Tag: spring recipes

Cheese Puffs

Cheese Puffs

For Easter Sunday, how about something elegant such as these Cheese Puffs, similar to a gougère, a French baked pastry dough filled typically with Gruyère, Comté, or Emmentaler cheese? My sister is headed to France so I made them in her honor. Sometimes they are even filled with mushrooms, beef or ham. These Cheese Puffs are as fabulous as they look and have the secret ingredient, Colman’s Mustardwhich gives it an extra zesty flavor. These are perfect for Easter and any holiday or spring or summer party. Happy holidays this weekend and enjoy! 🙂

Easter Deviled Eggs

Easter Deviled Eggs

Easter is around the corner so it’s time to make these Easter Deviled Eggs. I love using  Colman’s Mustard, known for its distinct zesty flavor. It is the secret ingredient which packs a punch in these must try and foolproof Deviled Egg recipe. These delectable bites are perfect to serve to family and friends for any special occasion, but especially this coming Sunday. Feel free to double this recipe for more guests.

Established in 1814, Colman’s Mustard of Norwich has been recognized widely as the iconic English mustard in the U.K. Using a unique and zesty blend of brown mustard seeds (Brassica Juncea) and white mustard seeds (Sinapis Alba), Jeremiah Colman created a mustard with a flavorful heat sensation that has become an essential condiment and paramount ingredient for favorite recipes, even to the highest royal order. In 1866 Queen Victoria bestowed the ultimate seal of approval – the Royal Warrant – galvanizing Colman’s Mustard as the crown jewel of mustards and securing its place in the most discerning kitchens around the world.

Berry Sparkle Cocktail

Berry Sparkle

What a week! I came home from Italy to two days of tornadoes through Alabama (luckily we are safe and unharmed). It’s almost May and time to welcome new blooms and fresh sunshine with refreshing seasonal cocktails that capture the essence of Spring in every sip. This Berry Sparkle Cocktail is a perfect way to make a toast to spring (and good weather ahead). It’s ideal for Mother’s Day, showers and even graduation parties. Start with your favorite berries and freshly chopped mint. Use Licor 43 and champagne or Prosecco to top it off. Cheers 🙂

Kale Orzo Salad

If you read my blog on a regular basis, you know that my three kids are big fans of kale. I thought spring was the perfect time to come up with a Kale Orzo Salad recipe since it pairs nicely with grilled chicken or kabobs. This recipe also is perfect for spring or summer picnics or for a sunday side dish. Add grilled shrimp or chicken to make it a one dish meal or serve over arugula for a healthy lunch.

Passover Berry Crisp

It seems bizarre to showcase Passover and Easter recipes already, but these holidays come early this year, just a few weeks away. I know people start planning their Passover menus ahead of time, and Passover desserts are always a challenge. Last year, I made this Passover Berry Crisp, and it came out great. I ended up making it several times, and I am positive it will be on this year’s list. Feel free to substitute 5 to 51/2 cups of apples or your favorite fruit for the berries. Happy spring holidays!

 

Turtle Cookies

I know I say it often, but my daughter, Leigh, is an amazing girl. No new task is too much of a challenge for her, and she is becoming quite the cook and baker. She recently found this recipe for Turtle Cookies on Pinterest from the Pixelated Crumb, and she had to make them. I admit that I helped her a bit, but these came out incredible. She said, “These taste like a chocolate lava cake” while they were warm, and she was correct. The caramel makes this cookie even better. OMG! We both agreed (as well as my two boys) that these are some of the best cookies we have had in a long time. Thank you Leigh for this fantastic cookie recipe find!

Gluten-Free Main Dish: Balsamic Chicken with Pine Nuts

I am so excited about sharing this simple, healthy main dish. In under 30 minutes, this recipe for Balsamic Chicken Cutlets makes a great healthy weeknight or weekend entree. This recipe is perfect if you’re following a gluten-free, Paleo or low carb diet. Pine nuts are a great source of protein, dietary fiber, magnesium and iron, and they add great flavor and crunch to this easy recipe.

Chicken Couscous Salad

If you’re looking for a light, healthy and delicious salad, this Chicken Couscous Salad is the answer. Start with a rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken and combine with cooked couscous, cherry tomatoes, basil and either sherry or balsamic vinegar. Top it off with goat cheese or even feta, and you have a super wholesome main dish salad. I loved serving this over arugula leaves, but my kids just ate it straight out of this bowl. This makes a great lunch recipe or easy dinnertime entree.

Quinoa with Lemon and Fresh Herbs

We love cooking with quinoa because it’s so healthy, gluten-free, versatile, and my 3 kids love it. My sister recently made this recipe: Quinoa with Lemon and Herbs, originally from  Giada De Laurentiis from the Food Network. It tastes a lot like orzo or pasta with fresh herbs and lemon juice. This recipe uses fresh basil, thyme and parsley, but feel free to use any combination of herbs. I added Parmesan to mine, but feta or goat cheese would work great too. This quinoa recipe makes a wonderful side dish served with fish, chicken or pork, and it can be prepared in under 30 minutes.

Tomato, Fresh Herbs and Feta Crostini for Mother’s Day

Since Mother’s Day is this weekend, I thought I would share a super easy recipe from my new cookbook, “400 Best Sandwiches: From Burgers & Classics to Wraps & Condiments”. These Tomato, Fresh Herbs and Feta Crostini would be considered an open-face sandwich and a simple spring appetizer that is pretty, fresh and versatile with a brunch, lunch or dinner menu. I am making this recipe today along with 4 other recipes on Nashville’s Newschannel 5 “Talk of the Town”. My television segment will air at 11 a.m. central as well as on Comcast channel 50 at 12 p.m., 4 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. on Monday. I hope everyone has a great weekend and Mother’s day celebration.