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.
Here’s a fun, simple, kid friendly recipe that should help to get everyone in the back to school spirit. Older children can help to measure and mix up the ingredients in the mixer, while the little ones can add the ingredients and help to fold in the nuts and chocolate chips. They can all get [...]
Caponata is a classic Sicilian eggplant relish. It has a delightful medley of flavors—sweet and sour, salty and nutty--and is refreshing and delicious especially when it is served during the hot and hazy days of summer. There are as many variations of this dish as there are cooks and recipes may include such ingredients as [...]
What a great experience it was to work with Bud when my Patriotic Cake was featured on the cover of Essex Fells Magazine in July 2011! It made me realize how very fortunate we are to reside in the beautiful, bucolic borough of Essex Fells and to be a citizen of the USA—the greatest country [...]
June is upon us! We’re in high spring with summer just around the corner. It’s time to fire up the grills! Here’s a recipe for grilled chicken paillard that may very well become your go-to recipe for grilling season. Paillard is a technique that involves flattening or pounding the chicken cutlets until they are very thin. [...]