CHEESE, PISTACHIO AND PRUNE CAKE – CAKE AU FROMAGE ET PRUNEAUX

We are going on a picnic and I am bringing…

This month the Creative Cooking Group’s theme was a picnic.

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Posted in Appetizers, Breakfast/Brunch, French, International Dishes, Party Menus, Something Different, Vegetarian | 17 Comments

CHICKEN + PORK MEATBALL SOUP

This soup came to be as I was lying around recouping from my fractured shoulder, yes another bump for me.

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Posted in Appetizers, Chicken, Italian, Italian Dishes, Pork, Soups - Cold/Hot | 8 Comments

BLT – BUTTERMILK-TAHINI DRESSING, LAMB + TABBOULEH

April’s Creative Cooking Crew’s challenge was to make a sandwich using the letters BLT…not the norm; bacon, lettuce and tomato.  I decided on going Mediterranean and letting my guest build their own.

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This was a fun challenge and I was able to use so many fresh ingredients.

Marinated lamb overnight with yogurt, oregano, red pepper, nutmeg, garlic, cinnamon, mint, salt /pepper, then grilled.

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For tabbouleh:

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I used equal parts of parsley and mint, 1/3 cup bulgur wheat, tomatoes, cucumbers, scallions, lemon juice,virgin olive oil and my touch, fresh herbs.

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Buttermilk-tahini dressing adapted from Kalyn’s Kitchen.

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Husband and friend, Ines approved.

BUEN PROVECHO!

Posted in Appetizers, Breakfast/Brunch, Greek, International Dishes, Meats, Vegetarian | Tagged , , , , , , , | 25 Comments

BEER BIRD – BEST CHICKEN EVER + COLCANNON – IRISH MASHED POTATOES

While I was making the Colcannon, I was watching one of my favorite chefs, Laura Calder (French Cooking at Home) on the Cooking Channel. Her recipe for Beer Bird calls for Cornish Hens. I decided on using the whole leg and thigh.

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This chicken was so delicious that I decided to make it the star of this post…

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Posted in Chicken, French, International Dishes, Irish, Potatoes, Vegetarian | 13 Comments

NAPOLEON – SWEET CORN PUDDING WITH BACON, FIG VINEGAR, GRILLED GLAZED GRANNY SMITH APPLES AND PISTACHIO BUTTER QUENELLES

This month Laz and Joan of the Creative Cooking Crew decided on choosing 4 items to be incorporated in a dish.  They were Granny Smith apples, vinegar, nut butter and bacon.

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Took me a while to come up with this idea and was injured while preparing it.  Using my mandolin I sliced the apples and my hand.

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Posted in Appetizers, Apples, Breakfast/Brunch, Eggs, My recipes, Something Different, Vinegar | 39 Comments

Causa Limeña + Steak Tartare

This month’s challenge at Creative Cooking Group is nothing more than the ever-loving  meat and potatoes.

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The Causa is a traditional Peruvian dish made from potatoes which is served cold adding different fillings. I decided on using white, purple and sweet potatoes as I could not find the yellow potato which is mostly used.

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Posted in Around Town - NYC - Restaurants, International Dishes, Latin Traditional, Meats, Party Menus, Tapas, Uncategorized | Tagged | 28 Comments

SWEET PLANTAIN EMPANADAS – MIXED MUSHROOM PICADILLO

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Posted in Appetizers, Breakfast/Brunch, My recipes, Plantains, Puerto Rico, Vegetarian | 31 Comments

A DAY OF REMEMBERANCE – NEWTOWN TRAGEDY

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SEASON’S GREETINGS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

PLATANOS

MANGOES

AND

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Are taking December off to prepare for the holidays and a few cooking gigs that have come up.

To all my blogging friends I wish you all the best of the Holiday Season and a Happy & Healthy New Year.

BUEN PROVECHO!

NORMA

Posted in Uncategorized | 19 Comments

RED TO REMEMBER – TWO TAPAS – TWO FRIENDS – THYME/GARLIC BAKED TOMATOES + STUFFED PIQUILLO PEPPERS

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Posted in Uncategorized | 20 Comments