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A Croque Monsieur Recipe from Paris for Bastille Day
In honor of Bastille Day today, I wanted to share an authentic recipe for one of the most well-known and beloved french bistro dishes, the Croque Monsieur. As French as it gets, this haute, cheesy grilled ham and cheese sandwich began as a sort of “fast food” snack enjoyed at the countless bistros in Paris. There are many variations on the traditional bistro dish, most notably the Croque Madame, which includes a fried egg on top.
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The Ultimate Paella
Following a Spanish cooking class at the Institute of Culinary Education, my boyfriend and I set out to make the perfect authentic paella. Paella is a traditional Valencian rice dish that originated in the mid-19th century near lake Albufera, a lagoon in Valencia, on the east coast of Spain.
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Flourless Chocolate-Walnut Cookies
New York pastry chef François Payard is renowned for many dessert delicacies, but my all-time favorite is the divine Flourless Choolate-Walnut Cookie. If you have ever visited his chic Upper East Side pâtisserie, you most likely witnessed the sight (and cult-following) of these amazingly unique and delicious gooey chocolate cookies.
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Classic Andalusian Gazpacho from Cádiz, Spain
One of my favorite summer meals is gazpacho because it is so light, refreshing and packed with flavor. Hailing from Andalusia on the southern coast of Spain, this cold soup epitomizes tasty, fresh Spanish cuisine. Although there are loads of different variations on the traditional dish, I set out to find the most authentic recipe straight from one of the top restaurants in Cadiz, Spain — El Faro. Situated in a tiny fishing village in La Viña, El Faro is renowned for its mouth-watering gazpacho. I found the authentic recipe used at El Faro and it does not disappoint.
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Summer Strawberry Cake
If you are lucky enough to visit a farmer’s market in your hometown, you will most likely be able to find delicious, fresh-picked strawberries in the early months of summer. Local strawberries are nothing like store-bought varieties and one of my favorite ways to enjoy them is to make some delicious baked goods. Instead of the usual strawberry shortcake or strawberry pie, try making this light, airy strawberry cake.
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Baked Scallops Recipe
With summer in full swing, I wanted to share one of my favorite easy and elegant summer seafood meals — Baked Scallops. This dish is so easy to make, but at the same time delicious, bursting with flavor and sure to impress your family and friends.
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Homemade Lemonade
Ever since I got back from the Caribbean this spring, I have been trying to recreate the light and refreshing, fresh-squeezed lemonade I enjoyed daily at a St. Martin resort. Although making lemonade from scratch may seem easy (squeeze some lemons and add some sugar and water?), there is truly an art to creating the perfect sweet, but not too sweet, lemonade.
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Mini Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
I love oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, but they are usally too big and loaded with lots of unhealthy ingredients, so I decided to shake it up a bit. I started with a classic Betty Crocker Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe, changed a few ingredients around to boost flavor, and formed them into irrestible bite-sized treats that are the perfect, portion-controlled snack. As you know, there are many different variations on chocolate chip cookies – some are light, crisp and airy, others are thick, chewy and moist. I wanted both, so I made a combination of the 2 – a moist, chewy center with slightly browned, crunchy sides and a thick texture. Perfection!!
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Red Curry Chicken Kabobs with Minty Yogurt Sauce
Last night my boyfriend made me a delicious dish that has me dreaming of warm summer nights — Red Curry Chicken Kabobs with Minty Yogurt Sauce. This recipe is so easy to make and bursting with bold flavors. With the base of Thai red curry paste, he made a zesty marinade that coated the chicken beautifully. The dish is finished off with a refreshing and healthy mint and lime yogurt dipping sauce. We added a heirloom tomato side salad and a few grilled vegetables (corn on the cob and grilled onion and red peppers) to make a healthy, mouth-watering summer meal. This recipe is a summer-must. Enjoy!!
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Caprese on a Stick : Cherry Tomato, Mozzarella & Basil Skewers
I have a great recipe today for an easy, healthy and delicious summer appetizer that is fun to make. Instead of making a traditional tomato and mozzarella salad, try using skewers to create fun, pick-me-up “Caprese Sticks” that your guests will love. You can add variations to this recipe based on your favorite Caprese salad ingredients. I included Kalamata olives on some of my skewers for an extra twist!
