CHEF AT HEART

Blueberry Lime Pound Cake

Pound Cake

It’s August in Maine, and that means one thing. Well, actually, it means many things: frenetically busy 90 plus hour work schedule (tourist based economy), insane sleep deprivation, and BLUEBERRIES!!!!!! I love this time of year because this state is just lousy with blueberries. Conveniently enough …

Share
Read the full article →

Thai-Style Pork Spareribs for Ladies Night

Thumbnail image for Thai-Style Pork Spareribs for Ladies Night

“Meat”. A one word answer to a question that could prompt any number of replies. I decided to host a girls only LATE dinner / sleepover for my coworkers. When I asked Gabi what she wanted me to make for her at the party, that was her reply. One word. Meat. Not exactly …

Share
Read the full article →

Dinner Party Appetizers

Thumbnail image for Dinner Party Appetizers

I’ve been thinking about this because I’m having a group of friends over for the first time next week. I’ve been thinking about past parties and what I like to serve as appetizers. I’ve spent some serious time over the years finding easy, tasty, simple appetizers that also look beautiful …

Share
Read the full article →

Food & Wine Classic in Aspen

Thumbnail image for Food & Wine Classic in Aspen

I’ve got to be honest with you. The most inspired thing that I’ve made for myself recently was saltines with cream cheese and cherry preserves as a midnight snack. Although I haven’t been able to spend much time in my kitchen I’ve certainly been busy mentally – plotting and planning …

Share
Read the full article →

Lobster BLT

Thumbnail image for Lobster BLT

I woke up this morning with two absolute certainties: 1. I’m exhausted – I worked a total of 17 hours yesterday and didn’t get home until 1:15 AM; 2. I MUST HAVE LOBSTER!!!!!! Lobster is quintessential Maine fare, particularly …

Share
Read the full article →

Pork Chops in Pan Sauce

Thumbnail image for Pork Chops in Pan Sauce

As much fun as having other people feed me is, and believe me, I don’t undervalue that, it was very important to us both that we spend at least one night in the kitchen together, creating something beautiful to eat. we went to Whole Foods Market in Portland searching for inspiration, which we found in the form of the aforementioned pork chops. We quickly decided to pair them with …

Share
Read the full article →

Tarka Dal

Thumbnail image for Tarka Dal

Half of the fun of going overboard when I go spice shopping is that I learn what would otherwise be esoteric spices are used for, where they come from, and their potential health benefits. Garam masala is a basic blend of spices that is common in …

Share
Read the full article →

Spices

Thumbnail image for Spices

One thing I’ve noticed, however, in my endeavors is that not ONE of my friends has an adequate supply of spices and herbs to suit even basic recipes. This includes even people I consider amazing cooks. I have lost track of the number of times I’ve exclaimed “How do you not have garlic powder??? Really????” …

Share
Read the full article →

Smoothies

Thumbnail image for Smoothies

Everything I’ve read about diet and weight loss emphasizes the importance of starting the day right with a good breakfast. Since I’m an insanely awful morning person and would rather sleep 10 more minutes than wake up early enough to make myself something like an egg white omelet, I …

Share
Read the full article →

Roasted Cod on a Large Garlic Crouton

Thumbnail image for Roasted Cod on a Large Garlic Crouton

I’m willing to grant you that most nights, with our busy schedules, it’s really hard to make yourself something truly special. In deference to that unfortunate reality, I have made one night a week my “me” date night. I go to the grocery store, seek inspiration, get a bottle of wine to go with said inspiration, and …

Share
Read the full article →

← Previous Entries