Category Archives: Appetizers
Scallop Season: Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year?
It was the beaming faces of Facebook friends holding up gallon bags of the sweet morsels dropped off by fishermen friends that reminded me that it was that wonderful time of year, scallop season in Maine. We quickly started scouring the usual roadside spots for the beautiful treats. Searching for scallops is a bit of a hardship for […]
Harissa Rubbed Baby Back Ribs
Folks don’t seem to make a lot of ribs at home, maybe on the grill in the summer? Most common, I suspect, is BBQ style on the grill, and they are a great addition to a slow cooked Sunday gravy. These Harrisa Rubbed Baby Back Ribs are moist and flavorful and don’t need a grill — great for […]
Spiced Yogurt Rib Dip and Cooling Yogurt Sauce
Spiced Yogurt dip is a delicious contrast to the mild spice of Harissa Rubbed Baby Back Ribs. But don’t stop there, use it as a dip for veggies, toss it into a cucumber salad, or top a spicy tagine or grilled swordfish with this. A simple, contrasting sauce like this can elevate a simple dinner to an elegant one. […]
A Haunting Coffee Roasted Beet Salad from Ravens Nest
Missing Cleonice’s Beet Salad?
Such a long absence for me from the blog. But I return with Beets! A super healthy vegetable that confuses many cooks. Some people think it tastes like dirt, for some it’s too sweet for a “real” vegetable, many were ruined by the canned beets of the old school diner veg option, an alternative to grey […]
Rich’s Signature Calamari Salad
It’s a test. Well, really it was a challenge for Rich and me. When a new employee comes on board, how long would it take us to convince them to love foods that might make them squirm. Calamari Salad was one of those dishes. So many folks have a bad experience with fishy and/or chewy calamari. Combine […]
Addictive Spicy Garlic Chicken Wings – Pollo Pil Pil
A staple, an award winner, it’s even one of my favorite lunches: an order of Pollo pil pil and a salad. Spicy and filling, this lunch made me feel virtuous for avoiding the carbs, eating a pile of veggies, and also filled me up. There’s something about chicken protein that just makes me satisfied. […]
Htipiti – the Spicy, Creamy, Unpronounceable Mezé
Rarely ordered by name at Cleonice, “that spicy feta dip thing” became a staple as soon as we put it on the menu. We served this savory spread with pita chips hot from the oven, for catering we often accompanied it with crudité for dipping. Some on our staff liked to spread it on sandwiches. Simple […]