Creative Meals for Today's Cook

Summer Berry Pudding

June 20, 2021

Before my husband and I were married, one of our first dates was a canoe trip. We planned to have a picnic on one of the giant-flat rocks that sat in the middle of the river – it would be the first time I would prepare food for my then boyfriend…so I wanted to impress. I packed a bottle of wine, made a pesto and caprese panini, spiced-nuts trail mix, and for dessert I made Summer Berry Pudding. The dessert was super simple to make, packed up easily into the dry-bag of the canoe, and it definitely impressed. He asked me out on another date and a year later we were married – I’d like to think the picnic had something to do it.

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Grilled Romaine Lettuce with Creamy Lemon Dressing

June 18, 2021

Char grilled romaine hearts, tangy dressing, crispy bacon, and nutty parmesan cheese. You've got to give this Grilled Romaine Lettuce with Creamy Lemon Dressing a try!

Grilled lettuce? Seriously!? Is that even possible?? I don't know, it sounds kind of ridiculous. Those were my basic thoughts on the matter several years ago. I recently thought about the prospect of grilling lettuce again, and this time it totally made sense! Westerns generally enjoy lettuce raw, ...

Korean-Mexican Grilled Corn

June 17, 2021

Grilled corn is one of the summer's greatest pleasures. Slightly charred kernels, the natural sweetness shining through, it is a rock-star on the grill. If you've had Mexican street corn, then you know how insanely delicious grilled corn can be. Sweet ears of corn hot off the grill are slathered in ...

Fish Tacos with Sriracha Aioli Slaw

June 10, 2021

A perfect meal - these Fish Tacos with Sriracha Aioli Slaw are light, packed with flavor, and super easy to make!Several weeks ago my husband and I drove down to Florida to visit my parents. The day after we arrived, my husband and I thought we'd go for a quick bike ride (in 90+ degree F heat - ...

Negima Yakitori

May 19, 2021

Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor! Serve with an ice-cold beer, and you have your own in-home izakaya.

Yakitori is a popular Japanese grilled chicken skewer, generally served at a izakaya or yakitori-ya (I'm oversimplifying here, but essentially they're establishments much like a bar where food is served along with alcoholic beverages). These are informal institutions, generally frequented by those ...

Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies

May 10, 2021

Last week I brought you an oldie, but goodie - Summer Rolls with Chile-Lime Dipping Sauce because I was still tweaking this cookie recipe. At first you may look at the title of this post, 'Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies' and think it sounds a bit bizarre. But stick with me here, you'll ...

Roasted Asparagus and Scallions with Perfectly Creamy Eggs

March 15, 2021

Roasted Asparagus and Scallions with a Perfectly Cooked Egg and a Creamy Lemon Dressing.

I have a routine when I go to the doctors office. I grab a food magazine off the table in the waiting room and begin to furiously flip through the pages.Why may you ask do I tear through the magazine at such a quick clip? Well… I’m trying to soak up every ounce of inspiration before my name is ...

Vermicelli Noodle Bowl with Pan Seared Salmon

March 10, 2021

This noodle bowl is jam-packed with goodness! Pan seared salmon, garlicky kale, avocado... the list of greens goes on! Each bite is nutrient-rich and delicious!One of the things I love most about recipe development is starting with an idea and seeing it grow into something new! The concept for this ...

Irish Smoked Salmon and Egg Boxty

March 9, 2021

Enjoy a special Irish breakfast of Smoked Salmon and Egg Boxty with an Avocado Crème Fraîche Sauce

A few years ago, Mr. HNN and I took week-long trip to Ireland. The only reservations we made the entire trip were for the flight and the car; there would be no other reservations. We decided to just get in the car and drive wherever the damp winds took us.Despite having not planned a single ...

Spring Vegetable Wonton Soup

March 2, 2021

Spring is here! The flowers are blooming, the bees are buzzing, and the markets are filled with a bounty of seasonal produce. It's an inspiring time of year and this Spring Vegetable Wonton Soup certainly embraces the season! Wonton soup is perfectly suited for this time of year. The weather can be ...

Watermelon Radish with Burrata and Crispy Shallots

February 22, 2021

A breathtaking display of vivid colors - watermelon radish is stunning! My husband and I were having brunch at our favorite spot and I noticed a new item on the menu - a watermelon radish salad with burrata. Nearly every weekend I ordered this extraordinary dish, until the season for this root ...

Strawberry French Toast

February 14, 2021

This French Toast sandwich (if you will), is stuffed with cream cheese, strawberry preserves, and macerated fresh strawberries. Topped with sour cream, more strawberries, and fresh mint – it’s like an orgasim in your mouth!

Considering that Valentine's Day is just a few days away and the pre-Lenten partying is in full swing - why not indulge with a sweet and decadent Strawberry French Toast. Serve with maple syrup if you like, but really it doesn't need a drop. This French Toast sandwich (if you will), is stuffed ...

Soba Noodle Salad with Walnut Pesto

February 3, 2021

This delicious soba noodle salad with a walnut pesto packs in the nutrients and leaves you feeling satisfied.

Healthy and filling - this Soba Noodle Salad with Walnut Pesto is an easy way to get a good dose of greens in a delicious way! I LOVE spring! I love that first really warm day after months of cold and grey. I love all of the flowers that bloom, the new green leaves that fill-in the bare trees, and ...