Happy Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Muffins.
Thanksgiving.
A home filled with amazing aromas, family, friends and food.
A holiday to be thankful for so many things, to give thanks to others and to relax…but not for the cook, unless you play your cards right.
As a foodie, I do love Thanksgiving, but not for the main course. The big bird.
God knows that I can get creative in planning, prepping and preparing the perfect poultry, (say that three times fast), but for me my true passion is in the appetizers and sides.
The turkey is and will always be the center of attention and it will always be the big boss and the star of the show, but do not forget that there are many players that need to come together to make a perfect performance.
Enter the perfect muffin.
Endless Summer Pesto Grilled Shrimp
Summer is still with us and my inner caveman needs to be near fire, sticks and raw stuff every night.
( ok, and beer or wine or martinis..but mostly beer..ok, never martinis or wine..I just wanted to sound classy)
Why is that?
Is it the great outdoors? The freedom of the backyard? The smell of freshly cut grass ? Or perhaps it’s the stress of trying to cook a great meal while making sure that my little guy and black lab don’t knock over, fall into or throw toys into the crazy hot BBQ?
Whatever it is…I’m taking advantage of the beautiful Long Island weather, the bounty of fresh basil growing in my garden and the massive bag of charcoal at my disposal.
The Only Marinade You Will Ever Need.
Spring has sprung.
Birds are singing their anthems…
The flowers are sweet and fragrant…
The sun is shining bright early in the morning…
The landscapers are in the backyard at 7 am waving their leaf blowers around like light sabers..
And the pollen count is already high….
But, that also means that farm stand fruits and veggies are on the menu, fresh seafood is at the market and we’re cooking outside more often, so get ready for a marinade that will not only be synonymous with the nice weather but will also be known as your favorite go-to recipe.
Enter: The Only Marinade You Will Ever Need.
.
It really doesn’t get any easier than this.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice, a high quality olive oil, a fragrant selection of dry and fresh herbs make this marinade the flavor of warm weather.
The zesty lemon, rich oil and delicious herbs compliment almost anything that you marinate, baste and brush this on.
Check out the recipe below in the Recipe Card section!
Spread the Love!
Twitter: FoodULuv
and on Instagram #thefooduluv
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic-about 2-3 large cloves
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest, from one lemon
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- Whisk together lemon juice, oregano, parsley, dill, garlic, tablespoon salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and lemon zest in a large bowl and add oil in a slow stream, whisking while you pour.
- Perfect for chicken, seafood, meat or your favorite fresh veggies.
Creamy Cheese Tortellini and Spinach Soup. Welcome to Autumn Crock Pot Creations.
Ok, I give in.
The Summer is totally over….it’s time to to man up!
It’s time to put away the tiki torches…
And it’s time to take out the Crock Pot baby…’cause we be sloooooowwwww cookin’!
( ok, that sounded cooler in my head than when I read it)
Crispy Cornmeal Shrimp with Homemade Tartar Sauce.
I love fried seafood.
Fried clams, oysters, even fried lobster…but my all time favorite is fried shrimp.
For shrimp, I like coconut shrimp, shrimp parmigiana, buffalo shrimp, but my favorite go to recipe when I am in the mood to fry…a nice crispy shrimp that will be so addicting, you can stop eating them.
Did you ever open a bag of chips or cookies in the car after the supermarket run and say to yourself,
“I’m just going to have one…perhaps two..tops, but that is it.”
By the time you pull into the driveway your shirt is full of crumbs and there’s an empty bag or container on the passenger seat.
Yup, we’ve all been there…only the strong ones will admit it. 🙂
That, in the nutshell, or shall I say, In the shrimp shell…is exactly how this shrimp will be to you.
Penne ala Vodka. The Comfort Food Superstar.
Penne ala Vodka.
Delicious. How can you go wrong?
Booze….. Cheese…Butter…
Come on people…this is comfort food calling you.
Grilled Lemon and Herb Chicken. Summer Night Perfection.
Grilled chicken is a family favorite, oh so easy and so many ways to prepare it.
Technically, it’s the still the Summer. It’s hot and nobody wants to be in the kitchen, especially when the weather is perfect, the birds are chirping and the sun is setting so perfectly in the sky.
Ok, it’s not always such a bucolic setting in August and early September here in New York, in fact the mosquitoes are out like frantic shoppers on Black Friday and the heat and humidity can be downright oppressive, but with this winning recipe, you’ll be cool as a cucumber enjoying the good life whether you are dining in or outdoors.
There are so many ways you can add flavor to chicken to look like a rock star to your friends and family, but one of the easiest and most rewarding ways is by marrying these simple and delicious ingredients that I use to make my Grilled Lemon and Herb Chicken.
Grilled Salmon with Spicy Summer Strawberry Glaze
Strawberry season is coming to an end, but have no fear…there are some excellent options if you missed the berry boat.
The summer brings us so many amazing things.
Fresh vegetables, delicious fruits, the sounds of children laughing as they run through the sprinkler, the smell of fresh cut grass and especially today…
God Awful Heat and Humidity!
Cue the Lovin’ Spoonful’s song……
Hot town, summer in the city
Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty
Been down, isn’t it a pity
Doesn’t seem to be a shadow in the city
All around, people looking half dead
Walking on the sidewalk, hotter than a match head
Saint Patrick’s Day Corned Beef with Rustic Veggies and Beer.
Oh yeah, St. Patrick’s Day is March 17th, and that can only mean one thing.
Getting drunk at 9 am?? No…….well, maybe..but it’s a “day for wearing of the green” and other kick-ass Irish traditions, like making Irish soda bread, watching the parade on tv, listening to Irish music and ..ok, perhaps getting drunk early in the morning.
Many of you don’t know that St. Patrick was not even born in Ireland, in fact..it is said that he may have been,,,ugh..don’t shoot the messenger, Italian. Yup.
Waiter…extra whiskey in my coffee please.
So before you start drinking green beer and dancing with strangers make sure that you gather up all of your ingredients and ready to have the most delicious corned beef and cabbage that you have ever had.
