Jumbo Lump Crab & Hominy Risotto

Jumbo Lump Crab & Hominy Risotto

The richness of risotto is absolutely perfect for this time of year. I especially love how much the winter white theme of the Caramelized Supper Club comes through; the subtle sweetness of crab and hominy balance the sharp parmesan and bite of al dente arborio rice. Cozy up to a bowl with crisp white wine or champagne. You'll never forget this one!

Braised Red Wine Short Ribs over Cannellini Beans

Braised Red Wine Short Ribs over Cannellini Beans

Not only is this the easiest cozy meal ever, but your house smells exceptionally amazing all day long. You'll walk in from work and automatically feel like you’ve entered Sunday supper at your Italian grandmother's. It's pretty phenomenal.

Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken with Barley + Lentils

Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken with Barley + Lentils

Believe it or not, this past month marked my first slow cooker experience. I'm so acclimated to "throwing together" the ingredients in my kitchen for Chopped TV-style method of making dinner. This beautiful, bright and rich recipe, in contrast, exemplified ease -- plus, it's the perfect entrance to fall.

Zucchini "Pasta" Salad

Zucchini "Pasta" Salad

The beauty of this salad is in the contrast of its textures: hearty chick peas, earthy barley, smooth zucchini, crumbly feta. It's a union of so many vivid garden-inspired colors and flavors, folded into the lightest yet most luxurious lemon vinaigrette.

Grouper with Tomato Olive Italian Salsa

Grouper with Tomato Olive Italian Salsa

My husband Alex usually comes home with a pair of dirty boots and, on special occasion, a bottle of my favorite rosé or flowers; but this Monday, he surprisingly  lugged in a bag of fresh okra and just-ripe heirloom tomatoes from a long-time customer. I seized the opportunity to reimagine my fillet of grouper that I had anticipated baking for dinner that evening.

Sheet Pan Nachos

Sheet Pan Nachos

Especially during summertime, when outdoor distractions and activities present themselves at a rapid pace, and the longer hours of sunshine leave us lost in a summer daze, I find it's the simplest dishes that are often the best. Hence, my summer sheet pan nachos require minimal prep, only one pan, and an instant sense of informal community.