I made this french toast for my family on Valentine’s Day and they all loved it. It is a perfect recipe to make the night before a busy morning!

Red Velvet cupcakes and cakes are such a nice treat on Valentine’s Day. The cake is surprisingly chocolaty and the rich cream cheese frosting make it such a beautiful and decedent dessert. I love this recipe because it is not as oily as some red velvet recipes because it uses sour cream instead of buttermilk.

This is a great and easy cream cheese frosting. Try it on my Red Velvet Cupcakes.
In a large mixing bowl, with an electric mixer, beat together:
1 8oz package of cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla
Mix until combined, then slowly add in:
1 16oz box powdered sugar
Beat until smooth. Frosts about 30 cupcakes or one 2 layer cake.

This is a decedent dish that is very easy to make.  It great for a dinner party or special occasion dinner.
Preheat oven to broil.  Generously brush four salmon fillets (about 1-1 1/2 pounds) with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place on a baking sheet.  Place in oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes or salmon is flaky and cooked through.
While salmon is cooking, in a small skillet, over medium-high heat:
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
8 large sage leaves
Cook leaves for about 4 minutes or until crisp.  Remove leaves to …

I love scallops and this is a great way to prepare them.  It’s a simple recipe and very fresh taste.  You can make these scallops as a starter course or as the main course.

In a small bowl, combine:
20 grape or cherry tomatoes, quartered
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
In a large skillet, over medium heat, add:
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 tablespoon of butter
Once butter has melted into oil, add:
1 cup chanterelle mushrooms, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1/4 teaspoon sugar
Allow to …

My husband and I recently went to a dinner party where the hostess served the most amazing meatballs I have ever had. They were exceptional. She was kind enough to give us the recipe, which deserves to be shared. Since these meatballs require a little more work and preparation, you would serve them along side risotto, mashed potatoes or fresh pasta.

Although this chocolate lava cake is rich, it is not overly heavy. It is perfect for a Valentine’s Day dinner celebration, New Year’s Eve, or any other special occasion. It is wonderful dessert for small dinner parties because it can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.

Lobster is such a decadent food and perfect for any special occasion.  The first time I made it was for my husband on Valentine’s Day.  I couldn’t believe how easy it was.  Living in San Francisco, we have access to great lobster tails and when they are on sale, it is such a delicious treat.  Although fresh lobster tails are best, I have tried frozen and been pleased as well.  Just allow them to defrost before you cook them.
In a large skillet, (that has a lid) over medium heat, bring …

This is a great side dish for a special occasion or just any night of the week.  They are an excellent side dish to Prime Rib or Filet Mignon Roast.  These twice baked potatoes are so easy to make and can be made ahead of time so you can spend less time out of the kitchen if you are entertaining.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Using a fork, poke a few holes into 5 washed potatoes (russet is a great baking potato).  Place directly onto rack and bake for 60 to …

This is my absolute favorite filet mignon dish to serve for a special occasion, such as Christmas or a birthday celebration. This cut of meat is so tender and it goes so well with any side. Most importantly, once you season and prepare the meat, there is very little “cooking” left so you can stay out of the kitchen and enjoy the celebration.
Make a point to buy top quality meat and to request a “filet mignon roast” with your butcher early enough because they may not have that cut of …