Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

    Ok......back from a little vacation in Florida.......just in time to share a side dish with you that is worthy of your Thanksgiving table!  Who doesn't love twice-baked potatoes?? But, have you ever tried the idea with sweet potatoes?  Delicious!!  This is a simple variation of a recipe in Ina Garten's newest cookbook "Make It Ahead".  The Fontina cheese is my yummy twist.....next time, I think I'll sprinkle on some crispy, sauteed pancetta!  You have to try this recipe!  ( And, I'd love to hear your feedback!)

Peas and Prosciutto

    Here's a simple and delicious side dish to add to your recipe box.  AND........you can have it ready in about 15-20 minutes!  The saltiness of the prosciutto adds a nice contrast to the otherwise mellow peas.  This dish is great to add to a mid-week meal, when you might not have a lot of time, but  goes equally well on a holiday table with all of the other "special" foods.

Skillet Cauliflower Torrisi

    Does anyone agree with me that cauliflower tends to get a bad rap?  Now, admittedly, it's not my favorite vegetable, but saute it in garlic and olive oil, top it with a cheesy breadcrumb topping, and I'm all over it!

Grilled Skewers of Calamari and Shrimp on a bed of Orzo, Artichokes, and Pine Nuts

    Wow, that's a mouthful!  And a delicious mouthful at that!  I tried to shorten the title, honest, but I just couldn't come up with something shorter that would convey all the yumminess of these recipes.  And...we are talking about two recipes here, friends!  They may sound fancy or complicated, but really are pretty simple to prepare and really good.    

    Now, I realize that I'm sharing this in the middle of January, but it would make a great summer meal also.  You can use a grill (indoor or outdoor) or broiler for the seafood (it only takes 4 minutes!) and the orzo dish can be served warm or at room temperature.  So....no heating up the kitchen for hours! 

Oven-Roasted Potatoes Sprinkled with Rosemary and Garlic

    I've been thinking it would be nice to share a simple side dish with you......a dish that no one would say is too complicated or has too many ingredients or different techniques.  And.....who doesn't love potatoes, right??  They are another one of those veggies that can be prepared in an infinite number of ways and I love variety!  My kids adore roasted potatoes, so any time I make them, in whatever variation, they're happy.