Orchid decoration for martini glasses

Use small wooden toothpicks, insert them into the center of an orchid or any small flower. Leave a little stem on the flower so the toothpick and stem form a v-shape. Place on the rim of a martini, wine or margarita glass. I used orchids because I LOVE them, and because they are edible.

Pepper Rubbed Pork with black and chipotle pepper and Wilted Spinach and Arugula Salad with Drunken Mushrooms

The pork roast I rubbed with dried Chipotle pepper and black pepper and salt. I let it marinade for a while with the rub. The salad is sauteed garlic, red onion and wild mushrooms with olive oil. I cooked down the mixture with 1/4 cup dark rum or you could use brandy or wine, until the alcohol has cooked off. Then toss the mushroom mixture with a little more oil and a couple of tablespoons of balsamic vineager. Serve on a bed of baby spinach and arugula (I also used a pre-washed salad mix in a bag that also included shredded carrots).

Sweet Corn and Chile Soup with Creme Fraiche

For this soup I used frozen sweet corn. I sauteed a small onion and two cans of diced green chiles. To this I added a little cumin, cayenne peper, salt and pepper and cilantro. Then I added the frozen corn (about 3-4 cups). I cooked this with about 2 cups of veggie or chicken broth. Then I strained in squishing it through a mesh strainer. I returned the mixture to the pot and added enough stock for a thick soup consistency. I let the soup cool and served it in cordial glasses with chives and creme fraiche.

Sour Cherry Martinis

These are so good and so easy!
In a cocktail shaker combine 1oz. sour cherry juice, 1.5 oz. vodka, .5 oz. Triple sec or Cointreau, and ice. If you like a sweeter drink add a dash of super fine sugar or rub a lemon on the edge of the glass and dip the rim in sugar. Shake very well until the shaker gets icey on the outside. Strain and enjoy!

Kitchen Garden

You can find great deals at the Home Depot or other garden stores at the end of the season. I purchased these Geraniums and non-blooming plants for between $1-$4 each. I just re-potted them, gave them a good drink and some plant food and they are thriving and have lasted all winter. The pots are inexpensive too!

Scrambled tostada with baked whole wheat shell and refried black beans

I made the tostadas by baking whole wheat tortillas in the oven I lightly sprayed them (350 or 375) with cooking spray and sprinkled with a little salt and if you like chili powder or cumin. Then I served them topped with refried black beans (canned and warmed up on the stove or in the microwave) and scrambled eggs. I topped the tostadas with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge.

Frozen Grapes with Berry Sorbet

Wash the grapes and then place in a plastic bag in the freezer for at least an hour. I made the sorbet scoops with a melon baller.

Peach and Avacado Salad with Egg White Scrambled Tostada with baked whole wheat shell

The salad is a mixture of diced up fresh peaches or nectarines, avacado, green onion and cilantro with fresh lime juice and a little salt. The Tostada is the same as the other one I list but with scrambled egg whites. This version is low in carbs because I use whole wheat tortillas.