I’ve been collecting recipes for many years now. Here are a few of the ones that caught my eye. Although you may find it in one category, it could easily fit into another i.e. an appetizer could also be found in a main etc. Some have been tried, my comments usually show up in italics if I have made them. I’ve given credit to Chef’s/authors/publishers whose names I wrote down when recording the recipes, but go figure – in at the tail end of the boomer generation and blogs didn’t exist when I started collecting them and I never thought of a website either. If I’ve violated any copyrights – just let me know and I’ll fix it. If you try a recipe and have comments, please let me know, I’ll respond. As always – enjoy! Thanks – Chris (cater@foodinspires.com)

Pumpkin and Cilantro Ravioli with Cayenne Oil

Beautifully imperfect! That’s what I learned from my friend Chef Maria. The beauty of handmade pasta is in the imperfections. Oh don’t get me wrong, the rhythm and discipline of all those wonderful nonnas that use homemade gadgets to give us that perfect looking gnocchi, tortellini etc., is truly an art, a skill and something [...]

Pumpkin and Cilantro Ravioli with Cayenne Oil2020-10-12T19:36:58-04:00

Nectarine, Plum and Gooseberry PiKe (Pie + Cake)

Is it a cake or a pie? Well it is cake batter that is baked in a pie tin - hence PiKe (I liked this name better than any other alternative combinations)! I bought some nectarines last week. I’m a sucker for that sweet juicy “makes me think of summer” flavor. I love them plain, [...]

Nectarine, Plum and Gooseberry PiKe (Pie + Cake)2020-10-12T19:36:59-04:00

Chicken with Mushrooms and Capers

Here’s a great weeknight supper, long overdue on my list of blogs to write up for you. The secret to this dish is to sear– that’s sear, not stew, not sauté, not fry – the chicken. I used very simple seasoning on the chicken – salt, pepper and some garlic powder. Oh don’t you be [...]

Chicken with Mushrooms and Capers2020-10-12T19:36:59-04:00

Red Velvet Cake and more!

"Hi! My name is Chris and I don’t make Red Velvet cakes!" Well that was before. My good friends asked me to make three cakes for multiple celebrations they were having on the same day. Strawberry Shortcake – no problem I chuckled, Chocolate Cake – again, I laughed inside – I had this in the [...]

Red Velvet Cake and more!2020-10-12T19:36:59-04:00

Italy meets India! A gourmet fusion class!

For those of you that haven’t heard, I’m doing this fusion style class with my good friend Chef Maria Marotta. We’ve taken some tasty treats from both countries and combined them - flavors and textures, to tantalize and delight your taste buds. Our menu consists of Naan Bruschetta – no not just any tomato topping [...]

Italy meets India! A gourmet fusion class!2020-10-12T19:36:59-04:00

Peach and Pecan Streusel Bars

I look forward to this time of year mainly because it is peach season - and it is everything peach this season for me and my blog. Sadly however, it’s almost over. I’ve been trying to vary the recipes I post, but every time I walk by the peach displays at my grocers or market, I’m just drawn to them. [...]

Peach and Pecan Streusel Bars2020-10-12T19:36:59-04:00

Sriracha, Sambal and Maple Salmon Wellington

You know I love salmon. Combine it with something hot, spicy/sweet and tasty, and well, let’s just say you had me at hello! It’s a great time to pick up some salmon fillets. Atlantic, Pacific or farmed, they all have their wonderful merits. But think outside of the traditional lemon and capers, or salt, pepper [...]

Sriracha, Sambal and Maple Salmon Wellington2020-10-12T19:37:00-04:00

Stuffed Eggplant and Stuffed Zucchini

My friend Otis – from the land down under, put me on to this recipe for stuffed eggplant. It’s actually from a fellow who runs a restaurant and cooking school there. I like this recipe! It's Indian food but with a few simple ingredients that every kitchen should probably have, but above all I like [...]

Stuffed Eggplant and Stuffed Zucchini2020-10-12T19:37:00-04:00

Barley, Mushrooms and Caramelized Balsamic Vinegar Onions

Whatever you thought of barley – boring, dull etc., put it out of your head and make this dish. It’s simple really, barley, mushrooms, caramelized onions finished off with balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Could it be a simpler dish?! I’ve been making this as a compliment to some other dishes in my “What’s for [...]

Barley, Mushrooms and Caramelized Balsamic Vinegar Onions2020-10-12T19:37:00-04:00

Coconut Squares

I spend a lot of time surfing the web looking for interesting things to make. When I find a recipe I like, I’ll then google other sites for similar recipes. I must read about 10 recipes for the same dish before I decide what to make. Sometimes I’ll pick and choose pieces or techniques from [...]

Coconut Squares2020-10-12T19:37:00-04:00
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