New Orleans-Style Muffuletta

When you visit New Orleans, a “must do” activity is to visit the Central Grocery Store in the French Quarter and purchase a muffuletta sandwich for lunch. This Italian po-boy is unique to New Orleans; not found anywhere else. Last fall, my son and I purchased a muffuletta and walked to the Mississippi River for a leisurely lunch. The po-boy boasts a unique Italian olive salad spread. Here’s how to make your own.Eating Sandwich along Mississippi River - IMG_5234 Continue reading

Arugula and Penne Pasta Salad

Have you tried to cook with arugula? And what is arugula? It is a pungent, peppery salad green also known as rocket; a member of the Brassicaceae family. It is very high in nutrition. Arugula is easy to grow in a Louisiana garden and flourishes during the winter months. That means I have a nice supply. I brought this Arugula and Penne Pasta Salad with homemade olive oil salad dressing to a pot luck dinner last week.Arugula and Penne Pasta Salad - IMG_7410

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Sentimental Walnut Toffee Brownies for Valentines Day

Chocolate and Valentine’s Day seem to go together. It is a sentimental holiday; deserving of a special valentine for those close to your heart.  My mother sent homemade valentine cards to her young grandchildren for years. Now she has Alzheimer’s Disease and can no longer do this. So I’ll treasure this tattered valentine which she thoughtfully made years ago. Here are some delicious Walnut Toffee Brownies to go along with her valentine.Toffee Walnut Brownies - 2 - IMG_7356_1

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Luscious Meyer Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake

I’ve tried several recipe ideas to use the 13 Meyer lemons from my backyard tree before they “sour.” With cold weather and two freezes now, I picked the entire lemon crop. Don’t want to waste a single lemon. I love cheesecake and experimented with making a “lighter” version of traditional cheesecake using the Meyer lemons and ricotta cheese.Lusious Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake - slice 2- IMG_7096_1

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