I recently learned that chai tea, which has been having its moment in the West and elsewhere, has been the most popular beverage in India for some time, and has played an important part in many other cultures.  Chai, which means “tea” in Hindi, is derived from tea leaves believed to have originated in the […]

There’s no hiding it, I love French food.  I’ve taken three trips to Paris in my life.  And I can tell you I ate my way through the city, always leaving wanting more.  The last two trips came after I studied at the French Culinary Institute, now known as The International Culinary Center, which left me […]

Jacques Pépin is my featured Changemaker this month. Chef Pépin is also a living legend, an icon, and a hero of mine and thus I am posting about him on my first blogging anniversary. For the few who don’t know, he is one of the most celebrated and well-respected French chefs of all time. Pépin […]

My husband is not shy about expressing his love of fish cakes.  Since the first time I made my cod cakes, he was hooked.  My younger son (the fish lover) quickly followed in his father’s footsteps.  When I mentioned that I was developing a new fish cake recipe, eyes widened, and there was excitement in […]

A New Year and, with it, new ideas. This is my first post in what will be my special featured series this year titled “Changemakers.” Our country, our world actually, is a bit of a mess. The news these days seems to be riddled with political chaos, hatred, violence, and discrimination as well as a […]

Who does not love ranch dressing? Ok, some out there don’t, I’m sure, but it can’t be many. Ranch is one of the most popular salad dressings out there. It is also a popular dip for vegetables, and even for mozzarella sticks if you are my thirteen years old son. Where did this popular dressing […]

A moist, fluffy, sweet caramel apple upside-down cake is simple but delicious.  It’s also the perfect treat to make on a cold winter weekend. Some things in life need little explaining; this is one of them. My preference for cake over pie is no secret. But this is a nice mix of the two. Sweet, […]

Madeleine is the name of my niece whom I adore. It is also the name of one of my favorite French sweet treats.  By definition, a Madeleine (or petite Madeleine) is a traditional small cake from the northeast region of France.  Often referred to as a cookie in the United States, Madeleines are very small […]

Beef Bourguignon is a classic French dish that will forever remind me of culinary school. French for “Burgundy beef,” this is a rich well-known, French meat stew.  A simple food in many ways, the dish is flavored with garlic, onions, carrots, and herbs.  There is nothing all that fancy about this dish, but it’s wonderful. […]

I love blondies. There, I’ve said it. Blondies are awesome and no, I’m not just saying that because I’m blonde.  Similar to a cookie, but softer and even more irresistible, if it’s a really good one. Trust me, these blondies are really good ones and have proven that tinkering in the kitchen can sometimes lead […]

Vegetable stir-fry is one of the easiest vegetable side dishes out there.  By mixing different vegetable flavors and textures, you undoubtedly get a more interesting side dish.  What I also love about a good vegetable stir-fry is that almost any vegetable can work, so it is super easy to adapt to the likes and dislikes of […]

Smooth and refined deliciousness. The Sazerac, credited as being one of the first true cocktails, is a New Orleans take on a traditional rye cocktail. The Federation puts a further spin on the Sazerac.  The combination of Anejo tequila instead of rye mixed with creme de cacao leads to a sweeter, richer, cocktail with a […]

Pasta is an incredible thing.  I love that there are a million ways to make the same type of pasta taste quite different.  And if I am being honest, I could eat pasta every day.  I could live in Italy and eat homemade pasta for every meal.  But neither of those options is reasonable.  When […]

Have you ever had Lillet?  If the answer is no, you’ve been missing out. Pronounced “li’ leh,” it is a French aperitif created in 1887 by Paul and Raymon Lillet from Podensac, just outside of the Bordeaux region in France.  Lillet, considered a “tonic wine” (or quinquina), is a blend of 85% Bordeaux region wines and […]

Let’s talk about chickpeas and how awesome they are.  My older son eats them straight up, a habit he picked up from me.  Also called garbanzo beans, these babies are not only delicious, they are packed with protein and vitamins. Although most people think of them as a vegetable, chickpeas are a legume with a slightly […]