Sassy Sofrito Beans with Garliky toast

Sassy Sofrito Beans with Garliky toast

One of the silver linings of 2020 was learning to create delicious meals with pantry essentials and creating maximum flavor with minimal effort and ingredients. This recipe was born of the last remaining ingredients before the next bi-monthly food shopping trip. I haven’t stopped making it since, because it’s so darn delicious. It’s a hearty vegetarian dish on it’s own, super satisfying on thick pieces of toast, or as a side with soft boiled eggs for brunch. Make sure to…

Read More Read More

Holding on to Summer, for just a bit longer…

Holding on to Summer, for just a bit longer…

The Harvest Moon was magnificent in New York last night- signaling the official arrival of Fall with the Autumnal Equinox arriving in 1 Day, 4 Hours and 42 Minutes from now- marking the end of summer. But I’m not ready for pumpkin spiced lattes quite yet. Don’t get me wrong, I love Autumn and live for the color and beauty that will soon serenade us. But this year, there’s a desire to hold on to summer, just a bit longer….

Read More Read More

Savory Salmon with Fresh Herbs

Savory Salmon with Fresh Herbs

Salmon can be prepared in a myriad of different ways with equally delicious results. Naturally tender and easy to prepare it’s a go-to in my home all year round. In the summer, I love the smokey char of grilled salmon on a charcoal fire. But that method of cooking is the exception. I also love pan seared salmon with crispy skin action, but that method can be a bit messy and smokey. So I often turn to roasting salmon in…

Read More Read More

Roasted Zucchini Salad with Parmesan and Balsamic Greens

Roasted Zucchini Salad with Parmesan and Balsamic Greens

Sweet grilled zucchini is a delight and while wonderful on its own or as a side dish, on this salad it holds the starring role. It’s simple to make, healthy and qiuet delicious once caramelized after roasting. Ingredients 2 large zucchini, sliced in 1/2 inch thick, 4 inch long pieces 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving 4 cups fresh arugula Good quality Parmesan cheese A handful of fresh mint 3-4 radish, thinly sliced 1 Tablespoon good…

Read More Read More

Rainbow Grilled Vegetables

Rainbow Grilled Vegetables

Grilled veggies are a delight with minimal preparation. All you need is fresh vegetables, good olive oil and salt and pepper. To take flavors to another level, add balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs to the marinade. Basil and rosemary work particularly nicely. Simply prepare your favorite vegetables into sizes that are easy to grill and place in a bowel. Ad olive oil, balsamic vinegar and chopped fresh herbs and season with salt and pepper. Grill until tender, brushing with the…

Read More Read More

Watermelon Feta Salad

Watermelon Feta Salad

The quintessential salad of summer! Watermelon with feta, fresh mint, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. Sweet watermelon and salty feta compliment each other beautifully  and the fragrant mint takes the refreshing flavors to new levels of delight.  This is a no-recipe recipe. Ingredient quantities don’t have to be exact for great results. You can also play with adding peppery arugula, chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion or some diced chilies for a…

Read More Read More

4 Ingredients to Bliss…

4 Ingredients to Bliss…

Capture the flavors of summer and the great old American BBQ with this simple Burger Recipe. I’ve made many of these over the years and can assure you happy faces are guaranteed after enjoying one of these babies. Click here for the somewhat infamous Naz Burger Recipe. Happy Summer, Friends!

The Perfect Burger Recipe

The Perfect Burger Recipe

For years I hosted a big Memorial Day BBQ for our friends and family. The menu was simple but the flavors were big. So was the guest list. The menu featured classics like burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken and veggies, along with lots of side salads and condiments like homemade pickles. The star of the show, a classic American Hamburger. Over times I learned to perfect what friends light-heartedly call “The Naz Burger”. It’s simple to make and a crowd…

Read More Read More

The Winters of Our Lives

The Winters of Our Lives

There is a chill in the air, but I can still sense spring. The days feel longer, the birds seem chirpier, and there is a whisper of optimism in the air accompanied by hope. Can you feel it? Of course this year’s springtime aspirations are deeper than winters past, with heavy hopes of collective healing from the pandemic trauma for our global village. These days, this winter, I reflect often on the hibernation the pandemic has forced us into. Some,…

Read More Read More

Braised Brisket

Braised Brisket

The holidays are around the corner and although this year may be different than the rest- those of us who are fortunate enough- can still take solace in cooking a delicious meal. I’m grateful to be one with that privilege to indulge. According to the Oxford dictionary, “indulge” means to “allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of.” I find pleasure in the simple things. Especially in a recipe which allows flavors to develop with the assistance of time. Classic brisket…

Read More Read More