Cooking & Recipes

    1. Parmesan orzo with asparagus is easy, creamy recipe

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      WHO: Jessica Blydenburgh, 25, of Seminole, a kindergarten teacher at Starkey Elementary

      Jessica Blydenburgh of Seminole shows off her Parmesan Orzo With Asparagus.
    2. Easy Weeknight Meals: Chicken Curry in a Hurry and more

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      Mon | Meatless meal

      Broken Noodles With Red Sauce and Ricotta can be made with a variety of pasta but I like to use wide pappardelle. I break up the noodles before I cook them so they aren't so long. Drain noodles and add to a simple basil tomato sauce. Fill a bowl with the pasta, add a couple …

    3. Won't miss mayo in potato salad with herbs and bacon vinaigrette

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      Bacon, herbs and potatoes. Nobody has to work very hard to sell this one.

      Fresh herbs, bacon and potatoes — what more could you want? I kept going back to the fridge for a few more bites. You can make this salad ahead of time. If you do, reserve some chives and parsley and stir in just before serving to keep the salad looking bright.
    4. Beer cheese dip is an easy appetizer

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      I was recently at the Pub at International Plaza and enjoyed the Belhaven beer cheese with pretzel bread. Does anyone have these recipes? Thank you.

      Kim Odom, Odessa

      Beer cheese dip incorporates 8 to 12 ounces of dark beer.
    5. Easy seared scallops for romantic meal or company

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      In Botticelli's famed painting, The Birth of Venus, the goddess of love can be seen emerging from a giant scallop shell. Scallops, a feast for the eyes, also are a feast for seafood lovers.

      Use a heavy skillet heated until very hot to sear lightly floured sea scallops in olive oil, giving them an appealing brown crust and keeping the inside tender and moist.
    6. Dad and daughter cook up scientific delights in kitchen lab

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      TAMPA

      Reagan calls dibs on adding the sugar.

      Barely taller than the blender resting on the counter, she carefully pours a tablespoon of the white granules in with the raspberries and calcium lactate.

      Steven Finch and daughter Reagan join forces in their South Tampa home for molecular gastronomy experiments to examine physical and chemical changes that take place when food is cooked.
    7. You Asked For It: Weight Watchers short ribs with horseradish cream

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      I'm looking for a Weight Watchers recipe for short ribs with a horseradish sauce. Does anyone have it? Thank you.

      Grace Ball, St. Petersburg

      Country-Style Beef Short Ribs With Horseradish Cream comes together primarily in the slow cooker. Make the horseradish sauce ahead of time.
    8. Jazz up taco night for Dad or any time

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      If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Dad on Father's Day, consider a full-flavored taco bar this Sunday night. It's a different way to celebrate his special day and easy enough that the kids can join in.

      Pulled-pork tacos topped with avocado, left, and lentil tacos are served with sides to tailor spiciness and flavor.
    9. Weekday dinner inspiration: Middle Eastern Steak Pitas and more

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      Mon | Meatless meal

      Here's another suggestion from meatless-meal devotee Bea Dreier of Tampa: Poached Eggs on English Muffins with sauteed spinach or arugula salad made with toasted sliced almonds and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil and a squeeze over all plus salt and pepper to …

    10. You Asked For It: White Chicken Chili as good as Ruby Tuesday makes

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      NOTE; TIMES HAS PERMISSION TO DISTRIBUTE

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      BY ELLEN FOLKMAN

      Special to the Times

      Go for the bold with White Chicken Chili.