The Cinco De Mayo celebration is most festive and colorful. Music, dancing and flavorful food makes the camaraderie more special. I recommend cooking a friatta to enjoy during Cinco De Mayo Day. It is so easy to prepare. Boil 1 … Continue reading →

One of our favorite places to travel is enchanting Venice. Its waterways are intriguing, its architecture is fascinating, its artisans are gifted and its cuisine is world-famous. Quaint cafes are tucked into narrow alley ways. Arched bridges link the exploring … Continue reading →

Baskets are charming representations of holding the things that we enjoy. Hand-woven styles and colors are interesting and artful. Baskets that hold food presentations are most special. During the Easter holiday, I like to carve small watermelon baskets for each … Continue reading →

Sometimes the best gatherings have no silverware. Hors d’oeuvres are mostly eaten with our hands. Lamb ribs can be enjoyed without utensils. One of my favorite hands-on food is an artichoke. Artichokes create a fun dining experience. Try my recipe … Continue reading →

Spring greens initiate a salad spectrum. Salads are healthy, refreshing, colorful and versatile. The preparation is fast and the selections are vast. There is an abundance of variety of greens including Boston Bibb, romaine, “Living Lettuce”, classic Iceberg, arugula, endive, … Continue reading →

The freshness of spring is greatly enhanced by fresh colorful cuisine. Contrasting the colors of green and red present appetizing combinations. Spring is here and bland is out. So, flavor up and spectrum up! Enjoy my colorful and flavorful Springtime … Continue reading →

Simplistic planning can be the most fun. Host an improvisational garden gathering with the neighbors as spring showcases its flora. Our double pink Kwanzan cherry tree is in full-bloom! Its pink petals announce spring’s youthful vigor. This weekend we hosted … Continue reading →

This week marks the annual St. Patrick’s celebration and the luck of the Irish. Ireland is known for its lush green rolling hills and its specialty cuisine. One of my favorite condiments to serve with our St. Patrick’s day supper … Continue reading →

Eggs represent new beginnings and are explicitly linked to spring. Children love the colorful tradition of spring Easter egg decorating. Other than our traditional chicken eggs, options include Bantam chicken varieties such as Cuckoo Marans or Cochin eggs. Quail and … Continue reading →

Papillon is French for butterfly. As spring approaches, we yearn for those bright colors and mornings filled with sunshine. Butterfly culinary designs are easy to create and evoke the pleasure of light-heartedness. Salad butterflies are easily created with slices of … Continue reading →

Shapes are impacting and culinary spheres turn an ordinary dish into appetizing grandeur. The most simplistic are melon balls consisting of seedless bite-size rounds of cantaloupe, watermelon or honeydew melon. These spheres colorfully enhance any starter, salad, cheese plate or … Continue reading →

Symbols and mascots have represented clans, nations, leagues and teams for centuries. Could the source of symbolic admiration have started in caves adorned with primitive art skills, have had its beginnings as idealist armor for strength or have begun as … Continue reading →

Valentine creativity, inspired by tradition, can spark togetherness – the theme is everything. For example, “Fire and Ice” can be enhanced with Masala tea shots infused with pepper and frozen berry slush drinks. “Think Pink” with cotton candy cones and … Continue reading →

We all long for moments of culinary grandeur. Grandeur may imply complicated; however, there are many dishes that evoke splendid style without complications. Such is the case with my Hallelujah Artichokes. Artichokes can be shared or served to each individual. … Continue reading →

Whether it is Game Day or a Gather the Gang Day, insalata platters are spectrum enhancers of flavorful bursts and sumptuous taste pleasers. Let the anti-pasta colors of fresh vegetables brighten your winter table. For these color wheels of non-pasta … Continue reading →