I never went pumpkin picking as a child; and I certainly never had Purée of Pumpkin Soup. By the time I had children, schools were taking whole classes to pumpkin patches. My grandchildren go with school and also with their parents. They always seem to pick the largest pumpkin they […]
I love chocolate and I love brownies. I especially love the crisp edges that form on the edge of the pan — which is why I was so excited to find out about Brownie Brittle! Now, instead of having to bake a whole tray of brownies for a few bites […]
Tofu with Orange Glaze is an example of treating my vegetarian/vegan guests to flavors that are the same as what I’m serving my carnivores. Once you press all the moisture out of the Extra Firm Tofu, it develops a chewiness and is able to absorb whatever sauce you choose to […]
Grandma Jeannie and Annie Mae’s Tzimmis is the name of this recipe. I refer to it this way because my Grandma Jeannie taught Annie Mae, who cared for our family for 60 years, how to prepare it. I find it fascinating that a recipe that originated in Hataivich was handed […]
This week, I joined two friends at Marani, located in Rego Park, NY. I found it to be quite a cool eating spot. The dining room is low key; yet there are linen napkins. Ana, the owner, is welcoming and helpful as are the rest of the staff. While the menu […]
Sometimes you just have a yen to go out and have a delicious steak. Prime Grill, located midtown in NYC can satisfy that need. I went on Open Table and got one of the last two tables in a packed dining room on a Wednesday night. The main area is […]
I first tasted Watermelon Pickles at one of my Mother’s elegant dinner parties. I was a child fascinated by what the cook was creating. She placed a circle of watermelon rind on a round piece of bread and topped it with goat cheese. It was amazing! It was only as […]
The combination of oranges, strawberries and fresh coconut is called Ambrosia. This word refers to the “nectar of the Gods” in Greek mythology. It is aptly named, although Ambrosia has its origins in the South! The natural juices from the fruits combined with the mellow flavor of fresh coconut is […]
Saganaki is actually the name of the traditional skillet in which you fry the cheese. Wikipedia tells us that fried cheese began in Cairo during the Middle Ages and was popular through the time of the Otttoman occupation. Since then, country after country has put their own spin on this […]
I love mashed potatoes. Actually, I love all potatoes; but I’m talking about mashed here. I find that I make mashed potatoes most often when I’m serving meat; consequently, I don’t add butter, milk or cream to the potatoes. Olive oil is my “go to” for a little healthy fat […]