Meatballs, two ways

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This is primarily about these glossy and beautiful cocktail meatballs. I think there is something incredibly 1970’s about serving meatballs as an hor d’oeuvre…especially slathered in barbeque sauce. But, I think we need to start an “everything old is new again” trend and bring back the meatball. This is my mother’s recipe. And, before …click to continue Meatballs, two ways

Holiday Spiced Pecans

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This is the time of the year when my thoughts turn to the holiday table. I start day-dreaming about spiced snacks, sweets, and dressings. Gravy, mashed sweet potato casseroles…you get my drift. Of course, when I start like this, and test and practice, then by the time the actual meal comes around I am …click to continue Holiday Spiced Pecans

Creamy Avocado Dip

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This is a five minute recipe, at most. But it yields a creamy, decadent dip. If you love avocados, this is perfect for you. At the same time, it is not too heavy on the avocado. Guacamole junkies…try this. It is nice enough for any occasion, yet perfect for slouching on the sofa for …click to continue Creamy Avocado Dip

Insalata Caprese with Coppa

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Truly excellent tomatoes are a rare thing, indeed. Your average grocery store tomato is a sad ghost of  a proud garden tomato. I have had several tomato encounters that have stopped me in my place, elicited a moan of joy and understanding, and bonded me to the pursuit of great tomatoes. That’s not to …click to continue Insalata Caprese with Coppa

Texas Caviar

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Texas Caviar is well known around here (here being Texas). I know that sounds silly, but when I mentioned on PIE’s facebook page that  I was whipping up Texas Caviar, my new PIE friend Jeannie Miller kindly pointed out that if you are from Washington, this is not so obvious. And it is slightly …click to continue Texas Caviar