snack food

A Hungarian snacking tray or “hidegtál” (as it’s called in Hungary), is a cold plate similar to an Italian antipasti plate. A hidegtál can consist of whatever is in your pantry or whatever the chef feels like adding. A snacking tray is, for the most part, a charcuterie board, cheese board, and vegetable board all in one. […]

The first time I had spinach dip was in college and it was served in a large hollowed-out bread bowl. It was not healthy food by any means, but I can admit it, the whole thing was delicious. But that was in the Midwest, I don’t see many bread bowls being served in Northern Cal. […]

My entire family is addicted to Chinese food.  For my husband and me, it’s just in our blood after growing up in NYC. We grew up eating crispy Peking duck served with fluffy pancakes; dumplings of all varieties; and perfectly browned, crispy scallion pancakes. Our older son was born in NY and being that I was […]

Not surprisingly, I know a few chefs.  Most are in NYC.  One I met almost 20 years ago when we began working together as culinary instructors.  We became instant friends and despite the distance between us, we have remained close.  Rian has a lovable Southern background with a great New York attitude. He is quick, […]

These yummy little homemade soft pretzel bites were something I created for my older son.  He LOVES pretzels, soft pretzels in particular.  I can’t blame him really, I do as well and I have since I was a kid.  A salted pretzel from a NYC hotdog cart in the city is still a special thing. […]