Category Archives: Pre-preparable

Crock Pot Cuban Black Beans and Rice

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Crock Pot Cuban Black Beans and Rice

Crock Pot Cuban Black Beans and Rice

I love Cuban food: sandwiches hot off the press, sweet fried plantains, black beans and rice, and cold, refreshing mojitos! I’m sure my appreciation of this cuisine will only continue to grow as I live in Miami this summer. Dreaming of Miami beaches and sunshine is helping me weather the endless, extreme winter here in Chicago. It’s snowed so much this winter that there is talk of a road salt shortage in the Chicago area. This Cuban black beans and rice recipe is amazing; not only does it taste fantastic, but it’s incredibly easy to make! read more

Chocolate Raspberry Tart

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chocolate raspberry tart

I must confess: I’m not a baker. I tend to think of myself as an amateur chef who occasionally dabbles in baking. When I do venture into the world of baking, I search for a truly delightful dessert. I particularly prefer ones with chocolate and raspberries—it’s a match made in heaven. In fact, I love that combination so much that I made a flourless chocolate cake with raspberries for my wedding! But that’s a story for another post.

I’ve had my eye on this chocolate raspberry tart since Everyday Food featured it in May 2010. Whenever I opened the magazine, the tart would tempt me. So why did I wait three years to make this beautiful chocolate raspberry tart? For one, I didn’t have a tart pan, though this is easily remedied. The real reason: I had fantasized about it for so long, I thought it could never live up to my expectations. Imagine my surprise when it surpassed them!Chocolate Raspberry Tart read more

Cherry Chicken Salad

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Cherry Chicken Salad Sandwich, tea sandwiches

I often have sandwiches for lunch because they’re fast, convenient, and portable. The cherries and sour cream improve on basic chicken salad. Versatile and easily prepared, this cherry chicken salad is perfect for a weekday lunch.

Cherry Chicken Salad

If you don’t already have Mother’s Day plans, consider holding an afternoon tea party for your mom—it’s a nice way to show your love. Everything for the tea can be made in advance (besides the tea of course), leaving you plenty of time to spend with your mom. This cherry chicken salad is great for tea sandwiches. read more

Lemon Curd

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lemon curd, afternoon tea, lemon curd recipe

I’m typically not a lemon dessert fan; something about the lemony-tartness encroaching on the sweet flavors bothers me. Why intentionally ruin a good thing? But, in my culinary journeys I’m always willing to try new things, especially if they’re part of an authentic meal or cultural tradition. So, during my first afternoon tea, I dutifully tried lemon curd with my scones. Overwhelmed by all the sensual delights at the time, it didn’t strike a chord with me one way or the other. read more

Afternoon Tea with our Neighbors

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Strawberry Cake, Chocolate fudge frosting, strawberries, strawberry hearts, romantic cake

I’ve recently participated in several teas, first at The Drake Hotel in Chicago, then an afternoon tea in Florida. You can’t blame me for indulging my tea obsession; it’s quite addictive and fun! Last weekend, my neighbor Annie and I created a lovely afternoon tea menu, which featured:

Oolong Tea

Black Mango Tea

Orange Blossom Tea

Pagan Alms Tea

Egg Salad Sandwiches with Dill

Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches

Ham Sandwiches with an Apricot-Mustard Spread

Cherry Chicken Salad Sandwiches read more