Andrea Chan-Diliberto, Author at FreshDirect Blog

Fun Easter and Passover Recipes for Kids (and Kids at Heart!)

March 14, 2012 by Andrea Chan-Diliberto

Easter Eggs

Are you getting together with family and friends for Easter or Passover? If so, we’ve put together some fun recipes to enjoy before or after your Easter egg hunt (decorated deviled eggs) or at the Seder table (tuna boats).

For Easter, how about decorating eggs—on the inside? With our “Mild Mannered Deviled Eggs” recipe below, you and the kids can have fun making bunnies, funny faces, and more. If you don’t mind colored egg whites, you can even use up your excess Easter eggs.

Keep this activity child-safe by having the adults do the knife work while the kids can have fun piping the yolk mixture into the egg halves, applying the decorations, and using floss or thread to ‘cut’ the egg in half. …

Recipes and Menu Ideas for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration

March 11, 2012 by Andrea Chan-Diliberto

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with these Festive Cupcakes.

More than just cabbage and potatoes, Irish cuisine has long relied on a wealth of wild garlic, kale, scallions, barley, oats, sausages, lamb and a varied aquaculture ranging from cockles and mussels to rich cod and salmon.

So whether you’re entertaining or just want to add a little “green” to your dinner menu, we’ve gathered together some Irish-influenced favorites along with a few bright-green Spring selections for your St. Patty’s day feasting. Slainte Mhath! (In other words, to your good health!)…

5 Vegetarian Winter Dishes

February 26, 2012 by Andrea Chan-Diliberto

Pesto Pasta with Green Beans and Potatoes

A few times each week, I try to make vegetarian dishes for my family. Though it’s a tad more challenging in the cooler Winter months, I like discovering seasonal and hearty dishes.

Winter vegetables like kale and root vegetables (squashes, parsnips, carrots, yams, potatoes) have become my staple this time of year. Add in legumes (beans, lentils), nuts, and grains (whole-wheat pasta and brown rice) and dishes become rich and satisfying.

Here are 5 vegetarian recipes that can be served (from soup to nuts) in one lovely 5-course dinner or made and enjoyed throughout the week:

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N’awlins-inspired Recipes for Mardi Gras

February 13, 2012 by Andrea Chan-Diliberto

Shrimp Gumbo is a perfect dish to celebrate Mardi Gras!

Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!) February 21st marks Mardi Gras this year, but those who embrace the Carnival season celebrate from mid-January until midnight on the “Fat Tuesday” prior to Ash Wednesday… the dawn of Lent.

For me, I fell in love with New Orleans through her food. From spicy gumbo to addictive sweet beignets, there was so much to enjoy!

Mardi Gras is a great excuse to enjoy a Southern-style dinner, with N’awlins-inspired cuisine on the plate and a breezy cocktail in the glass. Here are some recipes to help you bring a touch of New Orleans to your table!…

5 Super Game Day Recipes

January 30, 2012 by Andrea Chan-Diliberto

What are you serving this Super Bowl Sunday?

Fluff the couch cushions and bust out the dips! It’s time to settle into the sofa and cheer on the gladiators of the modern era.

Whether you’re cheering on Big Blue (New York Giants) or the Pats (New England Patriots), we’ve compiled a great list of recipes to help you feed anyone from a dynamic duo to a whole mob of hungry fans….

Super Bowl Snack Tips by You!

January 29, 2012 by Andrea Chan-Diliberto

FD fan Amie made this delicious Spicy Zucchini Cole Slaw.

Are you excited for the big game on Sunday? Judging from all of your posts, tweets and mentions on our Facebook page, you’re ready to nosh on some tasty comfort food (corn chowder, pulled pork sandwiches, pizza) as well as dive into some classic party foods (salsa and chips; veggies and dip; cheese and crackers).

We asked our fans for their healthier Super Bowl tips and you did not disappoint! From Eggplant Fries to Parmesan Popcorn, our customers have the best ideas!

MaryAnn Jones, from Manhasset, Long Island, NY says, for her, “The keys to Thriving during a snack-a-licious party are balance & control.” She likes to eat a satisfying snack like a handful of almonds or walnuts before the big game….

Easy Citrus Recipes to Brighten Up Your Day!

January 9, 2012 by Andrea Chan-Diliberto

What's Your Favorite Citrus Fruit?

In the short days of Winter, I crave as much sunshine as I can get. For me, I love bringing the sunshine indoors with bright and cheerful citrus fruit.

Not only do citrus fruits make for easy and beautiful centerpieces, they are also healthy, tasty snacks filled with vitamins.

For variety, I like trying new fruits like red pomelo, finger limes, and Cara Cara oranges. The blood orange season is so short that I make sure to have as many of them as possible. And citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges easily add zest to salads and other dishes. Need inspiration? Check out these recipes: …

Festive Holiday Drinks

December 7, 2011 by Andrea Chan-Diliberto

For a holiday party, you can't go wrong with Champagne!

Can you believe we’re already a week into December? With the holiday season already upon us, I’m sure you’ll be serving (and enjoying!) a drink or two.

When I have a party, I always have a favorite red and white wine on hand, a bottle of bubbly, and one signature cocktail and mocktail. I also love to have apple cider and eggnog on hand because the taste and smell just evokes memories of the holiday.

For cocktails, I loved these ones developed by Tom Smith of Union Square Wines: The Gingered Apple and The Kentucky Toddy. They were perfect for Thanksgiving and are still wonderful now in the colder months.

Here are a few more beverages that are sure to make you the toast of the party!…

Getting Ready for the Holiday Cookie Swap!

December 2, 2011 by Andrea Chan-Diliberto

Holiday Cookies

I love the holiday season. After all, it’s the season for giving and I love baking sweet treats to give away!

The cookie swap is one of my favorite reasons to get-together. Whether it’s with friends, family, co-workers, or neighbors, it’s a great excuse to bake my favorite cookies and come home with so much more!

When we asked on our Facebook page for our fans’ favorite cookie recipes, one fan mentioned Jam Thumbprints (a classic). I always bake sugar cookies for my nieces and nephews because they love all the decorations (like sprinkles) I add to them.

Here are 5 more simple and delicious cookie ideas for your holiday cookie swap:…

5 Easy Dishes to Make with Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

November 25, 2011 by Andrea Chan-Diliberto

Every Thanksgiving, there are traditions that I love. Getting together with friends and family and watching the Macy’s parade go by are amongst my favorites.

But my absolute favorite part about Thanksgiving is the food and especially the leftovers! (It’s like having Thanksgiving all over again!)

Chef Floyd Cardoz enjoys making turkey stock and a turkey casserole with his Thanksgiving leftovers. I keep it simple and make sandwiches to take to work….