Saturday, December 31, 2016

Party Treats to Make the New Year Sweet!

Nibble your way to the New Year with these splendid homemade party treats. Perfect with a glass of Champagne or two to keep the mood bubbly and the dancing lively all night long. Happy New Year to all!

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

The Sleigh Bells are done but the New Year yet to come, take some time for this dish so sublime!

It's finally time for a quiet dinner for two after the Holiday madness. The best candidate for instant relief can be found in these incredible bacon wrapped chicken breasts stuffed with Gorgonzola cheese and hazelnuts and roasted to a juicy perfection. Add some steamed asparagus and a glass of wine or two and you can finally turn off the noise and take in the view!

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Santa! Don't make Me Sad - I ain't been that Bad!

Dear Santa,
I've been good all year ... well mostly all year except for those one or two little er ... but please try these delectable butter cookies I baked fresh just for you and you'll forget my tiny little mistakes. Enjoy the cookies and Merry Christmas!

Saturday, December 17, 2016

At Your Holiday Dinner as You Pop the Cork - Try Something Different - Vietnamese Roast Pork!

The candles are lit, the table is set and the guests are here for their Holiday cheer. After drinks and appetizers, the chef d'oeuvre of the meal appears, Vietnamese style Roast Pork - Heo Quay Lang Son. Everyone's mouth will soon start watering waiting to dig into the incredibly tender juicy meat covered with spice rubbed crackly skin. Fill your glasses and enjoy the feast. Happy Holidays!

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Forget the Gifts - Give Me the Cake!

The sweetest end to the Holiday meal - Pineapple-Rum Gateau. A lusciously rich cream filled creation bursting with fresh chopped pineapple and rum then covered in a dreamy light frosting and topped with berries and roasted pineapple slices. Savor your Holiday dessert!

Sunday, December 11, 2016

You'll Never Get Cold with this Chili in Your Bowl!

Say goodbye to old man winter with a bowl of this Southwestern Chili con Carne. Tender chunks of beef mixed with kidney beans, bell peppers, onions, garlic and chili powder all slowly cooked in a tomato sauce spiced up with cumin and oregano. Serve piping hot topped with shredded Cheddar cheese and chopped onions. Add a generous helping of freshly made corn chips and you're off to the races!

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

An Uncommonly Great Taste for a Common Lunch!

Eat this for lunch! Chinese Noodles with Prawns. Succulent prawns stir-fried with fresh noodles, choy sum, garlic and ginger in a tasty abalone-soy sauce with a spike of rice wine and sesame oil. Enjoy!

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Hurry! Hurry! Get this Fish Curry!

Savor all the tropical flavors in this mouthwatering Indian style Coconut Fish Curry. Tasty chunks of cod fillet with vegetables braised in a rich coconut curry sauce spiced up with coriander, chili powder, garlic, ginger and turmeric. Sprinkle with chopped mint leaves and serve hot over basmati rice. Forget all the rest, this curry is the best!

Thursday, December 1, 2016

'Wild Beauty'

                  Watercolor on fine artist paper - 11 in x 15 in

Monday, November 28, 2016

Meatloaf - Simple and Soooo Special!

Tired of all that Thanksgiving turkey yet? Then try this hearty meatloaf made with ground beef, pork and veal plus chopped onions, garlic and thyme. Baked to a juicy perfection and served with sauteed potatoes and vegetables for a perfect Autumn meal.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Another Bird to Feast Upon - Giving Thanks for Roast Capon!

It's that time of the year again so gather friends and relatives to share the season's bounty. For a different take on the traditional roast turkey, try these Vietnamese style roasted capon breasts covered in a heady mix of cinnamon, cloves, star anise, garlic and ginger. Serve with a vast array of multitude side dishes and glasses of wine and you have a fresh new take on the traditional American Holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!

Saturday, November 19, 2016

A Simple Start for a Meal Straight from the Heart!

Try this hearty dish of Spaghetti and Ham. Spaghetti tossed with chunks of crispy fried ham and fresh vegetables in a rich Gorgonzola cream sauce. Serve with a simple green salad and a glass of wine for a meal packed with a flavorful punch!

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

The Simplest Country Dishes can Make Your Whole Day Delicious!

Coq au Vin - The ultimate French farmhouse stew of tender chicken pieces braised with mushrooms, bacon, shallots and garlic in a tasty red wine sauce with herbs. Serve hot with crusty bread to sop up every last delicious drop. C'est si bon!

Sunday, November 13, 2016

From Tex-Mex to the Southwest, this Pork is the Best!

Bite into one of these incredibly juicy slices of pork tenderloin crusted over with a mix of Southwestern spices and panko breadcrumbs. Pan-fried to a crispy tenderness and served with freshly steamed vegetables. Add a glass of your favorite wine and Baby - this meal gets real!

Monday, November 7, 2016

Normandy's Favorite Dish - This Apple Tart is Delish!

Take a break on a lazy afternoon in the Normandy countryside with the region's signature dish - Tarte de Pommes a la Normande. A flaky buttery crust filled with slices of fresh picked apples, almond paste, eggs, sugar, spices and a generous dash of Calvados - France's apple brandy, all baked to a luscious golden brown. Brush on some dollops of apricot jelly and serve warm with hot coffee or wine and man, you'll feel fine.

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Fresh from the Danish kitchens, they'll make your taste buds start itchin'!

Warm your heart and soul with these fresh baked Cheese Danishes - slightly sweet and filled with creamy goat cheese and homemade berry jam. Enjoy with a cup of coffee and fresh fruit for a tasty start to the day.

Monday, October 31, 2016

Man! This Dish is Nice With That Sticky Rice!

A Vietnamese country beauty - Xoi Ga Lap Xuong. Golden sticky and crusty shards of glutinous rice topped with slices of fried Asian sausage and shredded chicken stir-fried with shallots and shiitake mushrooms. Sprinkle with sauteed scallions then dip in a tasty honey-sriracha-soy sauce for an enchanting Vietnamese country meal.

Thursday, October 27, 2016

'At the End of the Garden Path'

                  Watercolor on fine artist paper - 11 in x 15 in

Monday, October 24, 2016

On A Night Cold and Blue, Only A Juicy Roast Will Do!

Turn the lights down low and the fire up higher and dig into this totally tantalizing roast loin of pork with spicy wild mushroom stuffing and served with roast new potatoes and fresh steamed vegetables. Pour out the wine and this evening will be fine.

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Steamed Dumplings From Scratch - The Taste is Unmatched!

Take the time to savor these Chinese Steamed Dumplings. Juicy dumplings filled with a tasty mix of ground pork, crab meat, mushrooms and garlic chives all seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil and rice wine. Drizzle with a ginger-soy dipping sauce and serve warm with steamed vegetables.

Monday, October 17, 2016

Stir It Up and Spice It Down - Creole Stew From the Bayou Town!

Turn up the heat with a bowl of this hearty Creole Stew. Succulent shrimp and fresh vegetables simmered in a spicy tomato-shrimp broth with garlic and Creole seasonings. Sprinkle with chopped scallions and serve hot over rice. Forget the Super Bowl - take the Stew Bowl.

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Fresh From the Rolling Hills of Tuscany!

Take a snack break with this savory Tuscan Polenta Bread. A moist chewy bread made with cornmeal, cream, eggs, crispy fried pancetta, sun-dried tomatoes, fontina cheese and flavored with rosemary. Baked to a golden brown and ready to eat anytime. Mangia!

Monday, October 10, 2016

From the Ocean to Your Table!

Fresh caught wild salmon fillets encrusted with herbs and spices and roasted to a crisp flaky tenderness. Delicious served with rice pilaf and steamed vegetables for a perfect Autumn meal.

Saturday, October 8, 2016

This Scottish Dish is Timeless from Glasgow to Loch Ness!

Dig deep into this hearty Scottish classic dish - the timeless Shepherd's Pie. Tender chunks of beef and fresh vegetables in a rich beef gravy infused with garlic and thyme and crowned with mashed potatoes mixed with cheese and bread crumbs. Baked to a golden brown and ready to eat straight from the oven. The Scottish way to warm your day!

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Bonne Maman's Specialite du Jour!

Savor this delectable rustic French Tart - A flaky buttery crust filled with a mouthwatering mix of crispy bacon, Comte cheese, cream, eggs, bell peppers and shallots all baked to a scrumptious golden brown. C'est delicieux!

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Spring, Summer or Fall, These Rolls Do It All!

Bun Nem Ran Hanoi - These Northern Vietnamese classics are heaven on earth. Crispy fried Spring Rolls filled with a luscious mix of ground pork, crabmeat, prawns, shiitake mushrooms, shallots and a cornucopia of savory spices. Serve with rice vermicelli, lettuce, fresh herbs and a healthy helping of nuoc cham sauce. Both fish and meat, these rolls are neat!

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Heavenly Loaves for a Prince or a Pauper!

Try a slice of this freshly baked Meat Bread. Chunks of smoked ham, crispy bacon, along with Cheddar cheese, tomatoes, onions and spices all mixed in a yeasty loaf and baked to a crusty perfection. One slice and heaven can wait!

Monday, September 26, 2016

Bite These Doughnuts, Baby!

Make a bright new start to the day with these dreamy baked Doughnut Puffs filled with homemade berry jam and covered with sweet cinnamon sugar. Spread the joy!

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Start Me Up! Style On the Move!

This gorgeous embroidered silk top, paired here with a silk and cotton pleated skirt will keep you looking stylish as the Spring season begins.

Monday, September 19, 2016

Pretty and Chic and Right On the Beat!

On style and on beat, this chic little silk blouse makes a style unique paired magnificently with silk trousers or even a linen skirt - your choice, your style!

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Walk this Way ...

Stroll into Spring in this beautiful sun colored printed silk masterpiece - How sweet it is!

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Strolling Stylishly Through the City!

As light as feather, this cool linen top with suede appliqued flowers and textured silk skirt together make up this smashing Spring/Summer ensemble.

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Lucky is the Lady ...

This splendid silk dress with embroidered floral panels can transform anyone into that special lady - Will it be You?

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Top of the Line - The Spring Line!

Get ready - Spring is coming! Prep for the season with this gorgeously chic Spring ensemble - A textured silk jacket with an asymmetrical closure and trimmed in suede, worn here with an equally stunning suede flower applique silk skirt.

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

A Perfect Reason to Start the Season!

A beautiful silk dress with tone on tone mini patterns will drape you in high style for the whole season.

Thursday, September 1, 2016

The Other Banh Mi!

Take a crunchy bite of the celebrated Vietnamese Banh Mi's lesser known but no less tasty little brother - Banh Mi Thit Ga Khia. Juicy grilled chicken breasts seasoned with cinnamon, cumin, garlic and white pepper then covered with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumber slices and stuffed into a crusty baguette generously slathered with a delicious homemade mayonnaise. For the final touch, drizzle over with special secret sauces and you have the next great thing in the sandwich wars. It definitely doesn't get any better than this!

Monday, August 29, 2016

It Won't Pass the Grade Unless It's Homemade!

Dig into this tasty dish of homemade Chinese Noodles with Prawns. Chewy fresh noodles stir-fried with prawns and vegetables in a flavorful abalone and oyster sauce with a splash of rice wine and sesame oil. Fresh at home beats any orders by phone!

Thursday, August 25, 2016

To Beat the Heat, Make Grilled Salmon Your Treat!

Chase those dog days of late Summer away with this luscious and light grilled Salmon and Salsa dish. Fresh wild salmon fillets marinated in a mix of citrus juice, garlic and lemon pepper then grilled to a flaky tenderness and served with a fresh homemade corn and tomato salsa. The ultimate cool and easy Summer meal.

Monday, August 22, 2016

"Sweet Dreams are Made of This ..."

Sink your teeth into this incredibly luxe, juicy Pineapple Dream Cake with Almond Streusel. A dreamy vanilla cake, naturally sourced with fresh pineapple and crowned with a mix of roasted almonds and coconut flakes. This ain't just any snack!

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Delish Veggie Curry to Start Your Taste Buds Purring!

Take a ride on the healthy side with this tasty Indian Vegetable Curry. A mix of Summer vegetables - Eggplants, bell peppers and tomatoes all stir-fried with chickpeas, onions, garlic, ginger and generously flavored with garam masala and curry spices. Sprinkle with chopped mint and serve with rice and cucumbers. A healthy beat for the Summer heat!

Monday, August 15, 2016

Le Joie de L'ete!

Dig into this tasty French Chicken Salad - Salade de Poulet Roti aux Noix. Slices of crispy garlic roasted chicken breast tossed with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions then sprinkled with toasted walnuts and drizzled with a divine walnut champagne vinaigrette. Tres delicieux!

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Light Fare for the Heavy Heat - Vietnamese Style!

Electrify your taste buds with this South Vietnamese bowl of plenty - Bun Bo Nam Bo. Tender slices of smoky grilled beef flavored with lemongrass, garlic and mixed with thin rice noodles, lettuce, fresh herbs, roasted peanuts and in a final note, drizzled lightly with a sweet and sour nuoc cham sauce to complete the symphony. An incredibly refreshing Beef Salad to cool a steamy Summer day.

Monday, August 8, 2016

Sweets for the Sweet - A Strawberry Treat!

Treat yourself to a slice of this sinfully moist Chocolate-Berry Loaf. Fresh berries mixed with flour, butter, eggs, cane sugar and a hint of cinnamon then crowned with a streusel topping and baked to a golden brown. A mid-summer night's dream!

Monday, August 1, 2016

Nothin' to Do, Bored and Blue? Then this Summertime Blast is Just for You!

It's Summertime and any excuse for a party will do! Set up the table and fill it with these herb grilled chicken breasts, fresh baked cornbread and a dazzling array of cooked and grilled vegetables lying on the trays begging to be eaten. Have a blast while the Summer lasts!

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Set Your Taste Buds Aquiver with this Stew from the River - Old Man River!

Dive into a bowl of this super tasty Summer Seafood Stew. A delicious mix of shrimp, mussels and chorizo sausages juiced up with onions, garlic and spices all cooked in a white wine and fresh tomato broth. Mop it all up with a chunk of crusty bread and you've got the perfect Summer dish - not too heavy and not too light, this gets it just right!

Monday, July 25, 2016

Summer's Bustin' Out All Over!

Nothing says Summertime better than this Southwestern style grilled pork chops. Tender chops covered with a spicy mix of cumin, chili powder, oregano, garlic, salt and black pepper then grilled to a juicy perfection. Delicious served with grilled vegetables for a meal that will satisfy anyone.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Vietnamese Crepes with a Saigon Taste!

Enjoy the crunchy bites of this fresh made Vietnamese specialty - Banh Xeo. Crepes made of thin rice flour and turmeric and filled to the brim with a tasty assortment of prawns, bean sprouts, onion slices and mung beans all pan-fried to a tasty crispiness. Break off a piece and then pile on fresh herbs, wrap it in lettuce leaves and dip deeply into a bowl of nuoc cham sauce then slowly relax and enjoy this incredible mix of fantastic flavors. A world class classic!

Monday, July 18, 2016

'Royal Orchid'

                  Watercolor on fine artist paper - 11 in x 15 in

Saturday, July 16, 2016

Cake for the Wait!

Take the time to enjoy a slice of this luscious German Black Forest Cake - Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte. A delectable kirsch soaked chocolate sponge cake with a sweet cherry filling and covered in a dreamy light frosting. A star on your plate and heaven in your mouth!

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Heaven from the Oven is a Pizza with some Lovin'!

Dig into a slice of this fresh baked American favorite - Pepperoni Pizza. A fluffy crust topped with a spicy homemade tomato sauce, mozzarella and Romano cheeses and crowned with loads of pepperoni slices all baked to a melting perfection. Mamma Mia! Mangia! Mangia!