Mussels Manhattan by Cecelia Heer

A classic Manhattan is a fine drink, and our home bar is always well-stocked with bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters during the winter months (all other months, too). I adapted this recipe from executive chef Larry Tressler of Holland House Bar and Refuge in Nashville. The mussels are simmered in bourbon, sweet vermouth and…

MUSSELS WITH FENNEL by Cecelia Heer

After all of that tequila in the summer, it's time to return to the bulky sweaters and put away the flip-flops. Actually, we don't wear flip flops and probably never will. Our fall mussels dish contains fresh fennel, which offers a liquorish taste and is perfect this time of year. Of course, the wine to drink with this is a…

CECELIA’S ROASTED RED PEPPERS by Cecelia Heer

Most recipes—if not all—for roasted red peppers tell us to “roast/toast them” on a gas stove over a flame, then place the peppers in a in a brown bag to cool down. Mine are not done that way. I have a different approach. And, after more than 15 years of my method—more like 25 years—and after receiving accolades from a grandmother…

Lime Noodles by Cecelia Heer

This has to be one of my favorite noodle dishes. I first had it at Spice Market when the restaurant opened in 2004 where I was seated at the Chef's VIP seat and Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten recommended it. I love the combination of spiciness, sourness, sweetness and herbs in the noodles. It is then topped with blanched…

Pink and Black Pasta Di Mara by Cecelia Heer

I came up with this combination one year for a New Year's Eve party. The pink and black colors make it a very festive dish--almost "confetti-like." We're using a combination of two flavored fettuccines--one is black (squid) and one is pink (salmon). The sauce is a spicy pink vodka sauce, topped with lobster claws, lobster tails,…

Spicy Plum Dipping Sauce by Cecelia Heer