March 2017

When I started my blog, I had no intention of voicing political views.  So this will likely be my first and only post referring to anything political.  I strongly believe everyone is entitled to their opinion, whatever that may be.  But “Dump” cookies are delicious; I’m no fan of Trump; and the rhyme is too […]

My husband is not a cook. He will, however, if asked, make a dish or meal without hesitation and often rather enthusiastically. He will often return from a trip to the grocery store with a vast assortment of condiments and pickled products and, if we are lucky, the complete ingredients for whatever recipe he decides […]

I did not grow up eating this, my husband did; I ate pot roast.  Short ribs are a cut of beef taken from the brisket, chuck, plate, or rib areas of a cow. In essence, they are the short portion of the rib bone, which varies in thickness.  Short ribs come in two ways: (1) […]

The timeless allure of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies traces back to early 20th-century America. These chewy, comforting treats have been gracing cookie jars for generations, embodying a perfect blend of heartiness and sweetness. These are hands-down a family favorite and I am confident that will never change. I have elevated the classic recipe with a […]

Everyone needs a good basic waffle recipe on hand for Sunday mornings.  Buttermilk waffles, the epitome of breakfast indulgence, owe their magic to a tangy, creamy secret: buttermilk. This acidic marvel not only imparts a subtle tang but also tenderizes the batter, resulting in irresistibly light and fluffy waffles. Buttermilk’s Brilliance The acidity in buttermilk […]

My first job out of culinary school was working as a line chef; it was a position for which I was vastly unqualified at the time.  On my second day, I learned that they did not have a pastry chef.  Although I was hired as a saucier (responsible for the meats, fish, and sauces) I was […]

My younger son, Noah, has always been a fish fan.  At one point, I thought I had a pescatarian (someone who eats fish but not meat) on my hands.  Thankfully, I don’t–I say that only because my other son is a huge carnivore and will not eat fish.  Fortunately, Noah eats almost everything, but he […]

General rule, cakes need to be trimmed before frosting.  This is especially important if you are making a layer cake of any kind.  It is not your fault when you bake a cake, it does not come out of the oven with uniform height: one part may bulge, or some other part may sink, Making it […]

Since I was a young kid, I have always enjoyed artichokes.  I liked them because, unlike everything else I ate, they did not require a fork (and the melted butter too!).  Now I make artichokes often.  My kids now enjoy them for the very same reasons.   It was not until I was a grown-up that I learned […]

A good classic homemade tomato sauce is the cornerstone of countless culinary creations. Its essence lies in the quality of the tomatoes. Ripe, flavorful tomatoes bring a natural sweetness and depth that no store-bought version can match. Good quality canned tomatoes or ripe fresh tomatoes are the heart and soul of any tomato sauce. Their […]