Author Archives: Lynda Mahana
Mini Tomato Tarts
I first tasted a tomato pie at a favorite southern diner. With a party on the horizon, I started to experiment with making this pie. My husband said that it was really good and when one of my daughters tried it, I had her seal of approval. I knew I had a winner. For the upcoming party I needed to convert my recipe to appetizer size and so I developed a mini tomato tart. It was simple enough after […]
Black and White Cookies
I haven’t baked in a while; but, on a recent holiday I was itching to make a dessert I had never made before. My husband has loved black and white cookies since he was a little boy and on this occasion I chose to surprise him. I must say I found many good recipes; but I settled on one adapted from the fabulous New York food emporium, Zabar’s. The cookies are large and I placed them in an airtight container […]
Redford or DiCaprio?
This weekend we are going to see the Great Gatsby. I’m wondering how different DiCaprio will play Gatsby versus Robert Redford. Redford is close to eighty; so this remake is a long time coming. My daughter Lilly saw it the other night at a special screening and she emailed me the following about her evening. Wish I had been invited! She wrote, “As an elite member of “The Gilt Groupe” I was treated as a V.I.P. this past Wednesday evening at a […]
My Father’s Favorite Passover Dish
As we approach Passover I can’t help but think about my wonderful father and how much he is missed. It has been over ten years since he passed away and every time Passover rolls around I am reminded of his favorite dish. My father did not cook. I do not remember him in the kitchen ever, except during this eight day holiday where he only made one dish. He made it every day for breakfast and all four of his […]
Erotic Foods for Valentine’s Day
For the most sensuous foods to serve this coming Valentine’s Day, think those that incorporate all five senses in your menu and by all means pick those you can eat with your fingers. Valentine’s Day is for love and lovers; think sound, sight, touch, smell and of course taste. The goal is to increase relaxation and promote sociability if you catch the flow. Start by opening a bottle of champagne. Whatever your pocketbook can afford determines what you buy. Just […]
It’s a Sweet Old Fashioned
I sometimes order a cocktail or a glass of wine when out to dinner. Depending on my mood, if it’s a cocktail it is often a “sweet old fashioned”. The ingredients call for rye, brandy or bourbon; but my favorite liquor of choice is bourbon. Jack Daniels is the brand I use and I won’t kid you, this is a very strong drink….not for the weak! It is also a delicious alternative from another of my favorite cocktails, the Sazarac. My […]
Chanukah, the Festival of Lights
Every year when Chanukah rolls around the excitement builds for a Jewish holiday that is traditionally celebrated with family. In Judaism, Chanukah is a holiday celebrating the re-dedication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem in 164 BC, after its desecration three years earlier by order of Antiochus the IV. The Maccabees recaptured Jerusalem and re-consecrated the Temple after leading a successful revolt against Syrian rule. The lighting of the menorah recalls the story that a one-day supply of oil burned miraculously in the Temple […]
8 Ingredient Salad
I had friends for lunch recently and served a salad that I literally created from memory. I originally had ordered this salad at a nearby diner and had enjoyed it so much that I wanted to re-create it. It was dressed with balsamic vinaigrette that had been whipped in a blender. The salad reminded me of the Club Salad served at Houston’s restaurant I have been enjoying for many years; so, when I spied it on the menu, I ordered […]
Kalamata Olive Tapenade
When guests drop in I always put something out to nibble on. It is usually cheese and crackers; but often I like to add a spread or two. The easiest and one of the fastest spreads to make is this recipe for an olive spread. A blender and some olives and in ten minutes it is ready. Talk about tasty, if you luv olives, garlic and a little citrus, you’ll be making this one over and over. 3 cloves garlic […]
Rosh Hashanah Luncheon
So many things are a tradition in my Jewish faith and lunch after services on the first day of Rosh Hashanah is one of them. As the family grows, so do the numbers attending; and this year the table held twenty five. Friends are included too; and in-laws and friends alike, bring toys for all the children to play with. My family is a blended one, like many. The best part of that equation is that everyone gets along. In […]