The snowy blanket that tucked in Vermont’s Maple trees in for a winter sleep, treats us to the delightful bronze delight. Recently, Michael and I visited Brattleboro, Vermont. No visit is complete without tasting the sweetest gift that the State … Continue reading →

I like to welcome spring with good thoughts for others. I have been asked many times to conduct Board retreats for non-profit organizations. The retreats tend to increase participation and help to break down barriers amongst Board members. One technique … Continue reading →

When winter stages a temper tantrum, enjoy an at-home leisurely day. This is the kind of day in which you want to lounge in an old shirt to bundle up warm memories and seal out winter’s chill. My suggestion is … Continue reading →

When the aroma homemade candy fills the kitchen, smiles appear. My great-grandmother lived on acreage and didn’t have an opportunity to frequently run to the local store. She made her desserts with love. As a historical reference, she was in … Continue reading →

This week marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake for the Chinese New Year. Celebrations are highlighted with dancing and food. One of my favorite dishes is Moo Shu Chicken. It is flavorful and it is eaten with … Continue reading →

Mardi Gras, Carnival and Shrove Tuesday preparations are being formulated and the celebration season is underway. Each of these three event styles are highlighted on the Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday. This year, that date is Tuesday, February 12. Customs … Continue reading →

The simplicity of a pear salad during winter dining brings the bounty of fruit to the table — our special place to gather with our family and friends. Slice pears into linear halves and remove the center sections. Cut a … Continue reading →

We all enjoy a log fire but we can create edible logs too. When watching winter sports events, make food fun and appetizing by preparing sausage logs. Each is spicy and delicious. Kelly McBride Loft Sausage Logs In a mixing … Continue reading →

Ingenuity inspired from the kitchen has created implements to gather our families and friends around our kitchen or dining room tables. One of those inventions is called a samovar. The samovar’s peak popularity was during the late 19th century in … Continue reading →

When I think of the New Year ahead, I think of things that I wish to learn and places to see. It is that sense of adventure that sparks the desire to see the sunrise. Our kitchen tables can also … Continue reading →

It is a tradition to wish one another good luck for the New Year. Black-eyed peas represent good luck. Black-eyed peas can be cooked on the stove top or in a crock pot. I recommend putting a large slice of … Continue reading →

Christmas brings us together and a beautiful dessert will create lasting memories. Here is a Christmas poem that I wrote when remembering wonderful past Christmas moments: A whirl of fallen leaves stirs a distant Christmas memory As autumn wishes to … Continue reading →

Thoughtfully prepared and elaborately styled holiday hors d’oeuvres can be the signature to your holiday entertaining. Here are four recipes that are easy but impressive. Goat Cheese on Picks With gloves on, roll goat cheese into consistent size small balls. … Continue reading →

Train sets are a delight for all ages. Decorate the dessert buffet table with a train design. Fill the cars with sweet treats. The train can pass through a gingerbread village. Rum Truffles will easily fit into a toy train … Continue reading →

It is so much fun to decorate the Christmas tree. Vintage style trees can be decorated with strings of popcorn and cranberries. To carry the tree theme to the table, make plated asparagus trees. Cut cooked asparagus in graduating & … Continue reading →