Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Thick and Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies

Recipe for large, chewy chocolate chip cookies in the style of Costco's gourmet chocolate chunk.

I still remember the first time I was told about Costco's gourmet chocolate chunk cookies. They were raved about with so much passion but, never having tasted them, I wasn't that excited. How good could they be from a package? Of course, I changed my tune the first time I actually tasted them because...wow. Hello new addiction.

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Taco Meatballs

Recipe for meatballs flavored with taco seasonings such as cumin, chili powder and oregano. Served on tortillas.

I'll admit that I don't eat tacos all that often but, every time I do, I ask myself why not. They're easy to make and fun to eat so it's a win-win situation. What I do make quite often is meatballs because I like how versatile they are. With a few changes in herbs and spices, I can create completely different flavors. So, it was a natural thinking progression to taco meatballs, right?

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Roasted Corn Fritters with Tzatziki Sauce

Recipe for savory corn fritters with cheese and herbs, topped with a cucumber yogurt sauce.

For me, there's always been something about the last two weeks of August. Historically it's the time when most New Yorkers take their vacations, even if it's just to head out to the beaches of Long Island. The temperatures get more comfortable and the city empties out slightly. I mean, this is New York so truly empty is never an option but it's still a noticeable difference. And there's a combination of anticipation of fall but also the desire to take advantage of the last bits of summer.

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Skillet Tarts

Recipe for cheesy sweet onion tarts in a buttery pastry crust.

In the realm of favorite food smells, it's hard to top the aroma of onions caramelizing in a pan. Not only does it bring me right back to childhood, because my mother believed sauteed onions made everything better, but it makes me instantly hungry. All onions are capable of doing this but it would be such a shame to pass up the sweet summer onions while we have them. I want to caramelize them all!

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Bourbon Peach Shrub

Recipe for a bourbon cocktail flavored with peach and mint.

Do you associate certain smells with certain times of the year? I definitely do and, although the smell of summer, to me, is the smell of the ocean, August has it's very own aroma. Peaches! For the past few days, whether I'm at the produce section of the grocery store or at the farmer's market, the air is perfumed with peaches.