In Europe, the surge in food and beverage is not created from hours and hours of kitchen preparation; the trending indulgence is for popular caviar and Champagne. Caviar bars are everywhere. Caviar bars are even in the major department stores. … Continue reading →

I grew up with community fund raisers. My Dad, annually, was the Chef at the local non-profit Pancake Breakfast. My family has always consisted of early risers and an autumn breakfast featuring Maple syrup, molasses or fruit syrup is guaranteed … Continue reading →

It’s the extra touches that provide visual appeal and make food appetizing. If one simply slides a cooked turkey onto a platter, the bird is plain. If one places a turkey onto a platter and surrounds the rim of the … Continue reading →

I love chilly mornings. The temperature is invigorating. Some of my fondest memories are of my grandparents’ kitchen and the first impact of heat rising from the stove. Breakfast starts the day with a bang, if you are enthusiastic. A … Continue reading →

I love an autumn picnic. It allows for inspirational pleasure just prior to the holiday intensity. Pack a canvas with some paint and paintbrushes to absorb the flush of rustic hues or pack some Christmas stationery to catch up at … Continue reading →

When we consider pairing, food and wine are envisioned. For centuries, European pairing of fruit and fromage (cheese) have been skillfully combined, too. Some cheese tastes better with certain fruit. For example, a pear tart will be greatly enhanced with … Continue reading →

Halloween can inspire culinary creativity. It’s a time to have fun with food. Eggs are so versatile. I recommend boiled eggs with silly fun faces to engage the harvest time creativity for all ages. The boiled eggs can be propped … Continue reading →

The rustling of autumn leaves encourages us to nestle into our homes with invigorating cups of tea. There are many flavors and brews that sooth the palate. Classics are predictable; so, I like to create some colorful delights. Fill your … Continue reading →

Pumpkin patches showcase agriculture’s artful bright hues with autumn’s finest orange tones. Some of my favorite memories include taking our daughter to the local fund raising pumpkin patch so that she could adopt a pumpkin. Many exciting family moments are … Continue reading →

As autumn falling leaves gather momentum, the intensity of cheering for one’s favorite football team increases. The most perfect thing for the moment is to create shots of Beer Cheese Soup! It fits the moment and it fits the autumn … Continue reading →

Musical rehearsal sessions at our home are filled with cello and piano duets and across the world those vital practice sessions are dedicated to increasing the repertoires of those talented. Our musical gatherings usually include a small group of friends … Continue reading →

Tex-Mex cooking mixes the wholesome fusion of south of the Rio Grande River Valley with the southern heritage south of Austin, Texas. As a 6th generation Texan, I have been cooking this style of food my entire life. To derive … Continue reading →

As with wine, many teas are named by the region of origin. For example, Ceylon tea is from a region which is now Sri Lanka and was formerly Ceylon. Darjeeling tea is named from that region in India. Lapsang souchong … Continue reading →

School is back in session but work schedules and school schedules may deplete quality family dining time. One answer is to share lunch themes so that the dinner conversation progresses into a meaningful exchange. Students can easily relate to themes. … Continue reading →

There is nothing like a last hurrah before school begins. A classic fish fry can be made vastly more entertaining by offering beer-battered Cod fish, vegetable tempura and chicken taquitos with a beer pairing. This event design presents three styles … Continue reading →