Chicken Pot Pie

With another winter storm brewing here in the US, what family wouldn't enjoy this all time favorite for dinner? Here's the recipe for the rest of the roast chicken I posted about recently (Feb. 20^th). In keeping with the intention of stretching one chicken into multiple meals, I present…Chicken Pot Pie. This is real wintertime comfort food!

What Was I So Afraid Of?

I’m not sure why, but for so long I was fearful of making my own pie crusts; the task had always seemed intimidating to me. One day, not too long ago when when my husband was out of town and couldn't make one for me, I refused to buy the icky, frozen, store bought crusts or the “better” frozen, "natural", super expensive crusts from my local natural market. It was time to get the Cuisinart out and get over my fear. It was time to get a lesson on pie crusts from my pastry chef husband. I was eager to serve a better crust to my family and save a boatload of money, too. Here’s what I've learned…it's easy! 

Chicken Tortilla Soup

I love soup. I love it for lunch or dinner and in any season. My husband, however and unfortunately, is not such a fan...unless it's this soup: Chicken Tortilla Soup. He also loves cilantro, I do not. So, in this recipe which traditionally calls for cilantro, I use parsley and place a small ramekin of cilantro near his bowl. He can use as much as he wants and I can be free of it. No kidding...if he were to just wave cilantro over my dish that would be too much for me. He says I'll get over my aversion one day, but I think not. ;)

Let's Talk Turkey...I Mean, Chicken

When I was a child and I heard the adults in my life say, "OK, let's talk turkey!" I knew a serious conversation was about to start. Well, today I want to take a serious look at chicken.

Chocolate Cake with Mocha Ganache

This one brought tears to my husband's eyes; I'm not sure if it was because my cake turned out so well or if it was because this cake is just so delicious. Maybe it was both! This would be a wonderful finish to any meal you make for the people you love.

Snowy, Cold Weather...Time to Get the Le Creuset Out

While much of the US is covered in snow and we're hunkered down trying to stay warm, I immediately think of this wonderful winter dish that my family loves. This recipe will warm your bones and fill your stomach. Even if you find yourself in a sunny, warm climate, like Los Angeles, this dish will fill your home with the awesome aromas of a wintertime meal.

Fabulous Butternut Squash Ravioli

Butternut Squash Ravioli

This is my child’s favorite dish and if ever we have a celebration, this is what she asks for. It’s served with a walnut cream sauce and it is delicious. I’m sure it’s what she’ll want on this Valentine’s Day.

Biscotti

These biscotti are an adaptation from a recipe I found which called for cornmeal. That was good...once. Then we were done with the cornmeal texture and flavor, so I changed the recipe. Big surprise; I am always tinkering with recipes which drives my pastry chef husband crazy; you see, he's a bit of a purist. This time, it worked out well and when we're running low on biscotti, he's sure to let me know. These have become a part of his regular morning breakfast. A note: I cut back on the sugar in this recipe, which is why I also use the juice of the fruit. Sugar is a liquefier, so I had to make up for it that way. I learned that from my pastry chef husband. ;)