Artichoke Jalapeño Dip This artichoke jalapeño dip falls in the category of “healthyish.” Full of artichoke hearts and pickled jalapeños, it’s creamy enough to feel indulgent. Use water-packed artichoke hearts, not the ones marinated in olive oil. Fresh lemon juice and good quality Parmesan and mayonnaise make a difference. I use Hellman’s or Best Foods,…
Entertaining
Christmas Menus
Christmas Menus Merry merry! Only a couple more sleeps until Christmas Eve, so it’s GO time! Cards are out, treats are delivered and shopping is done. Now let’s talk food! Christmas Eve in our house is all about something simple that doesn’t drain your energy, just in case it’s a late night ahead. Our Christmas…
Thanksgiving Menu
A Simple and Delicious Thanksgiving Menu Thanksgiving is one week away! I’m proud to partner with Memorial Hermann on this easy Thanksgiving menu that’s full of seasonal bounty. From appetizers to dessert, find your new favorite recipes and tips for a stress-free turkey day. Get everything in one beautiful booklet that you can download and…
Mixed Nuts with Rosemary
Just in time for a weekend of college football and fall weather, a recipe for a warm, salty, crunchy snack. Tossed with sizzling olive oil, garlic powder and red chili flakes, these herb-flecked mixed nuts are just what your appetizer board is missing. This was one of the cocktail hour recipes in my Vintage Round…
Lemon Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Crème Fraiche
Lemon Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Crème Fraiche Citrus is a winter crop, so why does it taste so summery? Maybe because of its sunshine color and crisp scent. This lemon olive oil cake is a recipe I tweaked a while back when I was searching for a citrus dessert for a Central Market cooking…
Slow Roasted Sockeye Salmon
Slow Roasted Salmon with Lemon and Dill Slow roasted salmon with lemon and dill is easy, fresh and fast. A low and slow temperature melts the fat in the salmon and makes the finished product super tender. Top it with herbed yogurt sauce or chermoula for a dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight meal and impressive…
Aperol Spritz
A Summer Thirst Quencher We’re having a relatively quiet summer around here. No big European adventures and our travel plans are centered around family time in Sun Valley, Idaho, and San Diego. But when we’re at home in Houston, battling the humidity and trying not to spontaneously combust, there’s nothing like a cold Aperol spritz…
Gluten-Free Berry Crisp
An Epic Gluten-Free Berry Crisp Sixteen years and a lifetime ago, when I finished cooking school in San Francisco, I did an externship at Greens restaurant. I was a pastry assistant (which meant hanging with the sweet pastry chef in a still and quiet 5am kitchen). Working “the line” during dinner service did not appeal,…
Spinach Salad with Pesto and Peas
Spinach Salad with Pesto and Peas, Please! If you’re hosting friends for a backyard BBQ this weekend — or heading to a lake house, the beach or the mountains — make this easy spinach salad. It’s my go-to summer salad, full of flavor, easy to put together and always a crowd pleaser. I found this…
Jalapeño Green Goddess
When some of your favorite women entrepreneurs and style mavens invite you to a garden party, the response is YES! The second response is, “What can I bring?” What to serve at a garden party? Crudité all day! I decided to find as many seasonal, beautiful vegetables as possible and fill up boards and platters…