Boursin and Shrimp Rigatoni

Boursin Shrimp Rigatoni

Boursin and Shrimp Rigatoni
Garlic & Herb Boursin Cheese
Large Shrimp, Cherry Tomatoes

Tender rigatoni pasta, cooked to a perfect al dente bite, is coated in a velvety sauce made from melted Boursin cheese, which brings a creamy, herb-flecked richness with a generous kiss of garlic.

Burst cherry tomatoes, blistered until juicy and sweet, add bright pops of flavor and color throughout the dish. Nestled among the pasta are plump large shrimp, cooked until just opaque, offering a succulent contrast to the creamy sauce. Finished with plenty fresh basil this dish is comforting yet elegant — a restaurant-worthy meal with pantry-friendly ease that comes together in less than a half hour.

The story of Boursin Cheese started with one man, François Boursin. In 1957, this young Normandy cheesemaker opened a cheese factory in Croisy-sur-Eure, a small community nestled in northern France. His own original recipe was inspired by fromage frais, a traditional French party dish that blended garlic, fresh cream, soft cheese, herbs, salt and pepper.

Boursin and Shrimp Rigatoni Recipe

Continue reading “Boursin and Shrimp Rigatoni”

Roast Duck, Lemon Tarragon Sauce with Roquefort

Roast Duck, Lemon Tarragon Sauce with Roquefort

Roast Duck, Lemon Tarragon Sauce with Roquefort
Fresh Peas, Asparagus, Leeks

Bonjour, mes amis! Happy Bastille Day! July 14th marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 — a dramatic turning point that lit the spark for the French Revolution and the birth of the Republic’s rallying cry: liberté, égalité, fraternité.

Known across France as la Fête Nationale, it’s a day of parades, fireworks, music, and good cheer from Paris to Provence — and we’re joining the festivities in delicious style by serving Canard rôti, paired with a bright lemon-tarragon sauce, fresh peas and asparagus, and a generous flourish of bold, creamy Roquefort. Vive la France!

Roast Duck, Lemon Tarragon Sauce with Roquefort

Roast Duck, Lemon Tarragon Sauce Recipe

Continue reading “Roast Duck, Lemon Tarragon Sauce with Roquefort”

Swordfish Milanese, Pickled Cherry Pepper Sauce

Swordfish Milanese, Pickled Cherry Pepper Sauce

Crispy Breaded Swordfish
Pickled Cherry Pepper Sauce with Dijon Mustard and Garlic, Arugula Salad

Swordfish Milanese combines the best parts of a classic Italian breaded cutlet with the firm, meaty texture and clean flavor of swordfish, which stays juicy when pounded thin and pan-fried. The crisp golden crust contrasts beautifully with the hearty fish, which holds up well to bold toppings or sauces. Paired with a bright lemony arugula salad, and a lively cherry pepper sauce, it feels hearty yet fresh—special but unfussy.

The cherry pepper sauce adds a tangy-sweet kick with gentle heat from sweet pickled cherry peppers, warmth from sautéed garlic, and a touch of Dijon for sharpness. Vermouth brings a fragrant note, while chicken stock ties it all together, creating a zesty, balanced sauce that wakes up every bite.

Swordfish Milanese, Pickled Cherry Pepper Sauce

Swordfish Milanese, Cherry Pepper Sauce Recipe

Continue reading “Swordfish Milanese, Pickled Cherry Pepper Sauce”

Margaritaville Island Rum Cake

Margaritaville Island Rum Cake

Margaritaville Island Rum Cake

“Nibblin’ on sponge cake, watchin’ the sun bake…”

Warning: This is an Adults-Only Cake. It’s basically a sponge cake infused with rum. Lots of rum. Adapted from Margaritaville The Cookbook, Relaxed Recipes for a Taste of Paradise by Carlo Sernaglia and Julia Turshen published by Margaritaville Enterprises LLC 2018.

This Island Rum Cake joins my recipes for the iconic Cheeseburger in Paradise and Jimmy’s Favorite Seafood Gumbo as tributes to Jimmy Buffett.

Margaritaville Island Rum Cake

Margaritaville Island Rum Cake

Margaritaville Island Rum Cake

Depending on the time of day, this cake is equally great with a cup of coffee, a Mai Tai, or even a shot of rum!

Margaritaville Island Rum Cake Recipe

Continue reading “Margaritaville Island Rum Cake”

Pan-Seared Halibut Cheeks, Lemony Quinoa with Garbanzos

Pan-Seared Halibut Cheeks, Lemony Quinoa with GarbanzosPan-Seared Halibut Cheeks
Lemony Quinoa with Garbanzos

When it comes to a special ingredient like halibut cheeks, it’s best to keep the recipe simple and let the product shine.

Halibut cheeks are a prized cut of the fish, often considered the most tender and flavorful part. They come from the small, rounded muscle beneath each eye of the halibut—an area the fish uses to move its jaw. Because halibut are large, flat-bodied fish, their cheeks are more substantial than most, yielding thick, scallop-like medallions that are especially sought after by chefs and seafood lovers.

The texture of halibut cheeks is one of their most appealing qualities. They’re firm yet tender, with a natural flake that’s finer and more delicate than the fillet. They have a slightly sweet, mild flavor—clean and refined, but with more succulence than the rest of the fish. Some compare them to scallops for their texture and sweetness, but halibut cheeks have a character all their own.

Cooking halibut cheeks is simple, and best when techniques highlight their delicacy. A quick pan-sear in butter and olive oil with a splash of lemon is all they need. Halibut cheeks are a treat that rewards minimalism and careful preparation.

Pan-Seared Halibut Cheeks Recipe

Continue reading “Pan-Seared Halibut Cheeks, Lemony Quinoa with Garbanzos”