A culinary professional for more than 25 years,  Susan is at home in the kitchen, on the cooking stage or in front of the camera-stirring up exciting recipes, innovative meals and creative new twists on favorite foods. In her television appearances and food writing, Susan has showcased some of Amercia’s foremost culinary brands including:

• Avocados from Mexico
• Bertolli
• Duncan Hines
• Eggland Eggs
• Farm Rich
• Hellmann’s Mayonnaise

Cocktail of the Month–PEOPLE COUNTRY – Oct. 2010

Blueberry Açai Mojito

Makes 1 serving

Hands-on time: 5 min.   Total time: 5 min.

Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 fresh mint sprigs
• 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Crushed ice
• 2 1/2 ounces açai liqueur or berry açai vodka
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• Club soda
• Garnish: fresh mint sprig

Directions:

1. Place mint leaves, blueberries and sugar in a highball glass; crush ingredients using the back of a sturdy spoon until sugar dissolves.
2. Fill glass with crushed ice. Add liqueur and lime juice; stir well.  Stir in club soda; garnish with a fresh mint sprig. Serve immediately.

<Adapted from AVA Lounge Room, 210 West 55th Street, New York, New York 10019>

Who wants to cook when it’s scorching hot?    Inspired by a recent trip to Whole Foods Market, this quick cool salad packs fiber, protein and fresh, fresh flavor..

 Southwestern  Couscous Salad

Serves: 4-6

 1/2 cup whole wheat couscous

3/4 cup water

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

3 tbsp.  lime juice

1 tsp. chili powder

1 (15-oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 tomato, finely chopped

1 small red bell pepper, chopped

1 cup fresh corn kernels (from 2 ears corn)

 Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in couscous; cover and remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes; fluff with afork.  Toss couscous with remaining ingredients in a large bowl.

Spike your next party dessert with a little tequila- here’s a beautiful recipe for Tequila Lime Coconut Macaroon Bars…

Grill a Cilantro Flank Steak- a great summer recipe. Serve with Classic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes.  Details on my Recipes page…enjoy!

Susan’s cooking expertise–coupled with  her career in print, TV and digital media–brings her recipes and food ideas to life. Susan is Food Editor for People Country magazine and a culinary personality representing Southern Living magazine on the nationally syndicated TV show “Daytime“.  She shines in a variety of roles:

• Brand Representative
• Culinary Spokesperson
• Recipe Developer and Editor
• Cookbook Publisher
• Culinary Project Manager
• Food Stylist
• Media Personality
• Cooking School Teacher
• Satellite Media Tour Host
• Culinary Radio Guest
• Entertaining and Party Expert