Cottage Pie is the beef version of Shepherds Pie which is traditionally made with lamb. This is a classic comfort food from the United Kingdom. INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter 1 large onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, crushed 2 medium carrots, diced 1 lb. beef mince* 1 can (10 oz.) chopped tomatoes 2...Read More

Pumpkin muffins are delicious for breakfast and do double duty as yummy cupcakes when frosted with cream cheese icing. INGREDIENTS: 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans 1...Read More

We eat this salad all year round, but we think the winter kale is much sweeter. The tangy citrus salad dressing also helps to tenderize the kale. This can easily be an entree salad served with a piece of smoked or poached salmon on the side. The ‘add-ins’ are quite versatile too — no nuts?...Read More

Chinese ginger jujube tea is a comforting home remedy and winter tonic used to ward off a cold or chill. INGREDIENTS: 2 cups fresh filtered water 1 ounce fresh ginger, thinly sliced 1 ounce jujubes, (halved) Honey to taste METHOD: Place water, ginger, and dates in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce...Read More

Most people think of hummus made with chickpeas, but this version using chestnuts is equally delicious! INGREDIENTS: 10 oz roasted chestnuts 1/2 cup tahini paste 1 large garlic clove 1/2-1 cup water Juice of 1 lemon 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil Kosher salt and pepper, to taste Pita chips METHOD: Place...Read More

Somewhere between an appetizer and a dessert, cheese date balls are delicious served with sherry, port, or dessert wine. INGREDIENTS: 1 8 oz. package cream cheese, slightly softened 1 tablespoon milk 1/2 cup finely chopped dates 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts Extra finely chopped nuts for rolling METHOD: In a food processor mixing bowl, mix...Read More

Dill and cucumber have a natural flavor affinity. Use this dressing over mixed baby greens, or as a sauce drizzled over grilled fish. INGREDIENTS: 12 ounces thinly sliced cucumbers, peeled and seeded before slicing 1/4 cup lemon juice 8 ounces sour cream 3 tablespoons fresh minced dill 1 tablespoon sugar, or to taste Salt and...Read More

This flavorful rice dish is perfect with Asian or Mexican food. INGREDIENTS: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 cups basmati long grain white rice 1 clove garlic, minced 2 1/4 cups water 1 teaspoon salt Zest of one lime 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 cup lightly packed chopped cilantro, leaves and tender stems METHOD:...Read More

Serve candied pecans with a festive wine for a holiday appetizer or sprinkle a few into salads. For a delightful homemade gift, make up a few batches and place them in airtight jars. INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup powdered sugar 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 4 teaspoons water 2 cups pecans METHOD: Preheat the...Read More

Here’s a salad full of antioxidants and great flavors! INGREDIENTS: 6-8 cups mixed salad greens with baby spinach 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup red onion, sliced thinly 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped 1/3 cup orange juice concentrate, thawed 1/4 cup rice vinegar 2 tablespoons flax seed oil 2 tablespoons sesame oil 2 tablespoons walnut...Read More