ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH RISOTTO 

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH RISOTTO 

This butternut squash risotto is full of flavor and has a thick creamy texture. Easy, simple and delicious, this risotto is essential recipe during the autumn when the squash is in season. Serve 4 Time about 40 minutes  Ingredients 1 Lb butternut squash, peeled and 

TRY THIS EASY FRESH GREEN BEANS WITH CARAMELIZED ONION RECIPE

TRY THIS EASY FRESH GREEN BEANS WITH CARAMELIZED ONION RECIPE

Normally green beans should not be often related to thanksgiving. I like eating green beans anytime I can. Either baked, blanched, roasted or just sautéed in butter or olive oil. INGREDIENTS: ½ pound fresh green beans 1-tablespoon each of olive oil and unsalted butter 1 

FAVORITE MASHED SWEET POTATOES

FAVORITE MASHED SWEET POTATOES

Mashed Sweet Potatoes is the perfect side dish to kick off the fall season. INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 lb. pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces 1/2 cup half and half or milk 3 tablespoons unsalted butter Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to 

CRISP RÖSTI POTATOES

CRISP RÖSTI POTATOES

These potato fritters should not be mixed up with the famous latkes. Rösti potatoes are a great traditional Swiss dish, they are good for breakfast, lunch or anytime. INGREDIENTS: 1 Lb. Russet potatoes peeled 1 medium white onion chopped 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ½ 

STUFFED GRILLED EGGPLANT

STUFFED GRILLED EGGPLANT

This dish makes a nice appetizer. The fresh tomato basil salsa makes a great combination with the grilled eggplants. A refreshing dish to enjoy with family and friends. FOR FRESH TOMATO BASIL SALSA INGREDIENTS: 2 medium tomatoes seeded and diced 1/4 white or red onion 

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER FLORETS

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER FLORETS

Roasted cauliflower florets is one of my favorite dishes. It can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish, with a dip or just with vinegar. INGREDIENTS: 1/2 Lb. cauliflower washed and cut to florets 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive Salt and freshly 

ROASTED POTATO WEDGES

ROASTED POTATO WEDGES

Roasted potato wedges are as satisfying as potato fries but without the grease, they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It is easy and delicious; makes perfect side dish for your Christmas dinner. INGREDIENTS: 1/2 Lb. Russet potatoes pealed and cut 

SPICY  ROASTED POTATO WEDGES

SPICY ROASTED POTATO WEDGES

This is a family favorite when it comes to side dish.  INGREDIENTS: 4 large Idaho potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2 inch wedges 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika  1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper Salt and freshly ground pepper to 

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

So you love butternut squash season but you are tired of making the same old soup. Luckily; there is a big selection on how to use it such as roasted butternut squash cubes which are great for salads, stuffing, pasta and so on. SERVE: 2 

ROASTED FALL VEGETABLES WITH FRESH HERBS

ROASTED FALL VEGETABLES WITH FRESH HERBS

A combination of colorful roasted vegetables is perfect side dish to kick off fall season. INGREDIENTS: 4 cup assorted vegetables (such as carrot, russet potatoes, white onion, turnip, cherry tomato, parsnip, butternut squash) cut into 1 inch pieces  2 cloves of garlic cherry tomatoes 1 

OVEN BAKED ACORN SQUASH WITH QUINOA

OVEN BAKED ACORN SQUASH WITH QUINOA

Acorn squash might be one of fall’s most beloved vegetables. This delicious recipe takes your acorn squash to another level and helps you with the fall celebration. Sevrce 2 to 4 Prep 15 minutes Cooking time about 60 minutes For the oven roasted acorn INGREDIENTS: 

ROASTED BEETS WITH GOAT CHEESE

ROASTED BEETS WITH GOAT CHEESE

Roasting is the best method when it comes to cooking beets as it retains their bright colors and their natural sweet flavor. INGREDIENTS: 1/2 Lb beets, trimmed  6 Oz. Fresh goat cheese 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 

CLASSIC PATATAS BRAVAS

CLASSIC PATATAS BRAVAS

I am sharing a Spanish classic that’s not only easy to make but it is amazingly delicious. As an old-school chef, I really enjoy the original and the classic dishes such as this Patatas Bravas.  INGREDIENTS: 1 Lb. potato peeled, cut to same size pieces 

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH TURMERIC

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH TURMERIC

Roasted cauliflower with turmeric and almonds Roasting is one of my favorite ways to cook vegetables, especially cauliflower as it locks in the flavors and brings up natural sugars and gives a unique texture.  SERVE 4 INGREDIENTS: 1/2 pound cauliflower trimmed and cut to florets 2 

CLASSIC DILL PICKLE RECIPE

CLASSIC DILL PICKLE RECIPE

I like to keep the pickles firm and crunchy. In this recipe, you can enjoy dill pickle without the long fermentation time as well as I have used different mixed spices which render the brining process very flavorful.  INGREDIENTS: 3 Lb. pickling cucumbers scrubbed & washed  

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER

Cauliflower is quickly becoming everyone’s new favorite side dish; and my favorite way to cook it is roasting it. In this recipe, I added sliced onions and apples for more sweetness and flavors. INGREDIENTS: 1/2 pound cauliflower trimmed and cut into 1/4 inch slice 2 

GARLIC CONFIT

GARLIC CONFIT

Garlic confit adds that distinctive smokey and sweet flavor to your recipes. It is versatile and can be stored for a long time, moreover, its cooking oil can be used in salads, pastas and toasts. INGREDIENTS: 3 heads of garlic, cloves separated and peeled 1 

RED RADISHES WITH BUTTER (RADIS AU BEURRE)

RED RADISHES WITH BUTTER (RADIS AU BEURRE)

It is spring and I like to enjoy the luxury of the simplicity such as red radishes with butter. I love the sharp taste of the radishes as I enjoy them cooked glazed or raw with just coarse sea salt and butter. I like to 

CARAMELIZED ONIONS

CARAMELIZED ONIONS

You do not need to add any sugar when you are making caramelized onions, the cooking process will attract the natural sweetness of the onions. All you need is a little bit of patience as it takes time to get the perfect results. INGREDIENTS: 1 

OVEN ROASTED ONIONS RECIPE

OVEN ROASTED ONIONS RECIPE

If you are looking for an awesome side dish for your meal;  try this delicious oven Roasted Onions recipe. I used different types of onions that have different flavors and sweetness. INGREDIENTS: ABOUT SERVING 4 About 1 Lb. different types of onions such as white, 

SWEET POTATO HASH WITH EGGS

SWEET POTATO HASH WITH EGGS

Breakfast, lunch or dinner, this quick and savory meal is perfect any time of the day. INGREDIENTS: 1 tbsp. olive oil 1 medium shallots sliced 2 medium sweet potatoes ends trimmed, peeled and spiralized into thin noodles  3 large eggs Salt and freshly ground pepper 

CRISPY FRIED SHALLOTS

CRISPY FRIED SHALLOTS

Crispy fried shallots make best garnish and give the perfect crunch to your favorite dish. Just sprinkle few crispy shallots over your burgers, salads, soups, steamed vegetables, casseroles and so on. INGREDIENTS: ½ lb. Sliced shallots 2 to 4 cup vegetable oil ½ cup cornstarch Pinch 

BLANCHED GREEN BEANS WITH SHALLOTS

BLANCHED GREEN BEANS WITH SHALLOTS

In this recipe I blanched the green beans rapidly, then sautéed them with shallots. I like the blanching process because it is the best way to preserve the natural color and a way to control the crunchiness of the vegetables; I personally like my green 

HOMEMADE VEGETABLE STOCK

HOMEMADE VEGETABLE STOCK

As a chef, I always consider flavorful stocks will make great base for soups and sauces. Homemade stocks are convenient, easy to make, flavorful, and contain no chemicals or preservatives. INGREDIENTS: 2 gallons cold water 2 medium white onions peeled and cut in quarters 4 

HOMEMADE SALSAS AND GUACAMOLE

HOMEMADE SALSAS AND GUACAMOLE

It is beautiful spring day in the Garden State; the temperature starts rising up inviting us to picnics and outdoor activities. I made these fresh salsas and guacamole that you can enjoy with your friend and family during the nice weather. FAMOUS SMOKEY TOMATILLO SALSA 

FRIED EGGPLANT WITH TOMATO AND BASIL SAUCE

FRIED EGGPLANT WITH TOMATO AND BASIL SAUCE

I made this dish while I have extra homemade tomato sauce and a fresh eggplant in hand. I was surprised how delicious this dish turns out to be, I loved the combination of the fried eggplant and the richness of the sauce, the basil adds 

THE PERFECT KALE CHIPS

THE PERFECT KALE CHIPS

I have been trying countless times attempting many versions by testing the cooking time and the right temperature before achieving the perfect homemade crispy kale chips. I always wanted to avoid wilted and saggy chips or the over-burned chips with dark edge. This recipe will 

HOMEMADE POTATO CHIPS

HOMEMADE POTATO CHIPS

These perfectly cooked  homemade chips will satisfy your salty  craving without leaving the house. INGREDIENTS: 3 Medium Idaho potatoes Vegetable oil for frying Kosher salt STEPS: First, heat the vegetable oil in saucepan or deep-frying to 365 degrees using the thermometer. Peel the potatoes skin 

RHUBARB WITH SPICED RED WINE

RHUBARB WITH SPICED RED WINE

This recipe is one of the simplest ways to enjoy your rhubarb when they are in season, it can be a substitute for your classic rhubarb recipes such as pies and crumbles. In this recipe the rhubarbs sweetened to perfection to balance its tartness and 

BLANCHED CARROTS WITH HONEY AND LAVENDER

BLANCHED CARROTS WITH HONEY AND LAVENDER

The idea of this recipe comes up when I was living in Tuscany, where we produce our own honey and where lavender plants are spread all around the property. It is a great combination to cook with these two local harvests. The aroma took me 

OVEN BAKED RHUBARB AND STRAWBERRY

OVEN BAKED RHUBARB AND STRAWBERRY

Rhubarb and strawberry go very well together and they come both in season at about the same time, so this is definitely going to be a perfect recipe. You can buy fresh Rhubarb when they are in season and freeze them since they have short 

CRISPY FRIED SPIRALIZED POTATOES

CRISPY FRIED SPIRALIZED POTATOES

I prefer to use my spiralizer machine in spring, as there are big selections of produce available and in season. I like using spiralizer, as it is much quicker and neater as well as the vegetables come out very beautiful. This creative way to make 

GRILLED BELGIAN ENDIVES WITH BALSAMIC VINEGAR

GRILLED BELGIAN ENDIVES WITH BALSAMIC VINEGAR

I like to keep my recipes fairly simple and easy without sacrificing the flavors and tastes. Belgium endives are expensive lettuce and some may find them a little bit tasteless. That is why; I like grilling them, which adds a character and smoky flavor. I 

POACHED EGGS WITH ASPARAGUS

POACHED EGGS WITH ASPARAGUS

Eggs are one of the nature’s most perfect foods, especially when you consider how economical it is to put this protein on the table. As a busy father, I am always looking for healthy choices for my family. I consider eggs as one of the 

GRILLED SCALLIONS WITH ROMESCO SAUCE

GRILLED SCALLIONS WITH ROMESCO SAUCE

I like cooking scallions when they are in season; they are fresh with mild flavor. I normally prepare them in variety of dishes such as fish, chicken or meat or I just use them as a garnish. Putting scallions on the table this spring is a 

CRISPY BOILED EGG WITH ASPARAGUS PURÉE

CRISPY BOILED EGG WITH ASPARAGUS PURÉE

I like to make this recipe to impress friends and family. Even though the dish looks fancy, the fried hard-boiled eggs are easy to make just breaded and fried. The Asparagus purée pairs very well the crispness of the fried eggs. Preparation time: about 15 

GRILLED ASPARAGUS WITH PARMESAN CHEESE

GRILLED ASPARAGUS WITH PARMESAN CHEESE

Have you ever wondered how come sometimes you end up with tough, stringy and fibrous asparagus, even if you bought it from the farmers’ market?The answer is that there is a tough outer layer at the lower end of each stalk; the solution is to 

STEAMED ASPARAGUS

STEAMED ASPARAGUS

Since asparagus has a delicate taste, the best cooking option is steaming; not only it helps preserve the nutrients, but also helps keep the texture and the flavor as well. Its delicacy makes it perfect side dish for eggs, poultry and meat. INGREDIENTS: 1 pound 

SPAGHETTI WITH CHUNKY EGGPLANT SAUCE

SPAGHETTI WITH CHUNKY EGGPLANT SAUCE

Looking for new recipe with eggplant? Try this simple pasta dish with chunky eggplant sauce. A sauce rich with the creaminess of the nutty flavor of the eggplant and the sweetness of the tomato make it perfect for your favorite pasta. INGREDIENTS: 1 pound of Spaghetti 

FRESH BRUSCHETTA

FRESH BRUSCHETTA

Whenever I am craving a quick fresh bite; I love it when I have a rustic country style bread, or a warm French baguette. INGREDIENTS: 2 medium tomatoes seeded and diced 1 sliced baguette or rustic bread toasted 1 clove of garlic 6 basil leaves 

OVEN ROASTED BEETS HUMMUS

OVEN ROASTED BEETS HUMMUS

In Italy, we call the day after Easter, Pasquetta, which known as little Easter, Monday of the Angels and Easter Monday. It is a day when people enjoy Spring by heading out to the parks, the beaches, or the museums (most are open and free 

GRILLED EGGPLANTS AND EGGS ON MATZO

GRILLED EGGPLANTS AND EGGS ON MATZO

This is a creative way to use your Matzo this Easter; try it with grilled eggplants, hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes and pickled red onion on roasted beets hummus or just classic hummus.

BLANCHED ASPARAGUS WITH SEARED DUCK BREAST

BLANCHED ASPARAGUS WITH SEARED DUCK BREAST

Spring asparagus makes a great side dish that pairs very well with meat and poultry, as they do not overwhelm the aspects of the dish. In this recipe, I served my blanched asparagus with seared duck breasts and the results were phenomenal.  INGREDIENTS: Fresh Asparagus Kosher 

ROASTED BEETS SALAD WITH CITRUS

ROASTED BEETS SALAD WITH CITRUS

I want to impress the family this Good Friday, so I have decided to make this colorful salad of roasted beets with citrus and pickled red onions. Even though we are at the end of the citrus season, oranges and grapefruit are still sweet and 

OVEN ROASTED SPRING CARROTS WITH CUMIN AND HONEY

OVEN ROASTED SPRING CARROTS WITH CUMIN AND HONEY

I prefer my spring carrots oven roasted, as it is the perfect way to get them sweeter and tender. In this recipe, I add some crunch and aroma by adding whole cumin seeds, which I toasted earlier to release their oils and fragrance. Honey, olive 

GRILLED ASPARAGUS WITH HARD-BOILED EGGS AND PARMESAN CHEESE

GRILLED ASPARAGUS WITH HARD-BOILED EGGS AND PARMESAN CHEESE

I feel like the farmers markets have already started offering all kind of colorful varieties of produces such as asparagus, carrots and peas. This is the first asparagus of the season, which means they are bright green, extra tender and fresh. In this recipe, I 

RADICCHIO AND CITRUS SUPREMES SALAD

RADICCHIO AND CITRUS SUPREMES SALAD

Finally spring is here and the temperature starts rising up gradually. The good news for me is that I start seeing more and more of different kind of produce available in my local farmers market. I made this Radicchio salad as a transition from winter to spring; 

MOUTHWATERING TENDER CHICKEN BREATS WITH GREEN BEANS AND BABY EGGPLANTS

MOUTHWATERING TENDER CHICKEN BREATS WITH GREEN BEANS AND BABY EGGPLANTS

You may have different recipes about chicken breasts with different seasonings and methods, but if you are unlucky, you end up the most of the time with the same dry and tough chicken breasts. In this case you are not alone, even though the process 

A PERFECT PASTA TO TRY THIS SPRING

A PERFECT PASTA TO TRY THIS SPRING

I like to cook this pasta in early spring when the asparagus are in season. It is such beautiful and colorful dish to enjoy with friends and family. It is simple and delicious as you can be creative by adding your favorite vegetables. INGREDIENTS: 1 

HEALTHY STEAMED SALMON

HEALTHY STEAMED SALMON

One of the simplest and  is by steaming which preserves the nutrition and the flavor, as the fish stays extra juicy, soft, and moist. Tip: I usually season the water with salt, bay leaf, thyme, peppercorn and slice of lemon to add that extra flavor.