Mexican Corn Cakes with Jalapeno & Lime

I've taken a break from designing and stitching a new pattern to make corn cakes for lunch. They're an easier riff on my usual recipe. A Mexican cheese blend is delicious in these cakes. Golden-brown, light and fluffy, they're ready in about 20 minutes. Self rising flour helps them puff-up, which is a good thing. Pops of sweet corn, wrapped up in a pillow-soft center, along with some spicy jalapeno is a winning combo. They're crave-worthy and enticing. A squeeze of lime is a fresh finish. The deep-fried-calories and mess are missing... hassle-free cooking at its best. You can also change up the some of the recipe ingredients to suit your personal taste. Sometimes I omit the jalapeno and serve them with a generous amount of Texas Pete Hot Sauce. The cakes are a nice breakfast or brunch option too. Have fun and personalize this recipe!

Corn Cakes with Wasabi-Lime Dipping Sauce

Yesterday, Ellie and I bundled up to do our three mile walk around the river path. The sky was slate gray.  After our trek in the arctic tundra, which is wintertime in New England,  I whipped up something deliciously summery. I needed sunshine on my plate.

Quinoa Gratin with Mexican Flavors

This Mexican inspired casserole has everyone’s favorite ingredients, including potatoes and cheese. A good amount of quinoa, vegetables and beans adds fiber and nutrition. Quinoa is perfect for casseroles and it works well with Latin flavors too.
  
Creamy black beans, sweet corn and zesty salsa combine to give each bite Mexican flavor. If you’re trying to sneak whole grain goodness into your family members’ diets, this dish will do the trick.  It'll make a quinoa lover out of just about anyone.

Black Pepper & Parmesan Pasta

This is one of the easiest pasta recipes to prepare. Lots of perky pepper, salty Parmesan and fruity olive oil wrap around the tangles of pasta. It’s close to nirvana after a long day.  

Fish, shrimp, scallops or chicken pair nicely with it.  A light garden salad and this pasta dish are wonderful companions too.  Even if you have never cooked before, you can make this recipe. Trust me. 

Lemony Pasta With Peas, Herbs & Feta

This is light, lemony recipe is great on its own or with sauteed shrimp or toasted pine nuts. There’s not much cooking involved, except boiling the water for the pasta.

Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Fritters

These fritters are a healthier riff on deep fried jalapeno poppers. Lightly pan fried, it's sort of like making pancakes. They cook that fast. Quinoa gives them a modern spin and good dose of fiber.  They’re loaded with vitamins and minerals too.

Cauliflower & Quinoa Fritters

I love making fritters! These tender cauliflower fritters are moist on the inside and golden brown on the outside. A bit of melted cheese means this dish is sure to please even picky eaters. View all of my fritter and vegetarian recipes in the Recipe Index.

Lemony Salad with Chickpeas & Feta

Whipping up dishes like this lemony chickpea salad is a no brainer. Fresh mint adds sparkle. Feta gives it pleasant saltiness. Chickpeas lend protein, creaminess and substance. It's easy to prepare and anything but boring. Pair this salad with chicken or fish. Eat it with a crusty roll. It's also good packed for a work week lunch or a picnic because it transports well. Olives would be welcome here too.

Leek, Bacon & Cheddar Gratin

We love leeks around here! This is a riff on Jacques Pepin's delicious leek gratin recipe. 

It bakes up melty, creamy and bubbly, with the smoky flavor of the bacon complimenting the sweet leeks. It's wonderful alongside roast chicken. Great with roast beef, meatloaf or pot roast too.