Monday, February 24, 2025

My Mother’s Vegetarian Casserole

Back in the 80s, mother and I stumbled upon a hidden gem at a quaint tea room—a toothsome vegetarian dish so tasty that my mother, driven by her culinary passion, returned home to recreate it. The result? A vegetarian casserole that replicates the one from that much loved, but sadly, now closed, tearoom. I've always savored this dish as a hearty main course, finding it both delicious and incredibly satisfying, but it works equally well as a side dish. Yes, I know what you’re thinking, there are a lot of convenience foods used here. Yep, there are, but this was the ’80, remember, and that doesn’t mean that it’s not good.


This recipe is one from my new book,
Murder on the Menu, Recipes from Sleuthing Stars, a cookbook filled with culinary contributions from actors, actresses, mystery writers, bookshop owners, and fans of the mystery genre. You can read more about its lengthy journey here.My Mother’s Vegetarian Casserole

2 c. broccoli florets
4 T. unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 6-oz. jar sliced mushrooms, drained
1
8-oz. can sliced water chestnuts, drained
2 c. cooked Uncle Ben’s Long Grain and Wild Rice*
1 10.5-oz. can cream of mushroom soup
1 c. (8 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese
Freshly ground black pepper

Crumbled cheese crackers
Sliced almonds

Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a 1½-quart casserole dish.

Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 4 minutes, drain, chop, and set aside in a large bowl.

In a 10” sauté pan, melt the butter and sauté the onion until translucent. Add this to the broccoli along with mushrooms, water chestnuts, and rice.

In a medium saucepan, combine undiluted cream of mushroom soup with shredded cheddar cheese. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the cheese melts. Pour this over your vegetable mix, add a generous grind of black pepper, and stir well to combine.

Pour everything into the prepared dish and bake for 20 minutes. Sprinkle the top with crumbled cheese crackers and sliced almonds, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

*
Rice-A-Roni Wild Rice works too

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Sunday, February 23, 2025

Trader Joe's Cookbook, 15th Edition, Reviewed

The I Love Trader Joe's Cookbook, 15th Edition, by Cherie Mercer Twohy is a culinary delight that promises more recipes than one could possibly tackle in a single year, leaving enthusiasts with watering mouths as they flip through its pages. The hallmark of Trader Joe's—visual appeal—is evident in this cookbook, with its easy-to-read large typeface and engaging introductions to each chapter. These introductions not only suggest what to purchase but also explain the benefits of these choices, enhancing the shopping experience at Trader Joe's.
 
The book opens with practical guidelines on how to maximize your shopping trip, including quick substitution suggestions for when ingredients are not readily available. Each recipe is prefaced with a bit of history or background, serving suggestions, and handy tips, which enrich the cooking experience. 
 
For pork lovers, this cookbook is a treasure trove. With recipes ranging from Margerita Pork Chops to Pork with Vermouth, it provides ample inspiration for those often stumped by pork roasts, chops, or tenderloins.
 
The seafood section stands out with its unique recipes, such as Shrimp and Hard Cider, Margarita Shrimp, and Glamour Salmon, offering fresh ideas for cooking halibut and other seafood.Although not every recipe is accompanied by a photo, the book compensates with vibrant photography and whimsical illustrations that capture the spirit of Trader Joe's. Practical icons denote if dishes are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, with some recipes offering easy modifications, like switching chicken broth for water to make a dish vegan.
 
While the recipes often call for specific Trader Joe's products, they are adaptable to pantry staples. For instance, if you don't have Trader Joe's basmati rice from India, you can use whatever basmati rice you have at home.
 
Notable recipes like Chili and Crab Chowder, enhanced with Trader Joe's Hatch Valley fire-roasted green chilies, showcase intriguing ingredient combinations. The section on compound butters was particularly insightful, with a novel tapenade butter that could inspire even seasoned cooks.
 
One of the standout features of this cookbook is its comprehensive table of contents which doubles as an index, allowing readers to quickly locate recipes by chapter. This is especially useful in an era where many modern cookbooks omit a detailed index altogether. 
Overall, The I Love Trader Joe's Cookbook, 15th Edition, is not just a collection of recipes but a guide to enhancing your culinary skills with accessible, innovative, and delicious options. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this book promises to add both utility and enjoyment to your kitchen adventures.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced digital copy of this book from Ulysses Press in exchange for my honest review.


Friday, February 21, 2025

Spinach Salad with Blackberry Vinaigrette


Last week, as you may or not recall from this blog post, my number two son brought me an abundance of fresh berries. Rather than freezing them - that can sometimes compromise their texture and flavor - I sought creative ways to incorporate them into meals. This morning, inspiration struck, leading to a delightful spinach salad that not only featured these berries, but also transformed them into a star component of a tasty vinaigrette.

Spinach Salad with Blackberry Vinaigrette

The salad was a vibrant mix of:

Fresh Spinach - The base of our salad, providing a robust, earthy flavor.
Homemade Croutons - Adding a delightful crunch and a touch of rustic charm.
Red Onion - For a sharp, contrasting flavor that complements the sweetness of the berries.
Blackberries - Adding bursts of color and sweetness.
Feta Cheese - Offering a creamy, tangy element to balance the sweetness.
Macadamia Nuts - Bringing a buttery, rich texture to the ensemble.

To elevate this already delicious combination, I topped it with blackberry vinaigrette. What an explosion of nutrition and taste!

Blackberry Vinaigrette

1 c. fresh blackberries
⅔ c.
light olive oil
⅓ c. raspberry vinegar
¼ t. dry mustard
1-2 T. sugar
1 t.
sea salt
¼ t. freshly ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a mini food processor. Process until the mixture is well emulsified.
Note: You have the option to strain out the seeds for a smoother texture; however, I chose to keep them in for added texture and nutrition.

This vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator and will keep for 5 to 7 days, making it perfect for multiple meals or for sharing with friends.

The result was nothing short of brilliant; the vinaigrette not only highlighted the berries' flavors but also added a sophisticated touch to a simple salad. Whether you choose to strain the seeds or embrace the rustic texture, this vinaigrette is sure to impress. Enjoy the fusion of flavors and textures, and let your culinary creativity shine with every bite.

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Thursday, February 20, 2025

Mardi Gras Tablescape

 
I've never attempted a Mardi Gras tablescape before, so this was a delightful new challenge. When Mardi Gras rolls around, my mind immediately conjures images of New Orleans, Basin Street, and the soulful notes of jazz music. Honoring my father, who was a trumpet player, I adorned the table with his vintage sheet music from the 1940s, laying it over a luxurious black velvet tablecloth edged in gold.
  
Centering the table is my late parents’ trumpet player figure, a symbol of my dad's legacy. 
 I complemented this with sheet music candles, a charming find from Pottery Barn years ago. Puce colored votive holders are scattered around to give little hints of light.
 In keeping with the color theme, I chose deep green water glasses inherited from my mother, pairing them with purple Everest Goblet Glasses.
 
A vibrant Mardi Gras mask adds a playful touch. Scattered around are coins in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of gold, green, and purple.
  
For the tableware, I chose gold chargers and flatware to echo the festivity. The plate stack features purple dinner plates from Tabletops Unlimited, followed by Bordallo Pinheiro Majolica Green Geranium Leaf salad plates, and topped with sleek black appetizer plates for contrast.Each guest will find a floral headband at their setting, inviting them to embrace the spirit of the celebration. The bright green napkins, found here, add a rich pop of color, while a whimsical chameleon saltcellar from Pottery Barn years ago brings a touch of fun to the table.
The table gains a sparkling charm with vintage glass tea cups, filled with multicolored beads that are also strewn across the table for an extra festive look.
 
Now, with the table set, it's time to cook up a big pot of New Orleans-style gumbo and savor the meal amidst this vibrant Mardi Gras tableau.

 This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday

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Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Tasty Egg Bites

Lately, I’ve been seeing egg bites everywhere  those cute, bite-sized frittatas that look like the perfect grab-and-go breakfast. Naturally, I had to try making them myself. But after testing multiple recipes, I kept running into the same problem: they were bland. No matter how many veggies or cheeses I stuffed into those little muffin cups, the eggs themselves just didn’t have enough flavor.

That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands. My scrambled eggs are always packed with taste, so why not use the same approach here? My secret? Montreal steak seasoning, dried minced onion, and Parmesan cheese. It may sound unconventional, but trust me, this combo takes these egg bites from boring to bold with just the right amount of savory depth and umami goodness.

 Why You’ll Love These Egg Bites:

Super flavorful — No more bland egg bites! These are seasoned to perfection.

 Customizable — Use whatever mix-ins you love — veggies, meats, cheeses, you name it.

Make-ahead friendly — Perfect for meal prep and busy mornings.

 Light yet satisfying — Packed with protein to keep you going.

 Did I mention that kids will not only have fun making them, but will also love these bite-sized bits of goodness? Yeah, that too.
Tasty Egg Bites

6 large eggs
¾ c. whole milk cottage cheese
½ c. shredded mozzarella
¼ c. grated Parmesan cheese
½ T.
dried minced onion
¼ t. kosher salt
¼ t.
Montreal steak seasoning (trust me)
Freshly ground black pepper
Fillings of your choice: I used chopped baby spinach, chopped mushrooms, chopped scallions, and chopped
Melissa’s roasted red peppers.

Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray the heck out of a
12-well mini muffin pan with PAM; set aside.

Place all ingredients EXCEPT the fillings into a blender. Blend until smooth.

Place the fillings of your choice into a medium mixing bowl; toss to combine. Evenly divide filling among the muffin cups. Pour the egg mixture over the fillings in each well, coming to within a quarter inch of the top. Place the muffin pan onto a baking sheet. Slide it into the oven, and pour hot water into the baking pan so that it comes ¾ of the way up the sides of the muffin pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until the eggs are set. Allow to cool five minutes before removing from the pan.

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Monday, February 17, 2025

Chinese Almond Cookies

 
I completely missed Chinese New Year this year, and before I knew it, the festivities were over! But I had promised myself I'd bake some traditional Chinese almond cookies, inspired by the ones from my favorite college hangout, the Lotus Room—a tiny Chinese restaurant run by the incomparable Mr. Wong.

 When that gem of a place shut its doors for the owner's well-deserved retirement, the era of those sublime cookies seemed to end too. No other cookie could ever measure up... until now.

 Deciding it was high time to take matters into my own hands, I ventured into the kitchen with a mission. My first batch of homemade almond cookies turned out to be a delightful surprise. They're not an exact replica of Mr. Wong's secret recipe, but they're close enough to make my taste buds dance with joy. Here's to new traditions and rediscovering old flavors in new ways! Chinese Almond Cookies

As seen on tablefortwoblog.com, edited for clarity

 1⅓ c. almond flour, lightly packed

1 c. unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes

Pinch of kosher salt

2 large eggs

1 t. almond extract

1¾ c. all-purpose flour

1 c. + 2 T. granulated sugar

½ t. baking soda

Sliced almonds

 Place the  almond flour, butter, and salt into the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Beat on low speed for 3 minutes. The mixture will be coarse and chunky looking.

 Add one of the eggs, reserving one for later, and the almond extract. Beat together until just incorporated.

 Whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, and baking soda in a medium bowl and add to the stand mixer. Mix until just combined.

 Turn mixture out onto plastic wrap and form into a disc. Wrap it up and chill in the fridge for 2 hours.

 Preheat oven to 325 °F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Beat the reserved egg in a small bowl.

 Using a cookie scoop, scoop up portions of the dough and then roll them into balls, about an inch wide. Place on the prepared baking sheet(s) and gently press them down to flatten into coin shapes.

 Using a pastry brush, brush the tops of the cookies generously with the egg wash and then place a sliced almond on top, pressing down gently to secure.

 Bake for 15-17 minutes or until the cookies start to turn a dark golden color on top.

 Remove and let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

 Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

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Sunday, February 16, 2025

I Love Trader Joe’s Cocktail Book, Reviewed

 
I thoroughly enjoy a well-crafted cocktail book, especially when it's compact, filled with straightforward recipes, and beautifully illustrated with color photographs. The newly released I Love Trader Joe’s Cocktail Book by Greg McBoat checks all these boxes.
I was instantly captivated by the recipe for "The Dirtiest Martini," which ingeniously includes capers. It's not just a clever idea; it's an outstanding cocktail. Other highlights include the Mexican Chocolate Martini, the vibrant Violet Royale, the Wake the Dead layered shot, and the elegant Parisian Blonde. One of the standout features of this book, rarely seen in others, is its organization by season. This ensures that by the end of the year, you'll have access to warm, comforting drinks perfect for the colder months.
The cocktails in this book are uniquely named—think Cookie Butter Old-Fashioned, Cloudy Irish Coffee, and Tootsie Roll Shot—offering a fresh twist on classics without the need for exotic ingredients that would send you hunting through specialty liquor stores.
The book's size is another plus, making it ideal for various gifting scenarios. It fits perfectly in an Easter basket, can be wrapped in decorative paper for a thoughtful hostess gift (I've taken to using pages from old, falling-apart cookbooks to wrap host/hostess gifts for a unique touch), or serve as a delightful Mother's or Father's Day present. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Buy it!

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Many thanks to Ulysses Press for providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.


Friday, February 14, 2025

Murder on the Menu, Recipes from Sleuthing Stars

 
I have news! My mystery cookbook,  Murder on the Menu, Recipes from Sleuthing Stars, 30 years in the making, is finally available on Kindle. For those of you with Kindle Unlimited, it’s free, for those of you without, it is a mere $4.99. It is a labor of love, I can tell you. Here’s the backstory: 

 In 1991, I had the incredible privilege of experiencing one of the most unforgettable weekends of my life. Jeremy Brett, the legendary British actor celebrated for his masterful portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on Masterpiece Theatre, was touring the United States to promote the series. When my local PBS station discovered my passion for all things Sherlock Holmes, they reached out and hired me—over the phone. What followed was a magical weekend spent in the company of this remarkable actor—an experience I can only describe as pure heaven.

Impressed by my enthusiasm and knowledge, the PBS team approached me with an extraordinary idea: to compile a mystery-themed cookbook. The concept was ambitious, calling for recipes and personal stories from PBS actors, mystery writers, bookstore owners, and mystery fans alike. In those pre-Internet days, gathering these contributions was no small task, but I threw myself into the project with enthusiasm, collecting not only recipes but also heartfelt anecdotes that added depth and charm to the collection.

 As the cookbook neared completion, however, everything came to an abrupt halt. A change in station management caused the project to be shelved, and life swept me in new directions. There was a divorce, two moves, and three battles with cancer. The manuscript was tucked away, buried in the chaos of life, and all but forgotten.

 Years later, while cleaning out my files, I rediscovered the manuscript. As I turned its pages, I realized what a treasure it was—a vibrant mosaic of recipes, memories, and personalities. Each contribution reflected the passion and creativity of its author. Tragically, many of the remarkable individuals who shared their talents for this project are no longer with us, but their legacy endures in these pages. Their voices, their stories, and their love for both mysteries and the culinary arts live on, making this collection not just a cookbook but a celebration of their lives and work.

 It became clear that this book was meant to be shared—not just to honor its contributors, but to celebrate the timeless bond between storytelling and the art of cooking.

 A portion of the proceeds from this cookbook will go to support my local PBS station, a small way of giving back to the organization that inspired this incredible journey.

 This book is more than a collection of recipes; it is a labor of love, a tribute to the mystery genre, and a testament to the resilience of rediscovered dreams. I hope you savor these recipes and stories as much as I have enjoyed bringing them to life.

For those who prefer paperbacks to digital versions, the paperback will be released in the spring.

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Thursday, February 13, 2025

The Backyard Gardener's Tablescape

 
As winter fades into the background, there's an undeniable charm to the first signs of spring. This year, I've embraced that charm by setting a table that celebrates the subtle colors and the fresh beginnings of spring. At the heart of this spring tableau is dinnerware by Pfaltzgraff in their “Naturewood” pattern.  I am simply crazy about these. I gifted myself service for two as a reward for clearing out and donating other things. After all, when something goes out, something new can come in. That’s what I’m telling myself anyway.The design on this set, with delicate botanicals tracing the edges of the dinner plates, captures the essence of early spring – a time when nature begins to awaken but does so with a gentle whisper rather than a shout. The salad plates, adorned with a sprinkling can at the center, add a playful yet poignant reminder of the gardening season that lies ahead.

 
 The flatware, an old favorite, is from Pottery Barn, years ago. It complements the nature-inspired dishes with its clean lines and understated elegance, reflecting the simplicity and beauty of the season. But the real gems here are the candlesticks – antique, cut and etched crystal pieces that were a gift from the late Mr. O-P for our first married Christmas. Each flicker of light from these candlesticks not only illuminates the table but also highlights memories that are as enduring as the glass itself. 
Centered on the table is a whimsical sheep planter, a thoughtful gift from my son and daughter-in-law this past Christmas. Currently filled with lighted faux greenery, it stands as a promise of what's to come. I eagerly await the day I can fill it with real, vibrant plants. The color of the planter is echoed in the tin chargers, purchased from a local shop. Every detail counts, and the linen napkins, in a soft, pale sage are from Amazon. They bring a gentle touch of color to the setting. They're not just napkins; they're a nod to the new leaves unfurling outside.
  
Completing the ensemble in the glassware are the lovely coup glasses – champagne, anyone? – and the water glasses from Villeroy & Boch. This table isn't just set for a meal; it's a celebration of life, love, and the cycles of nature. Each element tells a story – from the joy of new beginnings to the warmth of family traditions. As we gather around this table, we're reminded not just to enjoy the food, but to savor the moments and memories that make life truly rich. 
As spring unfolds, let your tables be a reflection of your journey, your joys, and the simple beauty that surrounds us. Here's to setting tables that tell our stories, season after season.
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This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday