African Chicken in Peanut Sauce by John Spottiswood

I first had this in graduate school when a classmate from Ghana cooked it for an International progressive dinner. I fell in love with the combination of sweet peanuts and pungent spices. This is not a flavor you will easily forget, and it will keep you coming back for more!

Simple Cuban Black Beans & Rice in a Rice Cooker by John Spottiswood

I've loved cuban black beans and rice ever since I lived in Weehawken, New Jersey and ate at the Unica Cafe. This recipe takes some short cuts and uses a rice cooker, but I still think the results are delicious. Try this under any caribbean grilled meat, fish or stew and you won't be disappointed!

Homemade Pelmeni by John Spottiswood

Unlike Oleg's store-bought, no-good, cheater recipe, this is the real thing. You gotta taste it to believe it!

Italian Spinach Soup by John Spottiswood

Suprise, surprise. Another amazing recipe adapted from Marcella Hazan's Essential's of Italian Cooking. This is one of my bibles. Not only did I love this spinach soup, but all four of my kids did too! Everyone had mutiple servings. We served it with simple sourdough toast, though Crostini (Italian croutons) is what Marcella…

Vanilla Custard Sauce (British) by Marlin Rinehart

This sauce is served over steamed puddings, fruit crisps (crumbles), and any dessert that would be enhanced by a creamy vanilla sauce. It's the perfect homemade replacement for Byrd's Custard powder. One warning, however: 1) use a small, "thick-bottom" saucepan, and 2) cook over low heat and don't allow the mixture to boil or it will…

Blueberries with Lime Sugar & Citrus Confit by Amos Miller

This is one of my absolute favorite berry desserts and comes from Tony Bourdain and Les Halles Restaurant in NYC. I have had the audacity to make just one minor modification to the recipe, but I have no regrets, and neither will you. We grow blueberries all season long at Walnut Ridge Farm, so there are always opportunities to try…

Simple Pasta with Garlic & Olive Oil by John Spottiswood

This is a classic recipe that is so simple to make but always delicious. You can serve this as a side dish to any grilled meat or vegetable entree. It can also stand on it's own or be paired with a salad for a light lunch or dinner. It's a great, easy recipe to add to your list of staples. Using a good olive oil is key here. I…

Curried Lentil Stew with rice by Nancy Miyasaki

This curried lentil stew is an awesome winter dish. It will warm you and sooth you with its soft texture and rich flavor. Vegetarians can leave out the bacon and ham. Those who relish Indian flavors can double the tumeric, cumin, ginger, and cloves.

Fresh Fruit with Marshmallow Sauce (A Nut Tree Vintage Recipe) by Salad Foodie

The Nut Tree (Vacaville CA, off I-80) has been a landmark tourist stop for over eighty years. The restaurant, at its zenith in the 70's and 80's, was an early pioneer of California cuisine featuring fresh fruits and vegetables, and recipes of popular…

Minatamis na Beans (Sweetened White Beans) by ShaleeDP

My grandma used to make this every year during our town Fiesta. She adds a few strips of Langka (Jackfruit) on every sweets she cooks. Nothing compares to her cooking.

Bok choy soup with mushrooms and ginger by Easy Cook - Laka kuharica

This hot and savory soup is easy to make and it is packed with deep, umami flavor.

Cumin Rice by Joyce Leung

This rice is a delicious mix of cumin and cinnamon. It provides a nice, slightly sweet flavor, that is a perfect complement to any middle eastern dish. The only dishes I would avoid serving this with are sweet dishes with dates, figs, etc. I served it with my Braised Lamb with Beans. It was great!

Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes by Mary Joseph

Creole Shrimp Salad by Amos Miller

The perfect main dish for brunch, a salad for dinner, or an appetizer! This New Orleans-inspired salad will please everyone who loves shrimp served in a deliciously refined way. Incorporating the traditional 'Holy Trinity' of Cresent City cooking (with a modest, yet elegant modification), celery, Bell pepper and, in this recipe,…

"Wrapped children" (Dominican Traditional Dish) by Arturo Féliz-Camilo

Traditional Dominican dish. First of all, let me clarify this dish has nothing to do with child abuse!! It’s just a funny name this dish acquired who knows why! What I do know is that children love it! This is a typical recipe of my family and traditional of the Dominican Republic. My mother created a tradition of cooking our…