A Little Something Sweet with My Morning Coffee

I love my morning cup of java!  Well truthfully I have about 12 cups, put who's counting first thing in the morning!  Like many of you sweets are not a regular habit, but on those "what the hell" go for it mornings these babies hit the spot.  Open your favorite can of biscuits and dip them in melted butter.  Roll in brown sugar and cinnamon till well coated.  Drop them into a greased muffin tin and bake.  Apply icing after cooling and enjoy.

Food is art, love and life

Christopher 

Love Affair with Burgers

Americans love their beef! On this Memorial Day millions of us will set up the backyard grill, probably for the first time this summer.   On it we will set to sizzling burger patties and roast ears of corn.  I am always amazed at how people dress their burgers and so when a friend recommended adding sausage instead of bacon, well I had to try.  Not to be out done I added a twist of my own.  Red pepper jelly and cream cheese pair up beautifully on this burger. I call this the "Alabama Slammer".

Food is art, life and love

Christopher 

Healthy Eating and Good Taste

Healthy eating can be a real challenge.  Healthy eating at your local restaurant is getting easier, but to do so is not cheap.  Packaged health foods are also becoming more available, but still pricey.  Cooking at home is still the best bang for your buck!  Good planning is essential to keeping you with in budget and let's face it quality ingredients are not cheap.  

What I do is start by choosing my Sunday meal.  This is usually my biggest spread of the week and has a fair amount of leftovers.  It's the leftovers that are key in planning the week.  For example Sunday's sweet potatoes, becomes Monday's sweet potato soup or soufflé or the leftover chicken is a delicious chicken salad.  It's all in the planning.  

Southwest Flavors on a Hot Summer a Day

Time is a factor for us all. When I can put together a clean fresh dish fast, well "shazam"!  Ready to use beans that are minimally processed are now available almost anywhere.  It's so much easier to make nutritious meals and snacks.

Food is art, love and life

Christopher 

Awesome Summer Fair

Simple Fruit Tart 
Compliments of Two Fat Ladies

When I first watched Jennifer Patterson make this luscious confection for the nuns, I knew instantly I had to try it.  This episode is also one of the many classical Jennifer moments, as she scolds Clarissa for sitting on the raspberries.  I have made this with many different fruits and have a posted You-Tube video of a peach version.  Want the recipe drop me a line.  

Food is life, Christopher

Two Fat Ladies

Jennifer Patterson hands down is my single greatest inspiration in life!  Crazy you say, but hear my story first.  Jennifer was in her 70's when fate plucked her from obscurity and a star was born.  For me that translated into the old saying "it is never to late".  She did not compromise her opinions or beliefs.  Jennifer did not bow to the politically correct.  In everything she did her passion showed and I fell in love.  She has long left us, but ever does she live in my heart and in the art I make with food!

Pork Belly Benedict

Eggs Benedict is hands down one of my favorite breakfast dishes!  The rich lemon butter Holandaise teasing the tastebuds. That warm yellow of the yolk married with salty ham all on a toasted English Muffin. Heaven, right?  Well, imagine this culinary wonder kicked up into a whole new level.  

No way,  guess again!  Pork Belly instead of bacon and a little fresh spinach will cause you to utter sounds of pure joy

Butternut Ravioli Salad

A test product I am working on at Chappy's Deli.  Butternut Ravioli on a bed of greens accented with a house dressing.  A gastronomical delight!  

Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Sandwiches are a BIG part of my life.  Working for Chappy's Deli as I do, I am always looking for some great new innovation.  Chicken marinated in fresh ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and crushed pineapple really wakes up the taste buds.  The secret that transforms this from good to wow is in the cooking.  Slow and low on the grill or in the oven renders a moist and tender treat!

Breakfast Delight

Breakfast has so much opportunity for bold innovations.  Fresh sautéed grape tomatoes, spinach, onions, garlic and a bit of basil come to life in this egg white sandwich.  The nuance that makes you go "yes" with delight is the crispy Parmesan cheese exterior of the bread!