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…

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…

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.

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…