Blog
- Afternoon Tea
- Asian Braised Short Ribs
- Asian Spicy Citrus Chicken Wings
- Berry Salad With Whipped Feta
- Bright Gal Pal Luncheon
- Brodetto (Italian Seafood Stew)
- Cedar Plank Grilled Swordfish With Mango Pineapple Salsa
- Citrus Luncheon
- Cranberry Orange Relish
- Cuban Boliche' With Saffron Rice And Black Beans
- Easter Brunch
- Easter Time Tea
- Friendsgiving
- Green Bunnies For Easter
- Illini Pork Medallions On A Crusty Roll
- Ina Garten Corn Chowder
- Italian Lemon Feast
- Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
- Lemon Chicken Piccata
- Lemon Honey Parfait
- Lunch In The Sunshine
- Mango Pineapple White Sangria Cocktail
- Mini Pumpkin Bundt Cakes With Pecan Pumpkin Butter Filling
- Mother's Wedding Luncheon
- Puff Pastry Brie With Pecan Pumpkin Butter And Spiced Pecans
- Pumpkin Martini
- Shrimp And Gouda Grits
- Spicy Pesto Grouper
- Tangy Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
- Thai Spaghetti Salad
- Watercolor Blooms
Mini Pumpkin Bundt Cakes with Pecan Pumpkin Butter Filling
If you like a pumpkin cake, then you will enjoy this treat filled with William Sonoma’s Pecan Pumpkin Butter then topped with Caramel Icing. So good!
Cranberry Orange Relish
Not your traditional cranberry sauce for your next holiday meal. Fruity, spicy and nutty make this side dish the perfect compliment to turkey, chicken or pork. Put this on your left over turkey sandwich and you won’t be disappointed!
Illini Pork Medallions on a Crusty Roll
A family-favorite recipe from the Junior League of Springfield Honest to Goodness Cookbook. My version of the Illini Pork Medallions recipe is great served on a crusty roll paired with your favorite soup recipe or can be served over mashed potatoes for a Sunday night dinner. Both options are certain to please.
Ina Garten Corn Chowder
To say I am a fan of Ina Garten is an understatement. Her warm gentle nature resonates with me when she is preparing a meal. Not only do I love to watch her cook, but I have not made a recipe from one of her cookbooks that it has not become one of my go-to family favorites. Her corn chowder is at the top of the list. It is hearty and speaks to what we love in every way. Thank you, Ina Garten for lending your talents to the masses.
Pumpkin Martini
Every party should start with a “Welcome Cocktail”. A pumpkin martini is a great option for your fall gathering. Combination of cinnamon liqueur and vanilla rum make this drink so yummy, it is like having dessert before dinner.
Puff Pastry Brie with Pecan Pumpkin Butter and Spiced Pecans
If you like pumpkin butter, flaky pastry and brie cheese then this super easy appetizer is one to showcase at your next holiday gathering. It can be made in one large torte or in a mini cupcake pan for individual appetizers. So delicious and sweet it is dessert before dinner.
Italian Lemon Feast
When you think of Italy do you think of beautiful lemon linens, wine, pasta and great bread? I do. The Italians are known for amazing lemon trees, hence limoncello of Sorrento. Hopefully, this makes you want to create an Italian lemon feast for your upcoming dinner party.
Cuban Boliche’ with Saffron Rice and Black Beans
Growing up in Tampa and making many visits to Ybor City, one of my favorite meals growing up was a Cuban Boliche’. My mom found this wonderful authentic Cuban meat shop where she purchased this roast stuffed and ready to bake in the oven. Very often this was a special treat served on a Sunday afternoon due to the length of time to prepare and cook. Hint - great food often takes days of prep. This meal is no exception.
Mango Pineapple White Sangria Cocktail
This cocktail is so refreshing and just down-right yummy! A semi-frozen fruity wine cocktail that is great by the pool, on the deck or served with my Cedar Plank Grilled Mango Pineapple Swordfish for a delightful summer night treat!
Cedar Plank Grilled Swordfish with Mango Pineapple Salsa
This is a great summer dish. Light and fresh but full of flavor. Swordfish is a mild, white meaty fish that performs really well on a soaked cedar plank. Who doesn’t love cedar plank grilled fish? Topped with my mango pineapple salsa and served over mixed greens and you have a refreshing light meal. Pair this with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a Mango Pineapple Sangria Cocktail and you have a spectacular dinner for 2 or 4! *Mango Pineapple Sangria Cocktail featured in another post.
Bright Gal Pal Luncheon
Lots of bright colors for this tablescape! So fun and a “Gal Pal” kind of celebration; Birthday, Retirement, Bachelorette Party…whatever the occasion, your friends are sure to love it! This beautiful gray with gold rim plate ware is from the Addison Dinnerware collection @crateandbarrel.
Citrus Luncheon
One of my favorite tablescapes to date. I especially like the citrine glassware and chargers; they really compliment the lemon vibe.
Lunch in the Sunshine
Loving the sunshine on this outdoor table scape. The lavender and deep purple compliment the variations of green! The exquisite light gray linens and magnolia leaf placemats for this table scape are from @frontgate.
Watercolor Blooms
Blue and green hues pay tribute to spring florals tucked in a napkin of watercolor blooms from @williamsonomahome.
Afternoon Tea
Pretty in Pink! Can you tell I like pink? Soft gold metallic accents elevate this delicate plate ware. However, the gorgeous florals and linens steal the show.
Brodetto - Italian Seafood Stew
Italian Brodetto Seafood Stew is actually quite easy to make, and you should not be intimidated by the ingredient list. This is a great Sunday night dinner or for a special occasion such as Mother’s Day or Birthday. If you enjoy a seafood boil then you will love this Italian spin off. This dinner can be served with a light salad and a side of pasta or even served over pasta if you need a starch. For me lots of crusty bread soaked in the stew broth is all I need as an accompaniment.
Lemon Honey Parfait
Lemon Honey Parfait styled on my William Sonoma Lemon plates! If you want a light lemon dessert for Easter or any dinner, then this super easy dish is perfect. It has a fresh lemon flavor enhanced by the honey. I like to buy local organic honey to promote my personal wellness. Locally sourced honey is great for your immune system as the bees gather nectar from plants in your local environment. Like lemon desserts? You are sure to love my adaptation of this recipe from El Mundo Eats!
Berry Salad with Whipped Feta and Champagne Vinaigrette
Fresh seasonal berries with cinnamon pecans make this salad more of a dessert! The special touch to this salad though is the whipped feta paired with the very light champagne vinaigrette. This salad is part of the Mother’s Bridal Luncheon Menu. I serve it with my Savory Chicken Salad Puffs and a Black Berry Tea. Not only is it a yummy lunch but is very pretty on the plate!
Shrimp and Gouda Grits
If you have ever been to Seaside, Florida then hopefully you have had the opportunity to visit the Great Southern Cafe and tried their Shrimp Grits A Ya Ya! They are simply the best. When my daughter said she found their recipe on 30A Eats, then we HAD to try it. The recipe did not disappoint. We made sure to read all of the suggestions and are happy we did because we decided to follow a recommendation and add the Old Bay Seasoning. So, this is my adapted version of an amazing restaurant’s signature dish!
Tangy Thai Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Thai Shrimp Lettuce Wraps…yum! I serve these as a side dish or as an appetizer. So so easy and are a perfect prep ahead recipe for any special gathering. I pair this with my Asian Spicy Citrus Chicken Wings and Thai Spaghetti Salad. You will be certain to impress your guests with all three recipes!
Asian Spicy Citrus Wings
Any great sporting event meal should start with chicken wings. How about my “Asian Spicy Citrus Wings” then pair them with my, Thai Spaghetti Salad and Tangy Asian Lettuce Wraps! All are sure to be a crowd pleaser and are ideal recipes to prep ahead.
Lemon Chicken Piccata
Entree from the Galentine’s Celebration Menu! A great meal to serve your best gal friends or your sweet significant other. If you like a creamy pasta dish with a garlicky lemon kick, this recipe is one to try. Serve with my balsamic tomato salad and a crusty Ciabatta bread. Pairs well with a light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Thai Spaghetti Salad
Thai spaghetti salad is a great addition to any Asian dinner! Lots of crunch and flavor in the marinated veggies. We like our salad spicy, but you can take the heat down a tad if you like less. Perfect make ahead dish to share at your next party. I serve this as a side dish to my Asian Wings!
Green Bunnies for Easter
Easter is just around the corner! Crisp green, black and grays make the felt bunnies and leafy dishes come alive. Love how the multiple short table runners add to the naked table design doubling as a placemat when run across the table.
Asian Braised Short-Ribs
Braised short ribs cooked slow and low in a rich citrus broth. Mix with your favorite Asian noodles and a variety of vegetables for a great weekend dinner. Pairs well with a robust Malbec or a fruity Shiraz. Enjoy!
Easter Time Tea
Setting the table for a tea is my favorite part of preparing for a special celebration! Couple any beautiful meal with a gorgeous tea set and you will have elevated the experience. And who doesn’t love a simple decorated egg gently tucked into their napkin. The bright fuchsia florals combined with cool pink and mint plates come alive with the spectacular tablecloth from @latavolalinen! I have rented this tablecloth for multiple occasions. It is a go to design (Maya White) when paired with my favorite florals!
Tex Mex Zucchini Boats
We enjoy zucchini made every way possible once our garden is up and prolific. This recipe is super easy and the filling freezes nicely for a pull from the freezer quick fresh dinner.
Spicy Pesto Grouper with Zucchini and Pasta Noodles
Spicy Pesto Grouper with zucchini spaghetti!!!! Nothing better than a beautiful piece of grouper from your local fish market paired with a creamy pasta. This recipe is so good…Bon Appetite!
Jalapeno Smoked Cheddar Cornbread
This cornbread recipe is the base layer for my smoked brisket and egg brunch entree. The key to this recipe is the well-seasoned cast iron skillet! Mine is from my grandma! My recipe is an adaptation from Pampered Chef.
Mother’s Wedding Luncheon
A Mother’s wedding luncheon tablescape. Beautiful turquois plates combined with cream and gold accents and a creamy rose bouquet set the tone for a light fresh gorgeous luncheon.
Easter Brunch
Taking a table scape outside to enjoy the fresh green hues of spring make this Easter celebration even more joyful! The florals along with the @latavolalinen linens turn this beautiful combination into a special affair.