Pork Loin with Port Wine Fig Sauce

Pork Loin with Port Wine Fig Sauce

Tender garlic and herb-crusted pork loin becomes an impressive main dish perfect for a celebration when drizzled with a luscious port wine and fig sauce.

Click to view recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Pork_Loin_with_Port_Sauce.html

Harvest Salad with Cider Vinaigrette and Warm Goat Cheese Cakes

Harvest Salad with Cider Vinaigrette and Warm Goat Cheese Cakes

This crisp salad is made special with a simple homemade vinaigrette and a creamy goat cheese cake.

Click to view recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Harvest_Salad.html

I'm giving away a cookbook!

Don't miss out on any of the fun we're having at The Sensuist!
Sign up for email updates and be entered to win one of my favorite cookbooks, The Flavor Bible.

Click here to sign up for email updates.
Deadline is January 31st. Winner will be announced on February 1st 2014.

Spiced Mocha Coffee Mix

Spiced Mocha Coffee Mix

Make enough to give away as gifts and keep some for yourself to enjoy!

Click to view recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Spiced_Mocha_Coffee_Mix.html

Gingerbread Biscotti with Eggnog Glaze

Gingerbread Biscotti with Eggnog Glaze

Crisp holiday spiced cookies perfect for dipping into your morning coffee.

Click to view recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Gingerbread_Biscotti.html

Sweet and Spicy Pecans

Sweet and Spicy Pecans

 

The perfect nibble to set out for pre-dinner cocktails. These are also a fantastic addition on a salad.

Click to view recipe:  http://www.thesensuist.com/Sweet_and_Spicy_Pecans.html

Gingerbread Martini

Gingerbread Martini

A fun festive cocktail with a little zing!

Click to view recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Gingerbread_martini.html

Homemade Dijon Style Mustard

Homemade Dijon Style Mustard

 

This classic Dijon style mustard is easy to make and will add a savory pizazz to whatever you use it on. It’s delicious as a spread, in marinades, or as a dip for pretzels. This would be a great addition to a gift basket with some nice crackers, cheese and summer sausage or salami.

Click to view recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Dijon_Style_Mustard.html

Smoky Chile Chili

Smoky Chile Chili

 

A thick robust chunky chili perfect for a cold day. The addition of several types of chile peppers gives this chili a complex flavor and a nice mellow warm heat. This recipe makes a big pot full so you’ll likely have plenty to freeze for a busy day.

 

Click to view recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Smoky_Chile_Chili.html

December Culinary Adventure

December Culinary Adventure

 

Click below to read about our latest monthly challenge that will remove some of your holiday stress!
http://www.thesensuist.com/Culinary_Adventures.html#December_2013_Culinary_Adventure

Messing with Tradition- November Culinary Adventure Results

Messing with Tradition- November Culinary Adventure Results

Our challenge last month was to throw caution to the wind, take a good ‘ol standby recipe and put a new twist on it. I chose to mess around with cranberry sauce because I must admit I’ve never had a cranberry sauce that made me want to go back for more.

Click to read more about how I've insulted my family and improved the status of the cranberry all at once!

Creamy Praline Pumpkin Pie

Creamy Praline Pumpkin Pie

This pie combines some of the great holiday desserts all in one. It’s a classic pumpkin pie combined with the creaminess of a cheesecake and topped with a nutty praline confection. No need to make three pies anymore. This one will satisfy everyone!

Click link to view the recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Creamy_Praline_Pumpkin_Pie.html

Risotto Stuffed Pumpkin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Creamy risotto speckled with bits of bacon and cheese makes for a stunning presentation baked in a pumpkin.

Click here to view Risotto Stuffed Pumpkin Recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Risotto_Stuffed_Pumpkin.html

Spiced Pumpkin Soup

Spiced Pumpkin Soup                       

This soup has a warm complex flavor. This would be a great starter for any holiday meal.  

Click here to view the recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Spiced_Pumkpkin_Soup.html

Spiced Cranberry Chutney

Spiced Cranberry Chutney

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The perfect zesty garnish for your Thanksgiving turkey and a great spread for leftover sandwiches.

Click here to view the recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Spiced_Cranberry_Chutney.html

The secret to a juicy flavorful turkey! Apple Cider Brined Turkey Recipe

Apple Cider Brined Turkey

The secret to a juicy flavorful turkey is soaking it in a brine first. You’ll be amazed at what this simple technique will do. The salt in the brine pulls the liquid into the meat, making it tender, juicy and infused with flavor. View the recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/apple_cider_brined_turkey.html

Savory Pumpkin Hummus

Savory Pumpkin Hummus

A fall inspired hummus with a hint of exotic warmth and spice.

Click below to view the recipe.

http://www.thesensuist.com/Recipes-Pumpkin_Hummus.html

November Culinary Adventure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November Culinary Adventure.

That’s a bit of an oxymoron isn’t it? As if planning to cook a turkey, multiple side dishes, more pies and relishes than the eye can see along with all the other necessary trappings of Thanksgiving dinner wasn’t adventure enough! Also, please have it all hot and ready at the exact same time. Oh, and for goodness sakes smile while you’re doing this so you don’t make others feel uncomfortable! Phew! If you’re like me you’re already neck deep in planning for the BIG FEAST, perusing recipes old and new, making lists and counting casserole dishes. So, keeping all of that in mind, here is your November Culinary Adventure.
Messing with Tradition

 

Click the link below to read more!

http://www.thesensuist.com/Culinary_Adventures.html#November_2013_Culinary_Adventure

Octover Culinary Adventure Results

Happy November everyone! Here are my results for the

October Culinary Adventure- Perplexing Produce.

The challenge was to choose something from the produce department that you hadn’t cooked before. I chose to bring home a handful of taro root which are knobby hairy tubers, hoping they would taste better than they looked.
Click here to view the results of the October Culinary Adventure

And here is the recipe I created using my chosen produce, taro root.
Root Vegetable Coconut Curry

Click here to view the recipe for Root Vegetable Coconut Curry

 

October Culinary Adventure Update

October Culinary Adventure

Hello Friends! Have you embarked on this month's culinary adventure and picked a new type of produce to have fun with in the kitchen? If you haven't gotten around to it yet don't worry, I'm still working on mine too. I chose these little beauties. They look like hairy troll toes don't they? Don't know what they are? I didn't either! They are taro roots! I've been investigating recipes and have found many ways to use them, both sweet and savory; mashed, roasted, sliced thin and fried into chips, cooked into sweets like cake or even ice cream. Stay tuned for what becomes of my little taro roots and don't forget to join in the fun and let me know what you discovered.

http://www.thesensuist.com/Culinary_Adventures.html#October_Culinary_Adventure

Carrot Cake Butterscotch Blondies

Carrot Cake Butterscotch Blondies

 

 

 

 

I get weak in the knees just thinking about these; buttery and moist with tendrils of sweet carrot and little gooey pockets of butterscotch.

View the recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Recipes-Blondies.html

Lamb Curry

Lamb Curry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 A soul-satisfying dish with tender chunks of lamb bathed in a seductive curry sauce.

Click to view the recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Recipes-Lamb_Curry.html

Spiced Pumpkin Flaxsee Granola

Spiced Pumpkin Flaxseed Granola

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This healthy granola is warmly spiced with all of fall’s favorite flavors.

View Spiced Pumpkin Flaxseed Granola Recipe

http://www.thesensuist.com/Recipes-Pumpkin_Granola.html

October Culinary Adventure

October Culinary Adventure

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have something fun for us to do together! I now present to you (drum roll please) the first installment on The Sensuist of The Monthly Culinary Adventure!

Each month I’ll give you a theme and encouragement to step out of your comfort zone in your cooking, try something new and shake up your routine a little bit. Let’s just dive into October’s Culinary Adventure so this makes a little more sense.

October’s Culinary Adventure is…  (Another drum roll perhaps if you don’t mind)…

Click here to read more: http://www.thesensuist.com/Culinary_Adventures.html#October_Culinary_Adventure

Butternut Squash Shells and Cheese

Butternut Squash Shells and Cheese

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A silky creamy sauce cradled in pasta shells and topped with a buttery crunch; this is comfort food with a sophisticated twist.

View the recipe at: http://www.thesensuist.com/Recipes_Butternut_Squash_Sh.html

Bruschetta with Goat Cheese and Bacon Onion Chutney

Bruschetta with Goat Cheese and Bacon Onion Chutney

 

 

This is an appetizer to impress. Crisp bruschetta slathered with tangy goat cheese and a smoky savory chutney

Click here to view recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Recipes-Bacon_Bruschetta.html

German Rouladen

German Rouladen

 

 

An impressive German classic; tender steak stuffed with a zesty mixture of mustard, bacon, onions and pickles, lavishly topped with a flavorful gravy. If that doesn’t make your mouth water I don’t know what will!

View the recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Recipes-German_Rouladen.html

Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Maple Frosting

Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Maple Frosting
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fragrant with apples and spices, these moist donuts are the perfect fall treat. 

Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Maple Frosting Recipe

Hearty Chicken Chili

HeartyChicken Chili
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a zesty white version of the classic red chili; it's delicious, comforting and hearty. I really wish you would make this chili because it will make you feel warm and happy. 

View the recip: http://www.thesensuist.com/Hearty_Chicken_Chili.html

 

 

Pumpkin Spice Latte

PumpkinSpice Latte

 

It just isn’t fall until you indulge yourself with a cup of this creamy spiced pumpkin coffee.

View the recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Recipe-Pumpkin_Spice_Lat.html

 

Spiced Pumpkin Spread

Spiced Pumpkin Spread

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richly spiced pumpkin cooked down to a spreadable butter-like consistency; a fall time favorite.

View the recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Spiced_Pumpkin_Spread.html

Crunchy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

CrunchyChicken and Wild Rice Casserole

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A comforting casserole with a sophisticated twist. One of my go-to dishes when I need to deliver a comforting meal to a friend in need.

View the recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Crunchy_Chicken_Casserole.html

The Fleeting Seduction of Fall

The Fleeting Seduction of Fall

 

Are you like me, enchanted by the arrival of fall? The first brisk wind and hint of yellow-tipped leaves sends me into a state of delirious bliss. Fall seems to grace us with her presence for just a few precious moments so I make a habit of savoring the small changes. Stop and watch as nature slowly trades her emerald dress for one last dazzling display, and stands magnificent in a new gown of warm tawny shades. Relish the small changes and seductions of fall all around you. Here is a list of the autumnal pleasures I intend to enjoy...

Read all of the juicy details:

http://www.thesensuist.com/Musings.html#Musings-Fleeting_seduction_of_fall

Slow-roasted Ribs

Slow-roasted Ribs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There’s nothing like sinking your teeth into a slow-cooked rib so tender, so succulent that the meat just falls right off the bone. As an added bonus, these are ridiculously easy to make.

View the recipe:

http://www.thesensuist.com/Recipes-slow_roasted_rib.html

Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Butterscotch Liqueur Glaze

Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Butterscotch Liqueur Glaze

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This stunning cake is pure Autumn comfort. Moist and richly spiced gingerbread made with fresh ginger and drizzled with a decadent butterscotch glaze.

Click here to view recipe.

Homemade Chili Powder

 

This Chili powder has amazing depth and smokiness compared to the powdery store-bought kind. It’s completely worth the small amount of effort.

Click here to view recipe

 

Charred Corn Salad with Chili Lime Cream Sauce

Zesty cream sauce and smoky kernels of sweet corn are an unexpected match made in heaven.

Click here to view the recipe.