Menu

snack

charred tiger stripe fig salsa fresca

by Jackie Newgent  |  September 29, 2016  |  0 Comments
Hey fig lovers … this recipe is for you! (It’s for me, too!) When fresh figs are in season, I gotta have ‘em often … basically every day! I adore black mission and tiger stripe varieties. And I love serving them every which way, especially grilled and paired with cheese for a party platter. When doing this, I leave the stems on, cut in half lengthwise, and grill until charred. When grilling up figs for inclusion in recipes, I remove stems before they hit the grill. Charred figs have an interesting smokiness and enhanced natural sweetness. Here, I picked tiger stripe figs which are gorgeous and notably sweet naturally. They transform fresh salsa into a seasonal conversation starter! And I...
Read More

salted & spiced dark chocolate chip cookies

by Jackie Newgent  |  September 21, 2016  |  0 Comments
One of my favorite childhood memories with my mother is baking Original Nestlé® Toll House® Chocolate Chip Cookies. My mom always measured everything out in advance—which I’d later realize as being super helpful in good culinary practice. To make the cookies, we actually rolled the dough into perfect little balls because that’s the way my mother preferred them. Then I’d plop a little stool smack dab in front of the oven window and be the very important lookout person to tell her the second the cookies were ready. And yes, I was the first one to get to taste test the freshly-baked cookies (usually more than once!) to make sure! (Thanks to this month’s Recipe Redux theme, “First Cooking Recollections,”...
Read More

roasted butternut squash skewers

by Jackie Newgent  |  October 12, 2015  |  7 Comments
You simply can’t go wrong by serving roasted butternut squash as a seasonal side dish. But adding extra herbs and spice and serving it as a fun hors d’oeuvres on skewers is way more intriguing. So voila, here’s the recipe! These seasonal vegetable kebabs are crazy good! And when you’re able to give each and every butternut squash cube the individual attention it deserves, you’ll be more satisfied. This recipe can be easily doubled for a party buffet. The skewers are perfect to help you ‘Sideline Meat’ on Meatless Monday nights. Pair them with almond nog for a holiday celebration! Calories saved: 107 Why it’s better for you? The just-right portion size is a fun way to boost party-time veggie...
Read More

caramelized onion greek yogurt dip

by Jackie Newgent  |  March 22, 2012  |  1 Comment
Makes 8 servings: 1/4 rounded cup each True confession … one of the snacks that I simply can’t have around me is potato chips and dip. I seriously can’t stop myself! So I made a personal pact that the only time I can eat the tempting duo is at parties—which luckily includes parties that I host. Nonetheless, the dips commonly found at the supermarket have labels that read like strange science experiments, including ingredients like partially hydrogenated oils, monosodium glutamate, artificial flavor, and artificial color. So I figure if I’m going to dish up dip with chips, I at least want to feel good about what goes into it. I finally found the chip dip that’s palate-worthy and full of...
Read More

three cheese spinach squares

by Jackie Newgent  |  October 1, 2011  |  0 Comments
Makes 15 servings: 1 square each Wow, talk about flavor. This is full of it! Savor these cheesy squares as a comforting app or perfect-sized snack. Or, if you’re anything like me, enjoy a double portion as a divine entrée from time-to-time. Serve it to kids, too. It’s one veggie dish that everyone will find delish. Hooray …  comfort food that you don’t need to feel guilty about. Enjoy! Calories Saved: 50
Read More