Memorial Day Weekend Special

And just like that, it’s summer or at least almost summer.
It’s Memorial Day Weekend, a time to honor our troops, past and present, and spend time with family. I can’t think of a better way to kick off the summer than to take it outside with a cookout.

After a busy day working in the garden or repairing the screen door or on the beach, here are a few ideas for a great summer cookout:

Relax with a glass of wine, beer or fun and fruity cocktail while the grill heats up. When the fire is ready, grill up some Grilled Vegetables & Gorgonzola Bruschetta. Or serve a few dips with a few toasted pita chips and raw veggies. Roasted Red Pepper Dip, Baba Ganoush and/or White Bean Dip are all good choices. Just take it easy and enjoy the early summer sunset.

Move on the main event: Unless you have a house full of non-meat eaters, a great steak and salad is a great choice for a cookout. Dandelion Salad with Grilled Steak & Asparagus and Grilled Steak & New Potato Salad are both great choices.

Not interested in a one-dish steak and salad dinner? How about Grilled Strip Steak with Gorgonzola Sauce? Serve it with my Israeli Couscous Salad with Grilled Vegetables and a big garden salad with a Classic Vinaigrette.

And if steak just doesn’t work for you? Serve the couscous and garden salads with Grilled Shrimp.

End with something sweet: My rhubarb is ready for harvest so I’m looking forward to Rhubarb Crisp or Strawberry-Rhubarb Soup this weekend. Both are delicious.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend! Bon appétit!

Want more? Click Here! for more seasonal menus or Here! for a complete list of and links to all the recipes on this blog!

What’s on tap for you this weekend? I’d love to hear from you! Let’s get a conversation going. To make a comment, just click on Comments below. I’d be delighted to add you to the growing list of blog subscribers. To subscribe: just scroll back up, fill in your email address and click on the Sign Me Up button.

And if you’ve got a minute … many thanks for taking a look at my philanthropic project Eat Well-Do Good. Why not join me at the next Eat Well-Do Good dinner?

© Susan W. Nye, 2012

This Weekend’s Special – More Ya Gotta Be Grillin’

It’s a gorgeous day in New Hampshire and the weekend promises more of the same. Yesterday, I made a few suggestions for an elegant outdoor feast.

Today it’s all about living and grilling easy in T-shirts, shorts and sneakers. Here are a few ideas:

Relax with a beer, Shandy or a glass of wine and nibble a chip or two with Guacamole and my Simply Delicious Salsa. Serve either or both. Add a few raw veggies for a lighter, brighter bite. No need to rush, relax and enjoy the perfect evening until you are ready to …

Move on the main event: If you like cheeseburgers you will love my Not Your Ordinary Burger. If you don’t feel like a burger, a really good chicken or turkey sausage is a great alternative to an ordinary hotdog. Spicy or mild, there are lots of good alternatives in your supermarket. And for a few great side dishes, how about New Potato Salad with Gorgonzola and Jicama Slaw or my Crunchy Salad with Apples & Grapes.

End with something sweet: If you’ve got kids running around playing hide and seek or flashlight tag, brownies, cookies or bars are the answer! Try a batch of my nieces’ favorite Peanut Butter Brownies. For more grown up tastes you can’t beat Cappuccino Brownies.
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Have a wonderful weekend! Bon appétit!

Want more? Click Here! for more seasonal menus or Here! for a complete list of and links to all the recipes on this blog!

What’s on tap for you this weekend? I’d love to hear from you! Let’s get a conversation going. To make a comment, just click on Comments below. I’d be delighted to add you to the growing list of blog subscribers. To subscribe: just scroll back up, fill in your email address and click on the Sign Me Up button.

And if you’ve got a minute … many thanks for taking a look at my philanthropic project Eat Well-Do Good. Why not join me at the next Eat Well-Do Good dinner?

Flashlight Tag photo credit dlnwelch on Flickr

© Susan W. Nye, 2012

This Weekend’s Special – Ya Gotta Be Grillin’

After several days of rain, the weatherman is promising a beautiful weekend in New England.

… sooo, when it comes to dinner this weekend, there is no debate, get out the grill!

I’m thinking you could go in two directions … casual elegant or super cas!

Unless you prefer  a shorts-and-T-shirts cookout …

Here are a few ideas for an elegant outdoor feast:

Start with a sip champagne or crisp white wine and nibble on Artichoke Leaves & Shrimp, Tapenade and cucumbers and Roasted Almonds. Take your time and relax while the sky turns a lovely shade of pink.

At the table: Enjoy a crispy-crunchy first course with my Crunchy Salad with Apples & Grapes.

Moving on the main event,  Grilled Salmon with Lemon-Basil Aioli would be a delicious (and my) choice. Throw a few asparagus spears on the grill while you are at it and top off your meal with some Israeli Couscous.

Not interested in salmon? How about Grilled Chicken with Shallots & New Potatoes. And yes, throw a few asparagus spears on the grill while you are cooking the chicken and vegetables.

End on a sweet note: I scream, you scream, we all scream for gelato. Brown Sugar Yogurt Gelato or Strawberry. Serve either or both with lots of fresh strawberries!

Have a wonderful weekend! Bon appétit!

Grilled Asparagus

Asparagus – about 1/4 pound per person or more for asparagus lovers!
Extra virgin olive oil
Lemons

Preheat the grill to medium high.

Snap off the asparagus spears’ woody ends.

Put the asparagus on a large baking pan, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat.

Place the asparagus on the grill and cook for about 1 minute, turn and cook an additional minute or until tender-crisp. Remove from the grill, spritz with lemon juice and serve.

Want more? Click Here! for more seasonal menus or Here! for a complete list of and links to all the recipes on this blog!

What’s on tap for you this weekend? I’d love to hear from you! Let’s get a conversation going. To make a comment, just click on Comments below. I’d be delighted to add you to the growing list of blog subscribers. To subscribe: just scroll back up, fill in your email address and click on the Sign Me Up button.

And if you’ve got a minute … many thanks for taking a look at my philanthropic project Eat Well-Do Good. Why not join me at the next Eat Well-Do Good dinner?

© Susan W. Nye, 2012

Weekend Special – Happy Mothers’ Day

Hip hip hooray it’s Mothers’ Day this weekend. If you are not sure what to cook for your favorite mom or moms this weekend, maybe I can help!

First, what’s your plan … breakfast in bed? Brunch or lunch? Or a festive dinner? Here are a few ideas:

Breakfast in bed? Keep it simple and save room for a great noontime brunch. I remember bringing cold English muffins and orange juice to my mom when I was little. If you’ve got a great bakery in your neighborhood, why not take it up a notch with a warm croissant? Or a delicious bagel with Smoked Salmon Mousse? Or bake up a beautiful batch of Blueberry Muffins or Lemon Scones. Add a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea and a few strawberries.

Join forces for great family brunch: There are a lot of great options for the main event from Brie & Sun-dried Tomato Omelets for a small crowd (omelets for twelve or twenty are a bit of a pain) to a beautiful savory tart or two or three for a crowd. My favorites include Spinach Ricotta Pie,Tomato, Olive and Feta Tart and Tarte à l’Oignon (Onion Tart).

But what about side dishes? The market is full of asparagus and most of it is on special. I love Roasted Asparagus & Walnuts and they will make a great addition to your brunch. (If you’ve got an extra minute or two, watch me make the asparagus with Erin Fehlau on WMUR’s Cook’s Corner.) Lemon Roasted Potatoes will be a lighter and brighter alternative to hash browns. And finally, don’t forget to add a big garden salad with mixed greens and lots of fresh veggies tossed with a Classic Vinaigrette.

End on a sweet note with Strawberry & White Chocolate Fool. (Strawberries are also on special at my local market this week. They aren’t local but they are still lovely.) Or make up a some Lavender Infused White Chocolate Crème and serve it with lots of fresh berries. If your mom is a chocoholic like mine, she’ll love my Cappuccino Brownies.

And if you’d rather do dinner than brunch? Start with Fennel & Feta Salad or Mixed Greens with Roasted Grapes. Next, keep the Asparagus and Lemon Potatoes on the menu but add Roasted or Grilled Salmon.

Not into salmon, how about a Roast Chicken or Grilled Lamb.

And for dessert? Any of the brunch suggestions will work beautifully at dinner but I’d go with Fresh Strawberries with Lavender Infused White Chocolate Crème!

Have a wonderful weekend! Bon appétit!

Want more? Click Here! for more seasonal menus or Here! for a complete list of and links to all the recipes on this blog!

What’s on tap for you this weekend? I’d love to hear from you! Let’s get a conversation going. To make a comment, just click on Comments below. I’d be delighted to add you to the growing list of blog subscribers. To subscribe: just scroll back up, fill in your email address and click on the Sign Me Up button.

And if you’ve got a minute … many thanks for taking a look at my philanthropic project Eat Well-Do Good. Why not join me at the next Eat Well-Do Good dinner?

© Susan W. Nye, 2012

Weekend Special – Time to Celebrate

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If you are looking for something to celebrate this weekend, well, May 5th has been a pretty busy day. There is plenty to choose from – so take your pick:

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The Supermoon! This weekend!
Kublai Khan became ruler of the Mongol Empire in 1260.
Karl Marx was born in 1818.
The historic Cinco de Mayo battle between the French and Mexicans was fought in 1862.
Carnegie Hall had its official opening in 1891.
James Beard, US, culinary expert and author was born in 1903.
Coco Chanel introduced Chanel Number 5 in 1921.
Tennessee teacher John Scopes was arrested for teaching of evolution in 1925.
Alan Shepard was the first American in space on 1961.
A lot of Kentucky Derbies have been run, including 1973 when Secretariat won the run for the roses. The famous thoroughbred then went on to win the Triple Crown.

Here are a few ideas to help you celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the Kentucky Derby or whatever:

Something to nibble: Who doesn’t love chips and a really good salsa? If you agree, try my Grilled Corn, Black Bean & Avocado Salsa.

Add a batch of your favorite Margaritas and enjoy!

The Main Event: If you are in the mood for seafood, try my Spicy Tequila Shrimp & Jicama Slaw. If not, well how about Spicy Grilled Chicken with Caribbean Black Beans and steamed rice. Pork Mole with steamed rice and a spoonful of Roasted Squash is another possibility.

And something sweet: How about a sweet little bite like my Cappuccino Brownies? What something smooth and creamy? How about Lemon Mousse or Ginger Crème Brûlée?

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Celebrating the Derby and not interested in South of the Border dishes? Visit the on-line edition of Image Magazine. I’ve got recipes for a festive Kentucky Derby cocktail party … including the infamous Mint Julep!

Have a wonderful weekend! Bon appétit!

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Want more? Click Here! for more seasonal menus or Here! for a complete list of and links to all the recipes on this blog!

What’s on tap for you this weekend? I’d love to hear from you! Let’s get a conversation going. To make a comment, just click on Comments below. I’d be delighted to add you to the growing list of blog subscribers. To subscribe: just scroll back up, fill in your email address and click on the Sign Me Up button.

And if you’ve got a minute … many thanks for taking a look at my philanthropic project Eat Well-Do Good. Why not join me at the next Eat Well-Do Good dinner?

(margarita photo courtesy of www.free-extras.com)

© Susan W. Nye, 2012

Spring Weekend Special – Dinner Out of Your Culinary Rut Dinner

Earlier this week, I wrote about getting out of your culinary rut. Have you’ve been hesitating? Well it’s time to throw caution to the wind and invite friends over for a not-your-same-old-same-old dinner.

Here are a few ideas to help you climb out of your culinary rut:

Start in the Kitchen: Invite everyone into the kitchen to make Summer Rolls. Prep all the ingredients in advance and then let your friends have a go at assembling and rolling these bright and fresh appetizers. Make sure you roll a few before your guests arrive to get the hang of it. If you are afraid that your friends will be all thumbs, roll a few more.

To the Table: Maybe you’d like to start with a refreshing Thai Salad. It’s got a lovely crunch. It’s still chilly in the evening, so maybe you’d prefer a warm and cozy soup as your first course. If that’s the case, try my Curried Eggplant Soup.

And the Main Course?: I served my Thai Curried Shrimp and Green Beans at my last Eat Well-Do Good dinner and it was a big hit. Why not give it a try? Not in the mood for shrimp? How about Hoisin Pork? (The Hoisin Marinade is also great with chicken.) To add a little green to the plate, quickly stir-fry some asparagus with a little garlic and fresh ginger.

To end on a sweet note: If you want to stick with the eclectic Asian theme, fresh fruit is the answer. Kiwis are a delicious choice. Add a few orange slices and  strawberries for a colorful finish.

If you want to switch it up a bit, the possibilities are endless. I’m betting your guests will be delighted if you serve fun and festive sundaes. Start with a scoop of very good vanilla ice cream, add a dollop of Death by Chocolate Sauce and garnish with a few fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds and coconut.

Have a wonderful weekend! Bon appétit!

Want more? Click Here! for more seasonal menus or Here! for a complete list of and links to all the recipes on this blog!

What’s on tap for you this weekend? I’d love to hear from you! Let’s get a conversation going. To make a comment, just click on Comments below. I’d be delighted to add you to the growing list of blog subscribers. To subscribe: just scroll back up, fill in your email address and click on the Sign Me Up button.

And if you’ve got a minute … many thanks for taking a look at my philanthropic project Eat Well-Do Good. Why not join me at the next Eat Well-Do Good dinner?

© Susan W. Nye, 2012

Rainy Weekend Special – An Early Spring Dinner

Checking the weekend weather, there is good news and bad news. It looks like rain. Good news for the garden and New England’s drought but bad news for any outdoor activities you might have planned.

It’s a good weekend to curl up with a book or a movie marathon or pull out the tins for a cupcake bake-a-thon. Wait a minute! Back up that train! Ignore the impulse to hibernate. Instead rifle through that pile of recipes you’ve been meaning to try and get a group together.

Here are a few ideas for an early spring dinner on a rainy weekend:

Take it Slow: Ever since I spent an April weekend in Italy eating artichokes, artichokes and more artichokes, spring has been synonymous with this wonderful treat. Gather around the table and enjoy Steamed Artichokes with Bagna Cauda or Warm Lemon-Garlic Sauce. Unless you prefer to sit around the fire for a chat and nibble on my Artichoke Leaves with Shrimp & Sundried Tomato Dip.

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And When You’re Ready for the Main Course: Linguine with Sundried Tomato Pesto & Roasted Eggplant combines the comfort of pasta with a taste of the warm and sunny Sicily. Not ready for a vegetarian dinner? Toss a few Shrimp in a pan or Chicken on the Grill(pan). Top it off with a lovely Green Salad and add a couple of Goat Cheese Crostini for crunch.

For something sweet? Feel like baking? How about my favorite Lemon Tart? It’s sunny and bright on a dark day. For a little spice, enjoy an absolutely delicious Ginger Crème Brûlée. Either will delight your guests (and you)!

Have a wonderful weekend! Bon appétit!

Want more? Click Here! for more seasonal menus or Here! for a complete list of and links to all the recipes on this blog!

What’s on tap for you this weekend? I’d love to hear from you! Let’s get a conversation going. To make a comment, just click on Comments below. I’d be delighted to add you to the growing list of blog subscribers. To subscribe: just scroll back up, fill in your email address and click on the Sign Me Up button.

And if you’ve got a minute … many thanks for taking a look at my philanthropic project Eat Well-Do Good. Why not join me at the next Eat Well-Do Good dinner?

© Susan W. Nye, 2012

April Weekend Special – Think Spring Dinner

Chives from my Garden

I’m looking forward to a busy (probably too busy) weekend.  I’ll be talking about Cooking with Herbs in Wilder, Vermont on Saturday afternoon and finishing up my taxes on Sunday (and maybe Monday and Tuesday!) I’ve also got some writing to do and need to prepare class number two of the Memoir Writing Workshop I’m teaching this spring. At least for me, it will be a weekend of quick salads and pasta from the pantry or maybe an omelet. It looks like I won’t be coming up for air until at least Thursday, maybe later. Thank goodness, there is some Soupe au Pistou in the freezer and plenty of coffee in the cupboard.

What about you? Will you be relaxing with friends or burning the midnight oil? If you’ve got the time, I’ve got a few suggestions for some quick fix dishes for a Think Spring dinner:

Relax with Cocktails: After a busy day, relax with your guests and enjoy a glass of wine and something to nibble. A platter of vegetables and a few crackers will go beautifully with one of my favorite dips – Tapenade. Or you might prefer my White Bean Dip.

And When You’re Ready, Gather Around the Table: I like dishes from the warm and sunny Mediterranean when New Hampshire is cool and gray. Why not give my Magret de Canard Provençal (Duck Breast Provençal) a try. (If you absolutely insist that duck is not your thing … maybe you’d rather Roast a Chicken. Serve the duck (or chicken) with Israeli Couscous and Roasted Green Beans & Tomatoes .

Flaming Bananas Foster!

End on a Sweet Note: For quick and easy, you can’t beat Affogato. Almost as easy and a lot more dramatic, why not give Bananas Foster a go?!?

Have a wonderful weekend!
Bon appétit!
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Want more? Click Here! for more seasonal menus or Here! for a complete list of and links to all the recipes on this blog!

What’s on tap for you this weekend? I’d love to hear from you! Let’s get a conversation going. To make a comment, just click on Comments below. I’d be delighted to add you to the growing list of blog subscribers. To subscribe: just scroll back up, fill in your email address and click on the Sign Me Up button.

And if you’ve got a minute … many thanks for taking a look at my philanthropic project Eat Well-Do Good. Why not join me at the next Eat Well-Do Good dinner?

© Susan W. Nye, 2012

Weekend Special – Brunch for Easter

Do you skip Easter dinner in favor of brunch? It’s not a bad idea … especially if you plan to eat at midday and have lots of friends and family coming (and maybe bringing a dish as well!) Whether you are hosting or offered to bring something along, here are a few suggestions for a fabulous Easter Brunch:

Relax with Cocktails: Greet your guests with something to sip and something to nibble. You could serve mimosas but why not try something a little different like Strawberry Bellinis? Warm up some bagels or toast some thinly sliced ciabatta and let everyone help themselves to Smoked Salmon Mousse. Or pass around wedges of Flatbread with Mushroom, Caramelized Onions & Spinach. Take your time and enjoy the day. While the adults chat, mix and mingle, the kids can scour the lawn for Easter eggs.

The Buffet Table: A nice selection of quiches will look lovely on your table. Even manly men won’t mind if they are delicious. If it helps, call them tarts or better yet pies. Try my Tomato, Olive & Feta Tart, Asparagus & Goat Cheese Tart and/or Spinach Ricotta Pie. A baked ham will be great with the quiches. You might like to try my recipe for Maple Glazed Ham with Apples & Onions in the on-line version of the spring 2011 issue of Image Magazine. And everyone will love my Penne Gratin, think of it as Mac & Cheese with an Italian accent. For a few greens, add a salad or two. My Corn & Tomato Salad or Caesar Salad are both good choices.

For a Sweet Finish: Scones Ginger or Lemon, Blueberry Muffins and maybe Hot Cross Buns will be perfect in a sweet bakery basket and Creamy Yogurt with Honeyed Apricots will be a great addition to the sweets table. Or go all out! Lemon Cheesecake with lots of fresh strawberries will make a wonderful, rich finish to your bunch.

Have a great weekend with family and friends. Bon appétit!

Strawberry Bellini Cocktails
Makes about 2 cups strawberry puree, enough for 8 cocktails

1 – 1 1/2 pounds frozen strawberries, thawed but still very cold
2 tablespooons or to taste honey (optional)
Cold prosecco sparkling wine*

Puree the strawberries with the honey in batches in a blender until very smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl and discard the seeds and solids. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

To serve: pour 2 ounces strawberry puree into a champagne flute, add 3 ounces of prosecco and serve immediately.

*For the kids, substitute the prosecco with lemon-lime soda or ginger ale.

Have a wonderful weekend with family and friends. Bon appétit!

Brunch not your thing? I’ve got you covered with a great menu for an Easter Lamb Feast and Traditional Holiday Ham Dinner. Feel free to mix and match!

Want more? Click Here! for more seasonal menus or Here! for a complete list of and links to all the recipes on this blog!

What’s on your Easter menu? I’d love to hear from you! Let’s get a conversation going. To make a comment, just click on Comments below. I’d be delighted to add you to the growing list of blog subscribers. To subscribe: just scroll back up, fill in your email address and click on the Sign Me Up button.

And if you’ve got a minute … many thanks for taking a look at my philanthropic project Eat Well-Do Good

© Susan W. Nye, 2012

Weekend Special – A Traditional Roast Ham for Easter

When I was a kid, most of the families in our neighborhood roasted a ham for Easter and ours was no exception. If you and your family are looking for a great ham dinner for the holiday, here are my suggestions:

Relax with Cocktails: A few Mediterranean Shrimp will delight your guests. Serve them warm, they cook in minutes, or make up a batch early in the day and serve them at room temperature. For a little crunch, add a platter of crispy vegetables and a small bowl of Peanut-Sesame Dipping Sauce or Lemon-Basil Aioli. Don’t forget to set out a bowl or two of Roasted Almonds and Spicy Olives to nibble.

Sit Down to a Light and Bright Salad: Salad with Roasted Grapes will launch your dinner in style. Or keep it simple with a Caesar Salad. Both will make a great start to your holiday dinner.

The Main Event: If Easter wouldn’t be Easter at your house without a ham, you might like to try my recipe for Maple Glazed Ham with Apples & Onions in the on-line version of the spring 2011 issue of Image Magazine. Serve the ham with Cheesy Potatoes. Add some Roasted Carrots for Bugs or Green Beans. (My Nana Westland always served greens beans at Easter.)

For a Sweet Finish: Carrot Cupcakes or maybe Coconut Cupcakes are fun if you’ve got kids at the table. The Coconut Cupcakes are featured in April’s In the Kitchen with Kids, my Parenting New Hampshire Magazine column. Have  fun baking and decorating cupcakes with the little ones on Saturday afternoon. If cupcakes aren’t your thing, Aunt Anna’s Pecan Pie is a great choice.

Have a wonderful weekend with family and friends. Bon appétit!

And not to worry if you prefer lamb for Easter, braised or grilled, I’ve got you covered with a great menu for an Easter Lamb Feast. Or maybe you’ve got a big crowd coming …  a Buffet Brunch will be just the thing. Lamb, Ham or Brunch, I’ve got you covered with menus and recipes to delight you and your guests.

Want more? Click Here! for more seasonal menus or Here! for a complete list of and links to all the recipes on this blog!

What’s on your Easter menu? I’d love to hear from you! Let’s get a conversation going. To make a comment, just click on Comments below. I’d be delighted to add you to the growing list of blog subscribers. To subscribe: just scroll back up, fill in your email address and click on the Sign Me Up button.

And if you’ve got a minute … many thanks for taking a look at my philanthropic project Eat Well-Do Good

© Susan W. Nye, 2012