big stew by helpiwannadeleteacount

this is a big steew for hwole family to eat together

Pizza with shells by nnonna2003

Grilled Tuna Steaks over Arugula Salad by John Spottiswood

I adapted this recipe from one in Cook's Illustrated and served it during a trip to San Luis Obispo with friends. The vinaigrette was fantastic and the technique for marinating the fennel bulb slices in the vinaigrette to soften it is definitely a keeper. You could try this with just about any fish with good results I think. I…

Bruschette with mussels and cherry tomatoes by Alida

These bruschette are quick to prepare and of great effect. They make a light and tasty starter.

"Barbecue style" langoustines with cumin by Alida

Makes a great starter. A quick recipe and very tasty. Good if you want to impress your guests!

Baked Haddock Pissaladiere with Tapenade by Gill Harvey

A very different and delicious fish dish for winter

Spicy Shrimp on Spinach by John Spottiswood

We made this as one of the dishes at our annual stay at the Koehler Winery near in Los Olivos near Santa Barbara. Everything we made was delicious, but this might have been my favorite. We served it as an appetizer, and everyone raved about it. It was extremely easy and quick and the presentation was beautiful. I made this with a…

Scallops in Scallion Nests by John Spottiswood

This is an attractive, flavorful dish, ideal as the first course for an elegant dinner. The scallions, which are cooked briefly in boiling water and served with a mustard sauce, are fantastic. I adapted this recipe from Jacques Pepin. While I loved the presentation, and everyone at our dinner party seemed to enjoy it, I wasn't…

Linguine with Wine and White Clam Sauce by Vivien

Spanish Scallops by Nancy Miyasaki

These are amazingly rich and tasty. I served these as an entree, but I think they would make an extremely good appetizer too. Make sure to serve with some crusty artisan bread for dipping in the Romesco Sauce.

Spaghetti with Clam and Tomato sauce by John Spottiswood

This is one of my favorite last minute, throw together pastas. I generally use canned clams and canned Italian plum tomatoes (except in the summer/fall when wonderful fresh roma tomatoes are available), so this requires only a trip to the pantry. Our kids enjoy this as well. Recommended pasta: Spaghettini, thin spaghetti, takes to…

Shrimp in Green Garlic Sauce by John Spottiswood

Wow, this is a really powerful and delicious dish. If you are looking for subtle flavors, search elsewhere. But if you're in the mood for a garlicky, "must dip my bread in every last bit of that sauce", type of dish, you cannot beat this. I'll admit our kids are not normal, but all four of them downed these shrimp and were dipping…

Grilled Salmon with Basil Cream Sauce by John Spottiswood

Grilled salmon goes very well with lemon and basil. This cream sauce makes an interesting and attractive dish to serve for family or for guests. Our kids went back for more sauce. They love pesto on pizza and pasta, and this has a similar, though milder, flavor.

Pasta with Cauliflower and Anchovy Sauce by Nancy Miyasaki

This is a wonderful, mild flavored pasta we've adapted from Marcella Hazan. I know it sounds like an odd combination of ingredients, but you should definitely try it. It's unlike any pasta you have likely eaten before, and it is quite tasty. We will definitely make it again. Serve with the roasted broccoli below for a nice…

Greek Fish Soup Avgolemono by John Spottiswood

The Greeks supposedly invented fish stew and there are many versions of the dish. This version, which I adapted from a recipe in the Frugal Gourmet's Three Ancient Cuisines (a great book), is really phenomenal. We served this during a holiday party with greek salad and spanakopita. Friends of mine who have made regular chicken…