Heirloom Meals: Savoring Yesterday's Traditions Today

Carole’s Concoctions

Carole’s Concoctions

And here is where I get to share some of my guidelines and recipes for cooking with local, in-season ingredients and try to help you feel confident to explore and trust yourself!! It will also be where I share some of the "guidelines" that have been shared with me by my community (YOU)!

There are some areas of cooking that require more precision such as baking, so those recipes should be heeded. We will be certain to let you know!!

  • Chicken, Chorizo and Potatoes

    Growing up, my Aunt Margie’s specialty was roasted sausage with potatoes. When thinking about a casual supper and what might pair well with the Crianza, this classic dish came to mind but with a...
  • Rioja Gran Reserva and Nana’s Anchovy Roasted Lamb

    Don't let the idea of anchovies scare you, they add a briny and delicious taste to lamb. I must say that the combination with the rosemary and garlic sends mouth-watering aromas wafting through the...
  • A Young Rioja with Pasta Bolognese

    The young Rioja, Vina Zaco Tempranillo 2014 is light enough to sip on while making dinner. It is aged under 12 months and has a deep purple color. The tannins are soft so the wine doesn’t compete...
  • Rioja Blanco with Fettucine with a Lobster Tomato Basil Cream Sauce

    Nothing says summer more than lobster, tomatoes and basil. So combining them into a light cream sauce and serving over fettucine is a home run. This dish is a great pairing with the Rioja Blanco –...
  • Mushroom Risotto

    Risotto is a staple in my home. I feel it is truly the perfect blank canvas. When thinking about what to pair with the Rioja Murvieta Reserva 2010, I knew something earthy and comforting would do the...
  • Sauteed Scallops

    In my opinion, the less one does to scallops the better. Their natural sweetness and subtle flavor need only be enhanced by a touch of salt and pepper and a little lemon juice or wine to deglaze the...
  • Quick & Simple: Morning Smoothie

    I discovered green vibrance powder a while back, it’s packed with green superfood, probiotic, and a variety of nutrients. This smoothie is especially great because it is a snap to make! Enjoy!
  • Egg Salad

    Egg salad is one of those old-fashion luncheon comfort foods. Whenever I need a fast easy lunch, egg salad is the ticket! I think the freshness of the celery and tarragon makes this salad really...
  • Black Bean & Rice Stir Fry

    I love stir fries— they are easy to make, and always delicious. This concoction is loaded with vegetables, rice, and black beans. I added lime juice and sliced avocado which turned a seemingly...
  • Tempeh with Dijon Mustard and Sauerkraut

    Tempeh is one of those “healthy” foods with a bad rap. But with most foods— it is how you prepare it. Tempeh is packed with protein, and is very easy to prepare. It has this delicious nutty flavor,...
  • Polenta with Corn & Rosemary

    I concocted this dish as part of a vegan lunch. Polenta is hearty, smooth, and satisfying. I used Argentinian polenta, it is ground super fine so It cooks very quickly! Although this recipe is vegan,...
  • Watermelon & Feta Salad

    I want to share my signature summer salad, greens with watermelon and feta. It is light crisp, and full of flavor. I love making it during those hot muggy days, when I am craving something fresh for...
  • Banana Bread

    Jim asked me to bake something his best friend’s elderly mother. I though banana bread would be just the thing— soft, sweet, and comforting. Banana bread is enjoyable for breakfast, afternoon tea, or...
  • Beet Salad

    When I was a kid, I despised beets— perhaps because they were from a can. Now that I have access to garden grown beets or fresh beets from the supermarket, I adore them — especially in a salad. Beet...
  • Quinoa Salad

    Quinoa is newish to my repertoire. I love it for its taste versatility and as an alternative to protein. I find it makes a lovely salad. 
  • The Golden Door Moroccan Harari Arancini

    As part of my participation in the Eat Write Retreat, The Golden Door Spa sent us food bloggers some of their amazing packaged mixes.  I decided to work with their Moroccan Harari Soup Mix. The base...
  • Lemon-Glazed Gluten Free Cupcakes

    Cupcakes are one of those desserts that are so satisfying, from peeling off the wrapper to deciding how to eat it. Do you just open wide and bite down and suffer the consequential mess? Or,...
  • Healing Miso Soup

    This recipe packs a nutrient punch.  From the flavonoids of the red onion skins to the anti-inflammatory properties of the tumeric, this soup will make you feel good.  I love holding the bowl in my...
  • Potato Leek Soup

    While this is a recipe I created, the basis of the recipe is an heirloom.  It is the process known as “soffritto”.  It’s something I watched my Mom and Nana do my whole life and it can be the start...
  • Chocolate Bread Pudding

    Bread pudding is comfort food.  This recipe was inspired by a college friend's Portuguese bread pudding that she made with sweet bread.  I decided to change it up for Valentine's Day.  I adore sour...
  • Heart Healthy Muffins

    Inspired by Rebecca Narum's blueberry bran muffins, I thought that Valentine's breakfast could start on a heart healthy note!  I changed canola oil to walnut oil and used whole wheat flour. These...
  • Italian Wedding Soup According to Carole

    Maybe I wanted to make Italian wedding soup because I had just met with my friend Andre Pupek who is getting married to an Italian in June….or maybe because the flu is rampant and it’s true comfort...
  • Quinoa and Black Bean Burger

    I am on a mission to create foods that I enjoy and can eat.  Recently, I have had some stomach issues. Yeah, I know, pretty much stinks.  But I am one that makes lemonade out of lemons so I thought,...
  • Cabot Creamery Cheddar and Jalapeno Biscotti

    The christmas season is truly a season of sweet indulgence....between the eggnog and the cookies I know I start looking for something savory to nosh on.  Cabot Creamery Cooperative, a Christmas and...
  • Corn and Kale Salad

    The garden is producing food faster than we can eat it!!  Two of the most abundant crops other than tomatoes are kale and corn.  One day I was having some people over for dinner and I didn’t have any...
  • Zucchini Boats

    I used to wonder why my Nana would stuff the large zucchini that came out of the garden.  And of course, it's because, other than baking with them, they've grown too large to enjoy any other way....
  • Dawn DeAngelis’ Winter Green Salad with Walnuts and Apples

    Dawn moved to New Hampshire form California in 2000,  dearly missing all the fresh veggies and greens she picked up every week at her local farmers market. One day she picked up a Gourmet and found a...
  • Spicy BBQ Rib Meat Rub

    Dad's birthday is on June 19th! It truly marks the beginning of summer. One of his favorite meals is spare ribs. I remember my nana trying to make ribs for him (it wasn't her forte) and she would use...
  • Pasta with Tuna and Artichoke Hearts

    What's nice about concocting is it's liberating!  No need to worry if you are missing an ingredient.  What you need is confidence.  So, I knew I didn't want to slave over dinner and because I have...
  • Rice Fritters

    I always cook extra rice so I can "repurpose" another delicious meal out of it and any number of substitutions can be made in herbs and seasonings with this recipe!
  • Linguine with Marinated Sea Scallops and Spinach

    I love Meatless Monday! I had some leftover spinach, cilantro on hand, and scallops. I thought this would be the perfect dish and it is!  Simple, tasty, and meatless!!
  • Kale and Cannellini Bean Soup

    This is the perfect dish to clean out your vegetable drawer while utilizing some of the first vegetables and herbs available in the spring and it doesn't hurt that it also works perfectly for...
  • Cannellini Bean Burgers

    Inspired by an article by Mark Bittman from the New York times and Eating Well's Meatless May I adapted Bittman's recipe to suit my own preferences, switching out onions for scallions and curry...
  • Watercress Soup

    When I think of watercress, English tea sandwiches come to mind. And they are quite tasty.  But what if it’s freezing cold outside, you’ve consciously turned your heat off for the season and you need...
  • Steamed Baby Artichokes

    These are an absolute treat!  I grew up only knowing the large variety. Those were a prominent feature of our Easter dinner and other spring meals.  They were steamed and stuffed with breadcrumbs,...
  • Rib Roast

    Who doesn't love a prime rib of beef at least once a year? I have found that any rub with garlic and herbs is delicious.  I happen to have a ton of garlic and rosemary in my house, but if you have...
  • Spicy Salsa

    We love salsa.  My stepson can eat a jar in a seating! So this year when I expanded my garden I knew I wanted to grow all the ingredients to make salsa - tomatoes, peppers, jalapenos, onions,...
  • Eggplant “French Fries”

    I am a lover of eggplant.  Quite possibly my most favorite vegetable!!  So when I saw a recipe in the most recent Bon Appetit for fried eggplant, I had to try it.  I didn't have most of the...
  • Roasted Chicken and Vegetable Pasta

    I had so much Swiss chard from my garden, and I needed new ways to eat it, so I resorted to an old favorite: pasta! This recipe is simple, delicious, and I use gluten-free pasta so that Jim, who has...
  • Grilled Flank Steak with 5-Spice Rub

    BBQ’s should not break the bank. And sometimes, although hotdogs and hamburgers are the simple and fail-safe go-to, my family always seemed to serve up a london broil or flank steak on the grill as a...
  • Garlic Scape Potato Salad

    Once again, I grew up in the land of no recipes. My nana and Mom were/are the great concocters. They knew instinctively how much of this and how much of that was needed...potato salad was no...
  • Risotto Cakes or Balls

    This dish is also known as "Arancini," which means small oranges in Italian. Try these risotto balls as a special Italian treat!
  • Late Summer Roasted Heirloom Tomato Risotto and Rice Balls

    Risotto is one of the simplest and versatile of dishes. And while I provide this recipe as a guide, keep in mind you can make risotto without the white wine, with just onions if you don’t have...
  • Turkey Meatballs

    When asked to come up with a healthy, diabetes-friendly meatball, I decided to use ground turkey and modify our family meatball recipe in such a way that it would taste delicious and be healthy.
  • Leftover Brown Rice Stir-Fry

    My grandmother always made the most unbelievable concoctions with leftover rice, and she also loved Chinese food. This recipe is derived from one of her creations, and I hope you enjoy it as much as...
  • Chicken Breast Cacciatore

    This is a new take on a traditional Italian dish. Nana had diabetes, and so this version is made just with chicken breasts. Because white meat has lower fat, it means that this concoction is...
  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

    I developed this dish when Jim became diagnosed with Celiac Disease. I was so used to having cookies in the cookie jar, and so was he, that I had to come up with a substitute. Enjoy this diabetes...
  • Apple Cheesecake Torte

    I adapted this dessert from my mother's recipe for Apple Cheesecake Torte so that it can be shared by all. It is diabetes-friendly, delicious, and decidedly worth trying. Enjoy!
  • Pumpkin Cupcakes

    I was challenged to come up with a healthy recipe that included pumpkin AND was a dessert. My mom and I spent a weekend experimenting with all sorts of ingredients, and this is our creation! 
  • Pumpkin Soup

    This is the simplest and most delicious soup. Thank you, Gordon Hyatt, for giving me the recipe. Jim said he loved the flavors. And pumpkin is really healthy!
  • Alice’s Moroccan Carrots

    This scrumptious dish is from the Gardeners’ Community Cookbook and was submitted by Victoria Wise. I'm not sure who Alice was, but she knew how to make some delicious carrots!
  • Heavenly Carrot Soup

    This delicious soup comes from the Gardeners’ Community Cookbook and was submitted by Victoria Wise. It is scrumptious and healthy...you're sure to love it!!
  • Moroccan Brisket

    Kudos to Whippoorwill Farm in Lakeville, CT for raising, then selling the most beautiful and delicious cut of brisket from their herd and for sharing "Laura's Moroccan Beef Brisket" recipe. Thank you...
  • Ketchup

    Don't you just love that all-American condiment? Horrified that high fructose corn syrup is in the list of ingredients of most store-bought brands? Well, here's your opportunity to make your own...
  • Simple Lemon Syrup

    I am addicted to limonata. But I just bought a Sodastream carbonator and thought, why not make limonata for vodka and limonatas or just limonata? Try my simple recipe for lemon syrup...it can be used...
  • Peach Nectar for Peachy Keen Martinis

    I wanted to serve a “special” cocktail for an event, and  with the local peaches in season, I decided to concoct some peach nectar to be mixed with Berkshire Mountain Distillers Ice Glen Vodka. What...
  • Blueberry Sorbet

    There is nothing like a cool blueberry sorbet to alleviate the summer heat and cleanse your palate. Enjoy this simple and delicious recipe! 
  • Yummy Steak Tips

    Many moons ago when I lived in Boston, I was friendly with a wonderful couple from Cambridge, Susan and Mac Rogers. Although we are not in touch, their memory lives on every time I make this recipe...
  • Watermelon and Beet Soup

    I wanted to work with some of the other amazing items available at the markets during the summer, and the combination of beets and watermelon are a match made in heaven for a cold soup on a warm day!...
  • Corn Pudding

    My friend David Moore asked me to cook up a casual dinner, saying "In the interest of this being an heirloom meal, I thought you should make corn pudding." I said, no problem. So I googled corn...
  • Cucumber Salad

    This lovely and light summer salad hails from the kitchen of Ruth Ballenzweig, Farm Girl Farm Girl emeritus and was brought to me by my Farm Girl Laura. It is dill-icious!
  • Choco-Zucchini Cupcakes

    This delicious combination of cupcakes was brought to me by Farm Girl Laura, with the original recipe by Judith Janowski. Positively amazing!
  • Stuffed Zucchini

    Zucchini is one of the summer's best vegetables, and there is no better way to take advantage of this "summer squash" than to whip up one of my favorite dishes...Filling and flavorful, you're sure to...
  • Spice Rub

    Barbecuing is one of the great American pastimes, so make yours unique by creating your own spice rub from my favorite recipe. It is perfect for flank steak!
  • Brussels Sprouts

    This delicious recipe is sure to turn even the staunchest brussels sprout hater into a lover. They are perfect during the holiday/winter season. Pop them in your mouth for an unexpected treat!
  • White Bean and Garlic Scape Dip

    Here's a great recipe that I tore out of the New York Times a couple of years ago. I added my own notes to improve it, though. Enjoy!
  • Strawberry Ice Cream

    Nothing says "summer" quite like the ripening of little red strawberries. One way to enjoy this fruit and to cool off in the heat is through my strawberry ice cream recipe...Enjoy!
  • Chocolate Covered Pretzels

    A glorious combination of sweet and salty, these chocolate-covered pretzels are wonderful for any occasion!
  • Cobweb Cupcake Icing

    This eerie Halloween dessert is the perfect treat for kids and adults alike...spooky, but very satisfying.
  • Brie Bread

    A true Carole concoction with a grandmother-style non-recipe recipe! Well it's actually a Carole and Jo (my mom) concoction that we made up years ago for my famous Murko Open Tennis Party.
  • Sole with Mustard Caper Sauce

    We are all diet and health conscious these days so I wanted to make a fish dish that is healthy but tastes RICH!!  And this mustard sauce does the trick. Serve with roasted asparagus and brown rice...
  • Strawberries with Mint Simple Syrup and Lemon Zest

    We wanted a simple dessert to demonstrate at the Boston Flower Show - and you can't get any simpler than Simple Syrup, Mint Simple Syrup to be exact!!  Such a lovely subtle touch.
  • Pork Tenderloin with Pesto Rub

    I confess, this dish is ALL Jennifer.  Jen suggested making this awesome pesto rub with instructions down to how to grill it over hot coals and slicing super thin for an appetizer tasting. Her...
  • Tarragon Chive Pasta Salad

    When trying to come up with recipes that would come out of a winter container garden, herbs are the only things I seem to grow...so an herbed pasta salad with a vinaigrette dressing seemed just the...
  • Heirloom Caramel Apples

    I’ll admit it, in a pinch I make caramel apples with Kraft caramel candy! But, I am somewhat of a purist and food snob, and I take pride in using real ingredients and making things from scratch. So...
  • Early Spring Asparagus Risotto

    Risotto is one of the simplest and versatile of dishes. And while I provide this recipe as a guide, keep in mind you can make risotto without the white wine, with just onions if you don’t have...
  • Chicken with Chick Peas and Tomatoes

    Berkshire Grown's mission is to support our local farmers and promote locally grown food, which results in strengthening our local economy and preserving open spaces. It's a winning mission and one...
  • Nutella Heaven

    I have always envied my Mom because she baked whenever she was stressed, worried, or frustrated. And the gorgeous and delicious goodies she produced were and still are phenomenal!! My Mom is a...
  • Corn and Black Bean Salsa

    My grandmother's wisdom was evident on Thursday night (the 17th) when I hosted a canning workshop for Berkshire Grown's "Preserving the Bounty" month when 10 people diligently chopped, diced or...
  • Blueberry Yogurt Coffee Cake

    Blueberry Yogurt Coffee Cake This recipe has been in our stable of recipes as far back as I can remember. My Mom and grandmother made certain there was always yummy homemade baked goods in the house....
  • Christmas Caramels

    I am inspired this season to be a mad baker and maker of yummy edible gifts. I've got my plan and I will share with you as I prepare each goodie. But for whatever reason, I decided to go off my list...
  • Nutella Crepes a la Matt

    When Matt Finnerty, my step son, found jars of Nutella in the pantry he immediately asked me if I knew how to make crepes. And I answered with a sly smile, "But of course!!" "Well, okay," he said,...
  • Stuffed Cabbage

    I have tried to connect with my Czech/Slavic roots by making this dish.  In fact, I have never had stuffed cabbage but this is what I imagined it would be like. Jim thought it needed something - I...
  • French Onion Soup

    Inspired by Elizabeth Bard's Lunch in Paris, I am now addicted to onion soup and its simplicity.  Her tip was to caramelize the onions in the oven and it works magically and effortlessly while...
  • Curried Lentil Soup

    While I loved Nana’s lentils, I discovered the world of exotic flavors when I went to college and beyond and grew to adore curry. I became addicted to a curried lentil soup at the Sultan’s Kitchen in...
  • Easy Guacamole

    Avocados and guacamole have become a favorite appetizer in my house.  But how can you make a quick guac without fresh tomatoes?  One day, I just decided to mix some left over salsa with some soft...
  • Savory Sauteed Shrimp a la Jen

    I can't compliment my sister enough for some of her concoctions. We were getting a little tired of shrimp cocktail.  It's delicious and all but not very creative.  So Jen decided to make up an...
  • Jen’s Pork Stew

    This is really my sister, Jen's concoction with some of my tweaks. Jen is a true foodie and a GREAT cook. Check out her website. And if you are in Newport, RI - she's worth a call!!
  • Chicken Piccata

    Mom and Nana were miracle workers in the kitchen. They could have dinner on the table in 30 minutes. And, now so can I. If you have a pantry like mine, there's always a meal to be made in minutes....
  • Italian-style Meatloaf a la Nana/Mom/Me

    In our family meatloaf is basically a giant meatball baked in the oven with a surprise in the middle. The surprise that my Nana put in the middle were a couple of hard-boiled eggs. This remains a...
  • Lobster Risotto

    I concocted this recipe for Christmas Eve as one of my "seven" fish servings. Truth be told, I only had two - this and fried calamari. However this dish should not be limited to Christmas Eve. I...
  • Easy Onion Frittata

    Want to whip up a quick lunch, brunch or light supper? Frittata's are the answer. They are simple, yet elegant. This is one of my favorite go-to recipes for brunch.
  • Chicken Breast Cacciatore

    Growing up Italian, chicken cacciatore was another one of those basic recipes that was a mainstay for my Nana and Mom. It's a stove-top chicken stew made with all the chicken parts. It was never my...
  • Spiced Curried Walnuts

    I make these for the holidays, but have also found them to be the perfect filler for goodie bags for special events. Nuts are healthy and nutritious and make a welcome change from the sugar and...
  • Roasted Turnip Soup with Swiss Chard

    The CSA's were turning out a fine crop of spring harukai turnips and swiss chard, so I thought I would take a page out of my grandmother's book and concoct a recipe for turnip soup. You can use the...
  • Corn Relish

    Do you ever wonder what to do with an abundance of corn at summer's end?  Do you love condiments?  This is a great recipe that will keep corn on your plate all winter. It's great on hotdogs, or as a...