This is a great winter salad because the bacon and fennel can be served on the spinach a little warm. The caramelized bacon is a great compliment to the fennel which gives a bold flavor to the salad. I usually find fennel too strong, but caramelizing it makes it more mild and sweet. This is an easy salad that looks beautiful.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl combine:
6 slices of uncooked bacon, chopped
1 bulb of …

I make these scallops all the time because they are so easy and delicious. This is a great dish to serve at a dinner party because it takes such little prep work. I like to serve this over risotto or pasta.

Turn on broiler. In a shallow baking dish, arrange:
16 large rinsed sea scallops ( about 4 per person)
In a small bowl, melt:
2 tablespoons butter
Once butter has cooled a little, add:
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
Pour butter/lemon mixture over scallops and broil for about …

Osso Bucco is very hearty Italian dish from Milan that is traditionally made with veal. You can substitute veal for the beef short ribs in this recipe, but beef short ribs are a less expensive way to make this delicious dish. This Osso Bucco is delicious over rice or pasta and is a great way to impress your guests without being in the kitchen all evening.
Osso Bucco Recipe:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a large, deep, skillet on medium to high heat, brown in batches:
2 tablespoons heated …

This is a great variation on roasted potatoes and can be served with many Italian or Greek meals, instead of pasta. Plus it is so easy!
In a medium bowl, combine:
2 pounds of small red potatoes, quartered
6 minced garlic cloves
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon dried orgegano
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
Once potatoes are coated, add to a large, hot skillet and cook 2-3 minutes on high heat. Transfer to a 9×13 inch greased baking pan and cook for 30-35 minutes or until …

This is my husband’s favorite dessert. It is very rich, so a small piece goes a long way. I like to serve it with whipped cream, raspberries or vanilla ice cream. It’s great for a dinner party or even holiday celebration because it can be made the day before.
In a greased springform pan, combine:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons sugar
Mix above ingredients and press onto the bottom and sides (11/2 inches up) of the springform pan until crust is created. Set aside. …

I love tomato bisque, especially when the weather gets colder. This is my absolute favorite soup to make. With the cream and fresh basil it is so rich and flavorful, so can be served for lunch, before for dinner, or as part of dinner with salad or sandwiches.