Appetizers and Soups

Apple and Brie Soup
This rich, velvety soup brings together the classic combination of brie and fresh apples. A delightful starter to any meal, the addition of bread makes this soup into a meal itself. A tasty recipe with only a minimum amount of effort needed.

Beef Carpaccio with Arugula, Parmesan, and Balsamic Vinegar
This is a very simple recipe that celebrates good beef. It may be used as wonderful starter for a dinner party or as an elegant hors d’oeuvres.

Caviar with Blinis and Crème Fraîche
The delicate taste of caviar should be enjoyed on its own. Two traditional accompaniments, blinis and crème fraîche, will add to the experience without overwhelming the caviar.

Cider Glazed Roasted Root Vegetable Stew
This is a hearty stew full of flavor. Roasting the vegetables creates an extra depth of flavor. Low-fat and nutritious are added bonuses to this very delicious meal.

Farmhouse Style Corn Chowder
Corn chowder is an American classic. Sweet corn and savory bacon are combined with onions and potatoes to create a hearty chowder that is a meal in itself.

Foie Gras Mousse
This very simple recipe combines the luxurious fattiness of foie gras with the tartness of apple brandy. A divine combination that is sure to be a party favorite.

Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a cold, tomato soup that is refreshing on a hot day and adds variety to any meal. It's the perfect recipe to use those wonderful fresh tomatoes.

Gingered Pumpkin Soup with Gruyere Cheese
A little sweet and a little spicy, this earthy pumpkin soup will surely keep you warm on those cool, dark days.

Grilled Sardines with Mint Salsa
Sardines have gotten a bad reputation. Sardines are more than the oily, salty versions we find in cans at the supermarket. Fresh sardines are a gourmet delight. Here is a simple recipe that tastes sublime and make a great presentation for your next party.

Jalapenos Stuffed with Smoked Trout, Bacon, and Avocado
Not your ordinary stuffed jalapenos. Smoky fish and spiciness combine for a party favorite.

Susanna Foo's Wok-Shaking Shrimp with Pink Peppercorns
"The shrimp are fried in their shells, which keeps them tender and juicy. In the orginal version, they're coated with a spicy mixture of sea salt, white pepper, chopped scallions, and ginger. I prefer to use pink peppercorns, which I like because of their subtle spiciness." - Susanna Foo

Trio of Wild Mushrooms Soup
There's more to mushrooms than just the white button variety. Mushrooms have a wide variety of flavors, aromas, and textures. This soup is a great example of showcasing the flavors of wild mushrooms. The depth and complexity of flavors found here create a very interesting soup that is both comforting and delicious.

Turkey Cranberry Stew
Sweet and earthy, turkey cranberry stew is delightful combination of turkey, fruit, and vegetables. Healthy and low fat, but full of flavor. A simple fall recipe that makes good use of leftover turkey.