Archive for January 2023
THE ULTIMATE HOT CHOCOLATE
Any hot chocolate aficionado knows that THE best hot chocolate was created at Angelina in Paris. It is a wildly decadent concoction made with 72% bittersweet chocolate that seems like you are drinking a melted candy bar. A little goes a long way and the quality of the chocolate is critical. I’ve done a…
Read MoreNOTHING SAYS “I LOVE YOU” LIKE CHOCOLATE
As we drag ourselves through the depths of winter, another Valentine’s Day has come along to lift our spirits. Yes, it’s a great time to let loved ones know they are loved, but if you really want to prove it, chocolate needs to be involved. I’m not talking about a box of See’s Candies…
Read MoreLAMB AND SAUSAGE CASSOULET
Every winter I make a rich, decadent cassoulet at least once. This classic French dish filled with pork, duck confit, sausage, and beans is so hearty and filling that a big pot can feed the entire neighborhood. I make it all from scratch with a little help from my husband. He confits the duck…
Read MoreMUSHROOM RISOTTO
It’s a tough time of year for fresh vegetables. Other than those grown in a hothouse, we’re deep into root vegetable season. I have great respect for potatoes and parsnips, but sometimes I just want something different. Enter the mushroom. Thankfully those delightful fungi can be harvested all-year-round. One of my favorite ways to…
Read MoreBAKED BRIE BOULE
Are you looking for an easy, impressive dish for cocktail hour? Here’s a fun idea that looks great and is fun to eat. The whole idea is to pre-cut the boule so that your guests can easily tear off pieces and dip them into the luscious melted cheese. It’s hard to resist! INGREDIENTS 1…
Read MoreTHE TRAUMA OF MOO GOO GAI PAN
Of all my childhood memories, the ones that really stick fascinate me. One of my most vivid recollections revolved around my family’s weekly Sunday night ritual of eating Chinese food. Most of the time we ordered takeout and I often went with my dad to pick up the food. It was a short drive…
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