Spices:  The Mystical Magic Potions, Top 10 Kitchen Essentials & More!

If the appearance of spices were to reflect their real importance in the history of the world, the bottles of spices would be filled with brilliant sparkling substances such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds and gold. When you open each bottle, a whiff of vibrantly colored, mystically fragrant, magical smoke would slowly billow softly throughout the…

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Sicilian Sausage & Alfredo Cheese Braided Pizza Bread

Another Saturday Night Special at home! I’ve converted Mama Carmela’s ham bread recipe into a “busy chef” version using Alfredo sauce as the base and also for dipping. Most pizzerias will sell pounds of their dough to the public. Find your favorite place and ask for a couple of pounds. This luscious bread is best…

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Balsamic Glaze: The Mysterious Dark Decedent Dynamic Drizzler…

Balsamic glaze is just an elaborate way of saying “reduced balsamic vinegar” and is also known as “reduction.”  It’s a very simple way to add a lot of flavor to dishes without adding a lot of extra calories or fat. Trader Joe’s offers an excellent brand or you can make your own by simply reducing down…

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Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

These charming, petite, portable shortcakes are an ideal treat for family get-togethers, parties, BBQs, bridal showers or even an afternoon tea. They are very easy to put together and the secret is to place fresh sliced berries in between the frosting—the sweetness from the frosting serves as the sugar for these luscious cakes so no macerating…

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Quattro Formaggio—4 Cheese Pizza Margherita

  The intense flavors of this luscious pizza can stand up to any meat-packed version; the marriage of the essences of these 4 appetizing cheeses are like no other combination. Plus, the subtle flavors of fresh basil and oregano compliment this pie to new heights!  Vegetarian pizza at its finest! Ingredients 1/4 cup extra virgin…

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Italian Savory Pies–Molto Bene!

Today is dedicated to savory cakes, pies and tarts. In Italy, there are variety of Italian savory cakes, pies and tart recipes for all occasions. They can be served warm or cold, as starter or one-plate meal accompanied with a green salad. The most used ingredients are meats, fish, vegetables and eggs and can be…

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Pain de Mie–Sandwich Bread at its Finest! The French Have it Covered!

Pain de Mie is a delicious, fine-grained loaf of flavorful, dense crumb bread–perfect for sandwiches and toast — including French toast! This is no wimpy bread! It can hold its own against any topping or filling—will not tear when you butter it or fall apart when you try to eat your sandwich! I make one…

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Guest Chef Wednesday! Maple Dijon Chicken

Baked chicken with a rich and creamy maple Dijon sauce! Offered by Guest Chef Jana Young Baron! This luscious dish is easy, delicious, and done in less than 30 minutes! Jana’s tips “Last 15 minutes I put rosemary on top. I used dried and fresh from my garden. It is really good! I have made…

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