celery

It was a stunning weekend in San Francisco and the perfect weather for BBQ and a scrumptious salad. A dear friend — who happens to be a chef! — taught me how to make one of his favorite simple salads: a shaved celery salad.

If you've never shaved celery, don't get intimidated; it's easy. Using a regular potato peeler, remove and discard the outside stringiness. Then use the inner shavings as the base for the salad.

The crisp celery complements the creamy Gorgonzola, sweet dates, and crunchy, candied walnuts. All of the ingredients can be prepped far in advance and quickly assembled just before serving. To shave your own celery and get started on this elegant, yet effortless salad, read more

Whenever I find myself in need of creative inspiration, I simply look to the Kitchen Goddess group. This week, I came across a killer app — mini celery boats stuffed with chicken salad and peas. I'm thinking these would make a great appetizer to bring to my next book club, since they're bite sized and not too messy. Apparently, I'm spot on: Jenious says they're such a big hit at gatherings that she always doubles the recipe. To make these for your next get-together, read more

There are few things that can top stuffing as my comfort food of choice around this time of year. Is there anything more blissful than eating the chewy, savory goodness, warm and right out of the oven?

Dressing made with chestnuts is a tradition that remains popular in certain parts of New England, as the nuts impart rich, roasted flavor and starchy body. Chestnuts are also in season during the Fall, so they make the perfect accent to this timely side dish. To see both a basic and a slightly more challenging recipe, read more

A large bowl filled with leafy green salad is a great way to brighten up a drab dining table. Celery and apple add crunch, while shaved parmesan gives a smooth and salty bite. The classic cider shallot vinaigrette is mild, making this salad good for a potluck or holiday dinner. It pairs with a variety of things from hearty lasagna to oysters to steak and potatoes. Get the versatile recipe now, read more

Here's the scenario: you are at home and hungry for food. You have to cook up something scrumptious for you and your boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse/child/friend, but the ingredients you have on hand are limited.

You have leftover turkey breast from Sunday's dinner, a bag full of dried cranberries, and a couple stalks of fresh celery. Using these products, along with whatever you currently have on hand in your cupboard and refrigerator, what would you make?

To see what I would whip up, read more

Whenever my mom went grocery shopping, she would treat me to a box of Barnum's Animal Crackers. Even though they were called crackers, I considered them more of a cookie and would save them to enjoy after lunch, or as a reward for making it through a long day of school. They're great plain, but in a few steps, you can also have a delicious after school snack. Crunchy celery is filled with creamy peanut butter and topped with the crackers. If your child has an allergy to peanuts, substitute cream cheese for the peanut butter. It's so simple that older children can help make and serve it to their younger siblings. To take a look at the recipe, read more

I'm sure everyone and their mother has had ants on a log, but I thought I'd share a little twist on the recipe. Mine is called Red Ants on a Log or Crants on a Log.

Here's what you'll need:

• Washed celery stalks (trim off the end bits)
• Peanut butter or Almond butter
• Dried Cranberries

This is really complicated so pay close attention:

1. Spread some nut butter on the celery stalks.
2. Carefully place dried cranberries so they stick to the nut butter.

OK, I know this isn't some new breakthrough snack invention by any means, but it's definitely tasty and worth reminding you about. Since cranberries are one of the Top 5 Foods for Women, this is a delicious way to get those antioxidants. The peanut butter is also a great source of protein as is almond butter which also contains calcium. Plus this snack is fun and easy to make, and fun and easy to eat.