Delicious Ways To Celebrate Your Valentine at Home

Fun & Simple Chocolate Waffles the Perfect Valentine’s Day Breakfast!

What do Chocolate and Valentine’s Day have in common? Everything!!! Call me a hopeless romantic but my absolute favorite day of the year is Valentines Day. Champagne, chocolate, roses, and hundreds of renditions of "My Funny Valentine" (Rodgers & Hart circa 1937 from the musical Babes in Arms) playing throughout the day.  From Frank Sinatra to Chaka Khan, Ella Fitzgerald to Big Muff, Paul Brown jazz guitar, every genre of music imaginable! What could be better than that! Needless to say, we make it a day of culinary traditions. I like to set a fun, whimsical and romantic table to set the mood, then we start the day with strawberries and champagne and a chocolate inspired Valentine’s Breakfast, Chocolate Waffles! Super chocolatey, crispy on the outside, surprisingly light and spongy on the inside, with whipped mascarpone cream & pure maple syrup, a decadently delicious way to start the day!

Valentine’s Day is synonymous with Chocolate, so I thought I would share some of my favorite Fun & Simple Chocolate Delights! Baked Chocolate Donuts, Decadent Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes, a Flourless Chocolate Torte with Cabernet Glaze, a lusciously light and airy Chocolate Mousse, Dark Chocolate, Sea Salt, Caramel Cakes, and my rich Chocolate Souffle. Simply click on the photos for the recipes!

About drinking champagne…the glass actually does matter! I love the Coupe, classic, nostalgic, elegant and romantic, but not good for bubbles if you are a big fan of keeping your bubbly, bubbly. The Flute is perfect for young Champagne and great for keeping the bubbles. The Tulip is my second fav…perfect for mature Champagne (aged to the point where it will not gain further complexity by continuing to store) and believe it or not a regular Wine Glass is ideal for high end more complex Champagne varieties. In addition to being festive and delicious, champagne also has some major health benefits, in moderation of course. Scientists say that drinking 3-4 glasses of champagne per week may actually help us live longer! Not only is it heart healthy, just as good as red wine, it improves circulation and may reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease.  Champagne is low in calories compared to other wine varieties and according to a study at the University of Reading (and others) champagne can boost brain health and help prevent dementia and memory loss.  Full of antioxidants, bubbles are great for your skin and skin tone.  As if I needed another reason to love champagne! 

Lily Bollinger said it best, “I only drink champagne when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it, unless I’m thirsty.”

A perfect compliment to champagne on Valentine’s Day is my Lobster Cocktail, also delicious with fresh shrimp, and a wonderful beginning to a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at home. So simple and can be prepared a day ahead of time, just put it together when you are ready to serve. This simple, yet sophisticated and decadent appetizer could just as well be an elegant meal, served in a martini glass alongside a nice chilled glass of bubbly, I can’t think of a more beautiful way to start...or finish!  You can boil the lobsters yourself, or have your fish monger steam them for you, making it even more simple to prepare.

Shall we move on to a Fun & Simple romantic dinner for two? This Chateaubriand is sure to woo your Valentine, serve with your favorite Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, the quintessential dish for two!

Chateaubriand for Two! The quintessential Valentine’s Day Dinner

So, that’s it! My idea of the perfect Valentine’s Day at home! Of course, it’s all about the food, lots of champagne and chocolate, all while enjoying Your Funny Valentine. 

Me and My Funny Valentine at home in Hilton Head.

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…

Celebrate Spring Dishes with Delicious Wine Pairs

Ah, the joys of spring, spring showers, spring flowers, spring vegetables, spring pollen, well maybe not that one, and spring cleaning. Spring symbolizes new life, and rejuvenation, our senses become alive again with the scents of spring and longer days allow us to spend more time enjoying evenings outdoors and al fresco dining albeit at home with safe social distancing. May is one of my favorite months of the year. I love the warmer temperatures and the occasional spring shower, that makes everything green, fresh and bright! There’s nothing like the fresh clean scent of a spring shower.

Of course, for me, the newness of spring is all about the food. Spring is a great time to lighten things up with a more delicate fare after the hearty dishes of winter. I love cooking with fresh spring vegetables this time of year, sweet peas, carrots, brussel sprouts, asparagus, leeks, butter lettuces, fennel and arugula. Fresh herb pestos are also a great way to add depth to lighter dishes with a fresh spring flavor. Spring is also a fun time to explore new lighter wine varietals after the hearty dishes and more robust wines of winter. Spring salads, soups, entrées and wines feel somehow energizing and new. Here are some of my favorite spring wines paired with Fun & Simple spring dishes like this month’s feature Spaghetti with Wilted Greens in a light and velvety sauce which pairs beautifully with a Sauvignon Blanc.

Photo courtesy Decoy Wines (decoywines.com)

This spring try a light Sauvignon Blanc, which is produced from a green skinned grape originally from the Bordeaux region (France) though now grown just about everywhere wine grapes are cultivated. It produces a crisp, light bodied and fresh flavor, which makes for a perfect pairing with the fresh flavors of spring vegetables. In fact, a well-aged Sauvignon Blanc is said to develop aromas of spring vegetables like asparagus and peas as it ages.  One of my favorites is Decoy Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc from California.

 Another wonderful spring wine is Sancerre from the Loire River Valley.  Sancerre is similar to  Sauvignon Blanc, in fact it is a member of the Sauvignon Blanc family. Sancerre is produced in the Loire Valley, specifically the left bank of the Loire River. It’s medium bodied due to the minerals in the soil, yet delicate, floral and mildly acidic and pairs perfectly with goat cheeses, rich creamy bries, grilled fish, shellfish and chicken. 

Lighter fares of spring call for crisp, fresh and floral wine varietals. Give these a try, I think you will find your new favorite spring wine.

Pan Seared Halibut with Risotto Primavera & Sweet Pea Pesto, a delightfully mild fish, pan seared to crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside with creamy risotto and fresh pea pesto. Fresh spring pestos are a terrific way to bring flavor and depth to any dish, especially lighter fare. This one made with spring peas and basil is delicate yet so flavorful, a wonderful compliment to the mild fish and spring vegetable risotto. This dish is perfectly paired with a Sancerre from the Loire River Valley  with its floral mild acidity is a perfect balance with this mild and flaky fish, the complex flavors of the pesto and creaminess of the risotto. I’ve never met a Sancerre I didn’t thoroughly enjoy like the Domaine Fournier Les Belles Vignes.

Shrimp Provencal with fresh grilled shrimp in a luscious Provencal sauce topped with a fresh, simple basil pesto with garlic, toasted pine nuts and parmigiano-reggiano cheese, pairs perfectly with a Rose’ from Provence like Aix. It’s light salmon color, delicate and elegant nose, crisp balance and depth enhances the flavors of this true Provencal dish, bursting with the flavors of the Provence, fennel, capers, tomatoes, nicoise olives, and herbs de Provence, one of my all time favorite dishes.

The complex flavors of the Provence sauce are perfectly suited for the Grenache based Rose’s of the Provence with their notes of citrus and melon, crisp and light, usually produced with a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault grapes. There are so many great ones! One of my favorites, Aix, a crisp and light wine with a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. A few more of my favorite spring dishes…

Asparagus & Leek Soup

Sweet Pea Butter Lettuce Salad

Lamb Chops with Mint Basil Pesto

Grand Marnier Souffle'

Sweet Pea & Proscuitto Salad with Romaine, Butter Lettuce, Shaved Parmigiano & Proscuitto, a well rounded side salad to compliment any spring dish. Asparagus & Leek Soup, fresh, green, soothing and healthy! Paired with a crisp light Sauvignon Blanc.

Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint/Basil Pesto, succulent lamb chops with a fresh minty pesto, paired perfectly with a nice California Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend.  The rich earthiness of the lamb balanced with the fresh pesto calls for a bold red wine that’s not too heavy. One of my favorite blends is the Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich and oaky yet perfectly balanced with the robustness of the Cabernet grape and lighter fruitiness of the Merlot.

And for dessert, this beautiful, light and decadent Grand Marnier Souffle’ with Grand Marnier Creme Anglaise. The perfect spring dessert with a light orange essence and fresh blackberries. Simple to prepare and oh so decadent. It pairs beautifully with your favorite sparkling wine, prosecco or champagne.

Enjoy these Spring Wine Pairings and Fresh Fun & Simple Spring Recipes! Remember to send me your photos of my dishes and tag them #gigistyle #funandsimplegourmet to be featured! If you haven’t already, don’t forget to download “Fun & Simple Gourmet” at iTunes for your Apple devices.

Wishing you all the joys of spring albeit at home with safe social distancing! Continue to be safe and well and enjoy these Fun & Simple Spring Dishes and Wine Pairings. Cheers!

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!

Delicious Ways to Treat Your Valentine at Home or Away

Baked Chocolate Donuts For Your Funny Valentines!

What do Chocolate and Valentine’s Day have in common? Everything!!! Call me a hopeless romantic but my absolute favorite day of the year is Valentines Day. Champagne, chocolate, roses, and hundreds of renditions of my very favorite song playing all day…what could be better than that! Needless to say, we make it a day of culinary traditions. I like to set a fun, whimsical and romantic table to set the mood, then we start the day with strawberries and champagne and our traditional Valentine’s Breakfast, Chocolate Waffles! Super chocolatey, crispy on the outside, surprisingly light and spongy on the inside, with whipped mascarpone cream & pure maple syrup, a decadently delicious way to start the day! My favorite part of Valentine’s Day, besides the food of course…hundreds of renditions of "My Funny Valentine" (Rodgers & Hart circa 1937 from the musical Babes in Arms) playing throughout the day.  From Frank Sinatra to Chaka Khan, Ella Fitzgerald to Big Muff, Paul Brown jazz guitar, every genre of music imaginable!  I know, silly right? I’m sure it makes Jeff crazy hearing the same song all day long, but believe it or not, each rendition sounds so incredibly different that it really doesn’t seem like the same song.  Regardless, Jeff has put up with my Valentine’s Day shenanigans for 25+ years now, so he must not mind so much!

Valentine’s Day is synonymous with Chocolate, so I thought I would share some of my favorite Fun & Simple Chocolate Delights! Baked Chocolate Donuts (picture and recipe above), Decadent Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes, a Flourless Chocolate Torte with Cabernet Glaze, a lusciously light and airy Chocolate Mousse and my rich Chocolate Souffle. (simply click on the photos for the recipes)

Don’t forget to read to the end for recommendations of my favorite romantic places to celebrate with your Valentine. From New York City to Napa Valley, Charleston and the islands of the Bahamas, these destinations are the perfect getaways for two!

About drinking champagne…the glass actually does matter! I love the Coupe, classic, nostalgic, elegant and romantic, but not good for bubbles if you are a big fan of keeping your bubbly, bubbly. The Flute is perfect for young Champagne and great for keeping the bubbles. The Tulip is my second fav…perfect for mature Champagne (aged to the point where it will not gain further complexity by continuing to store) and believe it or not a regular Wine Glass is ideal for high end more complex Champagne varieties. In addition to being festive and delicious, champagne also has some major health benefits, in moderation of course.  Scientists say that drinking 3-4 glasses of champagne per week may actually help us live longer! Not only is it heart healthy, just as good as red wine, it improves circulation and may reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease.  Champagne is low in calories compared to other wine varieties and according to a study at the University of Reading (and others) champagne can boost brain health and help prevent dementia and memory loss.  Full of antioxidants, bubbles are great for your skin and skin tone.  As if I needed another reason to love champagne! 

Lily Bollinger said it best, “I only drink champagne when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it, unless I’m thirsty.”

A perfect compliment to champagne on Valentine’s Day is my Lobster Cocktail, also delicious with fresh shrimp, and a wonderful beginning to a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at home. So simple and can be prepared a day ahead of time, just put it together when you are ready to serve. This simple, yet sophisticated and decadent appetizer could just as well be an elegant meal, served in a martini glass alongside a nice chilled glass of bubbly, I can’t think of a more beautiful way to start...or finish!  You can boil the lobsters yourself, or have your fish monger steam them for you, making it even more simple to prepare.

If you are looking for romantic getaway ideas with great culinary, I have a few favs! Click on the links for their websites and more information:

Dune Restaurant Terrace - Four Seasons Ocean Club Bahamas

Four Seasons Ocean Club Bahamas - One of my favorite places in the world and definitely my favorite beach! With Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s French-Asian cuisine with a hint of the islands, a delicious menu and what could be more romantic than oceanfront dining on the beautiful turquoise waters of the Bahamas?

Meadowood Napa Valley - Nestled among the tall pines of the Napa Valley, this casually elegant gem is the ultimate of wine country romance. From the beautiful spa, croquet, golf, tennis and modern American cuisine at The Restaurant which sources from local artisans, growers and of course wineries, the Meadowood experience is like no other in Napa Valley. Chef Kostow calls his cuisine “evocative and playful,” what could be more romantic than that?

The Surrey New York City - There isn’t a more romantic city than New York, and no more romantic spot than this favorite upper east side gem. Small and quaint, the bar is reminiscent of a lovers rendezvous next to the incomparable Cafe Boulud, cozy, intimate french cuisine by Chef Daniel Boulud, exquisite! Then, walk across the street after dinner for drinks and jazz at Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle.

Planters Inn Charleston, South Carolina - Located in the heart of historic downtown Charleston, the #1 tourist destination in America according to Conde’ Nast and Travel & Leisure, this Relais & Chateaux property exudes southern charm and romance. Have drinks in the candlelit Champagne Bar before dining in the velvet lined Peninsula Grill Dining Room and you must finish with the 12-layer Coconut Cake…simply divine to share with your Valentine!

And, while you’re in Charleston, New York and Nassau, check out my Jeff’s historic walking tour app on your smartphone for a fabulous GPS guided self-walking tour of the city, complete with audio histories, local activities directory and directions. It’s beautifully done and so simple to use on your time, just the two of you. Check it out at historicwalkingtour.com.

So, that’s it! My idea of the perfect Valentine’s Day either at home or away! Of course, it’s all about the food, lots of champagne and chocolate, all while enjoying Your Funny Valentine. 

Me and My Funny Valentine at home in Hilton Head.

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…

5 Super Delicious Fun and Simple Holiday Desserts

Holidays…the most wonderful time of the year, especially in the kitchen! Cooking with family and friends, while celebrating the joys of the season, with delicious food, is by far the best part of the holiday season. From cookie baking right up through New Year’s Day dinner, we’ve got lots of wonderful and delicious holiday dishes to share. This week, it’s all about dessert!

Coconut Creme Cupcakes

Might as well start with my Jeff’s favorite holiday dessert! He is a coconut guy, and my Coconut Creme Cupcakes are by far his favorite dessert to celebrate any occasion. Light, fluffy cake with a creamy mascarpone cream cheese frosting, so simple to prepare in advance and what’s easier than passing a beautiful platter of cupcakes around the holiday table after dinner. Super delicious with a glass of Champagne or Prosecco…the icing on the cake and a great grande finale to a wonderful holiday celebration.

Georgia Pecan Tart

My Pecan Tart is some kind of holiday wonderful. Sweet Georgia pecans baked in a custard with orange zest and Grand Marnier orange liqueur adding depth of flavor and decadence. On its own or with a nice scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, this decadent tart is luxuriously delicious!

Tiramisu Trife

Everyone loves a Christmas Trifle, why not Tiramisu Trifle! This one is light and fluffy but rich in flavor, espresso, amaretto and chocolate with soft spongy lady fingers and whipped mascarpone cream. Another super Fun & Simple dessert that is made ahead and so easy to serve. Just pass the entire Trifle Bowl around the table after dinner for everyone to dig right in! The perfect way to serve this light, creamy and elegant holiday dessert.

Pear Cranberry Crumble with Gingered Mascarpone Cream

Fresh fruit crumbles with seasonal fruits are one of my favorite desserts any time of year, especially when entertaining. So simple to prepare in advance, then just bake while everyone is enjoying dinner to have a fresh from the oven warm, soothing dessert. My holiday crumble is a combination of pears and cranberries with ginger, lemon zest, warm aromatic spices and crunchy ginger snaps and toasted almonds in the crumble. Topped with a dollop of gingered mascarpone cream and you have one soothing holiday dessert. Not to mention, it’s also wonderful the next morning for breakfast!

Festive Pumpkin Cake

This delicious Christmas Cake is also a great alternative to a traditional pumpkin pie. All of the warm aromatics of the season, pumpkin, fresh cranberries and toasted walnuts with a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream on the side, this moist and delicious cake will have everyone asking for seconds.

I hope you enjoy these holiday dessert ideas. My father always said that calories don’t count on holidays or your birthday, so enjoy every delicious morsel! Wishing you the “sweetest” of holidays!

It’s not too late to get your copy of Fun & Simple Gourmet for more wonderful recipes and menu planning ideas for every occasion. And, it makes a great gift for the Foodie on your holiday gift list!

ALSO AVAILABLE AT ITUNES FOR YOUR IPAD!

5 Beautiful Fun and Simple Side Dishes For Thanksgiving Entertaining

So, you’re planning your Thanksgiving Feast and your stuck. You know you need a turkey, have to have mashed potatoes, got your favorite wine selected and your signature pumpkin pie, but you’re thinking, what in the world am I going to serve for side dishes. You want something different, not the same old thing, and you want fresh, colorful, delicious AND simple to prepare with so much else going on Thanksgiving Day. We’ve got you covered with these wonderful Fun & Simple side dishes to compliment your beautiful Thanksgiving celebration. This Roasted Acorn Squash with figs, proscuitto and parmigiano is a great place to start. Sweet and savory, perfect with all of your Thanksgiving dinner staples. Served at room temperature, this dish can be prepared completely in advance without any last minute prep or rushing around to get it on the table!

Being a vegetable person in general, I always want at least one green salad to compliment every festive holiday celebration, plus it’s great for digestion, especially when you know you are going to overeat anyway! This delicious Fig Balsamic Salad is one of my favorite salads anytime fresh figs are in season and isn’t it just wonderful that fig season happens fall during Thanksgiving! Figs are very rich in minerals like potassium and magnesium a super great source of antioxidants and high in fiber and deliciously sweet. The sweetness of the figs, peppery arugula, salty bite of the parmigiana and tartness of the fig balsamic dressing make this salad a match made in fig heaven!

I don’t know about you, but for me, it wouldn’t be a holiday dinner without Brussels Sprouts. So versatile, they can be prepared in so many different ways! I could do an entire blog, cookbook almost, just with variations of Brussels Sprouts recipes. They can also be prepared as a sweet or savory dish, or a combination. Add a little crispy chopped pancetta to any variation to add another whole layer of rich flavor. This year, I am going sweet, Roasted Brussels Sprouts in a sweet maple, olive oil, pomegranate and citrus syrup topped with crunchy fresh pomegranate seeds. Pomegranate is the super antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and with Brussels Sprouts’ high levels of fiber, minerals and vitamins and ability to help control blood sugar levels, you have one super healthy and delicious side dish. Should totally cancel out the salty crisp pancetta, that would certainly add a rich savory component right on top of this dish…right?!

Being a pasta girl, I always have to have a side of pasta or risotto on my holiday table. This year it will be my warm and soothing Porcini Mushroom Risotto with white truffle essence. I use the oven method for preparing the risotto and therefore it can be prepared mostly in advance, perfect for a holiday meal. Then it just takes a few minutes to finish while the rest of the dishes are being prepped for the table. Super Fun & Simple and incredibly delicious!

This dish is a great combination of a green salad and a squash dish, making it the perfect two-in-one side. I did this one with butternut squash, but I’ve also used acorn squash and sweet potatoes, all three are absolutely delicious and the combination of the green salad, crunchy toasted pecans, pomegranate seeds and creamy chevre goat cheese crumbles just scream holiday! Another beautiful and super healthy dish for any fall or winter festive celebration. You will see this Butternut Squash Salad again next month paired with my Pecan Salmon for a delicious Holiday Menu alternative which will feature lots of amazing pecan centric dishes...stay tuned for this one, you are going to love the recipes!

Stay tuned for a list of my favorite holiday desserts, just in case you need a few more Fun & Simple ideas this holiday season. And don’t forget to watch for the special edition Holiday Pecan Recipes coming out next month. When it comes to Fun & Simply Delicious and Elegant holiday entertaining, we’ve got you covered! If you don’t have your copy of Fun & Simple Gourmet yet, there’s still time to get it in time for your holiday entertaining…AND, it makes a super great holiday gift for the Foodie on your list! Filled with gorgeous photos and yummy Fun & Simple recipes for delicious enjoyment for every occasion all the year through!

Wishing you a very Happy and Grateful Thanksgiving. I’m feeling super blessed this year and hope that you are too! From our little island to wherever you are celebrating this year…HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Perfectly Delicious Pumpkin Dishes to Celebrate National Pumpkin Month!

It’s National Pumpkin Month and what a great way to celebrate a new season than with healthy, delicious and festive pumpkin dishes! Did you know that pumpkin is a highly nutritious super food, rich in Vitamins A, B (folate), C and E, antioxidants (alpha and beta-carotene) making it heart healthy, lowering cancer risk and helping to protect your cells and your vision. In addition to all of these immune system boosters, pumpkin also has a super low calorie content! In fact, one cup of pumpkin packs only 49 calories and offers 2 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and is full of minerals like, potassium, copper, manganese and iron. Pumpkin is also a super great hydrator with its 94% water content. And it’s delicious! What’s not to love!

October has to be one of my favorite months in the kitchen. Besides being National Pumpkin Month, pumpkin dishes are just a great way to celebrate the change of season with food! I love creating fun new pumpkin recipes and enjoying preparing and updating some of my old ones. For breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, I've selected a few of my favorite pumpkin delights to share with you to enjoy!

Simply click on the photos for the recipes.

Gingered Pumpkin Muffins with Dark Chocolate Glaze

Pumpkin Risotto with Fried Sage, Toasted Hazelnuts and lots of Parmigiana!

Creamy Pumpkin Parmigiana Zita with a hint of Amaretti

Pumpkin Ravioli with brown butter, sage and toasted walnuts

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake, with a ginger snap and pecan crust!

I hope you enjoy preparing these Fun & Simple pumpkin recipes as much as I enjoyed putting them together for you! Don’t forget to share and please reach out with your comments, photos and Pumpkin Month experiences! Did you know that October is also National Apple Month? Stay tuned for lots of absolutely amazing apple dishes coming out in next week’s post! In the meantime…

Perfectly Delicious Pumpkin Dishes to Celebrate National Pumpkin Month!

It’s National Pumpkin Month and what a great way to celebrate a new season than with healthy, delicious and festive pumpkin dishes! Did you know that pumpkin is a highly nutritious super food, rich in Vitamins A, B (folate), C and E, antioxidants (alpha and beta-carotene) making it heart healthy, lowering cancer risk and helping to protect your cells and your vision. In addition to all of these immune system boosters, pumpkin also has a super low calorie content! In fact, one cup of pumpkin packs only 49 calories and offers 2 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and is full of minerals like, potassium, copper, manganese and iron. Pumpkin is also a super great hydrator with its 94% water content. And it’s delicious! What’s not to love!

October has to be one of my favorite months in the kitchen. Besides being National Pumpkin Month, pumpkin dishes are just a great way to celebrate the change of season with food! I love creating fun new pumpkin recipes and enjoying preparing and updating some of my old ones. For breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, I've selected a few of my favorite pumpkin delights to share with you to enjoy!

Simply click on the photos for the recipes.

Gingered Pumpkin Muffins with Dark Chocolate Glaze

Pumpkin Risotto with Fried Sage, Toasted Hazelnuts and lots of Parmigiana!

Creamy Pumpkin Parmigiana Zita with a hint of Amaretti

Pumpkin Ravioli with brown butter, sage and toasted walnuts

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake, with a ginger snap and pecan crust!

I hope you enjoy preparing these Fun & Simple pumpkin recipes as much as I enjoyed putting them together for you! Don’t forget to share and please reach out with your comments, photos and Pumpkin Month experiences! Did you know that October is also National Apple Month? Stay tuned for lots of absolutely amazing apple dishes coming out in next week’s post! In the meantime…

Spectacular Stone Fruit Season!

Plum Crumble - the perfect dessert to welcome the arrival of fall!

Have you noticed how beautiful and delicious the Stone Fruits are this time of year. I have been raiding the Farmers Markets for peaches, plums, cherries and apricots. Stone fruits not only offer lots of vitamins and nutrients, these super sweet beauties are also low in calories. I have been enamored with the plums this season. Did you know that the natural white film coating, called a “bloom” protects their skin and makes them juicy by keeping the moisture on the inside of the fruit. If the plums still have their bloom when purchasing, you can tell they have not been over handled, and they should be very juicy upon ripening. Filled with antioxidants, these sweet, juicy beauties are super heart and brain healthy and naturally low in calories. Check out the recipe for my Soothing Plum Crumble. It is amazing! (simply click on the photo!)

With so many delicious ways to enjoy, I thought I would share some of my favorite sweet and savory dishes with stone fruits this week. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, fresh salads, appetizers and desserts, so many delicious options for enjoying fresh stone fruits while they last.  I am thrilled to pass on just a few of my Fun & Simple favorites to enjoy with your family. Don’t forget to share and send me your photos!

Peach Arugula Salad

Hearty Peach Bolognese

Soothing Plum Crumble

I hope you enjoy these fun and simple stone fruit recipes while savoring the beginning of fall! Stay tuned for lots of fall entertaining ideas, menus and delicious and comforting new recipes...In the meantime,

You will find lots of my favorite recipes in my new lifestyle cookbook. order yours today!

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…

Honoring Mom!

Happy Mother’s Day Weekend! I took this photo in the Versailles Garden at the Four Seasons Ocean Club some time ago.  What struck me about this beautiful sculpture is the love and devotion that is so captivating between this woman and child.

Celebrating Mom the second Sunday in May began in 1908 when Anna Jarvis had a memorial service for her mother at St. Andrews Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia. Anna’s Mom, Ann Jarvis, a peace activist who took care of soldiers in the Civil War (on both sides), started Mother’s Day Work Clubs that brought attention to public health issues.  Anna wanted to continue and honor her mother’s work by proposing to Congress that Mother’s Day become an official holiday. Congress rejected the idea, but Anna did not give up and in 1914, Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May, Mother’s Day, a national holiday.

We honor our Moms with cards and flowers, and a traditional Mother’s Day Brunch.  Of course, at our house, any celebration is all about the food! This Mother’s Day, I’ve shared one of my favorite Mother’s Day Brunch menu ideas with these Fun & Simple recipes.

Chocolate Strawberries

Lobster Benedict

Chocolate Soufflé

Wouldn’t Mom love to wake up to Chocolate Covered Strawberries? So simple to prepare and so much fun for the whole family to make! Then treat her to a wonderful Mother’s Day Brunch at home with my Eggs Benedict in this luscious and lemony lobster cream sauce with a delicious side of fresh Asparagus. And, who doesn’t love chocolate? My favorite special chocolate dessert is my Chocolate Soufflé, rich and decedent, but surprisingly light! Give it a little extra special love with warm Chocolate Crème Anglaise. Simply click on the photos for the recipes!

I wasn’t blessed with children of my own unfortunately, but have so many wonderful nieces, nephews, godchildren and other special children in my life who bless me each day and always make Mother’s Day a super special day for me! You can find all of these recipes and many more of my favorites in Fun & Simple Gourmet! Get your copy today at iTunes for your iPad and other Apple devices or hardcover copy right here on the website or at Amazon.com!

Wishing you and your family a most wonderful Mother’s Day Celebration! What are your plans to make Mom feel extra special this weekend? Don’t forget to send me your photos! And of course,

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.

Shake It Up with Protein Pancakes

When I was asked to work with Foodiechats and the Georgia Peanut Commission again this year to help introduce a fabulous new Elmhurst 1925 plant-based beverage, I was excited and I knew exactly what I wanted to create. Most of you know, I am a pancake girl, but most pancakes are lacking protein. Not these delicious varieties, made with Elmhurst 1925 Vanilla and Chocolate Protein Shakes, the cleanest shake on the planet!  This plant-based protein shake is an amazing product on its own, in a smoothie, and fabulous in my super healthy pancakes. So Shake It Up!

So, I got in my kitchen and started experimenting.  I must have had 10 mixing bowls, and ingredients scattered everywhere, experimenting with different combinations of textures and flavors, and these were our favorites.  You don’t have to give up protein to enjoy delicious and healthy breakfast pancakes.  

Chocolate Banana Protein Pancakes

Who doesn’t love chocolate and banana anything? These delicious chocolate pancakes have everything you need to get through the day and make a super yummy breakfast treat or dessert! If you are a mocha lover, substitute vanilla with strong coffee or espresso.

1 cup all purpose or gluten free flour (You can also use ½ cup all purpose flour and ½ cup peanut flour. The pancakes will be slightly more dense)

1 T baking powder

1 T organic cane sugar (or 1 T 100% pure maple syrup)

¼ teaspoon salt

1/3 c natural cocoa powder (not dutched)

1 ripe banana

1 egg

1 cup Elmhurst 1925 Chocolate Protein Shake

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1 teaspoon strong coffee or espresso)

1 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (for topping)

¼ c shaved 72% cacao bittersweet chocolate (for topping)

Whisk dry ingredients in a medium bowl until well combined. Set aside. In a food processor or blender, add banana, egg, Elmhurst 1925 Chocolate Protein Shake, and vanilla (and maple syrup if substituting for sugar). Pulse until creamy and well blended. Pour into dry ingredients and stir with a whisk until just combined. Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes.

Meanwhile, spray skillet or griddle with non-stick spray and heat over medium heat. Using a ¼ cup measuring cup or ice cream scoop, pour batter onto the heated surface and cook until edges are dry and bubbles form in the batter. Turn pancakes  and continue to cook until bottom side is golden brown. Remove to a plate and keep warm in a 250 degree oven until all of the pancakes are done and you are ready to enjoy. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt, banana slices (and/or berries) and chocolate shavings, and 100% maple syrup, or your favorite toppings.

Oatmeal Protein Pancakes

These fluffy oatmeal pancakes were my favorite. I loved the scalloped edges that were formed by the oatmeal in the batter and the vanilla flavor is super yummy with warm 100% organic maple syrup.

1 cup all purpose flour or Cup 4 Cup gluten free flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 T organic cane sugar or 100% pure maple syrup

¼ teaspoon salt

1 egg 

¾ - 1 cup Elmhurst 1925 Vanilla Protein Shake (based on your preferred texture, ¾ cup for a thicker batter and pancake, 1 cup for a more thin batter, I used ¾ cup)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 T extra light olive oil

¼ cup whole grain Irish oats

Whisk flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a medium bowl until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients. Pour into dry ingredients and stir with a whisk until just combined. Fold in oats with a spatula and let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes. Gently stir to redistribute oats evenly in the batter just before cooking.

Meanwhile, spray skillet or griddle with non-stick spray and heat over medium heat. Using a ¼ cup measuring cup or ice cream scoop, pour batter onto the heated surface and cook until edges are dry and bubbles form in the batter. Turn pancakes  and continue to cook until bottom side is golden brown. Remove to a plate and keep warm in a 250 degree oven until all of the pancakes are done and you are ready to enjoy. Serve with fresh fruit and 100% maple syrup, or your favorite toppings.

Enjoy adding these super protein packed pancakes to your morning routine, or for special weekend breakfasts with your family!

Sponsored by #Foodiechats via @GeorgiaPeanuts

Spring into Lighter Fare with these Fresh Spring Dishes & Wine Pairings

Ah, the joys of spring, spring showers, spring flowers, spring vegetables, spring pollen, well maybe not that one, and spring cleaning. Spring symbolizes new life, and rejuvenation, our senses become alive again with the scents of spring and longer days allow us to spend more time enjoying evenings outdoors and al fresco dining. March is one of my favorite months of the year. I love the warmer temperatures during the day, but still cool enough for a sweater or jacket in the evening, and the occasional spring shower, that makes everything green, fresh and bright! There’s nothing like the fresh clean scent of a spring shower.

Of course, for me, the newness of spring is all about the food. Spring is a great time to lighten things up with a more delicate fare after the hearty dishes of winter. I love cooking with fresh spring vegetables this time of year, sweet peas, carrots, brussel sprouts, asparagus, leeks, butter lettuces, fennel and arugula. Fresh herb pestos are also a great way to add depth to lighter dishes with a fresh spring flavor. Spring is also a fun time to explore new lighter wine varietals after the hearty dishes and more robust wines of winter. Spring salads, soups, entrées and wines feel somehow energizing and new. Here are some of my favorite spring wines paired with my fun & simple spring dishes like this month’s featured recipe on my Recipe Page, Spaghetti with Wilted Greens in a light and velvety sauce.

This spring try a light Sauvignon Blanc, which is produced from a green skinned grape originally from the Bordeaux region (France) though now grown just about everywhere wine grapes are cultivated. It produces a crisp, light bodied and fresh flavor, which makes for a perfect pairing with the fresh flavors of spring vegetables. In fact, a well-aged Sauvignon Blanc is said to develop aromas of spring vegetables like asparagus and peas as it ages.  One of my favorites is Decoy Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc from California.

 Another wonderful spring wine is Sancerre from the Loire River Valley.  Sancerre is similar to  Sauvignon Blanc, in fact it is a member of the Sauvignon Blanc family. Sancerre is produced in the Loire Valley, specifically the left bank of the Loire River. It’s medium bodied due to the minerals in the soil, yet delicate, floral and mildly acidic and pairs perfectly with goat cheeses, rich creamy bries, grilled fish, shellfish and chicken. 

Pan Seared Halibut with Risotto Primavera & Sweet Pea Pesto, a delightfully mild fish, pan seared to crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside with creamy risotto and fresh pea pesto. Perfectly paired with a Sancerre from the Loire River Valley  with its floral mild acidity is a perfect balance with this mild and flaky fish, the complex flavors of the pesto and creaminess of the risotto. I’ve never met a Sancerre I didn’t thoroughly enjoy like the Domaine Fournier Les Belles Vignes.

Shrimp Provencal, shown above served with angel hair pasta, with fresh grilled shrimp in a luscious Provencal sauce and sweet pea & basil pesto, pairs perfectly with the Sancerre, though the versatility of this dish also pairs nicely with a Rose’ from Provence or even a nice chilled Pinot Noir.

The complex flavors of the Provence sauce including, fennel, garlic, lemon, tomato, capers and olives are perfect for the medium bodied Sancerre or the pale colored Grenache based Rose’s of the Provence with their notes of citrus and melon, crisp and light, usually produced with a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault grapes. There are so many great ones! One of my favorites, Aix, a crisp and light wine with a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. A few more of my favorite spring dishes…

Asparagus & Leek Soup

Sweet Pea Butter Lettuce Salad

Lamb Chops with Mint Basil Pesto with Red Wine Reduction

Sweet Pea & Proscuitto Salad with Romaine, Butter Lettuce, Shaved Parmigiano & Proscuitto, a well rounded side salad to compliment any spring dish. Asparagus & Leek Soup, fresh, green, soothing and healthy! Paired with a crisp light Sauvignon Blanc.

Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint/Basil Pesto, succulent lamb chops with a fresh minty pesto, paired perfectly with a nice California Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend.  The rich earthiness of the lamb balanced with the fresh pesto calls for a bold red wine that’s not too heavy. One of my favorite blends is the Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich and oaky yet perfectly balanced with the robustness of the Cabernet grape and lighter fruitiness of the Merlot.

Enjoy these Spring Wine Pairings and Fresh Fun & Simple Spring Recipes! Remember to send me your photos of my dishes and tag them #gigistyle #funandsimple to be featured! If you haven’t already, don’t forget to download “Fun & Simple Gourmet” at iTunes (click here) for your Apple devices. You can also order your hard copy edition here or at Amazon.com!

Wishing you all the joys of spring!

Some of my favorite Wine Tools to help you enjoy exploring Spring Wines!

Fun & Simple Delicious Ideas to Celebrate Your Valentine at Home & Away

Call me a hopeless romantic but my absolute favorite day of the year is Valentines Day. Champagne, chocolate, roses, and hundreds of renditions of my very favorite song playing all day…what could be better than that! Needless to say, we make it a day of culinary traditions. I like to set a fun, whimsical and romantic table to set the mood, then we start the day with strawberries and champagne and our traditional Valentine’s Breakfast, Chocolate Waffles! Super chocolatey, crispy on the outside, surprisingly light and spongy on the inside, with whipped mascarpone cream & pure maple syrup, a decadently delicious way to start the day! My favorite part of Valentine’s Day, besides the food of course…hundreds of renditions of "My Funny Valentine" (Rodgers & Hart circa 1937 from the musical Babes in Arms) playing throughout the day.  From Frank Sinatra to Chaka Khan, Ella Fitzgerald to Big Muff, Paul Brown jazz guitar, every genre of music imaginable!  I know, silly right? I’m sure it makes Jeff crazy hearing the same song all day long, but believe it or not, each rendition sounds so incredibly different that it really doesn’t seem like the same song.  Regardless, Jeff has put up with my Valentine’s Day shenanigans for 25+ years now, so he must not mind so much!

Valentine’s Day is synonymous with Chocolate, so I thought I would share some of my favorite Fun & Simple Chocolate Delights! Decadent Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes, a Flourless Chocolate Torte with Cabernet Glaze, a lusciously light and airy Chocolate Mousse and my rich Chocolate Souffle. (simply click on the photos for the recipes)

Don’t forget to read to the end for recommendations of my favorite romantic places to celebrate with your Valentine. From New York City to Napa Valley, Charleston and the islands of the Bahamas, these destinations are the perfect getaways for two!

About drinking champagne…the glass actually does matter! I love the Coupe, classic, nostalgic, elegant and romantic, but not good for bubbles if you are a big fan of keeping your bubbly, bubbly. The Flute is perfect for young Champagne and great for keeping the bubbles. The Tulip is my second fav…perfect for mature Champagne (aged to the point where it will not gain further complexity by continuing to store) and believe it or not a regular Wine Glass is ideal for high end more complex Champagne varieties. In addition to being festive and delicious, champagne also has some major health benefits, in moderation of course.  Scientists say that drinking 3-4 glasses of champagne per week may actually help us live longer! Not only is it heart healthy, just as good as red wine, it improves circulation and may reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease.  Champagne is low in calories compared to other wine varieties and according to a study at the University of Reading (and others) champagne can boost brain health and help prevent dementia and memory loss.  Full of antioxidants, bubbles are great for your skin and skin tone.  As if I needed another reason to love champagne! 

Lily Bollinger said it best, “I only drink champagne when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it, unless I’m thirsty.”

A perfect compliment to champagne on Valentine’s Day is my Lobster Cocktail, also delicious with fresh shrimp, and a wonderful beginning to a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at home. So simple and can be prepared a day ahead of time, just put it together when you are ready to serve. This simple, yet sophisticated and decadent appetizer could just as well be an elegant meal, served in a martini glass alongside a nice chilled glass of bubbly, I can’t think of a more beautiful way to start...or finish!  You can boil the lobsters yourself, or have your fish monger steam them for you, making it even more simple to prepare.

If you are looking for romantic getaway ideas with great culinary, I have a few favs! Click on the links for their websites and more information:

Dune Restaurant Terrace - Four Seasons Ocean Club Bahamas

Four Seasons Ocean Club Bahamas - One of my favorite places in the world and definitely my favorite beach! With Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s French-Asian cuisine with a hint of the islands, a delicious menu and what could be more romantic than oceanfront dining on the beautiful turquoise waters of the Bahamas?

Meadowood Napa Valley - Nestled among the tall pines of the Napa Valley, this casually elegant gem is the ultimate of wine country romance. From the beautiful spa, croquet, golf, tennis and modern American cuisine at The Restaurant which sources from local artisans, growers and of course wineries, the Meadowood experience is like no other in Napa Valley. Chef Kostow calls his cuisine “evocative and playful,” what could be more romantic than that?

The Surrey New York City - There isn’t a more romantic city than New York, and no more romantic spot than this favorite upper east side gem. Small and quaint, the bar is reminiscent of a lovers rendezvous next to the incomparable Cafe Boulud, cozy, intimate french cuisine by Chef Daniel Boulud, exquisite! Then, walk across the street after dinner for drinks and jazz at Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle.

Planters Inn Charleston, South Carolina - Located in the heart of historic downtown Charleston, the #1 tourist destination in America according to Conde’ Nast and Travel & Leisure, this Relais & Chateaux property exudes southern charm and romance. Have drinks in the candlelit Champagne Bar before dining in the velvet lined Peninsula Grill Dining Room and you must finish with the 12-layer Coconut Cake…simply divine to share with your Valentine!

And, while you’re in Charleston, New York and Nassau, check out my Jeff’s historic walking tour app on your smartphone for a fabulous GPS guided self-walking tour of the city, complete with audio histories, local activities directory and directions. It’s beautifully done and so simple to use on your time, just the two of you. Check it out at historicwalkingtour.com.

So, that’s it! My idea of the perfect Valentine’s Day either at home or away! Of course, it’s all about the food, lots of champagne and chocolate, all while enjoying Your Funny Valentine. 

Me and My Funny Valentine!

Simple Tips to Organize Your Kitchen from Soup to Nuts

January is always a great month to reset and get a little organized with a fresh new start to a fresh new year.  One of the best things you can do to enjoy cooking and being in your kitchen more is being organized. I am an organizational freak by nature, which comes in pretty handy, especially in the kitchen. People ask me all the time how I make entertaining look so easy and the answer is simply, by being organized. It doesn’t take that much extra time to plan in advance, in fact, in the end, planning and organizing saves time. January is also National Soup Month!  What’s better than soothing, healthy soups to warm your soul.  After the holidays, I’m always ready to hunker down at home, especially when the weather isn’t quite stellar. My Healthy Kale Minestrone is a hearty meal on its own. Packed full of fresh healthy veges, and finished with avocado and extra virgin olive oil, you will live on this one all winter long. I like to make a big pot on a Sunday, and then we have it to enjoy whenever we want, all week long. Just click on the photo for the recipe! Keep scrolling for more healthy and delicious soups to keep you warm this month! Now back to organizing!

Recently I did a little kitchen re-organization. My kitchen was in pretty good shape, but there’s always room for improvement. A few little changes can save a ton of time.One thing in particular was adding drawers to the inside of my base cabinets. Now rather than sitting on the floor to try to dig in the back of a cabinet to find something, I simply pull out the drawer and I can see everything that’s there and easily retrieve what I am looking for. This is especially helpful with heavy items, like my kitchen aide stand mixer.  I also added drawers to my pantry shelves, making it super easy to find things, especially on the lower shelves.

Which brings me to my next kitchen organizational peeve…expired foods.  How many canned items are in your pantry that expired 2 years ago, 5…even more? It’s crazy to think about, but the time goes faster than you think. Take a few minutes even once a month before doing your grocery shopping to go through your pantry and refrigerator to remove expired items. It’s also a great way to make a good grocery list.  If you stay on top of it, it only takes a minute or two. 

A few other helpful hints to keeping your kitchen organized and functional: 

1.    Buy dried spices and herbs in small quantities and discard after 3 months.

2.    Store garlic, shallots and onions in a bamboo steamer basket. It’s the perfect environment to optimum freshness and it helps keep the veggie bin in the refrigerator a little less cluttered.

3.    Use drawer inserts for flatware, cooking tools and knife drawers to keep everything organized, easy to find and uncluttered.

4.    Hanging pots and pans on a ceiling rack not only saves room in your cabinets, it makes them super easy to retrieve and put away.

5.    Using an over the sink cutting board saves counter space and makes clean up so easy, just push the waste right into the sink.

6.    I recently purchased an over the sink, roll up drying rack. So cool! Dishes, glasses and pots and pans drip dry right in the sink and when you are finished, it just rolls up and stores easily and without taking up much room under the sink.

7.     Finally, labeling is a fun and simple way to keep everything organized.

Some of my favorite organizational tools to help you get started!

A few more of my fun and simple soup recipes! They are warm, soothing, healthy and delicious! Simply click on the photos for the recipes!

Conch or Clam Chowder

Healthy Corn Chowder

Easy Tomato Soup

Now, get in the kitchen, get organized, and make these wonderful healthy soups!  I hope you enjoy these healthy recipes as much as I enjoy sharing with you! You’ll find these and many more of my favorites in my latest lifestyle cookbook, “Fun & Simple Gourmet” at Amazon or iTunes for your devices!

In the meantime…

A Merry Merry Holiday Menu

Everyone has been asking me what I’m preparing for our holiday celebrations this year, so I decided to share my menus. The one thing that I always talk about is planning. Being organized isn’t just a good idea, it makes serving a holiday feast, or entertaining a crowd so easy! It doesn’t have to be difficult or daunting, it is meant to be fun, especially for the cook! And, don’t be afraid to let guests bring a dish if they offer, whether it’s an appetizer, side dish or dessert, it never hurts to have a little help and it saves room in your kitchen while you focus on preparing the main dishes. My favorite thing about the holidays is the cooking, so, I will do a big holiday dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Call me crazy I know, but I really do love doing it. Here’s a preview of this year’s Christmas Eve dinner which always includes a pasta dish, this year Fettuccine with Brown Butter & Sage, Toasted Hazelnuts finished with Hazelnut Pesto.

Fettuccine with Brown Butter, Sage & Hazelnut Pesto

Pear Pomegranate Salad

Beef Tenderloin & Roasted Root Vegetables

Georgia Pecan Tart

Fig Cake

I usually start 2-3 days in advance of the holiday just getting little things together to save time the day of. Desserts usually come first. My fig cake is moist and can be baked at least 2 days in advance. The glaze can also be prepared 2 days in advance and kept in the refrigerator, then just spooned over the cake the morning of. And this rich and delicious Pecan Tart can also be prepared a day or 2 in advance. Just store in the refrigerator until the morning of, and bring it out to room temperature before serving.  There’s nothing wrong with re-heating slightly it in the microwave just before serving to bring back the fresh from the oven ooey gooeyness!

The day before is perfect for making salad dressing, cooking side vegetables and potatoes, like mashed potatoes that can easily be reheated in the microwave while the meat is resting, just be sure to bring back to room temperature before re-heating.  Haricots Vert can be blanched the day before, and then heated through in a sauté pan with unsalted butter.  The shallots and fennel can be roasted early the morning of and just left at room temperature until added to the sauté with the beans. These are both staple sides on my Christmas Day Holiday Table.

Haricots Vert with Roasted Shallot & Fennel

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

And, it woudn’t be Christmas without Jeff’s favorite Coconut Creme Cupcakes! His favorite special occasion dessert, so he gets them twice a year, Christmas Day and his birthday.

Coconut Creme Cupcakes

That’s it! Fun & Simple yet elegant and delicious. That’s my kind of holiday! Wishing you and you’re a  most wonderful and delicious holiday season and safe, happy and healthy new year!

Here are some of my favorite tools of the trade for preparing these dishes perfectly every time!

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,