Arugula Pesto Pasta Recipe

Good bye 2011, hello 2012! I'd like to wish the happiest of New Years to you and yours. Ours is starting off great with my little baby girl. That also means new resolutions and mine this year is to lose all the baby weight. I'm determined to be healthy after 9 months of indulging in decadent meals. To start off on the right foot, today I made a healthy pesto pasta using arugula, sunflower seeds and Parmesan cheese. I love cooking with arugula; it tastes like a cross between mustard and hazelnut with a hint of pepper. It’s a nutritious meal that is healthy and filling.

For everyone out there starting off the year with a weight-loss resolution, best of luck!

Roasted Lobster with Almonds

Oven-roasted lobster with almonds ("homard rôti aux amandes" in French) is Papa's (my dad's) specialty. Papa doesn't cook on a daily basis, except for Maman's birthday and special occasions such as New Year's Eve. Exactly one year ago, my husband Lulu and I were in Paris, celebrating the holiday season with my parents. And of course, Papa pleased me by cooking my favorite dish. First, the lobster is poached for a few minutes, then a drizzle of Hollandaise sauce covers the lobster meat along with a sprinkle of toasted almonds. Then, the lobster dish goes in the oven for a few minutes.

I absolutely love this seafood dish. The lobster meat turns out sweet and succulent. For obvious reasons, this luxurious dish isn't an everyday meal, but it’s a great way to make special occasions that much more special.

2011 in Photos (Part 2)

Here’s part two of my favorite recipe photos of 2011. It’s evidence of my sweet tooth and I can never resist making more crèmes brûlées!

If you missed part one you can take a look through the pictures here! Enjoy!

2011 in Photos (Part 1)

Since it's the end of the year, I thought I'd gather my favorite recipe photos of 2011. Below are the photos and links to the recipes of my 10 favorite dishes from January to June. It's fun to look back at what I've fed my family and see the wide variety of cultures, ingredients and techniques. I hope this inspires you to be a little adventurous in the kitchen in 2012. Check back tomorrow for recipes from the second half of 2011.

New Year's Eve Appetizer Ideas

If you're hosting a New Year's Eve party this year, you might consider serving bite-sized portions to allow your guests to easily mix and mingle. I’ve gathered some of my favorite appetizer recipes that would be perfect passed around or on a buffet table. I also listed appetizers that can be prepared in advance so you're stress free and ready to enter the New Year in a good mood. Bon appétit!