New Years Day menu-wrap up!

What ever you may be doing on New Years Eve, there is still time to plan your New Years Eve/ day dinner. I have an elegant dinner that will impress even your Mother-in-law! Just click on the link/title, it will take you straight to the recipe! For more ideas and recipes, go to my  "Master Recipe List"!!

Dungeness Crab Cocktail 

Cranberry Pinenut Biscotti with a white chocolate drizzle

I love to have a biscotti with my tea in the afternoon or even first thing in the morning. Also, one of my favorite cookies to send to a few special people in my life is biscotti .....just a little bit of JJ in a neat little package tied with a red bow! When it arrives, it is intact, no breakage, perfect for shipping!

Raspberry Ribbon Pie

This delicious and quick pie is a throw back!! Yes, it was very popular when I was growing up and everyone loved it! My Mother used to make this every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some times she even made it in Summertime for a special treat!  With the traditional Christmas colors, ease of making and taste...it's perfect!!

Cranberry Syrup for your Holiday Breakfast!

I have a delicious and festive topping to share with you, this week! Homemade Cranberry Syrup! A sweet cranberry syrup with a touch of true bitterness from the berry. This is so perfect with my Pumpkin pancakes, waffles, ice cream or my Granola pancakes. 

Perfect Maple Manhattan

 

“A COCKTAIL IS A STIMULATING LIQUOR, COMPOSED OF SPIRITS OF ANY KIND, SUGAR, WATER & BITTERS.”

'Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry! There are so many parties this time of year, so much fun!! 
 One of my favorite Winter drinks is a Manhattan. I kicked it up a notch this year and I can tell you, this is delicious! This Manhattan has a sweet fiery kick and it's the perfect way to end a day and start a Happy Hour!

Turkey Pot Pie- Left over turkey?

Thanksgiving- Is your family standing around with the leftover stuffed refrigerator, door open, asking, "what do we have to eat?" You standing there still dazed from weeks of planning, preparing and presenting a Thanksgiving dinner fit for the King and his family? Are  they in a "Turkey Stupor"? Did they eat so much their eyes are clogged with turkey gravy? What is wrong with my family?

Perfect Mashed potatoes with Three Onion Butter - Just in time for Gobble Gobble!

I was surprised to hear one of the trainers at my gym say that he prefers instant mashed potatoes from a box rather than the real thing! I thought to myself – he needs a few tips on how to make perfect (real) mashed potatoes!

Jamaica Inn Cheese and Potato soup

 
Last February on our annual holiday to Jamaica Inn, Chef Maurice Henry served us a delicious Cheese and potato soup. I was blown away by the deliciousness of this soup and found myself licking up every last drop. I later cornered Chef Maurice and asked if he would share his recipe. He did!!! Yay!! A few months later, I received the recipe in my e-mail. Thank you Chef Maurice Henry.

Vegetarian Lasagna

I have a lot of favorite recipes that I like to make, my Meat Lasagna is one of Wee Bears favorites. A lot of my favorites I have carefully crafted on my own, tweaking and adjusting, trying to perfect over time - adding a little something here, a little something there. I have mostly chosen these recipes based on the positive feedback that I have received from Wee Bear, family and friends. Each time I knead the dough or caramelize the onions, each time I make one of these recipes for the 10th, 15th, or 30th time, I can feel history shaping. For an actor it may be the performance of a lifetime, for a poet the perfect sonnet, for a scientist, winning the Nobel prize, but for me...... I'm assuming many others are out there! It will be my signature recipes that I am remembered for........ along with a few other things!

Spiced Apple Sidecar

It is always a mystery to certain members of my family what cocktail I might order when we are out to dinner. Most of my family have their drink and that's it, year round.....Borrrrring! To me there are certain flavors that are really only appropriate at certain times of the year. For example, a passion fruit and coconut swizzle is just not done in November. A wonderful drink, for sure, however, not when it's cold out. On the flip side, eyebrows would be raised if you were to offer a maple and cinnamon Old-Fashioned in July. To me it's just not right. So, now that the evening is bringing us a little chill in the air and daylight's a fleeting thing, lets make a Fall drink that will warm us up. Thanksgiving is around the corner quickly followed by Christmas, this is  when those rich, warming spice flavors come in favor. 

Salted Caramel Creme Brulee

I've written before about my Mother's love for creme brulee. She is crazy about this delicious dessert. So the last few dinner's we had together, before Wee Bear and I left for Scottsdale, I made her creme brulee. She was in heaven with delight, in fact one night she devoured TWO!! 

 Of course who wouldn't likes this? We all rejoice at the fun in cracking the sugar on top and the caramel is the quintessential trademark of smooth, creamy, vanilla custard, foiled by the ever-so-slightly bitter burnt sugar. 

Five Pepper Cookies!

I still remember the first time I made these remarkable cookies. I was in my late 20's. My father had taken the Summer to go to Montana and find where he was born. He had given us a address to write letters to him, so, I not only wrote letters, I sent him cookies. This cookie was the one he talked about the most. He described his first bite like this, " ahhhh, this is nice- then, without warning his entire mouth was on fire!" However, he couldn't stop, he told me, "these cookies are addictive"!

Super sticky royal icing for - Haunted Ginger Bread House!

A gingerbread house is only as good as it's glue. If you want an A+ on your gingerbread house, you need the best gingerbread house icing. When planning your gingerbread house, the icing is the most  important part. Gingerbread houses are a great way to set the scene for the holidays and WOW visitors to your home, whether it be Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas!

Penuche Frosting

 
Penuche was a popular frosting when I was growing up. So last week end when my Grandchildren and I made a "Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Quick Bread" I thought the perfect frosting for it would be one of my old favorites, Penuche frosting. My Mom made a version of this recipe, however, I have changed it up, making it richer for "Julia and Emma's Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Quick bread"!

Beecher's Tomato Soup!

I have told you many times how I shop at the Seattle Public Market, well friends, there is this fabulous cheese maker.............Beechers. Beecher's is a local favorite cheese, restaurant and snack shop! Beechers started as a idea right here in our Seattle Public Market in 2002, by Kurt Beecher. Beecher's opened it's doors in November of 2003 Beecher's has two cheese making locations now, Seattle and the Flatiron District in New York.

Risotto with leeks, shitake mushrooms and freshly shaved truffles

The truffle is well-loved in our family and gets featured quite often, when any one of us can get our hands on them. My daughter-in-law, Amy and son Dustin were able to purchase a black truffle at the Seattle Public market last week and oh boy, did we have a feast!! Dustin shaved the fresh truffle over his perfectly grilled steaks and I created a new risotto using shitake mushrooms, shallots and leeks. Making mushrooms and truffle the hero of your dish means big bang for your buck because they were made to ooze flavor, and are best friends with good old staples such as pasta, risotto and ciabatta. And also, risotto is made for feeding people you love, and that’s just what we needed when we had a merry rabble of family round for dinner and a Seahawks game on Sunday afternoon.

Grilled Baby Bok Choy with Miso butter

Last week we had friends fly in from Scottsdale to go with us to Lake Chelan. We had a great time touring wineries, hiking and eating. One night we ate in and watched the Seahawk football game. I made a marinated flank steak, fried rice, and gave Ruth some baby Bok Choy to grill. Oh boy was it good! We didn't have the Miso and improvised, however, I have given you the recipe with the Miso. I had brought some Schilling Monterey chicken seasoning, and we used that to make the butter for the Bok Choy, it was good, but, the Miso is much better. I recreated the dish again with the Miso a day ago. I bought "Brown rice Miso", you can use which ever suits you or you have in your refrigerator. I wrote about each of the Miso's below.

Tomato Feta Tarts!

Summer Tomatoes? We still have tomatoes coming ripe on the vine, fast and furious!! This week I'm offering another way to use those plump, juicy tomatoes!! I decided to show off my beautiful tomatoes in a tart! YUM!!

Grilled trout with Green tomato salsa!

Do you have a over abundance of tomatoes? Well, I know quite a few of you do, as I have been getting e-mail after e-mail of readers asking if this is an unusual year. Well, it depends where you live. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are having a record amount of sun, so, we are having a record number of tomatoes and various other vegetables!

Gazpacho shots! Figure friendly!

The tomatoes are coming fast and furious! Just in time for the load, a tasty gazpacho soup! With these steamy August days and a ton of tomatoes what could be more perfect! Since I don’t can my tomatoes, I mostly make sauce, soup, Rustic Tomato Tart, sandwiches and salads. We eat lots and lots of fresh tomatoes in salads, on bagels, in sandwiches (best BLT ever), but the gazpacho is probably my favorite way of eating fresh tomatoes.

Cilantro lime taco's- Nordstrom

I've been enjoying Cilantro lime tacos when I am shopping at Nordstrom this Summer. These bright, flavorful and light tacos with a tangy vinaigrette are just the ticket for a light flavorful lunch. I looked up the recipe to share and wha la, I found it!! This is an easy-to-follow recipe that was developed by corporate chef, Michael Northern, and his small army of chefs. It is so delicious and perfect for a Summer dinner outdoors!

Chorizo Clams! Wee Bear's favorite!!

Steamed clams make a great appetizer, but better yet with a few additions they make a fantastic dinner. I always make a big pot and serve them in bowls with all the yummy juices on the bottom. Wee Bear and I get some crusty sourdough to soak up all that yumminess .......OH MY!


This recipe is spicy, bread-dipping, clam-broth-a-licious. This isn't just a dish, it's a full-blown event! (The recipe calls for 2 1/2 pounds of clams... I bought 5 pounds of Manilla clams ....Wee Bear and I nearly ate all of them!!  Feel free to double this recipe!

Salted Caramel "Ding Dong" Cake!

I was always more of a Hostess cupcake girl. I just loved that creamy white filling surprise in the middle! However, with two rich chocolate cake layers covered in salted caramel ganache and stuffed with a vanilla bean filling? I could convert.......

A couple weeks ago my daughter-in-law, Eva turned 39. I wanted to make her something special, as she is a special kind gal. She is always trying help out in any way she can and is fun person. She loves salted caramel, so when I ran into this recipe in a old Bon Appetit, I knew this was a cake she would love. 

Quick Cherry Kuchen!

The first time I made Cherry Kuchen, I made it with sweet Bing cherries, the story follows!

My kitchen looked like a crime scene. Red splatters were everywhere... the freshly picked cherries bursting as the pitter plunged through to extract the pit. The juices puddled on the cutting board and stained my fingers. These cherries were at their perfect point of ripeness. Their flavor needed no companion or accent. It is why I kept it simple and made a cherry kuchen.

I then cleaned up the kitchen and went to the store. The cashier gave me a strange look. After I got home I realized why.  Those red splatters were all over my shirt and neck.....hahaha!  Remind me next time to wear one of my friend  Fawn's hand made aprons! And/or checking how I look in the mirror before heading out the door would be a good idea too. I’m so glad it wasn’t too busy at the local grocery. At least no one called the police!!

Over night Breakfast Enchiladas!

In my opinion, having the option to do ahead breakfast for guests is one of the best ideas...ever!! When company comes to stay and you want to treat them to a hot and special breakfast, it is so nice to just pop this delicious dish into the oven.

Roasted Corn, Tomato and Black Bean Salad

Let's get corny!  Summertime to us means lots of good eats using fresh produce to go along with our grilled foods. I know it’s the way many all over the world eat but, because Wee Bear and I mostly live in the sun, we grill nearly year round. There is nothing better than a salad made with garden fresh tomatoes and when you add roasted corn, you boost flavor, and with a can of black beans from the pantry you add more texture, taste and protein. The trio brightens together with the help from the seasoned vinegar bath mixed with the delight of red onions and peppers.

Strawberry-Sour Cream Ice Cream! 4th of July!

There is just something about homemade ice cream...it's the taste of the snow capped mountain on a sunny day or maybe it's that warm feeling of the sun shinning on your shoulders on a Summer day; an idealized memory of Summer in culinary form. Brilliant pink fresh strawberry ice cream is a classic flavor and, along with chocolate and vanilla is an American favorite.
I love berries and eat them every morning for breakfast, however, strawberries served with sour cream.........they are the most delicious! David Lobowitz combined these two ingredients to make this delicious ice cream. I had the privilege of taking two classes from David when he was in Seattle a couple years ago. His recipes are infallible.... when followed.  A couple of tips - macerating the berries before hand magically transforms even so so berries into fruits that are brilliantly red. Make sure you refrigerate the mixture for a full hour before churning and try to eat this soon after it is churned.

Hungarian Raspberry Cheesecake!

Guest post- My daughter-in-law Eva, is a mommy, a part time blogger, a crafter, sewist, a full time Microsoft employee.......and multiple other talents and jobs. Somehow she does it, I am not sure how! We have enjoyed cooking together multiple times, planned events together and shared some real laughs. I invited her to guest post while I am on my dream vacation and I was delighted when she agreed. She hasn't blogged in quite some time, but, her blog is still on the internet and has some interesting crafts and great recipes. Please have a look http://www.lemondropsandcupcakes.com/! Who knows maybe she will get the bug again to rejoin the blog world!! In the mean time please enjoy her guest post!!

Hungarian Sweet Pea Soup!

Guest post- My daughter-in-law Eva, is a mommy, a part time blogger, a crafter, sewist, a full time Microsoft employee.......and multiple other talents and jobs. Somehow she does it, I am not sure how! We have enjoyed cooking together many times, planned events together and shared some real laughs and experiments! I invited her to guest post while Wee Bear and I are on our life long dream vacation and I was delighted when she agreed. 

The timing of this post is perfect as the "sweet peas" are in the markets right now!! Peas are easy to grow, but with a very limited growing season. Furthermore, they do not stay fresh long after harvest, so enjoy them while you can!

Summer salad with strawberries and avocado!

The weather here in Seattle is spectacular! Perfectly sunny 75-80 F degree days! Yippie! The kind of day, you want to get out in the yard for play or just plating a few extra flowers for a little pop! Wee Bear and I went  to my daughter's house the other night for dinner, I made this delicious arugula salad....light and screaming Summer with the local sweet strawberries. I made a very light lemon vinaigrette to top this healthy light salad.

Salted caramel upside down banana cake!

  I love bananas! However, I’m particular about how I eat them, I like them yellow but, tinged with green. That way, they’re firm and sweet, but not too sweet from being over-ripened. When bananas start getting spots, it’s time to bake or make a smoothie. We had three large over ripe banana's after our children left last week. I could of thrown them out, but, after thinking about it, I decided , another recipe for over ripe banana's can't be a bad thing! I think we all end up with over ripe banana's now and then...right? Lot's of great idea's popped into my head.... I thought about doing caramelized banana cupcakes, I also thought about a breakfast smoothie with oatmeal and banana's...yum!  But, I been thinking of making a upside down pineapple cake lately(remembering a wonderful upside down pineapple cake my Mother used to make), then it hit me!! Why not combine my favorite salted caramel and a banana flavored cake? Okay! This is one of the best uses of over ripe banana's ever!

Farfalle Pasta Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts!

I like fun food at fun holidays! With Memorial Day approaching and 4th of July around the corner.....I'm thinking a fun pasta salad!

Asparagus - Grilled Bacon wrapped bundles and Grilled Parmesan Asparagus

Asparagus like most fresh fruits or vegetables, begins to lose its natural sugars immediately when it is harvested. This loss is rapid, and unless used very soon after it is picked it becomes less flavorful and sometimes even bitter. There is a method to amend this, and it is very simple.....

Strawberry-Rhubarb pie in a Mason Jar!!

 
Appreciation for Mom is shown in a lot of different ways in my family. It can be anything from flowers to a lovely piece of jewelry, but, it always includes food...good food! 

When my children were young they would make me a course by course breakfast, with the first course being strawberries. I love strawberries, and these days you can buy fairly sweet ones all year long! Yum!

I decided to do a twist on the strawberry theme this year, I put them together with rhubarb and made a little mason jar pie! You can find these wide mouth 8 ounce Mason jars at most hardware stores, grocery stores or on Amazon, about $10.00 for 12. The acerbic punch of the rhubarb mellows out while it cooks and is the perfect complement to the ripe sweetness of the strawberries. Use my delicious, flaky pie crust recipe or keep it simple with a pre-made dough and customize with different cutout shapes or crimping styles around the edges.

Roasted Red Pepper Tart-Cinco de Mayo!

 

Cinco de Mayo is May 5, a few days away! This is one of the most fun holidays! This year I have made a delicious "Roasted Red Pepper Tart" or quiche as you may say! I love this tart! Gruyere and Parmesan cheese make up the base of this delicious tart....what's not to like!! But really, this tart recipe is merely a canvas for you. You can add absolutely anything that crosses your mind: asparagus, prosciutto, diced ham, bacon, herbs, shrimp, sausage…and/or any vegetable you want. You can make it for breakfast, lunch or dinner, it is delicious for any occasion! Let’s make this tart my friends!

Veal Scallops with Basil Butter and Toasted Pine nuts!

Veal Scallops with basil butter and toasted pine nuts. When I explained to Wee Bear, what I was cooking, he was skeptical, but, he loves breaded veal and he loves butter....so he was "in"! Everything works here and the recipe is perfect for a quick Sunday dinner like we had last night, or a dinner party for eight.  If you get all your prep stuff done ahead of time, everything comes together in less than 10 minutes. The veal is super tender, and very mild flavored and is the perfect vehicle for this wonderful basil butter! I love the flavor of basil and pine nuts, they complement each other perfectly. If you can’t find veal, or if it’s not your thing, the recipe works just as well with chicken or pork.  I hope you enjoy it much as I do. I wish I would have recorded Wee Bear, he said, "This is the best veal I have ever eaten"! He loved the Basil butter in combo with the toasted pine nuts, and just couldn't quit saying, "Mmmmmmm, Ahhhhh, this is the best!"

Wheatberry Salad with fire roasted corn!

This salad is so yummy and healthy!! Wheatberry salad is one of my favorite multipurpose dishes. You can serve for breakfast with fruit and yogurt or lunch with salsa and black beans. For dinner it is delicious with grilled salmon. Wheatberries are the backbone of this delicious salad.

atberry salads are one of my favorite multipurpose dishes. Serve a wheatberry salad for breakfast (with yogurt, banana and walnuts), lunch (with sweet potatoes, black beans and salsa) or for dinner (with wild salmon, spinach and olives). Change your flavors to match the seasons as well – this version is the ultimate Fall salad and features butternut squash, cranberries, pomegranate arils and arugula with a maple-Dijon dressing.
Read more at http://www.katheats.com/the-ultimate-fall-wheatberry-salad#KJduPcgOulHfIkFQ.99

Wheatberry salads are one of my favorite multipurpose dishes. Serve a wheatberry salad for breakfast (with yogurt, banana and walnuts), lunch (with sweet potatoes, black beans and salsa) or for dinner (with wild salmon, spinach and olives). Change your flavors to match the seasons as well – this version is the ultimate Fall salad and features butternut squash, cranberries, pomegranate arils and arugula with a maple-Dijon dressing.
Read more at http://www.katheats.com/the-ultimate-fall-wheatberry-salad#KJduPcgOulHfIkFQ.99

Wheatberry salads are one of my favorite multipurpose dishes. Serve a wheatberry salad for breakfast (with yogurt, banana and walnuts), lunch (with sweet potatoes, black beans and salsa) or for dinner (with wild salmon, spinach and olives). Change your flavors to match the seasons as well – this version is the ultimate Fall salad and features butternut squash, cranberries, pomegranate arils and arugula with a maple-Dijon dressing.
Read more at http://www.katheats.com/the-ultimate-fall-wheatberry-salad#KJduPcgOulHfIkFQ.99

Steamed Asparagus with Lemon Yogurt Sauce- figure friendly!

It is Spring!  I am offering a veggie to get excited about .....asparagus! I have always loved these beautiful long slender stalks of goodness. It is definitely one of the signs of Spring for me! Today, I am offering a new take on my Asparagus with Pineapple buerre blanc, a healthier version, that is figure friendly! 

Chicken Cordon Bleu with two sauces!

 It’s time to take things a little retro. Chicken cordon bleu (which translates to “blue ribbon”) may not have actually originated at the famed French cooking school, but it was  nonetheless a winning dish for many American families in the 1960s and ’70s. The key components—breaded chicken breast, cheese, and ham. I love classic chicken cordon bleu in all its gloriousness. I really do! But, sometimes I want it done in a more elegant way....... here we go, just in time for Easter!

How to make a Bunny Cake!

I had so much fun making this cute little bunny cake from the book Surprise-inside cakes by Amanda Rettke!  I just wanted to squeeze this little bunny in my arms, it is so cute! I know there are a lot of bunny cakes out there, but, with this one, it's whats inside that counts! Imagine surprising your family and friends with this stunning, inventive cake! The delight on your children's faces as this "Bunny Cake" comes to life!

Salted Caramel Budino!

Salted Caramel Budino is a pudding like dessert with two layers and a topping. I first had this delicious dessert at North in Kierland Commons, Scottsdale, Arizona on my 2nd Blogaversary. The food is fantastic, atmosphere is electric and the service is "just right"! My two favorite things on the menu.... the Braised Rib and the Salted Caramel Budino. I would go as far to say, this is my favorite dessert ever!

JJ's Irish Brownies!

Perfect quick dessert or treat for your friends, these are great for St. Patrick's Day or anytime!  

Brownies!! They are dense, fudgy, packed full of chocolate, and infinitely customizable depending on your favorite flavors. There are peanut butter brownies, salted caramel, mint, Oreo, cheesecake… you name an ingredient, and I guarantee a brownie has been made with it. Our St. Patrick's party needed something new and yummy. Could anything be better than really yummy brownies with an Irish twist? I just added Irish cream liqueur and some bittersweet chocolate pallets to a basic brownie recipe. For the frosting I added Irish cream liqueur and green food coloring to a cream cheese frosting.

Happy 2nd Blogaversary!

Toasting to a successful two years!

First, thank you to my followers! You are what makes the blog happen, without YOU, it is nothing. Thank you for your continued support and comments.

Proposal Brownies!

Proposal Brownies
adapted from Amy Westerman
featured in good Housekeeping and New York Times

The lore behind this recipe is that is has led to at least two marriage proposals. They were in the Feb 2014 Ladies Home Journal. Must say, they are really good and really easy to make. Just be careful who you serve them to! 

Chicken Galliano!

Galliano, is an Italian liqueur flavored with 30 herbs and spices, including anise and vanilla, it gives this sauce  a complex sweetness that is flavor explosion in the mouth.

BLT- Bacon, Lobster and Tomato Sandwich!

 It’s vacation in Jamaica, where I eat lobster almost everyday for some meal. Because the lobster is so prevalent and inexpensive here and it's lunch time,  I want a delicious sandwich! I want the ultimate sandwich! I want a Bacon, Lobster and Tomato sandwich! YUM!!

I mixed some Hellman's mayonaise with some herbs, salt, pepper and toasted the Brioche roll just slightly because of the extra softness being lent by the lobster salad.  I thought it was important to get a crispy textural layer in there. I spread the roll with the chilled lobster salad, and some sliced tomatoes. A whole lot of texture and oh so good! For added texture, add some Butter Lettuce(I didn't have available).

Two layer Lactation Brownies!

These double layer brownies are so yummy! Even if you aren't nursing, they are healthy, gooey and oh so good! I baked a batch of these for Amy and her house guests tried them......loved! Amy attests to the effectiveness of these delicious brownies!

Cinnamon Toast Pancakes- Figure Friendly!

A better breakfast can make all the difference. It powers up your metabolism, regulates your blood sugar, and is just plain delicious. So why not pull out the griddle and make some pancakes? These breakfast delights can still be healthy while tasting like a decadent treat! Yes folks, it's back to health Monday!

Smooth runnings! A healthy smoothie!

Taken at Jamaica Inn cottage 5.

Dates, almond milk and bananas come together for a sweet tropical smoothie with unexpectedly sophisticated flavors! Thick, smooth and creamy and sweet. Just such a treat! It’s almost hard to believe that it’s healthy, but it really is amazingly nutritious. The almonds give you an super dose of powerful plant protein, while their huge quantities of vitamin E will leave your skin glowing. The bananas fill you up with life giving potassium and magnesium, the cinnamon keeps your blood sugar perfectly balanced and the dates give you a very much needed intake of fibre. It’s like drinking liquid health, even though it tastes like dessert. How perfect is that? It will also satisfy even the strongest sugar craving as it really is so indulgently sweet, which makes it a perfect afternoon pick-me up, after dinner treat or sweet breakfast. It only take 3 minutes to make so you wouldn’t be tempted to stray to the chocolate while you wait either!