The Moscow Mule has been around for a long time, since 1941 to be exact, but has become increasingly trendy in recent years.  A relatively simple drink made with vodka, spicy ginger beer, and lime juice, it is garnished with a slice of lime and typically is served in a squat copper mug.  To be […]

Granola is like candy to me, I seriously love the stuff, but only when it is freshly made and not too sweet.  There are a few great things about making your granola.  Despite what people think, it is straightforward to do and it is extremely adaptable.  Store-bought granola is always so sweet and, to me, […]

Ropa vieja is considered comfort food.  I can see why.  I first had ropa vieja on the Upper West Side of Manhattan at La Caridad.  This traditional Spanish dish, which translates to “old clothes,” is so named because the shredded meat looks torn, like old clothing. Prepared like a stew, the primary flavors–tomato, beef, pepper, […]

Strawberry-orange quick jam is the perfect thing to do with all those berries you just picked with your kids or with leftover fruit you bought from the market that may not get eaten. This is a super easy summer cooking project that your kids could probably do by themselves.  I say let them try. This […]

Squash blossoms are delicious and one of my favorite special treats. Technically, they are edible flowers produced by the zucchini.  They are highly perishable, ideally consumed the day they are picked, and thus you are more likely to see them early in the day at a farmer’s market than at a supermarket. These flowers can […]

A pink Paloma is a truly fabulous drink and thankfully I found it. Very little is known about the true historical origins of this tequila-based Mexican favorite, but it is a great, refreshing alternative to a margarita.   Whether you are a tequila lover or not, a pink Paloma is a sweet, sour, salty, slightly […]

There is nothing more delicious than summer peas and I could probably eat fresh summer peas with mint yogurt every day.  I will admit, I never liked peas growing up, mainly because they were always served so mushy.  My oldest son went through a very long 5-year period where peas were the only vegetable he […]

Updated Recipe] This updated recipe uses frozen Açaí puree as it is now more readily available than the powder. In the world of breakfast bliss, few delights rival the vibrant allure of an Açaí smoothie bowl. Bursting with antioxidants and flavor, this Brazilian superfood has taken the culinary world by storm and shows no sign […]

People often ask me what I miss about the East Coast, and New York City in particular. I have various answers including friends and family, the perfect everything bagel (West Coast bakers take note: everything bagels include salt!), the cultural diversity of NYC, great Chinese food, the amazing energy, and I would also add this: the […]

Post-holiday, an energy power bite may be just what we all need.  I read an article recently referring to trendy, nutrient-packed energy bars and bites referred to as “renewable energy.”  I like that: it’s catchy and on point.  My previous blog about Protein Power Bites was so popular, that I felt a follow-up was due, […]

If you are looking for the perfect summer pie, I have you covered, this bluebarb pie is a must.  The Fourth of July is the quintessential Yankee holiday and a large part of this patriotic celebration is food.  From burgers to pie, we celebrate by eating various national classics. Pi Day, which is a new(ish) […]

Many people are fearful of making their own dough for pies and tarts, so don’t be.  Pâte brisée is a French term referring to a type of shortcrust pastry used in various sweet and savory dishes. It is a versatile dough known for its delicate, crumbly texture and buttery flavor. The name “pâte brisée” translates […]

Everyone should know how to make a great cheese board.  I love cheese, I always have and I always will.  It is my guilty pleasure.  To this day, I will order it over dessert in a heartbeat.  What can I say: we are who we are.  My older son is the same.  Even without trying, […]

Wrapping up a great trip to Alaska, I thought the salty dog cocktail was an appropriate post–not only because I love dogs, but because I got to visit the well-known Salty Dawg Saloon in Homer.  Located on the breathtakingly beautiful Homer Spit, the Salty Dawg is a historically famous building and one of the first […]

This is my go-to coffee cake. It is easy to make, contains few ingredients, and never disappoints.  The secret ingredient in this basic recipe is the old-school ingredient, Bisquick. Growing up, my mom used Bisquick to make dumplings, which she put in her homemade chicken soup.  My older sister reintroduced me to Bisquick several years […]