Here are some fun and creative recipes to enliven your July festivities. Pigs in blankets—hot dogs wrapped in puff pastry—add a delicious gourmet touch to the common hot dog in a bun. For those in a red, white and blue state of mind—the fruit kebabs and potato salad will be sure to please. To make [...]
It’s grilling season—time to cook outdoors, to smell the flowers and enjoy the sunshine. Here are two great recipes to add to your repertoire of outdoor cuisine. Chicken kebabs with a honey mustard sauce is delicious accompanied with vegetable kebabs and served over a bed of Israeli couscous. To ensure success, make sure that the [...]
Here’s a tasty, fun and colorful recipe for salmon cakes with a melon salsa that may get some of your most finicky fish eaters on board. What I love about this recipe is its versatility and simplicity. For those who find salmon too strong, you can substitute a milder whitefish such as cod or halibut. [...]
It is spring and we are delighted to observe life renewing itself in the little green shoots pushing their way up through the soil, in the incipient buds on the trees and bushes, in the newborn baby animals. Here in Essex Fells, some of us may even be fortunate enough to spot a newborn fawn [...]
They say that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Although all bets are off for many more cold days in March with this winter being one of the warmest on record, we may yet have one of those cold and blustery days days where we are craving some stick [...]
On February 14, we celebrate Valentine’s Day. It is a day for lovers and sweethearts, but also a fun day for children and family. Valentine’s Day traditions abound. We exchange cards and small gifts, chocolate, candy, jewelry, and flowers. Since I like to bake, my favorite Valentine’s Day endeavor is preparing a heart-shaped cake. Below [...]
It is day number two after our historic Trick or Treat Snowstorm on October 29, and there is still no power here on Fells Road. The only functioning appliance in my house is my trusty 30-year-old gas powered oven and I am baking up a storm (no pun intended). I had mixed up some cookie [...]
Thanksgiving is the quintessential American holiday enjoyed and celebrated by all Americans. It is a time when we gather with family and friends to share precious time together and partake of a sumptuous meal. To enhance your Thanksgiving feast with your family, I’ve provided recipes for Roast Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole. Happy Thanksgiving! [...]
Pumpkin or pecan? That is the question. I adore both pies and when I can’t decide which to bake, I make one pie with a layer each of pumpkin and pecan, and a whole new taste sensation is born. The pumpkin layer is delicately spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, while the pecan layer incorporates maple [...]
Here’s a recipe that will chase away the fruit salad doldrums. The kitchen smells heavenly as the pears simmer in their poaching liquid, redolent of vanilla bean, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and Amaretto. I like to serve the compote accompanied by biscotti or meringues.