Vegan or Vegetarian Options – Chef Gigi Gaggero

Oven-Fried Crispy, Garlic & Herb Smashed Potatoes The cooking techniques in this recipe are responsible for the deep flavor layers you will taste on the interior of these potatoes. So much so, I’m willing to bet these will quickly become a family favorite. Oh, and did I mention the additional crunchy oven-baked texture? Whoa! PairContinue reading

Tired of Playing Fowl on Thanksgiving?

You will absolutly fall in love with this Umami stuffed butternut squash so much, it just might persuade you to reconsider poultry this holiday season! Not only is it vegetarian… it’s fancy! You’ll Need: 1 cup fresh pecans, chopped 1- foot long butternut squash 1 Japanese eggplant about 8-10 inches in length 1 zucchini, about 10Continue reading “Tired of Playing Fowl on Thanksgiving?”

Decadent Creamed Corn Casserole!

Trust me when I say– someone at your dinner table will ask you for this recipe! You’ll Need: 8-10 ears of fresh shucked corn off the cob, or 1 pound frozen white kernels and 1 pound frozen yellow kernels. Or, all yellow. 1/2 onion, peeled halved and studded with 3-4 cloves 1 large russet pototoContinue reading “Decadent Creamed Corn Casserole!”

Roasted Pumpkin Salsa

Looking for something diffrent this Holiday Season? Try my recipe for roasted sugar pumpkin salsa! Pumpkin is not only the leading food this time of year! Pumpkins also have definite health benefits. If you want food to fill you up, but not fill you out… Pumpkin will be your new fav! You’ll Need: Good qualityContinue reading “Roasted Pumpkin Salsa”

Southwestern, Turkey Tamale Pie!

Got leftovers? Dont worry- they will disappear in a second with this recipe! Tamale pie is a casserole dish found in the cuisine of the Southwestern portion of the US. Typically prepared with a cornmeal crust and ingredients used in delicious recipes indigenous to the region. A typical comfort food and a welcomed change ofContinue reading “Southwestern, Turkey Tamale Pie!”

Stuffed Mushrooms with Italian Sausage, Sherry and Parmesan Cheese

First, a little “Housekeeping” regarding mushrooms: How to purchase a brown ( Cremini ) or white (Champion or Button) shaped mushroom. If you know me, you know I love to forge in the wild for mushrooms. Shopping for mushrooms in a large chain grocery store can be like hunting. By the time a mushroom isContinue reading “Stuffed Mushrooms with Italian Sausage, Sherry and Parmesan Cheese”

The Brussel Sprout Files!

Below is a formula sure to make your Brussel sprouts are a success no matter what flavor profile you’re after. Sweet, salty, or tangy! Brussel sprouts are aggressive in flavor. You either love them or hate them. So many ways to cook them too– from baked chips to chopped salads. At my home we love ourContinue reading “The Brussel Sprout Files!”

Make-Ahead Feast Worthy Cranberry Pear Compote!

This recipe has been in my culinary repertoire for over two decades. It’s my absolute favorite! Loose the canned cranberry sauce- trust me on this one. Just like everything Thanksgiving– it’s better the next day; especially smothered all over your leftover turkey sammy! There is quite a bit of sugar in the recipe because theContinue reading “Make-Ahead Feast Worthy Cranberry Pear Compote! “

Meet The Cushaw Squash

Early fall is one of my favorite times of the year, the weather is perfect, the leaves are changing, and squash is bountiful! The beautiful and alluring, Cushaw Squash is a huge valued crop, because it is inexpensive and stores for about four months. They average about 10-20 pounds, grow to 12-18 inches in length,Continue reading “Meet The Cushaw Squash”

Chef Gigi’s Kabocha Spiced Rum Cake !

Looking for that perfect dessert this Winter? Kobocha is the Japanese word for squash. This squash has a nutty, earthy flavor with a touch of sweetness. So delicious and versatile ! Kobocha squash can be used in sweet and savory applications. This Spiced Rum Cake will be the perfect addition to your holiday! Kabocha SpicedContinue reading “Chef Gigi’s Kabocha Spiced Rum Cake ! “