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I’ve tried so many noodle puddings, but keep coming back to the same old , same old. they’ve been passed down in so many different incarnations. i don’t even know what the original one is anymore. this is my most favorite. also a perfect break fast food. can and should be made ahead of time, they hold together better.  we used to add apricot jam, but it really was overkill. we omitted it, and it is perfect just the way it is. thanks to karyn r. for this noodle pudding and for being such a great cooking buddy for as far back as i can remember.

1 lb. noodles ( i use extra wide egg noodles, you’ll need a bag and 1/4 app. just eyeball it)

1 cup sugar

6 eggs ( I use extra large and at room temp. just make sure they are not right out of fridge) they work much better when…

This is truly traditional Jewish comfort food made with buckwheat grains and bowtie noodles. I love it and grew up eating it and  try to make it a few times a year. What better time to make it than the Jewish New Year? it’s super easy and super tasty. If you’ve never made it why not start now. It’s a wonderful side dish to any meal and it can be vegetarian for all of those who need some extra vegetarian dishes on their tables.

Kasha comes in a box. There are different types of Kasha and almost all will work. I use medium or coarse granulation.  Wolff’s brand is really wonderful so look for it.

Ingredients:

1 package bowtie ( farfalle ) noodles (app. 3/4 lb.)

1 white/yellow onion thinly sliced or you can use chopped onions , entirely up to you.

app. 2 tablespoons olive oil, you may need a  little more and may want a…

I love stuffed cabbage and my Grandmother made the most amazing stuffed cabbage ever . I love stuffed cabbage but do not feel like dealing with the actual stuffing of the cabbage, it is way too labor intensive for me.  I have made several variations of this and found this one to my liking the best. You can play with the ingredients which is what I did . Original recipe is from Kosher by Design and it is perfect for Passover by just leaving out the rice and substituting matzoh meal in its place. Basically this is meatballs in a sweet and sour sauce with cabbage . I doubt very much that Joel would ever eat real “stuffed cabbage” but he liked this. The cabbage cooks down so much that you don’t even realize you’re eating cabbage. I also used 1/2 chicken ground meat and 1/2 beef ground meat , this is entirely up to…

Today I am posting a recipe that is very close to one I have already posted titled “Tuscan Shrimp with White Beans” it has a few differences and they’re both excellent. Just wanted to let you all know what I did this time. I served as is and the beans are a delicious alternative to pasta. The beans and spinach make it healthy and hearty. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

app. 2 cups baby spinach ( or arugula)

3 cloves garlic , chopped

1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 15 oz. can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup dry white wine, I used Pinot Grigio because that’s what I had on hand and open already ( sauvignon blanc would be fine as well)

1 1/2 lbs. large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Ask your local fish store to do this for you.

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper ( if…

I call this “summer salad” but it’s really a wonderful salad any time of year. I love the salty taste of feta with tomatoes, and a wonderful combination of Middle Eastern spices called Zahtar .

Try and find this wonderful blend of spices–it will add wonderful flavor to a very simple meal. I like this salad with avocado because I like everything with avocado. It’s optional, as are the olives. This is a beautiful salad served all year but there is something about it that shouts summer, BBQ, and warm nights. The tomatoes are so beautiful right now, especially the heirlooms in all those beautiful colors go and grab some from your local farmers market or road stand. Excuse the picture, it’s fuzzy but you get the picture. It’s a greek salad without the lettuce. A perfect side dish salad to go with any meal. Beautiful with a piece of grilled…

Every year on August 15 Julia Child comes to mind since it is her birthday and would have been 101st Birthday. She was such a huge influence on all of us who cook and enjoy eating so I try and make one or two of her recipes every year on this day.  This is a most delicious light “very French” potato salad. I am not a huge fan of potatoes swimming in mayonnaise so this was such a welcome treat. It is moderately difficult and that just means there are a few steps involved. It’s worth the effort, her cooking was never effortless but well worth it.

“You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces–just good food from fresh ingredients” Julia Child

Ingredients:

1 lb. “boiling” potatoes, all the same size and shape if at all possible

2 tbsp. shallots, finely chopped/minced

Kosher Salt

White Pepper, freshly ground if available, if not use…

The corn is so delicious right now that I had to make this soup. I was going to save this recipe for the Fall but I used the fresh Olathe corn at the market now and couldn’t wait to share. When the corn is not as fresh and sweet you can definitely use frozen . I used fresh tomatoes from the farmers market and fresh Olathe corn ( local in Colorado) but I happen to know Long Island has particularly good sweet local corn. So while the getting is good and you can get fresh vegetables please do so. Farm to Table here we go again.

I made this soup for dinner as an appetizer. I think it would be good cold but I prefer it warm.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 shallots , coarsely chopped or 1 large one

1 teaspoon kosher salt ( more to taste)

1/2…

Here’s a delicious chicken dish made with lime instead of the usual lemon. It has a nice little kick from the chili powder, and I just adore fresh cilantro. Now I know a lot of you are shaking your heads saying ‘ugh cilantro’, and quite honestly if you’re that cilantro hater this probably isn’t the dish for you. If you are a cilantro lover as I am, then go for it. It’s fresh and savory and super easy to make. I also love when you can combine all the ingredients in the food processor, as it makes for such an easy time. Also , Joel just loved it…who knew he’d like cilantro so much???

Ingredients: 

1 lb. skinless boneless chicken breasts (not too thick)

1/2 cup fresh lime juice

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 Tbsp. chili powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon…

Not sure why I said Breakfast Muffins because they would be great any time of the day, but I think of muffins as breakfast food especially muffins containing fruit. Had 2 containers of raspberries and a delicious muffin recipe from Barefoot Contessa , instead of strawberries which would also be awesome  I baked with raspberries. Can’t wait till the morning to have one with a fresh cup of coffee. I of course tasted one as it came out of the oven and it was pretty divine. Easy as could be, and no special equipment necessary! These will be on my Mother’s Day Brunch Table this May for sure.

*should make 16 – 18 muffins

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 /2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon table salt

1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

1 1/4 cups milk ( I used whole milk)

2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten ( eggs should be…