Store bought granola often has preservatives, artificial flavors, excessive vegetable oil and loads of sugar. Also, most companies add sulfuric acid or sulfur dioxide to help preserve the dried fruit’s vibrant color. We prefer to use unsulfured, unsweetened dried fruit; cranberries are an exception to the unsweetened rule as they are bitter without being sweetened. Homemade granola is one of our…
Lamb Stew with Vegetables
This stew is made with lamb, carrots, potatoes, green beans and turnips. We first made this stew in Paris when our youngest son Brian was on the track team. We had three young men from the Netherlands team staying with us for a track meet. I tripled this recipe thinking that there would be enough for Peter…
Soft Boiled Egg Spring Salad
This is a salad lovers dream and will make everyone want to eat more salad. This Spring Salad celebrates spring’s healthy vegetables with the addition of forbidden rice. Forbidden rice is softer and smaller than wild rice, and once cooked, it turns a deep purple color with a nutty texture. We used fresh English peas,…
Bacon and Gruyere Quiche
This classic quiche is similar to the ones we enjoyed in Paris. Nestled in a buttery crust, it offers a rich, savory custard flecked with Gruyere, bacon, and shallots. Magically, the overall effect is one of lightness. It is the perfect make-ahead recipe for brunches, lunches, and dinners. Pair this quiche with a simple salad,…
Blueberry Crumb Muffins
This is the muffin that has it all! We don’t usually like a muffin with a crumb topping, as they are usually too sweet and the topping can be hard and crunchy. This one is different because it is light and not overly sweet. We also think the crumbs add to the…
Pound Cake – Classic and Simple
I know this is a very basic recipe, but I have tried many different pound cake recipes and this is my favorite. If you are looking for a pound cake that is dense enough to stand up to fruit, sauces, and ice cream, and has the butter taste that you are looking for in…
Pomegranate Sauce
I made this Pomegranate Sauce for Coeur à la Crème. It is really easy and the seeds look like little hearts as a garnish on the plate. Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: N/A 1 pomegranate, cut in half (horizontally) 2 tablespoons of pomegranate seeds (reserved for garnish) 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar Carefully, cut…
Split Pea Soup
Split pea soup is open to a lot of interpretation. To blend or not to blend seems to be at the top of the list. Some soups are best pureed and smooth, but we like our split pea with a bit of texture. We split the difference and pureed a portion of the soup, leaving…
Rustic Pear Galette
The first thing I remember learning how to make is pie dough. I love making pies, but, if you are pressed for time, the galette is a quick alternative to a pie. The galette tastes like a pie without the top crust, and I love the rustic look. You can change the filling based on…
Chili Con Carne
This is a chili that will surprise everyone. The list of ingredients seems long, but each one is worth it! The cocoa powder at the end adds an extra layer of flavor that you don’t expect in a beef chili. I’ve served this chili over a thick piece of cornbread in the center of the…