Category Archives: Kid – Friendly

Gingerbread Cookies

A holiday classic, as a kid I actually really disliked the taste of gingerbread.  It was the combination of sweet molasses and tangy ginger that was what probably turned off my young and unexperienced tastebuds.  Of course, like most children,

Gingerbread Cookies

A holiday classic, as a kid I actually really disliked the taste of gingerbread.  It was the combination of sweet molasses and tangy ginger that was what probably turned off my young and unexperienced tastebuds.  Of course, like most children,

Penne in Vodka Sauce

According to Wikipedia, the exact origin of vodka sauce is still under debate. Some say it is a true Italian dish, while others believe it is an American invention from the 1970’s, while others still are convinced a vodka company

Penne in Vodka Sauce

According to Wikipedia, the exact origin of vodka sauce is still under debate. Some say it is a true Italian dish, while others believe it is an American invention from the 1970’s, while others still are convinced a vodka company

Monkey Bread

Monkey bread is an American invention that came about in the 1950’s, a response to the advent of pre-packaged foods which heralded an easier job and lifestyle for all the Sally Homemakers and Domestic Debbies of the world. The formula

Monkey Bread

Monkey bread is an American invention that came about in the 1950’s, a response to the advent of pre-packaged foods which heralded an easier job and lifestyle for all the Sally Homemakers and Domestic Debbies of the world. The formula

Fourth of July (Independence Day) Cake

This is a festive and easy cake to make for any occasion, but since it’s red, white, and blue… sure why not go ahead and call it an Independence Day Cake! 1 pound strawberries 1 pint blueberries 2 cups heavy

Fourth of July (Independence Day) Cake

This is a festive and easy cake to make for any occasion, but since it’s red, white, and blue… sure why not go ahead and call it an Independence Day Cake! 1 pound strawberries 1 pint blueberries 2 cups heavy

Sencha Green Tea Panna Cotta

A while back, I made a simple Panna Cotta. It is one of my go-to desserts to make whenever the hankering for something light and creamy takes hold, especially when the days are warm. I recently had a couple dinners

Sencha Green Tea Panna Cotta

A while back, I made a simple Panna Cotta. It is one of my go-to desserts to make whenever the hankering for something light and creamy takes hold, especially when the days are warm. I recently had a couple dinners

Hot Chocolate

Ah…. There has always been a little debate over whether hot chocolate and hot cocoa are two different things, or one and the same. Well, I’m a bit of a Type-A personality so if you ask me, I would have

Hot Chocolate

Ah…. There has always been a little debate over whether hot chocolate and hot cocoa are two different things, or one and the same. Well, I’m a bit of a Type-A personality so if you ask me, I would have

Caprese Skewer Bites

I always like to serve a caprese salad whenever guests are over. Its fresh flavors are light and crisp, and won’t weigh guests down, which is ideal for long evenings of chatting and laughing. Folks suffering from food comas are

Caprese Skewer Bites

I always like to serve a caprese salad whenever guests are over. Its fresh flavors are light and crisp, and won’t weigh guests down, which is ideal for long evenings of chatting and laughing. Folks suffering from food comas are

Watermelon Agua Fresca

Summer is at a close, and as usual I am clinging onto it like a young babe holds onto his mother. This juice is something I’ve been making all summer long; it is so simple and refreshing. I figured if

Watermelon Agua Fresca

Summer is at a close, and as usual I am clinging onto it like a young babe holds onto his mother. This juice is something I’ve been making all summer long; it is so simple and refreshing. I figured if

Citrus Mint Water

This simple and refreshing water is perfect for any occasion during the warm weather seasons. It is perfect for BBQ grill sessions, brunches, as table water for a fancy dinner, or even to fill a sport bottle to take on

Citrus Mint Water

This simple and refreshing water is perfect for any occasion during the warm weather seasons. It is perfect for BBQ grill sessions, brunches, as table water for a fancy dinner, or even to fill a sport bottle to take on

Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Blue Cheese

Mac and cheese, an American classic that even though having been re-invented many times over by pretty much every professional chef and home cook out there, somehow retains its iconic comfort food status. The great thing (and what I think

Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Blue Cheese

Mac and cheese, an American classic that even though having been re-invented many times over by pretty much every professional chef and home cook out there, somehow retains its iconic comfort food status. The great thing (and what I think

Tomato Basil Spirals

This is a quick little sandwich wrap that does double duty: it can be a simple snack for one, but also works wonderfully as an appetizer when entertaining. lavash bread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 1 tomato fresh basil leaves salt pepper

Tomato Basil Spirals

This is a quick little sandwich wrap that does double duty: it can be a simple snack for one, but also works wonderfully as an appetizer when entertaining. lavash bread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 1 tomato fresh basil leaves salt pepper

Buttermilk Pancakes

What better way to start a morning than with pancakes? When they are fresh out of the pan and drizzled with maple syrup, it is like giving your belly and soul a warm hug. Now, who can say no to

Buttermilk Pancakes

What better way to start a morning than with pancakes? When they are fresh out of the pan and drizzled with maple syrup, it is like giving your belly and soul a warm hug. Now, who can say no to

Soy Kale Chips

When it comes to kale, I find people either love or loathe it. As for me, I will admit that I’m not much of a fan- its dense texture and lack of natural flavor is akin to eating cardboard. That

Soy Kale Chips

When it comes to kale, I find people either love or loathe it. As for me, I will admit that I’m not much of a fan- its dense texture and lack of natural flavor is akin to eating cardboard. That

Pineapple Sorbet

I don’t know if it is just my taste buds, but for me, the pineapple is simultaneously contrasting in being sweet, sour, tangy, spicy, and even salty. The pineapple’s distinct flavor really packs a punch and can be sometimes overwhelming.

Pineapple Sorbet

I don’t know if it is just my taste buds, but for me, the pineapple is simultaneously contrasting in being sweet, sour, tangy, spicy, and even salty. The pineapple’s distinct flavor really packs a punch and can be sometimes overwhelming.

Sweet Egg Soup

This sweet soup is from my mother’s kitchen. She doesn’t have a sweet tooth, nor is she much of a baker, so sweets were not very common in our household growing up. I remember it being a real treat whenever

Sweet Egg Soup

This sweet soup is from my mother’s kitchen. She doesn’t have a sweet tooth, nor is she much of a baker, so sweets were not very common in our household growing up. I remember it being a real treat whenever

Vegetable Japchae aka Korean Sweet Potato Noodles

One of the more popular of Korean foods, Japchae (commonly pronounced: jap-chay, job-chay, or chap-chay) is a sweet potato noodle dish traditionally made with stir-fried vegetables, beef, and topped with sesame seeds. Like most Asian foods, the idea of cooking

Vegetable Japchae aka Korean Sweet Potato Noodles

One of the more popular of Korean foods, Japchae (commonly pronounced: jap-chay, job-chay, or chap-chay) is a sweet potato noodle dish traditionally made with stir-fried vegetables, beef, and topped with sesame seeds. Like most Asian foods, the idea of cooking

Red Velvet Cupcakes

These mini-cakes are easy to make, quick to decorate, and always put a smile on one’s face. Not to mention: if you bring these to a party, some of those smiles will be for you! Makes 24 cupcakes For the

Red Velvet Cupcakes

These mini-cakes are easy to make, quick to decorate, and always put a smile on one’s face. Not to mention: if you bring these to a party, some of those smiles will be for you! Makes 24 cupcakes For the

Pumpkin Ice Cream

I love my ice creams and will take any seasonal opportunity to keep my freezer stocked with a quart (or three!) of this creamy treat. Pumpkin is one of those flavors that comes with so many associations of Autumnal weather

Pumpkin Ice Cream

I love my ice creams and will take any seasonal opportunity to keep my freezer stocked with a quart (or three!) of this creamy treat. Pumpkin is one of those flavors that comes with so many associations of Autumnal weather

Sausage and Apple Stuffing

Stuffing is among the most comforting of comfort foods in the winter season. Traditionally made during Thanksgiving, but not limited to that sole holiday, I make this throughout the colder months since it is a simple one-pot type of meal

Sausage and Apple Stuffing

Stuffing is among the most comforting of comfort foods in the winter season. Traditionally made during Thanksgiving, but not limited to that sole holiday, I make this throughout the colder months since it is a simple one-pot type of meal

Apple Pie

This is probably the most iconic, classic American dessert in our country’s edible lexicon. Every family has their own recipe and tradition in making this pie. For some, like my friend Dan, it is his way of signaling the arrival

Apple Pie

This is probably the most iconic, classic American dessert in our country’s edible lexicon. Every family has their own recipe and tradition in making this pie. For some, like my friend Dan, it is his way of signaling the arrival

Meatloaf

Ah meatloaf… one of the most comforting of comfort foods. I mean, it’s pretty hard to say resist the aroma of this roast wafting out of the oven. The best part? This meatloaf is packed with a fair share of

Meatloaf

Ah meatloaf… one of the most comforting of comfort foods. I mean, it’s pretty hard to say resist the aroma of this roast wafting out of the oven. The best part? This meatloaf is packed with a fair share of

Risotto Ai Funghi Porcini aka Porcini Mushroom Risotto

My friends Neal and Roberto came over from Rome for a visit and I was lucky enough to spend some quality time with them in the kitchen. We got together and spent an evening catching up and come dinnertime, Roberto

Risotto Ai Funghi Porcini aka Porcini Mushroom Risotto

My friends Neal and Roberto came over from Rome for a visit and I was lucky enough to spend some quality time with them in the kitchen. We got together and spent an evening catching up and come dinnertime, Roberto

Orecchiette Pasta in Creamy Mushroom Sauce

From Italian, orecchiette translates to “little ear,” which is an appropriate name since this small, round pasta cooks up into little pockets (or ears!) that are perfect for holding onto cream sauces. Most times, a pasta sauce can be prepared

Orecchiette Pasta in Creamy Mushroom Sauce

From Italian, orecchiette translates to “little ear,” which is an appropriate name since this small, round pasta cooks up into little pockets (or ears!) that are perfect for holding onto cream sauces. Most times, a pasta sauce can be prepared

Melon Mint Salad

There are many tricks of the trade when it comes to selecting a good melon. For me this is how I go about it for each one – WATERMELON: look for a large stem-end which indicates it was on the

Melon Mint Salad

There are many tricks of the trade when it comes to selecting a good melon. For me this is how I go about it for each one – WATERMELON: look for a large stem-end which indicates it was on the