Recipes Index
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.
Creamy Lobster Risotto with Clam and Vermouth Jus
Here's a wonderfully elegant lobster risotto that makes a great starter to dinner or even works as a light lunch.
Thai Lobster Bisque with Mango and Basil
A Bisque is a rich and cream soup. Shellfish is a common ingredient. Lobster bisque is a classic dish but Executive Chef John Doherty of the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York City adds his own twist in this Thai version. A really beautiful dish.
Crab Cakes with Watercress and Blood Oranges
This delicious recipe comes from Drake's Beach Café in Inverness, CA.
At Drake’s Beach Café, the best crab cakes are made from the Dungeness crab cooked the day they are caught. Watercress and blood oranges add color and a refreshing counterpoint to the fresh seafood. Grapefruit and arugula are also a good combination for this dish.
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Berghoff Restaurant's (Chicago) Chef Matt Reichel says this is his favorite soup to make for his kids.
Hot and Spicy Chicken Feet
Here's something different from Andrew Zimmern, host of the Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods. Hot and spicy chicken feet are a favorite treat in Asian countries.
Seared Baby Squid with Parsley and Garlic
This classic French dish is so beautifully simple: fresh squid, parsley, and garlic. Fleur de sel is called for in this special dish but any nice sea salt will do.
Peach, Plum, Nectarine and Vegetable Tempura
Tempura is both delicious and easy to make. Vegetables are the most common but fruit makes a sweet treat. Stone fruits like peaches, plums, and nectarines hold up very well to being lightly fried. Apples can also be used.
Fava Bean Bruschetta
This tapas-style appetizer is a simple and delicious start to a meal. Served at MarketBar in San Francisco.