This week keeps the tradition of “Groundhog’s Day.” If the groundhog sees his shadow, the prediction is that 6 more weeks of winter weather will occur. If, on February 2, he does not see his shadow then the prediction is … Continue reading →

This week marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year – the Year of the Dragon. Many of the food selections utilized during the New Year holiday represent our comforts in life such as prosperity, longevity and good luck. Fish, … Continue reading →

January gives us an opportunity to get excited about life. With winter’s dim light, the mid-January season creates a need for the artistic spectrum of bright colors to showcase the table. Let your home entertaining glow with stimulating colors by … Continue reading →

It’s the playoff season. Cheer with an entertaining “sports” menu. Texas Queso Dip 32 oz. Velveeta Cheese, melted in microwave 3/4 of a 10 oz. can of Rotel® tomatoes 3/4 of a 15 oz. can of chili Mix well and … Continue reading →

Start the year with a gathering of neighbors and friends. The New Year is energized with exciting brunch concepts. Try these exciting worldly culinary concepts: Explore The Earth Florentine, Salmon and Avocado Tower, Eggs Benedict, Water Chestnuts Wrapped in Bacon, … Continue reading →

The light of friendship burns bright with our many talented friends who, like us, love to wine and dine. Our evergreen tree of friends includes, Ralph and Phyllis Ruiz who have touched our lives and made our lives better this … Continue reading →

The Loft household has been a flurry of busy elves with cooking glitz, decorating sparkle and Jingle-Bella. That’s right, Jingle-Bella. Bella, the family dog – a Weimaraner, has supervised every aspect of the package wrapping, home for the holidays decor … Continue reading →

Whether the student is a youngster or a scholar returning home from college, the moments spent at home during this season can create meaningful memories. I recommend a Christmas Tea. Tea’s warmth waits patiently for us when we are weary … Continue reading →

Holiday parties are food events! Entertain with French style for creativity and inspiration. Guests will be enchanted with a French pâtisserie called a Croquembouche. This glorious towering pastry design incorporates an abundance of round cream puffs into a cone shape … Continue reading →

It’s time to celebrate the organized week to have more time to “Deck the Halls.” Planning ahead helps take pressure off. Throughout the year and especially this week, I tend to cook more than one meal on Sunday. The versatility … Continue reading →

Thanksgiving gives us a moment to show gratefulness for the bounty of our food. Stylish presentation not only enhances the table setting but an imaginative presentation will add excitement to the meal. I always try very hard to create an … Continue reading →

Some of my fondest memories are those that evoke the images of time spent with my grandparents. Their homegrown vegetables and fruits taught me canning skills. More importantly, I learned that agricultural cycles were inexplicitly intertwined with my family’s sense … Continue reading →

This week we salute our American veterans with Veterans’ Day. It is also National Split Pea Soup Week. Create a teachable moment for youngsters and honor those who helped to preserve our freedoms with a family-style meal. Enjoy of menu … Continue reading →

Halloween and harvest parties abound. For a fun dish of “Mole in the Hole” Try mixing 1 cup of Mahatma uncooked rice into your favorite meatloaf recipe (per 1 lb. of ground beef) and then shape the meat into multiple … Continue reading →