Spices are the pure essence of flavor! Whether whole or dried they bring a taste, aroma and balance to any dish. Spices can transform your meals and kitchen to a foreign land or familiar place. Here are my top 12 pantry staples I keep stocked in my pantry and in my clients homes!

Poke party! These DIY Poke bowls are a fresh and easy solution for dinner. Everyone can create their own combo!

I love to recreate takeout appetizers at home! These yummy potstickers are always a hit!

Shisito peppers are one of my favorite quick snacks! 1 out 5 gives you a kick of heat! Try sautéing some up for a nice side dish for dinner.

Sometimes you just carve some comfort food. Mac and cheese are a fan favorite for kids to adults. This is no blue box mac n’ cheese!

Did someone say empanadas! These tasty hand pies are stuffed with flavor. Bet you can’t eat just one!

Now that the weathers warmer and the days are longer I want to spend less time cooking inside. Ceviche is a great dish that doesn’t require turning on the stove. This simple and easy recipe is great for a crowd or for a dinner party appetizer.

Summers just about here and it’s time for cocktails on the patio! Here’s a great play on the Moscow Mule it’s cousin the Kentucky Mule!

The weather’s getting a bit nicer and I find myself sitting on the patio more. Here’s a great patio sipper for the summer!

Sometimes you’re just in the mood for some good Mediterranean food! I made beef kafta for dinner and picked up some things from the local Middle Eastern Bakery to round out our meal. I Hope this gives you inspiration for dinner this week!

I love making grain bowls for lunch. They are quick and easy. You can use just about anything in your pantry and fridge. I like to mix fresh veggies, add my favorite protein and make a quick dressing to flavor them up! Here are 2 of my favorite flavor combos!

I love family traditions and making food that warms the soul! Collard Greens are on of those dishes that I always ask my Granny to make!

The weather had gotten a bit chilly with the rain we’ve been having so I decided to make some Gumbo this weekend!

I love tequila and a tequila based cocktail! Here are 3 Tequila Cocktails that I think will up your game for your next happy hour or cocktail party!

I love rice as a side dish when I’m enjoying tacos or enchiladas. Here’s a fun spin on my favorite cilantro lime rice!

Holy Guacamole! Who doesn’t love the creamy goodness of an Avocado! I love this simple, no frills, and straightforward recipe for guacamole. This guac recipe is a great base for you to be creative and add your own spin to it. Don’t for get to accompany your guac with your favorite crispy tortilla chips or crunchy veggie sticks for a great snack!

Happy Taco Tuesday! I did a virtual cooking class this past weekend and we made some awesome Mahi-Mahi Tacos. This recipe is great for fried fish and seafood tacos!

I’ve been playing with a few wing recipes since being home during the quarantine. I love a good sticky and sweet chicken wing. Here’s a quick and easy way to transform your normal wings!

I had a taste for some Nashville Hot Chicken! If you’ve never had it before it’s a bit sweet with tons of heat and a nice fried chicken crunch! The pickles are a nice touch of acid and crunch to cut through some of the heat. I love making this dish for Fried Chicken Fridays! Add a nice cold beer and you’ve got a great pair!

I love a #tacotuesday! I wanted to share my quick recipe for chipotle steak tacos. This is a quick recipe that will quickly become a crowd favorite and soon to added to your taco rotation!