Culinary Concerto

Crud-Fighting Healing Tea

February 11, 2022February 11, 2022 by Carlotta

Yes, ’tis the season! The season for sore throats, colds, sniffles, and cabin fever. Nothing serious, mind you! Just that crud that can wipe you out for a couple days. Timing is key when “catching the crud”, however. Avoid holidays, weekends, busy days, and anniversaries. Make sure you get sick when there is something really … Read more Crud-Fighting Healing Tea

Bourbon Chicken & Vegetable Stir-fry

January 31, 2022January 31, 2022 by Carlotta

This recipe combines some of my favorite ingredients: chicken (my all-time favorite food is chicken caesar salad), vegetables (hello, baby corn!), and bourbon. Yes, bourbon. If you doubt my affinity for this Kentucky-made, corn-based, charred-oak-barrel-aged beverage, just search my blog. At least one dozen recipes using bourbon pop up. I love that stuff! The secret … Read more Bourbon Chicken & Vegetable Stir-fry

Rooibos Chai Latte

January 15, 2022January 14, 2022 by Carlotta

One benefit of traveling is being able to taste specialties at local diners and coffee shops around the world. While warming up in a charming coffee shop in Stockholm, I tried my first-ever rooibos chai latte. I will never be able to re-create that precise beverage, but this is pretty darned close! And I don’t have to wait in line at a crowded café.

Maple & Cider Glazed Pork Chops

January 15, 2022January 14, 2022 by Carlotta

One of the trips we took as kids encompassed several of the New England states. Two places made an impact on me: Maine with the fresh lobster and steamed clams, and Vermont with all that maple syrup.

Smoky Dry-Rubbed Pork Shoulder

January 6, 2022January 6, 2022 by Carlotta

There are days that I wish grilling season lasted longer, but Minnesota is home to too many frigid days with brutal wind chills. Perfectly smoky pork shoulder doesn’t have to be relegated strictly to summertime menus! This dry rub can be patted on, the crockpot employed, and results will still be worthy of a party. … Read more Smoky Dry-Rubbed Pork Shoulder

Lobster Bisque

December 18, 2021December 17, 2021 by Carlotta

I’m so thankful some people are picky eaters! A few years ago we attended a wedding reception, and sat at table with several people we didn’t know. The first course of the dinner was a tiny bowl of lobster bisque. Some people don’t like seafood! Hooray! I got to eat their soup course, which totally made my evening.

Bacon, Butternut & Bellas Risotto

December 15, 2021December 14, 2021 by Carlotta

We love Veggie Tales. I mean, how much fun is a bunch of gourds making up the wildly popular “Boyz in the Sink” band? Or silly songs about “crusin’ to Dunkin’ Donuts for a cup of steaming Joe in our sport utility vehicles…”?

Comforting Turkey Noodle Soup – gluten free

December 15, 2021December 6, 2021 by Carlotta

The best phrase to describe this soup is “comfort in a bowl”. Even though “comfort in a cup” sounds better, turkey noodle soup is so amazing, you are definitely going to want more than a cup worth! Bring on the biggest bowl in the house!

Creamy Chicken Alfredo for Two

December 5, 2021December 4, 2021 by Carlotta

Friday night. Date night at home. Candlelit dinner near the crackling fire, cloth napkins, flowers in a glass vase, pretty dishes, something special for dessert, and no calorie counting – just food so delicious you can’t hold in that big sigh.

Clam Chowder – Gluten Free

December 1, 2021December 1, 2021 by Carlotta

Some times I’m amazed at how incredible my kids are. And I am very thankful both kids survived childhood. 🙂 As a home school mom that worked part-time, and cared for my disabled husband, their survival is even more remarkable.