Good Dinner Mrs. Mellen

Eggplant a versatile vegetable who like a chameleon changes assuming the characteristic of the  spices and ingredients used by the cook. Eggplant parmesan, beautiful stacked eggplant, tomato, mozzarella towers, baked stuffed eggplant and more I could continue adding to the variety of the eggplant recipes; all equally delicious. I was moved to create this recipe one day when I was at a farmer's market and saw a beautiful array of eggplant glistening with fresh picked dew beaconing me to purchase. Once home I started thinking about how to cook the beautiful eggplant and I just decided to leave the eggplant whole hollowing out the center using the meat as stuffing and the shell as a baking dish. As a filler to substance to  the ingredients I use La Casa de Grano Fregolo Sarda a traditional Sardinian Pasta that is toasted available at Italian markets such as Eataly or on line. I loved the texture and resulting taste all the flavors marrying to create a delicious bake...

My exploration and love affair with Martha's Vineyard only increases each time I return bewitched by this magical island. The first time we visited Menemsha -  the charming fishing village on Martha's Vineyard named after the coastal native american word meaning "still waters" -  I immediately recognized the location as  the shooting background for the fictional "Amity Island" of Steven Spielberg's 1975 film  Jaws .  Even before my fist visit to Martha's Vineyard I was enamored with the book and movie Jaws. I remember vividly reading in bed the frightening opening in the book late at night although far from the ocean completely captivated by fear. In a dark movie theater with the perfect John Williams movie score the opening scene did not disappoint as I was totally terrified again! You can imagine how thrilled I was to discover a reoccurring location in the film. I half expected to see Chief Brody walking the village! Beach goers and tourist shoppi...

August is peach month with beautiful ripe peaches coming to market in New England. Peaches are a favorite with my family from sliced peaches topped with yogurt and granola to elaborate peach pies, tarts, cakes, cobblers and crumbles. So many choices with to bake with delicious summer fruit to delight family and friends. A crumble differs from a cobbler, a biscuit topping while a crumble a topping of lose ingredients combined and place on top of the fruit. Don't forget to serve with rich vanilla ice cream. Perfect Peach Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream For the peach filling:  1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup white sugar 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 8 cups peaches, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tablespoon water 1 lemon, juiced For the crumb topping: 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 cup oats ...

Summertime and I'm all about easy and quick delicious food to share with family and friends. I love to create an array of make ahead salads perfect accompaniments for cookouts and picnic; no fussing in the kitchen yet no skimping on taste either. My healthy slaw with Undon noddles fits all my requirements for a great summer salad, quick, easy and delicious.  Healthy Slaw Undon Noodles with Honey Ginger Vinaigrette 1 package 10 oz. Mann's Power Blend, Brussels Sprouts, Napa cabbage, Kohlrai, Broccoli,           Carrots & Kale 1 can 15.5 oz. Garbanzo Beans, drained & rinsed 1 package 10 oz. Udon Noodles, cooked according to package directions* 2 bunches scallions, thinly sliced, white only 1/4 cup slice almonds 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper Honey Ginger Vinaigrette 1/4 cup rice vinegar 1 teaspoon honey 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger 1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 cup vegetable oil Kosher sal...

antique post-and-beam barn that once stood in Export PA Since purchasing our vacation home on this magical island of Martha’s Vineyard we knew when our grandchildren came for a visit we’d take them to Island Alpaca Farm. On a beautiful August day we all visited this charming farm where they raise the most beautiful Alpacas. Alpaca Yoga  Started in 2004 with eight Alpacas the farm now has a herd of over 50. The staff and volunteers loving care for the animals which they breed on the farm and are for sale. Interesting to find out that Alpacas make great pets as they will keep your lawn trimmed and provide excellent fertilizer know as   “Alpaca Gold”.   They even sell Paca poop fertilizer much to the delight of my five year old grandson.   A visit to the gift shop is a must where you will find a large assortment of items made from Alpaca Fleece. Alpaca fleece is so luxuriously soft, sweater, baby clothes, throws, blankets, knitted hats, glov...

'Summertime and the living is easy' a phrase that I've adopted from an the song is my mantra during the relaxing summer months. Summer food  fresh, easy, just deliciously good. I prepare make ahead cold salads and dips to compliment grilling and barbecuing so I too can relax enjoying time with family and friends. My Greek Layer Dip fits all my qualification for summer food. A great appetizer that is a family favorite, sure to please your crowd too! Greek Layer Dip 1 carton(8 0z) garlic hummus* 1 carton(8 oz) tabouli* 1/2 cup Tzatziki*  1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes 1 cup sliced cucumbers, halved 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese On a serving plate spread hummus then top with tabouli. Next drizzle Tzakziki over the hummus and tabouli. Add chopped tomatoes and cucumbers. Tope with feta cheese. So easy and delicious! * I use Cedar's a New England company for the hummus, tabouli and Tzatziki. Enjoy! www.gooddinnermrsmellen.com

August is Peach month in New England with the freshest local peaches coming to market. Perfect for peach pie! Growing up I spent long summer days with my grandparents harvesting vegetables and fruits from their extensive garden which covered half an acre of ground. My favorite fruit still today is peaches. At my grandparents I pick a few peaches, then eat a peach, continuing this routine until my stomach was filled with juicy peaches. I loved peaches so much that my mother planted a peach tree at our home just for me. For years I loving cared for my tree, harvesting luscious peaches which my mother made into mouth watering peach pies. I've continued all these years later, taught by my mother, the art of making beautiful pies especially my favorite peach. Fresh Summer Peach Pie in Puff Pastry 1 package Pepperidge Puff Pastry, thawed according to package instructions 6 cups fresh peach slices (about 10 peeled peaches, sliced) 3/4 cup sugar 2 tablespoon instan...