Simple Fish Cakes

An affordable alternative to jumbo lump crab cakes, these appetizer sized Fish Cakes made with 1.5 lbs of fresh Cod are a fun and delicious treat for dinner or a party!

Serve with your favorite sauce such as cocktail, tarter or a lemony mayonnaise.

Lamb Burgers with Feta-Yogurt Sauce & Cucumber, Tomato, Onion, Dill Salad

It's been nearly two months since my last post and frankly...I'm feeling a bit, "off my game."  No new heading.  No new layout.  No fancy new features or gadgets...  Sigh.

Taking a Break because, "Shit Happens!"

Sorry if I offended anyone with that title ~ but sometimes you just have to say it like it is!

Since I mentioned on my blog's facebook page that I was taking a break from blogging due to an, "unexpected life event," I've had some people email me asking if everything was okay. Everyone here is fine. We had a house fire the other night at 3am - had it not been for the working smoke detectors in the house, things could have been really bad.

You don't realize when you're sound asleep, how smoke can filter into your home without you even noticing! The alarms sounded in the basement and thank God we heard them as soon as we did, because by the time we jumped out of bed, the smoke was taking over the entire 1st floor of the house. We got the kids out and called 911. The firefighters did an AMAZING job getting the fire under control!

We still can't live in the house as we're dealing with mostly smoke and some fire damage in the walls, but for the most part we were soooo lucky! We're doing fine and our very old house is still standing!

We have family and friends all close by helping us out :) As soon as things settle down, I hope to be back cooking, photographing and blogging!

If you do one thing today...take the time to make sure ALL your smoke detectors/fire alarms are working!  It's easy to let them go saying you'll, "deal with them tomorrow.". (See to it that they are on every floor too!) Smoke detectors really do save lives and homes and in most cases - make all the difference in the world!

Cheers, Carolyn
(by the way, if this post's format looks weird, it's because I'm on a different computer, it's not allowing me to preview or spell check??? End user error perhaps?! Never. haha)

Baked Potato Wedges with Italian Dressing

The Italian dressing bakes into these potatoes giving them a subtle flavor perfect for enjoying french fry style or as a welcome side to chicken, beef or fish!

Ham, Cheese and Onion Crustless Quiche

Is there such a thing as a crustless quiche?   Many purists out there would quickly and assertively respond, "No!"

That said, this crustless version of a quiche, not only cuts down on the carbs, but it's quick and simple to prepare!

Southern Fried Chicken

This Southern Fried Chicken recipe from Paula Deen, is proof that fried chicken need not be a two day event!

Sure, soaking the chicken in buttermilk the night before would arguably make this even better, but Paula doesn't require any soaking of the chicken. We did soak our chicken pieces in buttermilk about 2 hours before breading and frying.  The end result was a fried chicken that was crunchy on the outside, juicy in the center!

Asparagus and Cheese Tart

I know.  I know.  It's been done a million times before!   But I've never made one.

PLUS...I needed to get a new post up for the sake of all of us!

There's only so long people can view a, Guinness Bacon Cheeseburger without gaining weight simply LOOKING  at the damn thing!

So today...let's take in some greenery....

Guinness Bacon Cheeseburgers

A picture says a thousand words...

Baked Eggs in Bread Bowls with Manchego Cheese, Asparagus and White Truffle Oil

Take, "brunching" to the next level with these, Baked Eggs in Bread Bowls with Manchego Cheese, Asparagus and White Truffle Oil...

Chocolate Guinness Cake

Did this Chocolate Guinness Cake really happen...???

Steak, Guinness and Cheese Pie with a Puff Pastry Lid - A Jamie Oliver Recipe

I apologize for not taking more photographs of the actual, "making" of this dish....

It truly was a beautiful journey...from the sauteing of the vegetables, to the braising of the brisket...to the CO2 pop upon opening the can of Guinness...

Parsley-Walnut Pesto Over Angel Hair Pasta

This versatile Parsley-Walnut Pesto can be used in so many different ways.

Here, I simply mixed the pesto into some freshly cooked pasta...but potatoes, soups, eggs, grilled meats and seafood ALL come to mind...

Grilled Cheese with Tomato, Pickles and Potato Chips

My husband doubted me on this one.

Shrimp Fra Diavolo or Shrimp in a Spicy Red Sauce with Lots of Garlic!

One look at this picture and what do you think?   Pasta with Shrimp in Red Sauce. So what? 

I know that's what it looks like...but it is SO much more than that!

And here's where some of you will go screaming to the hills!  Clicking on that little red X in the upper-right hand corner so fast, Google Analytics will never even know you were here!  (Oh wait, they know everything now, don't they?  They own our children, the deeds to our homes, our bank codes, medical records and know what we ate for breakfast, lunch and dinner...when we were six...)

Anyway....

Oven-Baked Eggplant Fries

I love fried eggplant fries, but sometimes I'm just not in the mood for the calories OR the hassle that comes with deep frying...

...so this oven-baked version is the next best thing! 

Thin Crust Shrimp Scampi Pizza ~ If you're a Trader Joe's fan, you'll LOVE this one!

At first glance this pizza may look dry to you, but trust me when I say it's anything but!  It's light, crispy, fun, and POSITIVELY delicious!!!   Keep costs down by replacing the shrimp with sauteed broccoli and garlic...or leave the toppings off all together and simply go with cheese! 

Now...here's where some of you will like me and some of you will not.  My Super Thin Crust Shrimp Scampi Pizza was made almost entirely with ingredients I picked up at Trader Joe's.

If you're one of the, "unfortunates" (with no Trader Joe's), the pizza can obviously be made by gathering the ingredients elsewhere...or go crazy and make it entirely from scratch.

Here's what you'll need...followed by the How To:

Grilled Vegetable Sandwich Smothered with Hot Melted Cheese on a Crusty Roll

Here is a simple, mouth watering vegetarian sandwich I first made 15 years ago, while working in an Italian Restaurant and Pizza place down at the Jersey Shore.  

While back in the kitchen prepping for dinner service, my boss Jason asked me to make him a sandwich.

"What kind?" I asked.

Jason replied, "make me anything,  just no meat and not one that appears on our menu...."

Grilled Sardines with Lemon and Herbs ~ Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

Fresh sardines.  I think they're beautiful to look at, but then again, I've always had an affinity to fish.

I love the coast.  I love seafood.  Some of my fondest memories are of sitting around the table with my mom, dad, sisters and brother...slurping down clams and feasting on freshly caught flounder.  So when I came across fresh glistening sardines at Whole Foods this weekend (an item they don't always carry) I knew I had to bring a few home.

Red Velvet Coffee ~ Experimenting with Java

My friend Lauren recently tried a Red Velvet Latte in of all places...a local hospital cafe.  She was there to see her friend who had just given birth to a new baby boy, when as fate would have it...she met (in her words), "the most wonderful coffee drink she ever had the pleasure of sipping!" 

We've been laughing ever since, thinking of ways she can alter her daily commute just so she can get close again to that, "red velvety goodness!"  Possibly changing careers all together...(nursing perhaps???) 

Cheeseburger Empanadas ~ Baked or Fried!

More of an, "idea" than a recipe...I found these Goya empanada wrappers in the freezer section of our local grocery store. They come ten to a pack and are super easy to use!

Just thaw (they thaw quickly) and get stuffing!

Quinoa, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Truffles - No Bake (A year ago...)

This time last year my blog was named, Design Wine and Dine, I took these pictures and I posted this ...Quinoa, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Truffles. (Can you tell I'm a huge fan of the chocolate/peanut butter no bake combo???)

Anyway, since then...

Challah French Toast with Sauteed Apples and Coffee Cake Cinnamon Crumble

Let's just say if you do not make this Challah French Toast with Sauteed Apples and Coffee Cake Cinnamon Crumble for your sweetheart or your family...

well then ~

Lobster Rolls

Lobsters were $6.99lb. today... We picked up two 1.5 lber's and steamed them in a large lobster pot for 10 minutes until bright red...

Grilled Cheese with Roast Beef and Sweet Red Caramelized Onions ~ Sandwich Love.

I'm all about the food porn now a days. Sorry...I can't help it.  Seriously, I started caramelizing onions today...just because??  No reason.

I guess I figured some inspiration would emerge from the sound of the onions soaking and sizzling in hot, bubbling butter....

Some inspiration would emerge from the aroma of the onions rendering down in their sweet earthy goodness....

Well, this Grilled Cheese Sandwich is what resulted.  After its photo shoot...

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Cheese Bites with Crispy Bacon

Let me start by saying these Buffalo Ranch Chicken Cheese Bites with Crispy Bacon would make delicious sliders!  Just add a small soft toasted bun, thinly sliced red onion, a piece of lettuce and a side of chips and...well...need I say more??????

Shown here, as simple bites, they are a breeze to prepare and make for perfect toothpick/napkin food! 

Stacked Potato Slices with Melted Cheese, Scallion and Bacon

How about a tray of these little beauties at your next party?!

I made them in 4 inch porcelain ramekins, but I bet a well buttered muffin tin would also work AND allow you to knock a bunch out at once!

Baked Chicken and Cheese Taquitos ~ Perfect Party Food!

Skip the sodium rich Mexican seasoning packets you find at the store and control the ingredients you're serving your family and friends!  The filling for these Chicken and Cheese Taquitos is very versatile...it can be used in chilies, Mexican pizzas, quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, ultimate nachos and tacos...

Simple. Delicious. Crab Cakes.

Some women are easy for diamonds. Some women are easy for furs.  Some want trips to Paris, Tuscany and Belize.  Some want the Mercedes-Benz model C63 AMG Coupe Black Series... 

Well, I've said it before...

Cheesy Mexican Rice & Black Beans

I made my Cheesy Mexican Rice and Black Beans last night to accompany grilled Mexican spiced pork chops with a side salad of mache greens, avocado, cilantro and scallion.  The recipe yields a ton (especially when served as a side dish)...so with the leftovers, tonight's dinner will be Chicken Burritos with (you guessed it) Cheesy Mexican Rice and Black Beans!

Homemade Pasta Dryer...for making Homemade Pasta!

I woke up yesterday morning wanting a pasta dryer. The fancy one at the store was $50 (seemed extravagant for such a humble task).  The inexpensive wooden one was, "only available online..."

Dilemma.

Corn Flake, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Treats - No Bake!

I realize I've been super lazy in the writing department lately...I also know you're all devastated by this...



{...Crickets Chirping...} 

OK, fine.  So for the "non-baker" inside (some of us).... a picture says a thousand words.

Corn Flake, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Treats

1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups creamy peanut butter
5 cups Corn Flakes
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

Place Corn Flakes into a large bowl. Set aside.

In a medium sauce pan, heat syrup and sugar, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to boil and the sugar is dissolved.

Remove from the heat and stir in the peanut butter - mix well.

Pour your syrup, sugar, peanut butter mixture over the Corn Flakes and fold together well.
Fold in your chocolate chips.

Lightly spray an 8x8 glass pan with cooking spray, spoon your Corn Flake mixture into the prepared pan, pressing down to flatten the top.
 
Cover with saran wrap and place in the refrigerator to cool and set, about 1 hr.  Enjoy...they did!!!
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Individual Buffalo Chicken Cheese Dips in Mini Bread Bowls

There will be no double dipping with these individual Buffalo Chicken Cheese Dips in Mini Bread Bowls!   They're so simple and delicious...your guests will be clamouring for more! 

To begin...

Roasted Chicken ~ Rethink Simplicity

*this roasted chicken recipe is completely adapted from, Thomas Keller's, "Simple Roast Chicken" that appears in his cookbook, Bouchon.  (Pictures are, as always my own.)

You may never buy a store made Rotisserie Chicken again.  Control your ingredients...and an hour later you'll have a PERFECTLY cooked bird you'll be proud to serve your family or guests!