a simple but elegant table.  Themed tables are fun with simple, clean white flowers and linens and some fun accents.  In our neck of the woods that might include palm fronds or sea grape leaves.  Fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs always make nice table accents.  In the summer I love using lemons, limes and oranges for color with white table linens on top of sea grape leaves or in different shaped white bowls.  I don’t often let Jeff in the kitchen, but when it comes to grilling, he is my chef du jour! I do the prep, and he cooks everything beautifully!  Not only does the barbie bring unique flavor to foods, it sure makes for easy clean up and who doesn’t enjoy eating outdoors whenever possible, especially now as we practice safe social distancing.  Here is one of my favorite summer menus, straight from the pages Fun & Simple Gourmet! 

Grilled Shrimp Cocktail

Grilled Corn with Herb Butter

Steak Victor

Fresh Fruit Crumble

This steak is so tender, juicy and flavorful.  I’ve prepared the recipe for Steak Victor with flank steak and ribeye, both are equally as delicious.  Whether a special summer holiday, or just another weekend of summer fun, this menu offers a different twist to traditional burgers and dogs but no more difficult to prepare.  Grilled shrimp cocktail, marinated flank steak, tangy Mediterranean Potato Salad, grilled corn on the cob with fresh herb butter, finished with a delicious fruit crumble.  I like to serve a slightly chilled Pinot Noir from California with it’s fruity, earthy aroma and delicate flavor that does not overpower food with this menu.  Ribeye and butcher cuts of meat, like flank steak and hanger steak, pair very well with fruity younger reds.  A younger Cabernet Sauvignon would pair beautifully as well.  Grilling corn is so simple and adds texture and flavor as opposed to simply boiling it. Plus, if you are going to be on the grill anyway, so easy to just throw the corn on there too!  Remember Fun & Simple Gourmet is a wonderful resource with all of these delicious recipes and more right from your iPhone or iPad.

More options for fresh from the Barbie dining! Enjoy these menu suggestions, signature dishes and wine pairing recommendations to complete any al fresco menu in spectacular fashion.

Grilled Bok Choy

Grilled Citrus Salmon

Grilled Pizza Margherita

Pulled Pork BBQ

One of my favorite grilled vegetables is this tangy Grilled Bok Choy.  It’s fresh and flavorful with a little kick in the sauce.  It compliments the Grilled Citrus Salmon beautifully with it’s sweet and tangy glaze.  And who doesn’t love pizza?  This Grilled Margherita is so fresh and delicious.  I love doing pizzas on the grill and when tomatoes are in season, this is my absolute favorite!  The crust cooks so well on the grill which also adds beautiful charred flavor and crispiness.  With fresh bufala mozarrella, parmigiano-reggiano and fresh julienned basil leaves, without a doubt one of the best grilled pizzas you will ever taste.  And of course, everyone loves a pulled pork sandwich with sweet and spicy barbecue sauce, crunchy cole slaw and ooey, gooey mac and cheese!  The pulled pork can be oven roasted of course, but a slow roast on the grill adds so much flavor with charcoal or wood chips, the trick is keeping the temperature inside the grill between 225-250 degrees.  When it comes to BBQ staples, it has to be my Mac & Cheese and one of my fresh summer fruit crumbles, both compliment any meal and oh so good!  Now, let’s talk about wine pairings.

For the Salmon…

I am partial to a chilled Rose’ it just screams summer! One of my favorite’s from California, the Decoy Rose’ a lovely blend of Syrah and Pinot Noir, crisp, dry and refreshing. It is also a welcome option for the tangy pork barbecue, though a smoky Pinot Noir, slightly chilled, is another great choice.

For the Steak Victor & Pork BBQ…

I highly recommend the Decoy Sonoma County Pinot Noir, with soft tannins and a hint of oak, which gives that smoky note, the perfect compliment to barbecue sauce.

Now you have everything you need to prepare Fun & Simple Summer BBQ Feasts! Stay tuned for more super summer meal planning & safe distancing entertaining ideas. Now, go fire up the Barbie and get your delicious summer started!

Continue to be safe and well everyone…

Fun and Simple Spring Holiday Menu Ideas

Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal and though spring holidays will be celebrated a little differently this year, whether you are celebrating with Zoom, FaceTime, phone calls, or proper social distancing with family at home, we can still celebrate our favorite Spring Holidays with festive menus and tasty treats. Though it may not be exactly how we may have thought we would celebrate spring this year, embrace this time, allow it to be the norm for now, have peace in your heart, be patient with yourself and others and continue to be safe and well! Check out these recipes, straight from Fun & Simple Gourmet, for a casually festive Easter feast. Wishing you all a most Happy Easter and Happy Passover Week!

We will celebrate Easter at home, just the two of us, with a brunch of Panettone French Toast and festive Mimosas and then enjoy the day watching highlights from last year’s Master’s Golf Tournament, which would have taken place over the Easter Holiday this year. Then we’ll finish the day with a lovely Easter dinner of Lamb and Spring Vegetables finished with a delicious Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake. You know I have to get my Easter chocolate! I’m not much of a candy person, but this rich and creamy dark chocolate swirl cheesecake, with a hint of orange is the perfect sweet ending to this holiday meal. Now, first things first, delicious and festive not so traditional mimosa cocktails~

Spice up your Spring Holiday Brunch with these festive drinks. Sparkling Cider makes a great non-alcoholic version. The garnishes of aromatic herbs add a wonderful fresh aroma and flavor.

The Venetian~ Fill a champagne flute half way with Prosecco. Add one jigger Campari and a splash of soda water. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme.

Gigi Bellini~ Fill a champagne flute 3/4 full with your favorite champagne. Add a drizzle of Grand Marnier (orange liqueur) to taste and garnish with a fresh rosemary stalk.

Pink Lady~ Fill a champagne flute 1/2 - 3/4 full with your favorite champagne. Add freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice. Top with a pinch of fresh lemon zest and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme.

It is tradition to celebrate Easter and Passover with fresh spring flowers, spring vegetables and Eggs! Yes, eggs are used to celebrate both Easter and Passover. Easter eggs are common gifts during Eastertide, whether boiled and dyed or chocolate filled with an array of confections, eggs in general are a symbol of rebirth. Easter eggs symbolize the empty tomb of Jesus. Hard boiled or roasted eggs are also very symbolic on the Passover Seder Plate, symbolizing the temple sacrifice and the continuing cycle of life. They are eaten during the Seder Meal, dipped in salt water. My Jeff wants his eggs, deviled…go figure right! And trust me, he can eat an entire dozen, I literally have to hide them so he won’t totally overindulge and eat them all in one sitting! Now, about those eggs! Jeff is crazy for deviled eggs. So simple to prepare, this basic traditional recipe comes from my grandmother.

Place one dozen fresh organic eggs a large saucepan with enough water to cover the eggs and a generous pinch of kosher salt.  Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 8 minutes.  Remove from heat and cover, allowing the eggs to rest for 20-25 minutes.  Rinse with cold water and carefully crack and peel eggs.  Slice in half lengthwise with a smooth bladed knife and place the yolks in a medium bowl, whites on a serving plate.  Smash the yolks with the beaters on an electric mixer and add 1/2 cup mayo, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard and 1 teaspoon sweet pickle juice.  Beat with electric mixer on medium speed until well combined and creamy.  Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper and thoroughly combine.  Spoon creamy yolk mixture into a pastry bag or a Ziploc baggie, pressing the mixture into one corner.  Snip the corner of the Ziploc baggie with a pair of kitchen shears and fill each egg white half with the yolk mixture, 1-2 teaspoons of filling in each one.  Sprinkle with paprika and finely chopped chives if desired.

Panettone French Toast is my favorite holiday brunch dish, served with 100% pure organic maple syrup with a little orange liqueur (Grand Marnier) to bring out the orange flavor in the french toast, always an Easter Brunch tradition. For the rest of our casual Easter feast recipes, simply click on the photos!

Deviled Eggs

Panettone French Toast

Colorado Rack of Lamb

Mediterranean Potato Salad

Grilled Citrus Salmon

Penne with Spring Vegetables

Dark Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake

Pear-Ginger Crumble

Lamb is a traditional Easter dish and this Colorado Rack of Lamb with lemon, garlic and fresh herbs is tender and succulent, finished with a lovely red wine sauce. So elegant yet super simple to prepare. The Penne Pasta with Spring Vegetables, sugar snap peas, asparagus, scallions, carrots and Brussels sprouts, is fresh and light with a lemony and aromatic cilantro and basil pesto sauce, a perfect compliment to the flavors of the lamb. I included my Mediterranean Potato Salad, also a great side dish with lamb. I always like a fish option on a holiday table and this year it’s my Grilled Citrus Salmon, with a sweet orange and rosemary glaze. For dessert, the Dark Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake, and a Pear & Ginger Crumble topped with vanilla bean ice cream and toasted slivered almonds.

Enjoy these Fun & Simple Spring Holiday dishes! If we have to be quarantined at home, we can still enjoy a wonderful celebration with delicious food, festive cocktails and mocktails with our immediate family. An Easter toast on Zoom or FaceTime will be fun too! Whatever you traditions may be, and though we may be celebrating them a little differently this year, I wish you all a very healthy and happy spring holiday weekend!

For more Fun & Simple recipes and menu planning ideas to keep you busy during “Stay At Home” lock down, download Fun & Simple Gourmet on your iPad or iPhone. Super simple to navigate with beautiful food photography and lots of my favorite dishes to keep your lock down tasty with Fun & Simple Gourmet!

Pantry Cooking 101 - Fun and Simple Pasta!

Pantry cooking looks like the norm for a little while and Pasta is the best pantry cooking I know, simple to prepare comfort food, super versatile and so delicious!

Maybe it’s just me, but I have had such a hard time getting motivated this week.  This was not the stay at home vacation any of us planned for and though I have so many home projects that could very much keep me super busy this week, I have had a hard time starting any of them.

I’ve spent a lot of time in the kitchen, my happy place, and since we are basically on lock down and won’t be making many trips for groceries, it’s a good time to be creative with the pantry.  My favorite pantry food…of course, you know me…Pasta! 

I thought I would share some fun & simple pasta dishes to help us all get through the isolation period.  Nothing like comfort food to bring a smile to anyone’s tummy!  Continue to stay safe and well and I hope you enjoy some of my favorite pasta comfort dishes while we are spending time at home.

So the thing about pasta is that it really is a blank canvas.  Cook some pasta, your favorite shape or whatever you have in the pantry, make a sauce, add some extras, bring it all together, top it with your favorite cheese, nuts, herbs and you have a fun & simple gourmet masterpiece!

The easiest Pantry Pasta I know is a simple Puttanesca.  Cook Pasta: Start with a pound of linguine, spaghetti or fettuccine cooked to package directions for al dente, keeping one cup of the pasta liquid set aside.  Drain. 

Make Sauce: In a large sauté pan, heat ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil over medium heat and add a medium fennel bulb, halved and sliced into ¼ inch thickness.  Sauté until soft and translucent but not browned. Add one-half cup halved garlic cloves and swirl around until the garlic just begins to become aromatic. Be careful not to burn the garlic.  Add 2 cups of diced San Marzano tomatoes (canned or fresh) and simmer for 5-7 minutes until reduced and beginning to thicken. Add Extras: Add ¼ cup dry white wine, ¼ cup capers, ¼ cup pitted kalamata olives, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1 tablespoon tomato paste.  Stir well to combine and continue to cook about 5 minutes more.  Taste for seasoning and add more salt if needed. 

Bring it All Together: Add the pasta and ¼ cup of the pasta liquid into the sauce and toss to coat (with tongs).  If the sauce seems too thick, add another ¼ cup of the pasta liquid and continue to toss.  Cook about 2 minutes longer and pour into serving bowl.  Finish with Toppings: I like, freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese, chopped fresh basil leaves, fresh flat leaf parsley or both, freshly grated lemon zest, a sprinkling of kosher salt and a fresh grind of black pepper, then a nice drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and serve!  If you like tuna in your Puttanesca, add 8 oz. of flaked oil-packed tuna during the last two minutes just to heat through tossing to combine into the dish.

That’s it!  A super fun & simple and most delicious pantry pasta dish. Here are some more of my fun & simple favs…

Spaghetti & Wilted Greens

Pasta Calamari

Orange Scented Capellini

Creamy Orecchiette

Hope you enjoy these Fun & Simple #PantryPasta dishes. I will have more #PantryCooking ideas for you next week. In the meantime, continue to stay safe and healthy!

Remember Fun & Simple Gourmet is available at iTunes for your devices and is filled with more delicious pasta recipes and other fun & simple menu ideas.

Fun, Simple and Satisfying Salads to Get Your New Year Off To A Healthy Start!

I dedicated an entire chapter in Fun & Simple Gourmet just to salads. I am a salad girl and could have salad for breakfast, lunch and dinner. These satisfying salad combos are an entire meal in one and a super healthy way to start off the new year! Straight from the pages of Fun & Simple Gourmet, here are a few of my favorites. One thing you will notice, I never use a bottled salad dressing…ever! Making fresh dressing is so incredibly simple and takes no time at all! It just adds so much fresh, delicious flavor and enhances the ingredients in your salad. Bottled dressings are overpowering, stale and full of additives and preservatives. Once you get in the habit, you will never use a bottled dressing again.

This beautiful deconstructed Chicken Cobb Salad is so simple especially when made with leftover chicken or even using a grocery store rotisserie chicken. The tangy dressing brings all of the wonderful flavors of the chicken, vegetables and cheese together in this delicious combo.

Super healthy fennel, orange, olives on a wonderfully crisp and fresh bed of romaine and spinach will give you a boost of healthy energy on its own, or add chicken or fish for some added protein. Fennel is fantastic for heart health with fiber, potassium, B vitamins, and zero cholesterol. With it’s super crunchy texture and mild licorice flavor, fennel is also a super anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. I try to eat as much of this healthy super power as I can!

Nothing beats the fresh simplicity of a Bufala Caprese Salad. Fresh bufala mozarella, heirloom cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves and plenty of parmigiana. Topped with a drizzle of rich, fruity, cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, maldon salt and coursely ground pepper. An explosion of flavor, yet so simply prepared.

Craving the flavors of the Provence? This Tuna Nicoise Salad is the perfect Provencal dish. Fresh, healthy, full of flavor and totally satisfying. It makes a super great lunch, but also a terrific dinner dish. I serve it as a dinner party menu often, so simple to prepare in advance, serve and always a crowd pleaser. The tuna can be served warm, cold or room temperature which makes it an incredibly versatile dish. Paired with a nice glass of Rose’ from the Provence and you will feel like you are in the South of France.

This protein packed salad is a wonderful side or main course salad. You could add a nice piece of salmon or chicken for extra protein, but with the quinoa, kale and marcona almonds, you are getting a pretty big portion of plant based protein already.

Since January is also National Soup Month, I thought I would include my super simple homemade Tomato Soup Recipe to go with these delicious salads. Winter comfort at its best!

You don’t have to sacrifice flavor to get this year off to a healthy start. I know you will enjoy these additions to your January menu planning. Check out ALL of the wonderful soups and salads offered in Fun & Simple Gourmet. You can order a copy right here on the website, at Amazon or load it on your iPad from iTunes. They are all colorful, flavorful and as always, Fun & Simple Gourmet!

Wishing you a super great and healthy start to this new decade! Happy 2020! And remember…

5 Beautiful Fun and Simple Side Dishes For Thanksgiving Entertaining

So, you’re planning your Thanksgiving Feast and your stuck. You know you need a turkey, have to have mashed potatoes, got your favorite wine selected and your signature pumpkin pie, but you’re thinking, what in the world am I going to serve for side dishes. You want something different, not the same old thing, and you want fresh, colorful, delicious AND simple to prepare with so much else going on Thanksgiving Day. We’ve got you covered with these wonderful Fun & Simple side dishes to compliment your beautiful Thanksgiving celebration. This Roasted Acorn Squash with figs, proscuitto and parmigiano is a great place to start. Sweet and savory, perfect with all of your Thanksgiving dinner staples. Served at room temperature, this dish can be prepared completely in advance without any last minute prep or rushing around to get it on the table!

Being a vegetable person in general, I always want at least one green salad to compliment every festive holiday celebration, plus it’s great for digestion, especially when you know you are going to overeat anyway! This delicious Fig Balsamic Salad is one of my favorite salads anytime fresh figs are in season and isn’t it just wonderful that fig season happens fall during Thanksgiving! Figs are very rich in minerals like potassium and magnesium a super great source of antioxidants and high in fiber and deliciously sweet. The sweetness of the figs, peppery arugula, salty bite of the parmigiana and tartness of the fig balsamic dressing make this salad a match made in fig heaven!

I don’t know about you, but for me, it wouldn’t be a holiday dinner without Brussels Sprouts. So versatile, they can be prepared in so many different ways! I could do an entire blog, cookbook almost, just with variations of Brussels Sprouts recipes. They can also be prepared as a sweet or savory dish, or a combination. Add a little crispy chopped pancetta to any variation to add another whole layer of rich flavor. This year, I am going sweet, Roasted Brussels Sprouts in a sweet maple, olive oil, pomegranate and citrus syrup topped with crunchy fresh pomegranate seeds. Pomegranate is the super antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and with Brussels Sprouts’ high levels of fiber, minerals and vitamins and ability to help control blood sugar levels, you have one super healthy and delicious side dish. Should totally cancel out the salty crisp pancetta, that would certainly add a rich savory component right on top of this dish…right?!

Being a pasta girl, I always have to have a side of pasta or risotto on my holiday table. This year it will be my warm and soothing Porcini Mushroom Risotto with white truffle essence. I use the oven method for preparing the risotto and therefore it can be prepared mostly in advance, perfect for a holiday meal. Then it just takes a few minutes to finish while the rest of the dishes are being prepped for the table. Super Fun & Simple and incredibly delicious!

This dish is a great combination of a green salad and a squash dish, making it the perfect two-in-one side. I did this one with butternut squash, but I’ve also used acorn squash and sweet potatoes, all three are absolutely delicious and the combination of the green salad, crunchy toasted pecans, pomegranate seeds and creamy chevre goat cheese crumbles just scream holiday! Another beautiful and super healthy dish for any fall or winter festive celebration. You will see this Butternut Squash Salad again next month paired with my Pecan Salmon for a delicious Holiday Menu alternative which will feature lots of amazing pecan centric dishes...stay tuned for this one, you are going to love the recipes!

Stay tuned for a list of my favorite holiday desserts, just in case you need a few more Fun & Simple ideas this holiday season. And don’t forget to watch for the special edition Holiday Pecan Recipes coming out next month. When it comes to Fun & Simply Delicious and Elegant holiday entertaining, we’ve got you covered! If you don’t have your copy of Fun & Simple Gourmet yet, there’s still time to get it in time for your holiday entertaining…AND, it makes a super great holiday gift for the Foodie on your list! Filled with gorgeous photos and yummy Fun & Simple recipes for delicious enjoyment for every occasion all the year through!

Wishing you a very Happy and Grateful Thanksgiving. I’m feeling super blessed this year and hope that you are too! From our little island to wherever you are celebrating this year…HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Perfectly Delicious Pumpkin Dishes to Celebrate National Pumpkin Month!

It’s National Pumpkin Month and what a great way to celebrate a new season than with healthy, delicious and festive pumpkin dishes! Did you know that pumpkin is a highly nutritious super food, rich in Vitamins A, B (folate), C and E, antioxidants (alpha and beta-carotene) making it heart healthy, lowering cancer risk and helping to protect your cells and your vision. In addition to all of these immune system boosters, pumpkin also has a super low calorie content! In fact, one cup of pumpkin packs only 49 calories and offers 2 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and is full of minerals like, potassium, copper, manganese and iron. Pumpkin is also a super great hydrator with its 94% water content. And it’s delicious! What’s not to love!

October has to be one of my favorite months in the kitchen. Besides being National Pumpkin Month, pumpkin dishes are just a great way to celebrate the change of season with food! I love creating fun new pumpkin recipes and enjoying preparing and updating some of my old ones. For breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, I've selected a few of my favorite pumpkin delights to share with you to enjoy!

Simply click on the photos for the recipes.

Gingered Pumpkin Muffins with Dark Chocolate Glaze

Pumpkin Risotto with Fried Sage, Toasted Hazelnuts and lots of Parmigiana!

Creamy Pumpkin Parmigiana Zita with a hint of Amaretti

Pumpkin Ravioli with brown butter, sage and toasted walnuts

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake, with a ginger snap and pecan crust!

I hope you enjoy preparing these Fun & Simple pumpkin recipes as much as I enjoyed putting them together for you! Don’t forget to share and please reach out with your comments, photos and Pumpkin Month experiences! Did you know that October is also National Apple Month? Stay tuned for lots of absolutely amazing apple dishes coming out in next week’s post! In the meantime…

Perfectly Delicious Pumpkin Dishes to Celebrate National Pumpkin Month!

It’s National Pumpkin Month and what a great way to celebrate a new season than with healthy, delicious and festive pumpkin dishes! Did you know that pumpkin is a highly nutritious super food, rich in Vitamins A, B (folate), C and E, antioxidants (alpha and beta-carotene) making it heart healthy, lowering cancer risk and helping to protect your cells and your vision. In addition to all of these immune system boosters, pumpkin also has a super low calorie content! In fact, one cup of pumpkin packs only 49 calories and offers 2 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and is full of minerals like, potassium, copper, manganese and iron. Pumpkin is also a super great hydrator with its 94% water content. And it’s delicious! What’s not to love!

October has to be one of my favorite months in the kitchen. Besides being National Pumpkin Month, pumpkin dishes are just a great way to celebrate the change of season with food! I love creating fun new pumpkin recipes and enjoying preparing and updating some of my old ones. For breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, I've selected a few of my favorite pumpkin delights to share with you to enjoy!

Simply click on the photos for the recipes.

Gingered Pumpkin Muffins with Dark Chocolate Glaze

Pumpkin Risotto with Fried Sage, Toasted Hazelnuts and lots of Parmigiana!

Creamy Pumpkin Parmigiana Zita with a hint of Amaretti

Pumpkin Ravioli with brown butter, sage and toasted walnuts

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake, with a ginger snap and pecan crust!

I hope you enjoy preparing these Fun & Simple pumpkin recipes as much as I enjoyed putting them together for you! Don’t forget to share and please reach out with your comments, photos and Pumpkin Month experiences! Did you know that October is also National Apple Month? Stay tuned for lots of absolutely amazing apple dishes coming out in next week’s post! In the meantime…

Delicious Summer Getaways!

Whether your summer travel takes you to the ocean, the mountains or anywhere in between, making it delicious means taking full advantage of local fare and wine pairs!

There is a currently airing television commercial that says “sometimes you find that you need a little down time to bring you back up.” Summer Get Aways aren’t just fun and relaxing, they are good for the soul. Of course, for me, it’s always about the local fare. I usually have our meals planned for any vacation even before the travel arrangements! Jeff had a pretty big birthday this spring, and my gift to him was a trip to Northern California for the US Open Golf Tournament at Pebble Beach on the Monterey Peninsula. We love Pebble, Carmel by the Sea, the beautiful Carmel Valley and Big Sur. Years ago we spent a lot of time in this area, and I was craving a trip back and with Jeff’s birthday, the 100th Anniversary of Pebble Beach, the US Open, it just seemed serendipitous that this would be the perfect time to re-visit. And while in the neighborhood, why not spend of few days at Half Moon Bay on the way to Pebble and a few days in the wine country after the tournament? It was an amazing couple of weeks filled with fabulous food, incredible wines, celebrating with wonderful old friends, and toasting with new friends. I wanted to share our itinerary of our culinary and wine explorations along with recommendations to inspire your next trip to Northern California. Read all the way to the end for a few tips from my friend and wellness blogger, Cheryl Conklin at Wellness Central. Cheryl shares some great ways of Fitting in Self-Care and How to Feel Better with Any Schedule or Budget, including her number one tip, Get Away!

Let’s begin our adventure as we did, at Half Moon Bay!

This beautiful stretch of Pacific Ocean located just south of San Francisco and northeast of the silicon valley is a little slice of “half moon” coastline heaven. A popular weekend getaway for Northern California city dwellers, this beautiful resort and Ritz-Carlton property offers golf, tennis, walking trails, fantastic dining all with stunning views. Fly into San Jose (SJC), an easy airport to maneuver and quickly be in your rental car and on the way to Half Moon Bay! By the way, “Do you know the way to San Jose? I’m going back to find some peace of mind…” (Vintage Burt Bacharach for the incomparable Dionne Warwick, circa 1968)

Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay

Navio Ritz Carlton HMB

The Ocean Course Half Moon Bay

Pasta Moon

Sam's Chowder House

Fresh Shellfish Pasta at Sam's

Views from Half Moon Bay

Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay

This quaint Bay Town offers a variety of culinary experiences, some with fabulous views. You simply can’t go wrong with any of the dining options at the Ritz Carlton. Navio (pictured above) and The Conservatory both offer gorgeous seaside views and fresh seafood and farmers market to table cuisine. The raw bar at the Ocean Terrace is also not to be missed. Just up the bay is Sam’s Chowder House. A waterfront seafood house with fabulous fresh seafood, salads, pastas and more, well known for their famous Lobster Rolls. And for a delicious Italian farm to table experience, visit Pasta Moon Ristorante where their passion for fresh, authentic cuisine shines through.

On to the Monterey Peninsula, as the fog rolls into Pebble Beach, making it a bit chilly for summer!

After a delicious weekend of fresh bay area seafood, head south to the Monterey Bay Peninsula, one of our very favorite places in the world. Stunningly beautiful, home of the infamous 17 mile drive through Pebble Beach, the quaint and super chic Carmel By The Sea seaside village filled with art galleries, shopping, dining and so much more. The US Open was a spectacular event to attend especially since it was the 100th Anniversary of Pebble Beach. The fog rolled in however, and the air became quite misty and chilly! Our culinary itinerary included Village Corner in Carmel for a cozy al fresco breakfast by the fire pit, serving locals and tourists since 1948, an amazing Pizza Margherita at il Fornaio at the Pine Inn and who can resist the Treviso style Tiramisu for dessert? On to drinks and appetizers at Mission Ranch watching sheep graze in the meadow with Point Lobos and the Pacific as the backdrop, then dinner at another long time favorite, Casanova, in the heart of downtown Carmel, a European garden setting with contemporary & rustic cuisine and terrific wine list. Day two, you must take a drive down Pacific Coast Highway to experience Big Sur’s seaside cliffs and winding turns. For a super special culinary experience, Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn, situated high in the cliffs above the Pacific, is one you will never forget. The 4 course tasting menu paired with delicious wines and amazing views looking straight down some 1200 feet to the surf with floor to ceiling windows from your table is certainly not your everyday dining experience. Perhaps one of the best dishes I have ever eaten, the Abalone Appetizer (pictured below).

Sierra Mar

Casanova Carmel

il Fornaio

il Fornaio Dining Room

Abalone Appetizer Sierra Mar

Village Corner California Eggs Benedict

Village Corner Carmel

Tagliatelle Morels Fresh Peas - Sierra Mar

It’s time for the grande finale of this Northern California adventure…the wine country of Sonoma and Napa Valleys. We were treated like royalty while we tasted, paired foods and tasted again, all while enjoying the beautiful summer weather and glorious views of vineyards, mountains, gardens and we even got a little golf in! We had so many terrific experiences, I wanted to share a few of our very favorites. We began our journey at Alpha Omega Winery learning about processing and varietals with an amazing and professional (not to mention super fun!) staff of Oenologic and Viticultural professionals. Oenology, the science and study of winemaking slightly different from Viticulture, the agricultural element of vine growing and grape harvesting. Alpha Omega’s stunning Cabernet Sauvignons have received the highest acclaim including 99 points for 3 of their 2016 vintages which we were honored to have the opportunity of tasting.

Many thanks again to Kelly Carter, Director of Communications at Alpha Omega, and New York Times bestselling author! Super fun and beautiful day, not to mention magnificent wines and very special company!

The Jordan Winery Picnic Lunch at this incomparable Alexander Valley winery was simply fabulous! The food selection paired with the amazingly elegant, crisp and delicious, low alcohol Jordan Chardonnay amidst this beautiful property was incredible, then the desserts…oh my, paired with a rich and lovely low alcohol Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon, silky, velvety and perfectly balanced, completed a glorious day of picnicing in Sonoma and the Alexander Valley Wine Country. We ended the day on the terrace at Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley with a casual dinner watching the sun setting over the beautiful mountain ranges.

An afternoon at the Napa Valley Classic, Duckhorn Winery, is not to be missed. With wines for every season an every event, from date night at home to special celebrations with family and friends, the Duckhorn Family of Wines can meet every need. We had the honor of tasting several wonderful Duckhorn wines starting with their light, crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. Then came the parade of reds! Merlot’s from Napa Valley and Three Palms Vineyard, and lush, beautiful Cabs also from Napa Valley and Three Palms, then came The DIscussion, an amazing blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot, French oak aged to perfection, this rich, complex and beautifully balanced wine is elegant, creamy and oh so delicious!

Thanks Geordy for being such a fantastic host! Dining options in both Sonoma and Napa Valley are limitless and amazing. This is truly a wine AND culinary destination, feel free to reach out for my entire list of favorites!

Photo courtesy Bistro Jeanty, Yountville, California

You can’t go wrong almost anywhere in the wine country with fresh and wonderful dining options. Everything is fresh and delicious and paired so beautifully with the areas fantastic wines. I could write an entire blog, book really, just with recommendations and information for restaurant, market and culinary experiences. A couple of our favorites to check out are Bistro Jeanty in Yountville and Mustards Grill in Napa. There is so much more to share, in another blog, another day! If you are heading to the area, please reach out. I am happy to help plan your itinerary and provide referrals and recommendations for your trip. Stay tuned for my next blog where we will pair several of my summer dishes with these and other, fantastic wines. Now it’s time to learn how important a delicious getaway really is for our soul from Cheryl Conkin who is so lovely to contribute to this week’s blog.

Photo by Pixabay

Fitting in Self-Care: How to Feel Better with Any Schedule or Budget (by Cheryl Conklin)
Fitting self-care into your budget can be stressful, especially if you’re also pressed for time. Working a few new methods into your daily routine may seem overwhelming or impossible at first, but there are actually several simple things you can do to feel better. If you’re living with stress or anxiety, for example, it might be helpful to address those feelings and identify the source. Think about the types of changes you can make within your lifestyle that will help you relax, step back, and take a deep breath. Since stress can have a major effect on your body as well as your mind, it’s important to take steps to improve your overall wellness.
When you’re on a budget, it’s still possible to have fun and unwind; it just takes careful planning. You may not have the money to take a trip to Hawaii, but you could look for a destination a little closer to home and ask a friend or family member to go in on it with you. Here are a few tips on how to fit in self-care no matter what else is going on in your life.
Get Away
We all need to get away sometimes and de-stress, but being on a strict budget can often make your options feel limited. However, instead of packing up and heading to another city, state, or country, take a look around your own hometown for activities you may have missed. For example, if you live in Hilton Head, you could get away from home for a little while by renting a vacation property near one of the area’s many gorgeous beaches. If you’d like to skip the beaches and hang out in nature, Turnkey points out that Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge has 14 miles of trails just waiting to be explored, and you can easily find a nearby rental around Harbour Town. As you can probably tell, you don’t have to go very far to have a little fun!
Eat Right
Good nutrition is the cornerstone of self-care since it helps to balance both your mind and body. Eating right is all about finding healthy foods that you can work into your existing diet; this way, you won’t feel like you’re depriving yourself. Limiting those bad choices — such as refined sugars and caffeine — is also crucial. It’s important not to make big changes without consulting your doctor, especially if you are living with diabetes or another health issue. You don’t have to spend lots of money to eat healthily; there are simple ways to start that won’t blow your budget.
Unplug
It’s not always easy to unplug and get away from technology for a significant amount of time, especially if your work is done online. It’s crucial to put the gadgets and technology aside every now and then, as looking at a screen and/or sitting for several hours a day is bad for your mental and physical health. If you find it hard to get away during the day, start in small increments. Rather than taking a long break, begin with shorter moments at night by putting your phone away a half hour before bed. Not only will this help you relax, destress, and turn off the constant flow of information, but it might also help you sleep.
Take Up a Hobby
Finding a hobby is a great way to boost your mental health, and it can have a positive effect on your physical health as well, depending on what it is. Whether you want to learn how to paint or how to speak a new language, there are many things you can do to boost your enjoyment of life and your overall well-being at the same time. Try a free smartphone app or a YouTube tutorial when you want to learn something new.
Fitting self-care into your budget can often feel extremely tricky, but it’s not impossible. With a few small changes to your lifestyle and some creative thinking, you can turn things around immediately and start enjoying all those healthy benefits.
-Cheryl Conklin (wellnesscentral.info)

Many thanks Cheryl for these awesome recommendations! Stay tuned for more of the wine country with menus, recipes and wine pairings coming next week. Until next time…

It's Grilling Season!

Finally right?! Time to fire up the Barbie and get the table set out doors for summertime alfresco dining! Longer days and mild spring weather make for perfect al fresco dining and fresh, healthy and delicious meals right off the grill and just in time for Memorial Day Weekend celebrations! Whether you are Green Egg, Infrared Gas or traditional Weber Charcoal Grill Meister, we’ve got you covered with Fun & Simple menu ideas from grilled shrimp cocktail to slow roasted pulled pork shoulder, citrus glazed salmon to grilled corn on the cob.  And who can resist fresh grilled fruits for dessert?  When it comes to table dressing, I prefer a simple but elegant table.  Themed table clothes are fun with simple, clean white flowers and linens and some fun accents.  In our neck of the woods that might include palm fronds or sea grape leaves.  Fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs always make nice table accents.  In the summer I love using lemons, limes and oranges for color with white table linens on top of sea grape leaves or in different shaped white bowls.  I do like using plates and flatware (rather than paper or plastic) but I do often use nice paper napkins, especially if the menu options are going to be deliciously messy! I don’t often let Jeff in the kitchen, but when it comes to grilling, he is my chef du jour! I do the prep, and he cooks everything beautifully!  Not only does the grill bring unique flavor to foods, it sure makes for easy clean up and who doesn’t enjoy eating outdoors whenever possible.  With Memorial Day and summer weekends approaching, having some new dishes to share with friends and family are not only a must, it’s just super fun!

Here is one of my favorite menus, straight from Fun & Simple Gourmet!  This steak is so tender, juicy and flavorful.  I’ve prepared the recipe for Steak Victor with flank steak and ribeye, both are equally as delicious.  Whether a special summer holiday, or just another weekend of summer fun with friends and family, this menu offers a different twist to traditional burgers and dogs but no more difficult to prepare.  Grilled shrimp cocktail, marinated flank (or ribeye) steak, tangy Mediterranean potato salad, grilled corn on the cob, finished with a delicious fruit crumble.  I like to serve a slightly chilled Pinot Noir from California with it’s fruity, earthy aroma and delicate flavor that does not overpower food with this menu.  Ribeye and butcher cuts of meat, like flank steak and hanger steak, pair very well with fruity younger reds.  A younger Cabernet Sauvignon would pair beautifully as well.  Grilling corn is so simple and adds texture and flavor as opposed to simply boiling it. Plus, if you are going to be on the grill anyway, so easy to just throw the corn on there too!  Just pull the husk back from each ear, far enough to remove the silk, but do not remove entirely.  Remove silk from the corn and rinse thoroughly.  Roll the husks back to the top of each ear and soak in a large bowl of cold water, 5-10 minutes.  Heat grill to medium high and lay the corn in its husk directly on the grates of the grill.  Cook 15-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until the corn is steamed through.  Remove husks and serve with herbed butter.  If you’d like the grill marks on the corn, simply place back on the grill after removing the husk and sear on all sides 1-2 minutes.

More options for fresh from the Barbie dining! Enjoy these menu suggestions, signature dishes and wine pairing recommendations to complete any al fresco menu in spectacular fashion.

Grilled Bok Choy

Grilled Citrus Salmon

Grilled Pizza Margherita

Pulled Pork BBQ

One of my favorite grilled vegetables is this tangy Grilled Bok Choy.  It’s fresh and flavorful with a little kick in the sauce.  It compliments the Grilled Citrus Salmon beautifully with it’s sweet and tangy glaze.  And who doesn’t love pizza?  This Grilled Margherita is so fresh and delicious.  I love doing pizzas on the grill and when tomatoes are in season, this is my absolute favorite!  The crust cooks so well on the grill which also adds beautiful charred flavor and crispiness.  With fresh bufala mozarrella, parmigiano-reggiano and fresh julienned basil leaves, without a doubt one of the best grilled pizzas you will ever taste.  And of course, everyone loves a pulled pork sandwich with sweet and spicy barbecue sauce, crunchy cole slaw and ooey, gooey mac and cheese!  The pulled pork can be oven roasted of course, but a slow roast on the grill adds so much flavor with charcoal or wood chips, the trick is keeping the temperature inside the grill between 225-250 degrees.  When we are invited to a BBQ at someone else’s house, they always ask me to bring the Mac & Cheese and one of my fruit crumbles.  Click here for the Mac recipe, you will want to bring it to your next neighborhood BBQ!

Now, let’s talk about wine pairings.

For the Salmon…

I am partial to a chilled Rose’ it just screams summer! One of my favorite’s from California, the Decoy Rose’ a lovely blend of Syrah and Pinot Noir, crisp, dry and refreshing. It is also a welcome option for the tangy pork barbecue, though a smoky Pinot Noir, slightly chilled, is another great choice.

For the Steak Victor & Pork BBQ…

I highly recommend the Decoy Sonoma County Pinot Noir, with soft tannins and a hint of oak, which gives that smoky note, the perfect compliment to barbecue sauce.

So, now you have everything you need to prepare a Fun & Simple Memorial Day Celebration! Wishing you a fabulous holiday weekend and even better summer! Stay tuned for more super summer meal planning & entertaining ideas, along with fun summer trip recommendations and travel tips. Now, go fire up the Barbie and get this weekend party started!

Happy Memorial Day…

Honoring Mom!

Happy Mother’s Day Weekend! I took this photo in the Versailles Garden at the Four Seasons Ocean Club some time ago.  What struck me about this beautiful sculpture is the love and devotion that is so captivating between this woman and child.

Celebrating Mom the second Sunday in May began in 1908 when Anna Jarvis had a memorial service for her mother at St. Andrews Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia. Anna’s Mom, Ann Jarvis, a peace activist who took care of soldiers in the Civil War (on both sides), started Mother’s Day Work Clubs that brought attention to public health issues.  Anna wanted to continue and honor her mother’s work by proposing to Congress that Mother’s Day become an official holiday. Congress rejected the idea, but Anna did not give up and in 1914, Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May, Mother’s Day, a national holiday.

We honor our Moms with cards and flowers, and a traditional Mother’s Day Brunch.  Of course, at our house, any celebration is all about the food! This Mother’s Day, I’ve shared one of my favorite Mother’s Day Brunch menu ideas with these Fun & Simple recipes.

Chocolate Strawberries

Lobster Benedict

Chocolate Soufflé

Wouldn’t Mom love to wake up to Chocolate Covered Strawberries? So simple to prepare and so much fun for the whole family to make! Then treat her to a wonderful Mother’s Day Brunch at home with my Eggs Benedict in this luscious and lemony lobster cream sauce with a delicious side of fresh Asparagus. And, who doesn’t love chocolate? My favorite special chocolate dessert is my Chocolate Soufflé, rich and decedent, but surprisingly light! Give it a little extra special love with warm Chocolate Crème Anglaise. Simply click on the photos for the recipes!

I wasn’t blessed with children of my own unfortunately, but have so many wonderful nieces, nephews, godchildren and other special children in my life who bless me each day and always make Mother’s Day a super special day for me! You can find all of these recipes and many more of my favorites in Fun & Simple Gourmet! Get your copy today at iTunes for your iPad and other Apple devices or hardcover copy right here on the website or at Amazon.com!

Wishing you and your family a most wonderful Mother’s Day Celebration! What are your plans to make Mom feel extra special this weekend? Don’t forget to send me your photos! And of course,

Spring Holiday Menu Ideas with Healthy Tips for Holiday Overindulgence

This week we celebrate our favorite Spring Holidays with festive menu ideas and tasty treats to share with family and friends. Check out these recipes, straight from Fun & Simple Gourmet, for a casually festive Easter feast and be sure to read to the end of the blog where Guest Blogger, Cheryl Conklin, MSEd, from Wellness Central, tells us “How to Feel Better After Overindulgence with a Little Self-Care.” Complete with tips and recommendations to help alleviate the symptoms of overindulging before, during and after a festive holiday celebration. Wishing you all a most Happy Easter and Happy Passover Week!

Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal. A time to celebrate Easter and Passover with fresh spring flowers, spring vegetables and eggs! Yes, eggs are used to celebrate both Easter and Passover. Easter eggs are common gifts during Eastertide, whether boiled and dyed or chocolate filled with an array of confections, eggs in general are a symbol of rebirth. Easter eggs symbolize the empty tomb of Jesus. Hard boiled or roasted eggs are also very symbolic on the Passover Seder Plate, symbolizing the temple sacrifice and the continuing cycle of life. They are eaten during the Seder Meal, dipped in salt water. My Jeff wants his eggs, deviled…go figure right! And trust me, he can eat an entire dozen, I literally have to hide them so he won’t totally overindulge and eat them all before the guests arrive!

We will celebrate Easter at home with a brunch of Panettone French Toast and festive Mimosas and then enjoy the day at the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament here on Hilton Head, which happens to take place over the Easter Holiday this year. Then we’ll finish the day with a lovely Easter dinner of Lamb and Spring Vegetables finished with a delicious Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake. You know I have to get my Easter chocolate! I’m not much of a candy person, but this rich and creamy dark chocolate swirl cheesecake, with a hint of orange is the perfect sweet ending to this holiday meal. Now, first things first, delicious and festive not so traditional mimosa cocktails~

Spice up your Spring Holiday Brunch with these festive drinks. Sparkling Cider makes a great non-alcoholic version. The garnishes of aromatic herbs add a wonderful fresh aroma and flavor.

The Venetian~ Fill a champagne flute half way with Prosecco. Add one jigger Campari and a splash of soda water. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme.

Gigi Bellini~ Fill a champagne flute 3/4 full with your favorite champagne. Add a drizzle of Grand Marnier (orange liqueur) to taste and garnish with a fresh rosemary stalk.

Pink Lady~ Fill a champagne flute 1/2 - 3/4 full with your favorite champagne. Add freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice. Top with a pinch of fresh lemon zest and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme.

Now, about those eggs! Jeff is crazy for deviled eggs. So simple to prepare, this basic traditional recipe comes from my grandmother. All I have to do is hide them from Jeff until everyone arrives!

One dozen fresh organic eggs 1 teaspoon sweet pickle juice

½ cup mayonnaise Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard                 Sprinkle of Paprika for finishing                               

2 tablespoons yellow mustard Fresh chives, finely chopped (if desired)

Place eggs a large saucepan with enough water to cover the eggs and a generous pinch of kosher salt.  Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 8 minutes.  Remove from heat and cover, allowing the eggs to rest for 20-25 minutes.  Rinse with cold water and carefully crack and peel eggs.  Slice in half lengthwise with a smooth bladed knife and place the yolks in a medium bowl, whites on a serving plate.  Smash the yolks with the beaters on an electric mixer and add mayo, mustards and pickle juice.  Beat with electric mixer on medium speed until well combined and creamy.  Season to taste with salt and pepper and thoroughly combine.  Spoon creamy yolk mixture into a pastry bag or a Ziploc baggie, pressing the mixture into one corner.  Snip the corner of the Ziploc baggie with a pair of kitchen shears and fill each egg white half with the yolk mixture, 1-2 teaspoons of filling in each one.  Sprinkle with paprika and finely chopped chives if desired.

Panettone French Toast is my favorite holiday brunch dish. Its’ sweet and savory, served with 100% pure organic maple syrup with a little orange liqueur to bring out the orange flavor in the french toast, always an Easter Brunch crowd pleaser. For the rest of our casual Easter feast recipes, simply click on the photos!

Deviled Eggs

Panettone French Toast

Colorado Rack of Lamb

Mediterranean Potato Salad

Grilled Citrus Salmon

Penne with Spring Vegetables

Dark Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake

Pear-Ginger Crumble

Lamb is a traditional Easter dish and this Colorado Rack with lemon, garlic and fresh herbs is tender and succulent, finished with a lovely red wine sauce. So elegant yet super simple to prepare. The Penne with Spring Vegetables, sugar snap peas, asparagus, scallions, carrots and Brussels sprouts, is fresh and light with a lemony and aromatic cilantro and basil pesto sauce, a perfect compliment to the flavors of the lamb. I included my Mediterranean Potato Salad, also a great side dish with lamb. I always like a fish option on a holiday table and this year it’s my Grilled Citrus Salmon, with a sweet orange and rosemary glaze. For dessert, the Dark Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake, and a Pear & Ginger Crumble topped with vanilla bean ice cream and toasted slivered almonds.

Now, after this wonderful holiday feast you will want to read on with Cheryl Conklin from Wellness Central on how to feel your best! I know you will learn so much from her article, all super great advice! Thanks Cheryl!

How to Feel Better After Overindulgence with a Little Self-Care

-Cheryl Conklin, MSEd, Wellness Central

On special occasions and during big events, many people will unconsciously overdo it when it comes to eating and drinking, which can leave you feeling bloated and unmotivated. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to ease the discomfort that can come with taking on too much, both before and after you indulge. Preventative care is half the battle, especially if you know that certain foods are likely to give you heartburn or indigestion. You can also look for help from a daily probiotic, which will help with tummy troubles and keep you feeling great. Keep reading for tips on how to alleviate the symptoms of overindulgence.

Reduce Bloating

Everyone has gas, but when it builds up too quickly without a release, it can cause a great deal of pain and can even mimic the feeling of a heart attack. It can also lead to lots of uncomfortable bloating, leaving you feeling overly full no matter what you eat. Take care to eat slowly (eating quickly can cause gas build-up) by chewing your food slowly and waiting 20 minutes or more before going back for seconds.  Not only will this keep you from feeling bloated, but it will also allow you to savor your food and may help prevent weight gain, since taking your time will let you process the feeling that you’re full and satiated.  Probiotics can also help a great deal by introducing healthy bacteria into your intestines, boosting your metabolism, and breaking down bits of food left in your digestive tract that can cause problems later.

Fall Back on Hobbies

Believe it or not, taking up a hobby can relieve stress and anxiety, as well as provide us with a little comfort when we’re feeling under the weather — and that includes making us feel better after overindulging. Focus on something you enjoy that also brings you comfort, whether that’s settling in for a good movie, reading that book you’ve been meaning to finish, or tackling an art project that’s been lingering in the back of your mind. At the end of the day, doing something enjoyable and healthy makes you feel good, so use that to your advantage.

Get a Little Exercise

While it’s probably true that the last thing you’ll feel like doing once you’ve overindulged, light activity can actually help you feel better when you’ve overeaten or when you feel bloated. You don’t have to do a full workout; a short walk at a steady pace will help quite a bit, especially if you have trapped gas that’s making you feel miserable.

Embark on a Staycation

Need to reset completely? If time allows, consider packing your bags for a healthy, detoxifying staycation. Considered by many to be the ultimate self-care splurge, a staycation may be just what you need to reduce stress, re-commit to healthy habits, and get back on track. Fortunately, Hilton Head is the perfect spot for a quick “getaway.”

Overindulgence can be okay if you don’t overdo it. The key is to eat small meals when you can, stay away from foods and drinks you know will cause problems later, and keep in mind that it’s not just one type of food that can lead to heartburn or indigestion. Also, if you do overindulge, look for ways to make yourself feel better without the guilt. Keep your comfort in mind, and do what you can to prevent any problems before they begin. (wellnesscentral.info)

Thanks again Cheryl for your collaboration this week! Wishing everyone a super fantastic & delicious Spring Holiday Week! You can find all of these recipes and many more of my favorites in Fun & Simple Gourmet, at iTunes for your iPad and other Apple devices. If you prefer hardback, it’s available at Amazon & here on my website.

Simple Tips to Organize Your Kitchen from Soup to Nuts

January is always a great month to reset and get a little organized with a fresh new start to a fresh new year.  One of the best things you can do to enjoy cooking and being in your kitchen more is being organized. I am an organizational freak by nature, which comes in pretty handy, especially in the kitchen. People ask me all the time how I make entertaining look so easy and the answer is simply, by being organized. It doesn’t take that much extra time to plan in advance, in fact, in the end, planning and organizing saves time. January is also National Soup Month!  What’s better than soothing, healthy soups to warm your soul.  After the holidays, I’m always ready to hunker down at home, especially when the weather isn’t quite stellar. My Healthy Kale Minestrone is a hearty meal on its own. Packed full of fresh healthy veges, and finished with avocado and extra virgin olive oil, you will live on this one all winter long. I like to make a big pot on a Sunday, and then we have it to enjoy whenever we want, all week long. Just click on the photo for the recipe! Keep scrolling for more healthy and delicious soups to keep you warm this month! Now back to organizing!

Recently I did a little kitchen re-organization. My kitchen was in pretty good shape, but there’s always room for improvement. A few little changes can save a ton of time.One thing in particular was adding drawers to the inside of my base cabinets. Now rather than sitting on the floor to try to dig in the back of a cabinet to find something, I simply pull out the drawer and I can see everything that’s there and easily retrieve what I am looking for. This is especially helpful with heavy items, like my kitchen aide stand mixer.  I also added drawers to my pantry shelves, making it super easy to find things, especially on the lower shelves.

Which brings me to my next kitchen organizational peeve…expired foods.  How many canned items are in your pantry that expired 2 years ago, 5…even more? It’s crazy to think about, but the time goes faster than you think. Take a few minutes even once a month before doing your grocery shopping to go through your pantry and refrigerator to remove expired items. It’s also a great way to make a good grocery list.  If you stay on top of it, it only takes a minute or two. 

A few other helpful hints to keeping your kitchen organized and functional: 

1.    Buy dried spices and herbs in small quantities and discard after 3 months.

2.    Store garlic, shallots and onions in a bamboo steamer basket. It’s the perfect environment to optimum freshness and it helps keep the veggie bin in the refrigerator a little less cluttered.

3.    Use drawer inserts for flatware, cooking tools and knife drawers to keep everything organized, easy to find and uncluttered.

4.    Hanging pots and pans on a ceiling rack not only saves room in your cabinets, it makes them super easy to retrieve and put away.

5.    Using an over the sink cutting board saves counter space and makes clean up so easy, just push the waste right into the sink.

6.    I recently purchased an over the sink, roll up drying rack. So cool! Dishes, glasses and pots and pans drip dry right in the sink and when you are finished, it just rolls up and stores easily and without taking up much room under the sink.

7.     Finally, labeling is a fun and simple way to keep everything organized.

Some of my favorite organizational tools to help you get started!

A few more of my fun and simple soup recipes! They are warm, soothing, healthy and delicious! Simply click on the photos for the recipes!

Conch or Clam Chowder

Healthy Corn Chowder

Easy Tomato Soup

Now, get in the kitchen, get organized, and make these wonderful healthy soups!  I hope you enjoy these healthy recipes as much as I enjoy sharing with you! You’ll find these and many more of my favorites in my latest lifestyle cookbook, “Fun & Simple Gourmet” at Amazon or iTunes for your devices!

In the meantime…

5 Perfect Pumpkin Dishes for Thanksgiving!

Who doesn’t love Thanksgiving…right? Of course it’s one of my favorite holidays because it’s all about two of the my most important things in life…Gratitude and Food! I like celebrating and preparing for Thanksgiving all month long, creating fun new recipes and enjoying preparing and updating some of my old ones.

Pumpkin is one of my favorite foods and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, not to mention the many health benefits of pumpkin!

Vitamin A rich and only 49 calories per cup, pumpkin has little or no fat content, and is high in antioxidants, like beta carotene which protects your cells against free radicals. Pumpkin also has fiber, Vitamins C, B2 and E, Iron, Copper and Potassium. I love pumpkin in lots of dishes over the holidays, but I eat pumpkin all year long.

I've selected five of my favorite pumpkin delights for you to share with your friends and family this holiday season and all year long...enjoy!

Simply click for the recipes.

Gingered Pumpkin Muffins with Dark Chocolate

Pumpkin Risotto with Fried Sage, Toasted Hazelnuts and lots of Parmigiana!

Creamy Parmigiana Pumpkin Zita with a hint of Amaretti

Pumpkin Ravioli with brown butter, sage and toasted walnuts

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake, my go to Thanksgiving dessert

What’s better than preparing a holiday feast with those closest to you and sharing a day of food, love and gratitude! I can’t think of a single thing! I hope you enjoy preparing these fun & simple pumpkin recipes as much as I enjoyed preparing for you! Please feel free to share and don't hesitate to reach out with your comments and send me your photos! I would love to hear from you! You will find many of my favorite holiday dishes in my new cookbook, Fun & Simple Gourmet! And…it makes a super great holiday gift!

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and Happy Thanksgiving! In the meantime,

It's Pumpkin Month!

Gingered Pumpkin Muffins with Dark Chocolate Glaze

It's time to transition into fall! I love the flavors of fall, especially pumpkin! This time of year, I use pumpkin in everything, from breakfast muffins to salads, soups, pastas and desserts. Sweet, savory and everything in between, there is nothing better than the taste of pumpkin to get you in the mood for fall weather and flavors. Whether you are serving these delicious muffins for breakfast or dessert, the warm aromatics will have you at first bite! Filled with pumpkin spices and ginger then drizzled with soothing dark chocolate, just one of these little delights will never be enough! Stay tuned for lots of wonderful pumpkin recipes coming up in the next few weeks. Not to worry, when it comes to fun & simple menu planning, you are at the right place. My simple and elegant recipes will save you time in the kitchen so you can enjoy healthy eating with your family and friends. #HealthyLifestyle #FunandSimple This week's feature, Gingered Pumpkin Muffins with dark chocolate glaze. (simply click on the photo for the recipe) Early fall comfort food at its best! You will find many of my favorite recipes in my new lifestyle cookbook!

Stay tuned for lots more about pumpkin and many more fun and simple pumpkin recipes. I hope you are enjoying your fall flavors and activities. Send me your photos and stories and don’t forget to share my recipes with your friends and family! Until next time…

A Delicious Late Summer Surprise

Where did summer go? I don’t know about you, but didn’t this one seem especially fast? The highlight for me was my birthday weekend when Jeff surprised me with a wonderful birthday dinner celebration in a spectacular wine cellar. I knew he was up to something, but would never let on and spoil his surprise, of course.  We spent the night before at the wonderfully chic Perry Lane Hotel in Savannah, Georgia enjoying the day in the city and the rooftop terrace at the hotel.

Then, when I arrived at the venue for dinner, I was be greeted by 20 of our closest friends…surprise right! But that wasn’t even close to being the real surprise. As I was seated at the table and read the beautifully crafted menu for the evening, I noticed something super special, the menu was comprised entirely of dishes from my new book! In honor of the launch this month, Jeff had arranged with the chef to prepare the evening’s event with an appetizer, a choice of 3 entrée’s and dessert all from Fun & Simple Gourmet. Needless to say, I was more than surprised, speechless in fact (which is not easy for me…ha!) and so touched that Jeff arranged such a special evening with our dearest friends.  Chef Nick at the South Carolina Yacht Club was so gracious and prepared the dishes perfectly, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the delicious food, incredible wines and beautiful evening in this magical setting.

I thought it would be fun to share the menu Jeff and Chef Nick selected as well as the recipes, all from Fun & Simple Gourmet. Now available here on the website, Amazon and select independent book stores and kitchen shops. (Click on the photos for these recipes!)    

Scallops Marnier

Trout Amandine

Veal Piccata

Citrus Glazed Salmon

Tiramisu Trifle

Fun & Simple Gourmet

It’s hard to believe we are already into our normal back to school routines, shorter days and fall flavors. I love cooking in the fall and now ready for the temperatures to become a little cooler, it sure still feels like summer! Enjoy your last days of summer weather and in the meantime…

With Chef Nick in the Wine Cellar at the beautiful South Carolina Yacht Club. Chef and his staff were amazing with every detail for our very special evening. I was so honored to have Chef Nick prepare my dishes from Fun & Simple Gourmet. Everything was superb! Many thanks Chef!

Celebrating Lobster Season with 5 Fabulous Fun & Simple Lobster Dishes

Warm Water Lobster Tails

August marks the beginning of warm water lobster season in the waters of south Florida and the Caribbean. I am a bit partial to warm water lobster, which are known for their lighter flavor and tender meat, as compared to cold water lobster.  Also found in the waters of the Mediterranean and Asia, warm water, or “spiny lobster” have a long tail and head similar to that of their cold water distant cousins, but they do not have claws, rather long spiny antennae.  I say distant because although both varieties are crustaceans, they are actually from different species and families.

The only edible meat of the spiny lobster is in its tail, tender, juicy and very sweet. That being said, there is something very special about the claw meat of a cold water lobster, but my heart belongs to the mild and tender meat of the warm water lobster tail.  Though cold water lobsters are harvested year round off the northern coastline of the United States and Nova Scotia, summer is considered lobster season. Warm water lobster season is August 1 – March 31, giving time in the spring for mating season and reproduction.

We have wintered in Nassau, Bahamas for over 20 years and consume a lot of lobster while we are there! It is fresh, abundant and is so simple to be prepared and in so many ways! I serve lobster for breakfast, lunch and dinner, in appetizers and salads, and our continuous flow of house guests are always excited about which dishes they will experience during their visit.  Here are some of my favorites!

Broiled or Grilled Lobster Tails

Lobster Benedict

Lobster Flatbread

Lobster Ravioli

Lobster Martini

Lobster Mac

Simply click on the photos for the recipes!

There is just something decadent about Lobster, but it is truly so simple to prepare. I hope you will try some of my favorites and don't forget to share! Please send me photos of your favorites! I can't believe we are already in August. Enjoy these last weeks of your summer and...

My new lifestyle cookbook, Fun & Simple Gourmet, is launching September 1st! Filled with my favorite fun and simple recipes for your healthy gourmet lifestyle! Don't forget to Pre-Order your copy today!

5 Great Recipes for a Delicious 4th of July!

"The second day of July, 1776 will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival." -John Adams, July 1, 1776

Independence Day has always been my favorite summer holiday, maybe because it always includes two of my favorite things, fireworks and red velvet cupcakes! On Independence Day we celebrate the anniversary of our Declaration of Independence from the British Empire with parades, fireworks and yes, food! You will love all of my fun and simple recipes to help plan your 4th of July holiday menu, but first, a little history. The Declaration of Independence was finally approved and signed July 4, 1776, officially declaring the United States of America independent from Great Britain. Ironically, John Adams died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration, as well as Thomas Jefferson who also passed on this very same day. The two were also coincidentally the only signers of the Declaration of Independence to become United States Presidents.

How do you celebrate Independence Day? At our house, it's all about the food...of course! I like to change up the menu each year, but one tradition that is always on the menu, my red velvet cupcakes, and John Philip Sousa marches! (click on photo for recipe)

These rich and super moist cupcakes are the perfect 4th of July Grand Finale!

Here are a few more fun and simple dishes on our holiday menu this year! Simply click on the photos for the recipes...enjoy! Don't forget to send me your food pics from your holiday table!

Bufala Caprese Salad

Deviled Eggs

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches

Lobster Mac n Cheese

Peach Blueberry Crumble

I know I said 5 great recipes for your delicious 4th...I couldn't help but share a couple more! We are celebrating right here at home this year...Hilton Head is such a great place for the 4th! Where are you spending your holiday? Send me your 4th of July photos, including your holiday table!       I would love to share...and feel free to share these recipes and menu ideas!

The best part about celebrating holidays is that the festivities always revolve around family, friends and food! My favorite part of the 4th of July is the cupcakes, though the fireworks are a close second! From our little island to wherever you are...

Happy 4th of July!