Author: Michelle

Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad

Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad

Fun potato salad? Yep, Sour Cream and Onion Potato salad definitely falls in the fun and surprising category.  If you’re a fan of sour cream and onion potato chips (and who isn’t??), you’re going to love this novel rendition of potato salad that has a sour cream and onion mayo base and then is topped with crumbled sour cream and onion chips for good measure!

GF Pasta with Hazelnuts, Parmesan, and Arugula

GF Pasta with Hazelnuts, Parmesan, and Arugula

There’s nothing like a perfect bowl of pasta to make you feel wonderfully satisfied. GF Pasta with Hazelnuts, Parmesan, and Arugula hits the spot and comes together lickety-split. It’s got a smidge of heat, a balanced amount of saltiness, a satisfying crunch from the hazelnuts, brightness from the lemon zest with the balsamic syrup being the perfect finisher.

Sweet Potato Blue Cheese Dip

Sweet Potato Blue Cheese Dip

If you’re a fan of sweet potatoes and blue cheese (which I am!), this dip is for you! It’s got the sweetness and colorfulness of the sweet potatoes combined with the creaminess and tang of the blue cheese. Sweet Potato Blue Cheese Dip is a novel alternative to the usual dips that most of us eat. Grab a handful of potato chips and dig in!  

Thai-Style Grilled Chicken with Dipping Sauce

Thai-Style Grilled Chicken with Dipping Sauce

Gai Yang is a grilled Thai chicken dish that is loaded with flavor. In Thai-Style Grilled Chicken with Dipping Sauce, I’ve simplified and “westernized” some of the ingredients and instructions of this classic Thai street dish so that you too can enjoy this amazing recipe in your own home. You’re gonna love it because the flavor is insane! Whatever you do, don’t skip the dipping sauce, it’s integral to the overall awesomeness of the dish.

Spiced Lamb Pockets with Tzatziki Sauce (Gluten Free)

Spiced Lamb Pockets with Tzatziki Sauce (Gluten Free)

Yum. Yum. Yum! Spiced Lamb Pockets with Tzatziki Sauce (Gluten Free) are packed with unbelievable flavor. They’re a cinch to make and if you can grill a burger, then grilling the Spiced Lamb Pockets is well within your wheelhouse. Top with some cooling Tzatziki Sauce (or not!) and enjoy!

Caramelized Lemony Dressing

Caramelized Lemony Dressing

Caramelized Lemony Dressing is my new favorite salad dressing. It’s full-on flavor with immense brightness and texture…a touch of sweetness and smokiness with a well-balanced hint of tang.

Weeknight Indian-Spiced Chicken

Weeknight Indian-Spiced Chicken

Cooking great meals during the week can be challenging for all of us. We want to keep dinners simple but don’t want to give up flavor for simplicity. Voila! Weeknight Indian-Spiced Chicken is here to answer the call. It’s a quick, easy, tasty one-pan meal that is a crowd pleaser…even for picky eaters.

Sesame-Lime Grilled Wings

Sesame-Lime Grilled Wings

I’ve made Sesame Lime Grilled Wings many times and they are REALLY good. Totally finger lickin’ good…and without being fried😜! Kudos go to the Sesame-Lime Vinaigrette and the grill for elevating these crispy wings to the next level.

Fried Calamari with Zingy Aioli (Gluten Free)

Fried Calamari with Zingy Aioli (Gluten Free)

This recipe has been in my head for over 20 years!  Does anyone remember the Philadelphia restaurant Carey’s on 15th street?? It only survived for a short while but my sister and I completely fell in love with the fried calamari. It was the most delicious calamari we ever had. The secret ingredient? Graham cracker crumbs! The restaurant is long gone but now you too can enjoy Fried Calamari with Zingy Aioli (Gluten Free). It’s got a sweet, slightly caramelized crunch and crispiness (thanks to the graham crackers) that you’d expect from a fried calamari dish and it’s complemented by a briny, slightly spicy aioli dipping sauce. The combination is totally outrageous!

Tofu With Warm Soy-Sauced Tomatoes (Gluten Free)

Tofu With Warm Soy-Sauced Tomatoes (Gluten Free)

Don’t underestimate this straight-up excellent dish because of its simplicity. The allure of Tofu with Warm Soy-Sauced Tomatoes is the juxtaposition of the warm sauced tomatoes with the cold, uncooked tofu. It’s unexpected and it’s delicious.

Oven-Baked Candied Bacon

Oven-Baked Candied Bacon

In general, I prefer salty over sweet but sometimes there’s that perfect interplay of sweet-n-salty. Oven-Baked Candied Bacon is the ideal combo of sweet, salty AND crispy. With only two ingredients needed, it’s super easy to make. Plus, there’s no messy grease splatter to clean up because you’re cooking the bacon in the oven. 🥓😎

Meatloaf Perfection (Gluten Free)

Meatloaf Perfection (Gluten Free)

I’m not a meatloaf girl but I LOVE this meatloaf! It’s truly Meatloaf Perfection (Gluten Free) and all the credit goes to the prunes, yes, the prunes!! 

Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip

If you’re a big fan of buffalo wings and simple recipes, you’ll love Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip. It’s a total crowd pleaser that’s big on flavor and small on effort. 

Crispy Creamy Mustard Chicken

Crispy Creamy Mustard Chicken

Crispy Creamy Mustard Chicken is a simple, one-pan recipe that makes it an easy weeknight dinner. But don’t let that fool you. There are complex flavors going on in this pan. The creme fraîche is the secret ingredient that brings luxuriousness to this gem. It makes Crispy Creamy Mustard Chicken a decadent and impressive dish that can easily be served at a dinner party.

Tomato Walnut Penne Pasta (Gluten Free)

Tomato Walnut Penne Pasta (Gluten Free)

Tomato Walnut Penne Pasta (Gluten Free) is one of those recipes that reels you in. Even after eating two large helpings you’ll still be looking forward to leftovers the next day. As you GF-er’s know, that’s really impressive for a gluten free pasta dish!

Fennel-Celery Salad with Walnuts and Blue Cheese

Fennel-Celery Salad with Walnuts and Blue Cheese

Just hold on a sec😡! Before you get all “I hate fennel. I don’t even like celery,” I’ll tell you why you should want to try this salad. Fennel-Celery Salad with Walnuts and Blue Cheese is a SOPHISTICATED salad…a salad filled with layers of full-on flavor, crunch, sweetness, and tang. While admittedly this salad isn’t for everyone, it just might be for you, your family, or your guests! It’s definitely for me and BG!

Spiced Aioli Chicken Breasts

Spiced Aioli Chicken Breasts

Is your tank almost on empty as you contemplate what to cook for dinner? Have you been asked multiple times the dreaded “What’s for dinner??” Well, if this is you, you can relax. The beauty of Spiced Aioli Chicken Breasts is its simplicity! It’s a lazy foodies dream recipe because while it has few ingredients, it’s mighty tasty and is on the table in less than 30 minutes. Are you smiling yet? I hope so!

African Peanut Soup (Maafe)

African Peanut Soup (Maafe)

I’m preparing for my first trip to Africa and I’m super excited! There’s a lot more prep work for this trip than for the usual trips I take….securing Visa’s, getting Yellow Fever vaccinations (ouch!), picking up the anti-malarial pills, etc. Even with all of this preparing, I hadn’t given any thought to the Africa cuisine until my cousin Eric brought it up. As a food lover, how could I have overlooked this? I did some research and chose to experiment with Maafe…an African Peanut Soup. It’s a delicious, full bodied, satisfying soup that can easily double as a stew over rice, if desired. If you’d like to get a taste of African cuisine why not make a pot of African Peanut Soup (Maafe) yourself? Tutaonana baadaye! (Swahili for “catch you later!”👋🏼)

Classic Hungarian Cucumber Salad

Classic Hungarian Cucumber Salad

A bit about myself. My maternal side of the family is Hungarian. Actually, sometimes we’re Hungarian and other times we’re Romanian. My maternal grandfather grew up in Sighet, Transylvania (spooky, right?!) and at the time he came to the United States, Sighet was part of Hungary. So we consider ourselves Hungarian even though today Sighet is part of Romania. Sorry for the digression…Here’s a traditional Hungarian recipe – Classic Hungarian Cucumber Salad. It’s so light and refreshing and is perfect when served with heavier dishes like stews for example.

Harissa Maple Roasted Carrots

Harissa Maple Roasted Carrots

I just looove the brightness of this dish and, most importantly, the delicious-ness of the carrots. Harissa Maple Roasted Carrots has middle-eastern flair and robustness from the harissa and cumin and then is layered, mellowed and sweetened with maple syrup. It’s a perfect side dish for fall and winter recipes. I often-times serve it for Thanksgiving since it’s a great make-ahead and serve-room-temp recipe.

Umami Noodles with Scallion Brown Butter (Gluten Free)

Umami Noodles with Scallion Brown Butter (Gluten Free)

Umami Noodles with Scallion Brown Butter (Gluten Free) are loaded with so much flavor. Each strand of pasta is thoroughly coated in sauce, thanks to the Starchy Water trick I include in the recipe. I slurped down the entire bowl of noodles while standing at the stove…and I never do that! 

Sweet and Spicy Korean Short Ribs (Gluten Free)

Sweet and Spicy Korean Short Ribs (Gluten Free)

Korean BBQ anyone?? The marinade on Sweet and Spicy Korean Short Ribs (Gluten Free) becomes a delectable candied lacquer when grilled AND cooks for less than eight minutes! If you want easy, quick, poppin’ flavor that’s Korean BBQ style, you’ve got to give this one a try!

Sheet-Pan Portobello Parmigiana – (Gluten Free)

Sheet-Pan Portobello Parmigiana – (Gluten Free)

I LOVE sheet-pan recipes because they really simplify the cooking and clean-up processes. Sheet Pan Portobello Parmigiana – (Gluten Free) fits that bill and then some. Store bought marinara sauce and pre-shredded mozzarella totally lighten the load on this very tasty and filling vegetarian recipe. 

Maple Mustard Dressing

Maple Mustard Dressing

Maple Mustard dressing is a full-bodied dressing that is especially delicious when served with fresh fruit in your salads. My sister makes the dressing for our family gatherings and drizzles it over mixed field greens with fresh, sliced pears or mangos, and Trader Joe’s candied pecans. The dressing (and the salad) are a family favorite!

Cashew Chicken with Asparagus

Cashew Chicken with Asparagus

Cashew Chicken with Asparagus is a totally scrumptious recipe. It’s got the nutty cashew crunch with a sweet honey pepper sauce that melds perfectly with the turmeric chicken and asparagus morsels. The dish comes together in 10 minutes once you get cooking. Can you say “easy dinner that everyone will love?!”

Yogurt with Fresh Figs, Honey, and Pine Nuts

Yogurt with Fresh Figs, Honey, and Pine Nuts

If you’re looking for an easy but unique yogurt breakfast, this one’s for you! Yogurt with Fresh Figs, Honey, and Pine Nuts is filled with interesting and textured flavors that wind together in each spoonful. It’s the added oomph you need to get your day started on the right note.

Tuna Poke Bowl

Tuna Poke Bowl

While Poke originated in Hawaii, it’s now mainstream and available in many restaurants and even in many supermarkets. However, making your own Poke Bowls is a total breeze. And if your reaction is anything like my husband’s was when devouring his homemade Tuna Poke Bowl, you’ll be strutting around doing the Hokey Pokey or busting a move!

Tangy Chicken with Olive Herb Dressing

Tangy Chicken with Olive Herb Dressing

This recipe uses Castelvetrano olives which are quite different from other olives. They are meaty and buttery unlike the typical salty olive. Tangy Chicken with Olive Herb Dressing combines the Castelvetrano olives, parsley, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon with the schmaltzy chicken drippings. The result is a jammin’ chicken dinner that takes little effort to make.

Salmon with Roasted Poblano Salsa

Salmon with Roasted Poblano Salsa

The poblano salsa is the star of this recipe. The salsa is bright and briny from the lemon and capers and slightly smoky and earthy from the poblano pepper. Salmon with Roasted Poblano Salsa tastes great whether it’s served hot, cold, or room temperature.  

Creamy Coconut Crunch Shrimp

Creamy Coconut Crunch Shrimp

Creamy Coconut Crunch Shrimp is a hybrid recipe…part ceviche-inspired, part Peruvian, yet stands all on its own. Instead of “cooking” the shrimp in an acid (lime, lemon, or orange) like is usually done for ceviche, the shrimp are poached in a wonderful lime coconut milk, which is then reduced into a velvety sauce. For the finishing touches add colorful cherry tomatoes, jalapeños and red onion for some bite, cilantro as a fresh herby accent and then topped with some broken tortilla chips for overall fun crunchiness.

Watermelon, Mango, and Corn Salsa

Watermelon, Mango, and Corn Salsa

Salsa and Chips is an easy and great snack to munch on. This version of salsa uses summer ingredients such as watermelon, mango and corn to shake things up.Watermelon, Mango, and Corn Salsa is the perfect salsa for hot, steamy summer days. It totally hits the spot…and so do the margaritas!

Goldie’s Amazing Tahini Shakes

Goldie’s Amazing Tahini Shakes

Let’s shake it up! Milkshakes are great but Goldie’s Amazing Tahini Shakes are even better! A gigantic thanks to Goldie’s Falafel in Philadelphia (same owners as Zahav, Dizengoff, and Federal Donuts fame) for creating these bombs. The flavor is out-of-this-world and so is the luxurious thickness. It’s hard to believe these babies are gluten free, dairy free, and vegan.

Fresh and Herby Gluten Free Macaroni Salad

Fresh and Herby Gluten Free Macaroni Salad

Fresh and Herby Gluten Free Macaroni Salad is perfect for summer holidays, pot lucks, and picnics. It’s a breeze to throw together, travels easily, and the gf pasta holds up well. It’s not mayonnaise-y and heavy like so many other macaroni salads. Rather it’s light, fresh and herby…just like the recipe name. How about that😉!

Steak with Hot Miso Butter

Steak with Hot Miso Butter

Steak with Hot Miso Butter is loaded with full-on umami flavor. The steak is totally delicious on its own but it’s the creative blend of butter, miso, and sriracha that propels this baby right off the charts!

Poached Cod in Tomato Curry

Poached Cod in Tomato Curry

Poached Cod in Tomato Curry is a silky smooth curry that is SO simple to make and is loaded with fantastic global flavors. It’s ready in 30 minutes and is just as delicious the next day… if you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers!

Cucumber, Blackberry, and Peach Salad with Fresh Herbs

Cucumber, Blackberry, and Peach Salad with Fresh Herbs

Biting into your first juicy, sweet peach of the season is such a joyous experience. Cucumber, Blackberry, and Peach Salad with Fresh Herbs takes advantage of the season and is a great combination of mouthwatering peaches, crunchy cucumbers, creamy feta, sweet and tart blackberries and a zesty vinaigrette. There’s no cooking necessary. Enjoy this simple, beautiful, refreshing salad that’s perfect for the lazy, hot days of summer.

Gluten Free Pad See Ew

Gluten Free Pad See Ew

If you’ve never had Pad See Ew before you are in for a real treat! Pad See Ew is a Thai dish that is “sort of” a cousin to Pad Thai but it generally uses wider noodles and broccolini (similar to Chinese broccoli) and has a deeper, richer and more charred flavor than Pad Thai. Plus, it has a double sauce combo…one that is used when cooking the dish and the other that is the sweeter and thicker finishing sauce. More on that later! What’s fantastic here is that Gluten Free Pad See Ew has all of the amazing characteristics of regular Pad See Ew but without the gluten! Cha-ching!

Retro Caviar Pie

Retro Caviar Pie

So gourmet, so easy, and so vintage! You just can’t go wrong with this one. Caviar Pie was a go-to classic for my parents generation. It was served at their fancy dinner parties and Holiday meals. Retro Caviar Pie pays homage to the good ‘ole simpler days.  Pair it with a nice bottle of chilled Champagne.  I’ll toast to that!

Balsamic Chicken with Blistered Tomatoes and Burrata

Balsamic Chicken with Blistered Tomatoes and Burrata

This recipe totally rocks. Balsamic Chicken with Blistered Tomatoes and Burrata is a one-pan wonder that takes less than 30 minutes to whip up. The flavor of the dish is phenomenal and the eye appeal is top-notch!

Parmesan Roasted Cabbage with Walnuts

Parmesan Roasted Cabbage with Walnuts

Parmesan Roasted Cabbage with Walnuts absolutely sings with flavor. It’s packed with Parmesan, walnuts, fresh herbs, and anchovies which are the hidden little flavor bombs in this dish(Ssh…no one needs to know they’re in there! Let’s keep it between me and you! 😉). Who knew roasted cabbage could taste SO good and look this sophisticated?!

Charred Asparagus and Dates

Charred Asparagus and Dates

Charred Asparagus and Dates is utterly divine. First let’s address the awesomeness that happens when you char a date. The date transforms into a candied, sweet, and chewy heavenly nugget. Next, while asparagus are available year-round, spring is the height of asparagus season so take advantage. This recipe is layered with amazing combinations of flavors, textures, and colors and can be on the table in 30 minutes.

Roasted Broccoli with Thai Style Dressing

Roasted Broccoli with Thai Style Dressing

I love roasted broccoli. The roasting creates delectable little crispy bits on the edges of the florets and there’s both a crunch and a softness that develops through the roasting process. Roasted Broccoli alone is a treat but whey you pair it with a classic Thai-style dressing, it’s another level. Roasted Broccoli with Thai-Style Dressing is an unexpected combination that will seduce you.

Crispiest Roasted Potatoes (Ina Garten)

Crispiest Roasted Potatoes (Ina Garten)

Crispiest Roasted Potatoes are EPIC! Unbelievably crispy! The crispiest ones I’ve ever had…. and without any frying. Thank you Ina! We wolfed these babies down in no time. Can’t wait to make them again…and again.

Horseradish and Panko Crusted Salmon (Gluten Free)

Horseradish and Panko Crusted Salmon (Gluten Free)

Horseradish Panko Crusted Salmon gets cooked low-and-slow in this recipe. This cooking method is a sure-fire way to enjoy juicy salmon every time. The slightly spiced horseradish mayo lends a subtle sweetness and spiciness to the salmon while the gluten free panko adds the amazing crunch.

Shaved Carrot and Radish Salad with Pumpkin Seeds

Shaved Carrot and Radish Salad with Pumpkin Seeds

Shaved Carrot and Radish Salad with Pumpkin Seeds is the perfect salad to help you spring into spring. It’s vibrant, refreshing, layered with crunch, and straight-up gorgeous. Plus, it’s chock-full of vitamins and nutrients. I feel healthier and stronger already💪🏼!

Buffalo Wing Caramel Popcorn

Buffalo Wing Caramel Popcorn

Remember Cracker Jacks? This is the grown up version sans peanuts and a prize. It’s got the same caramel sweetness but with a surprising spicy buffalo wing kick. Both delicious and addictive! So easy to make and even easier to eat.

Balsamic-Glazed Garlic, Spinach, and Cheddar Tart (Gluten Free)

Balsamic-Glazed Garlic, Spinach, and Cheddar Tart (Gluten Free)

Balsamic-Glazed Garlic, Spinach, and Cheddar Tart (Gluten Free) is a slam dunk. While all of the ingredients are important, it’s the Balsamic-Glazed Garlic that you will be dreaming about. I’m going to level with you…peeling all of these garlic cloves was a pain BUT I discovered that many markets sell peeled garlic cloves. YES🙏🏻 to small conveniences. Less time prepping and more time enjoying!

Deluxe Avocado Toast (Gluten Free)

Deluxe Avocado Toast (Gluten Free)

In the mood for a special breakfast or lunch? Smoked salmon, avocado and fried eggs …. yum! Deluxe Avocado Toast (Gluten Free) is so easy, so delicious, and so impressive!

Honey Lime Chicken – Gluten Free

Honey Lime Chicken – Gluten Free

Yum-mo! Honey Lime Chicken – Gluten Free is lip-smacking delish. The chicken skin gets browned and crispy in the pan and the sauce is thick, sweet and tangy. This dish is a total family favorite!

Kale Salad with Dates, Parmesan, and Almonds

Kale Salad with Dates, Parmesan, and Almonds

Kale Salad with Dates, Parmesan, and Almonds is a simple and delicious salad that has a phenomenal combination of crunchy, sweet, savory, and salty. It’s easy to get hooked on this one, even for non-kale lovers! 

DIY French Onion Dip

DIY French Onion Dip

There’s no sulfates, wheat, or corn syrups in this gluten free DIY French Onion Dip. It’s made with ingredients you can pronounce and it’s beyond delicious. The mix of sugary-sweet caramelized onions with crunchy raw shallots and chives makes this a seriously awesome onion dip. The freshness of ingredients combined with the delicious flavor sets this apart from anything you can buy in the market.

Easy Mediterranean Shrimp

Easy Mediterranean Shrimp

I love easy, quick meals that have big flavors.  Easy Mediterranean Shrimp is exactly that dish.  It’s one you’ll find on menus in many Mediterranean restaurants and now you can make it at home and have it on the table in less than 30 minutes. I betcha it’s even better than what you would get at the restaurant!

Orange Coconut Pancakes (Gluten Free)

Orange Coconut Pancakes (Gluten Free)

This recipe was inspired by the Coconut Pancakes I had at The Amangani Hotel in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. After my effusive praise, the chef graciously agreed to share his recipe with me. Even though this recipe was delicious as is, I added some zest to it…orange zest, that is! Orange Coconut Pancakes with Orange-Infused Maple Syrup. Oh. So. Good!

Ginger Cauliflower Soup with an Herb-Lime Relish

Ginger Cauliflower Soup with an Herb-Lime Relish

Ginger Cauliflower Soup with an Herb-Lime Relish is going to surprise you, I promise! This soup has a hint of spiciness from the ginger and a zingy, bright herb relish that delivers in a BIG way. It’s velvety smooth and creamy (despite there being no cream). We can say “thank you” to the russet potato for that!!

Vietnamese Caramel Chicken

Vietnamese Caramel Chicken

If you are a fan of Asian dishes that run on the sweeter side like Orange or Lemon Chicken, you will love Vietnamese Caramel Chicken. The sauce is a unique combination of flavorings that come together to create a deliciously sweet, sticky sauce with amazingly tender chicken.

Gluten Free Eggplant Gratin

Gluten Free Eggplant Gratin

Today we’re making Gluten Free Eggplant Gratin…not to be confused with Eggplant Parmesan. The eggplant is broiled to perfection with a light coating of olive oil, salt, and pepper. There’s a bit of marinara sauce and a delicious ricotta and parmesan custard that gets baked until golden brown. Although the Gluten Free Eggplant Gratin tastes decadent, it’s not a total calorie buster because the eggplant isn’t fried or breaded.

Gluten Free Asian Sesame Dressing

Gluten Free Asian Sesame Dressing

In less than five minutes you can make this super tasty and super easy Gluten Free Asian Sesame Salad Dressing with just five ingredients! It’s amazing on all types of salads. Try it with leafy greens, slaw, chopped or shredded chicken, or noodle salad. Even use it as a sauce with your veggies. Make a batch and store it in the fridge for a couple of weeks…even though there’s no way it will last that long!

Crispy Whole Duck à l’Orange

Crispy Whole Duck à l’Orange

I know exactly what you’re thinking…no way Michelle, it’s too complicated to make Crispy Whole Duck à l’Orange. I’m here to tell you with 100% certainty that you CAN do this and it’s as easy as roasting a chicken…I promise! And after roasting for one hour and 30 minutes or so, you’ll have succulent duck meat with the crispiest, most delectable skin ever, paired with a luscious, citrusy orange sauce. Often times the most difficult part of this recipe can be finding a market that sells duck!

Low and Slow Rib Roast

Low and Slow Rib Roast

Low and Slow Rib Roast has an amazing crust that’s packed with flavor while the meat remains tender and medium-rare on the inside. Put the roast in the oven and cook it low-and-slow and then finish it with a blast of high heat before you’re ready to serve your masterpiece. Whether you are entertaining for a holiday, celebrating a birthday, having friends over, or just want to indulge, this masterpiece is easily within your reach.

Copycat P.F. Chang’s Gluten Free Mongolian Beef

Copycat P.F. Chang’s Gluten Free Mongolian Beef

No need to go to or take out from P.F. Chang’s when you can make their Mongolian Beef Dish at home!  Copycat P.F Chang’s Gluten Free Mongolian Beef has extra crispy steak (thanks to the corn starch) that’s cooked to perfection and then is coated in a lip-smacking sweet and savory sauce. I doubt there will be leftovers…we polished off the whole plate!