Recipes Index
Fresh Baked Pretzels
Fresh baked pretzels are the perfect snack food. Here is a simple recipe for great tasting pretzels that skips the traditional method of boiling the shaped pretzels. These are best baked and eaten the same day.
Grilled Shrimp with Cilantro and Lime
Simple and fast, these delicious grilled shrimp skewers have an Asian flare and make the perfect appetizer for a cocktail party or get together with friends.
Green Olive Dip (Patê de Azeitonas Verdes)
This wonderfully satisfying olive dip comes from David Leite who discovered it while dining at the restaurant A Bolota, located on the plains of the eastern Alentejo region in Portugal. Goes lovely with a plate of crudités, crackers or bread, or even on grilled fish.
Calamari a la Plancha
This Spanish-inspired calamari dish is a little on the spicy side and loaded with flavor with the addition of fresh garlic and parsley. Don't be shy with the seasonings, this dish is meant to be bold.
Southwestern Chile Cheese Fondue
Spicy and rich, this fondue blends Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese with light cream, cream cheese, and plenty of Southwestern flavor. Serve with tortilla chips, warm flour tortillas, chunks of cooked chorizo sausage, and plenty of crunchy fresh vegetables as dippers.
Truffled Jarlsberg and Wild Mushroom Fondue
Norway’s Jarlsberg cheese is mild and buttery. Here its flavor gets a boost by adding a bit of Parmesan, to be sure it stands up to the woodsy flavors of wild mushrooms. A drizzle of fragrant truffle oil is added for that something extra. Serve this rich-tasting fondue with crusty bread cubes, tiny roasted new potatoes and artichoke hearts, cubes of firm polenta, Belgian endive leaves, or assorted raw vegetables.
Brie Fondue With Crab And Champagne
Here is a wonderfully rich fondue for your next party. Simple to make yet elegant and delicious. Serve with bread cubes or sticks, tiny roasted artichoke hearts, Belgian endive leaves, steamed fingerling potatoes, or asparagus spears.
Chicken, Coconut and Cilantro Soup
Here is a wonderful Southeast Asian-style soup that combines earthy with citrusy: classic pairing of coconut and cilantro with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, Thai chilies, galangal root, and, of course, chicken. Delightful.
Oaxacan Tortilla Soup with Roasted Poblanos
There is something deeply satisfying about a good tortilla soup. The aroma is intoxicating. And don't forget the garnishes, which really make this soup.
Mussels al Diablo
This wonderful mussel recipe comes from Barcelona, the Spanish tapas restaurant in Connecticut. Simple ingredients: tomatoes, garlic, white wine and a little spice turn mussels into something spectacular.
Irish Potato Cakes with Sour Cream Sauce
Potato cakes make a wonderful starter or party appetizer. They also work well at brunch time.
Mac's Pub Irish Stew
Here is a real Irish stew straight from Ireland. Mac's Pub in County Clare is one of the most traditional eateries with a history dating back to the 18th century.
Curried Coconut Wings
Here's a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. This sweet and spicy recipe for wings uses traditional Thai ingredients for wonderful flavor: green curry, lime, palm sugar and coconut.
Guacamole with Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Here is a delicious twist on guacamole. Sun-dried tomatoes replace fresh for a nice tangy flavor. Goat cheese and bacon intensifies the flavor with a wonderful earthiness. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips.
Seafood Stew - Recipes from the 2009 Inaugural Luncheon
The tradition of the Inauguration Luncheon dates back at least a century. Approximately 200 guests including President Obama, Vice President Biden, their families, the Supreme Court, Cabinet designees, and members of Congressional leadership will attend the event in Statuary Hall. The menu by Design Cuisine is based on favorites of President Abraham Lincoln.
Chipotle Chili
There are many, many versions of chili. I like the more traditional versions. This one uses ground beef as well as steak for a nice texture difference. It has a bit of kick. If you like it hotter, just add more chipotle or jalapenos.
Herbed Goat Cheese Dip with Crudité
Here is a very simple but flavorful dip recipe. Goat cheese, chives, mint and cream combine for a perfect party appetizer.
Apple Rutabaga Soup
Here's a beautiful comfort soup from Chef Patrick O'Connell (The Inn at Little Washington). Delicious and complex flavors with a velvety texture. Perfect for those cold winter days.
Salmon Ceviche with Mango
Simplicity itself, this healthy ceviche dish makes a great starter or light dinner.
Eggplant Caviar
This is a classic vegetarian dip. Called the "poor man's caviar" because the eggplant seeds resemble tiny fish eggs. Check your local Middle Eastern grocery for pomegranate molasses or an online shop like igourmet.com
Baked Ricotta and Spinach Tart
Here is a beautiful savory deep-dish tart that works great as an appetizer or as a light meal (just add a crisp salad).
Lobster Corn Chowder with Applewood Smoked Bacon and Garden Tarragon
This wonderful lobster soup is elegant in its presentation but is really simple to make. Creamy and delicious with great depth of flavor.
Praline Bacon
Praline Bacon is great served with blue cheese. The crispy sugar-coated bacon and black pepper contrasts very nicely with the salty and creamy blue cheese. Makes a great appetizer or party hors d'oeuvre.
Spicy Steamed Mussels with Fennel and Tomatoes
I love mussels and I love the presentation. Here is a spicy version of the classic dish mussels in white wine. The peppery tomato broth is great with some crusty bread or over a bowl of hot noodles.
Sea Scallops with Pine Nuts, Artichoke and Mint
Simple to prepare yet with well-balanced flavors, this scallop recipe will delight your dinner guests.