When we go to Maine my parents spoil my husband by preparing insane amounts of seafood. Fresh seafood is more expensive in Chicago than it is in Maine, and since I don’t particularly like seafood, I don’t cook it. The rest of my family loves it, and one of their favorites is bacon wrapped scallops. […]
dinner
A Maine Favorite: The Clam Shack Lobster Roll
The lobster roll is a simple treat loved by the masses. Its rich buttery taste is an affordable way to enjoy the flavors of lobster in a casual environment without the work of shucking lobster yourself. Made popular in New England, its appeal has spread across the country, with restaurants specializing in the tasty treat […]
S’mores Brownies
I have a thing for S’mores. The crunchy Graham Cracker, the gooey melted marshmallow, and the rich melted chocolate- it is something that I can’t say no to. There is something nostalgic about s’mores. They remind me of summertime campfires. These brownies are a fun less messy way to enjoy the treat from my childhood. I recently […]
5 Minute Southwest Chicken Salad
This is the ideal meal for a hot summery day (even though we don’t seem to get those in Chicago…) when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen by turning on your stove or oven. The best part? This meal takes about 5 minutes to prepare and it is loaded with vegetables and protein. […]
Watermelon, Balsamic, and Feta Salad
This refreshing three ingredient Watermelon, Balsamic, and Feta Salad is perfect for summer and can be served as an appetizer or a salad. I love how the sweetness of the watermelon is balanced by the salty feta. The balsamic reduction adds just a little acidity and it somehow pulls the flavor of the watermelon and […]
Pesto Bruschetta
Last night we celebrated our anniversary with dinner at home. The big celebration was our getaway to Charleston, and after a trip it is so nice just to be back at home. I thought that having an appetizer and bottle of wine ready when Charles got home from work would make the meal a […]
Dinner at Epic in River North
Once known for primarily serving up steak, Epic, in Chicago’s River North has mixed things up with a new modern American menu with both Asian and Hawaiian influences. When Epic asked me to stop in to check out the menu, I jumped at the chance – especially since I was trying to pack up my […]
Sherry Mushroom Chicken
You know those Friday nights when you work late, have somewhere to be by 8:30, and only have 30 minutes to pull dinner together? Let’s just say I am very familiar with that situation. The other factor in my life last Friday night is that we are trying to clean out our fridge before […]
Mashed Potato Bacon Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeños stuffed with mashed potatoes and wrapped with bacon – that is what you feed people who have been drinking all day. This recipe was invented on Saturday afternoon when I needed to bring an appetizer to a party to feed my friends who had been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day all day. I figured an […]
Herb Roasted Tomato Soup
I made this Herb Roasted Tomato Soup on a very snowy Saturday in Chicago. When you think about it – Tomato Soup is one of the healthiest comfort foods out there. Something about it seems to warm you up instantly. This is a very simple tomato soup recipe that is paleo and dairy free. Some […]