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Jacques Torres’ Secret Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Chocoholics from near and far have been flocking to Jacques Torres’ renowned chocolate shops in Manhattan’s TriBeCa and Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighborhoods for years — and for good reason. The French chocolatier gained famed while serving as the revered Pastry Chef at NYC’s Le Cirque restaurant and has been featured on numerous TV shows including PBS and the Food Network. Torres serves as a master chef and dean of pastry arts at the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan, where he teaches.
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Kale & White Bean Soup
Last night I made a delicious and hearty Kale & White Bean Soup. Overflowing with cannellini beans, greens, carrots, onions and chunks of kielbasa, this soup is bursting with flavor! It’s easy to make and perfect for a healthy and quick weeknight dinner. Serve with thinly sliced pieces of toasted ciabatta bread and freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano. -
Low-Sugar and Whole Wheat Zucchini Muffins with Pecans
I just finished a batch of healthy and delicious whole wheat zucchini muffins. I found this recipe on one of my favorite cooking blogs, Kalyn’s Kitchen, and I just had to try it out for myself! Because it calls for Splenda and agave in place of regular sugar, these muffins are low-sugar and perfect for those who are watching their carbs, but refuse to sacrifice flavor. The addition of chopped pecans makes for a hearty and crunchy texture. Perfect for breakfast or a snack anytime of day. Enjoy!!
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To Die For Blueberry Muffins
Everyone loves blueberry muffins. I am thrilled to share a recipe I received from my grandmother’s dear friend and neighbor for the most fluffy and moist blueberry muffins ever. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or an anytime-of-day pick me-up, these easy-to-make muffins are the only recipe you’ll ever need. Bursting with blueberries, light, tender, and boasting a perfectly crunchy cinnamon and sugar top and moist inside, these muffins have the perfect amount of sweetness and rise beautifully. I highly recommend using paper liners in your muffin pan so you don’t lose any precious blueberries in the pan. Check out my recipe below. Enjoy!!
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Traditional Italian Easter Pie
My favorite dessert for the Easter holiday has always been Italian Easter Pie. An Italian tradition, Easter Pie is made by mixing cooked rice with fresh ricotta, eggs, sugar and toasted pine nuts and wrapping the mixture in layers of crispy, buttery phyllo. Orange zest is added to take the ricotta and rice mixture to the next level. The pie browns beautifully in the oven and comes out with a golden brown top and sides.
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Chic (Creme) Brulee French Toast
In honor of the Chic Brûlée, I had to blog about Crème Brûlée French Toast – a rich and satisfying dessert-like indulgence. My favorite recipe is from Gourmet Magazine and is so easy to prepare! The french toast can be prepared the night before and baked in the oven the next morning.
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Spicy Vegetable Chili
Get ready for a healthy twist on a favorite southern comfort food, chili. This recipe is full of nutritious vegetables and has a mix of spices that really packs a punch. Veggie chili is surprisingly easy to make and extremely satisfying. Serve over brown rice or cornbread and top with plain greek yogurt, avocado and shredded Monterrey jack cheese for a scrumptious meal.
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Southwest Turkey Burgers
Last night I made the most fantastic recipe for turkey burgers — Southwest-style! Bursting with flavor, these burgers feature a variety of vegetables and southwest spices that create the perfect easy and healthy dinner.
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Fluffy & Healthy Cottage Cheese Pancakes
I love this recipe because I adore pancakes, but I never choose them because they can usually run up some serious calories. I finally found the perfect recipe that is both healthy and satisfying. This recipe from Mark Bittman uses cottage cheese to add fluffiness and creaminess as well as a healthy dose of protein and calcium. The result is a delicious, tender pancake that is protein-packed and guilt-free! Even if you don’t care for cottage cheese on it’s own, you will still love these pancakes because it all blends together perfectly. Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins to the pancakes (I always add blueberries). Don’t forget to dust with powdered sugar or top with lite maple syrup. The recipe is below. Enjoy!!
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Healthy Turkey Meatballs
Think turkey meatballs are bland and lack flavor? Not my recipe. These turkey meatballs are oozing with flavor and will change your mind completely! Overflowing with fresh parsley and garlic and a surprise crunch from toasted pine nuts, these meatballs are healthy and delicious. I made them tonight and served over brown rice with a simple marinara sauce drizzled on top. It’s a new, modern twist on “spaghetti and meatballs” and I guarantee you will love it!
