Fresh mango salsa with red peppers, cilantro, and garlic pulsed in a food processor, then tossed over chilled rice vermicelli. A bright, no-cook summer pasta dish.
Microwave strawberry cheesecake lightened with stiffly beaten egg whites for an airy, mousse-like texture. A no-bake-style cheesecake on a zwieback crust with sour cream topping and fresh strawberries.
Flour-dusted turkey breast slices pan-fried in butter until golden, finished with toasted almonds and a bright lemon pan sauce. An elegant 30-minute dish inspired by classic French amandine.
Classic veal fricassee with tender poached cubes in a buttery roux sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and white asparagus. A refined European comfort dish served over rice that's worth the slow simmer.
Gramma Bahrt's salmon piroghi, a hearty double-crust pie layered with stock-cooked rice, flaked salmon, hard-boiled eggs and buttery chives. A Russian-style salmon pie baked golden and glossy.
Honolulu-style spareribs glazed with teriyaki, lemon, and garlic. Pre-cooked in the microwave then broiled or grilled for sticky, caramelized edges in under 35 minutes.
Fettuccine with fresh artichokes, prosciutto, and pesto cream sauce finished with toasted pine nuts and Parmesan. A rich Italian pasta made from scratch.
An Indian-style aloo gobi with potatoes and cauliflower stewed in cayenne, turmeric, lemon juice, and green chilies. Vegan, simple, and full of warm spice.
Minted peaches and melons is a fresh summer fruit salad of ripe peaches and cantaloupe in a light orange-lemon dressing, finished with chopped mint and toasted almonds. No cooking, and easy to make ahead.
Sauteed calves liver with avocado slices in a brown butter, lemon, and white wine sauce with thyme and parsley. An elegant, retro main course ready in 30 minutes.
Lemon-marinated shrimp and thick mushroom slices threaded on picks with a tangy tarragon-Dijon dressing. A low-fat party appetizer ready in 15 minutes.
A refreshing beverage. But remember sloe gin as the name states works slow.
Chicken breasts gently poached in parchment with fresh cilantro, sliced thin and served alongside steamed baby carrots with a sizzling lemon-olive oil drizzle. An elegant dinner for two.
French fruit fritters with a light, airy batter made from separated eggs and lemon juice. Dip any fruit in the batter and deep fry until golden. Dust with powdered sugar.
Homemade caramel rum cake layered with double mocha ice cream and semisweet chocolate ganache. A multi-layer showstopper dessert for serious celebrations. This is Part 1 covering the caramel and cake.
Fish en escabeche: poached white fish marinated for two days in citrus, olive oil, jalapeños, and olives, then tossed with fresh tomato and avocado. A vibrant Mexican ceviche-adjacent appetizer served on crackers or tortilla chips.