The first “serious” cookbook I ever bought was Sauces by James Peterson, a James Beard Cookbook of the Year. I was enrolled in the culinary basics boot camp in culinary school at the time, and was following the recommendation of the class instructor. Nine years later, I couldn’t...

Often new acquaintances ask me, “Well, what do you cook for dinner?” On one particular occasion, I nonchalantly mentioned that I might cook salmon, corn and asparagus on the grill. Et voila. Dinner is served. Their eyes nearly popped out of their heads, “You...

 Healthier restaurant saladOne of the biggest reasons we get into trouble when eating out are the larger than life portion sizes. Even if the ingredients in the dish are healthy, the menu item can contain twice as much energy (calories) as our body needs,...

Can you cook better than a 12th-grader? This recipe honors the original one created by Richard Grausman, founder and chairman of C-CAP (Careers through Culinary Arts Program), a non-profit that works with public schools in Arizona and six other locations nationwide. C-CAP prepares underserved high...

  Cookies are a treat I indulge in on a weekly basis, in moderation, of course. Chocolate chip, peanut butter, double chocolate, and sugar cookies are a few of my favorites. Recently I received a review copy of the Weight Watchers One Pot Cookbook and...

This simple Easter recipe demystifies the preparation of an impressive rack of lamb and will have your guests raving. The key to the complex flavor is the lamb marinade I love to pair this with one of my favorite condiments, Crosse & Blackwell® Mint...

 A toast to spring: Martini chicken As the weather warms up and the days get longer here in sunny Arizona, I’ve been breaking out the running shorts, Skinnygirl Margaritas, and grilling recipes. Ah, the aroma of meat searing on the grill. This lean recipe offers...

Recently I received a gorgeous bouquet of California endive as a gift and was excited to prepare it my favorite way with sweet salad ingredients to balance the leaves’ mild bitterness. Endive is available fresh year round at many major supermarkets and specialty stores. Wrap...

Jack of all trades, master of nothing. That is how I feel about most all-purpose baking mixes. Use them to produce pancakes with additives? I don’t think so. And, how “healthy” are the varieties marketed as such? After years of enduring these inferior products,...

My favorite thing about game days is the food. Fried mozzarella cheese sticks rank in my “top five”, along with bean and guacamole nachos, baked Buffalo wings kissed by ranch dressing, chicken tenders, and 7-layer dip. I feel much better about my version of...