Recent Posts

2007 Masperla Priorat

March 3, 2013January 18, 2017

I had wine for dinner tonight. There is a nip in the Orlando air (tonight's low is 38 degrees, practically arctic for Central Florida) and I was in the mood for a big red. Tonight's Priorat perfectly fit the bill... Priorat is a pretty famous wine region in Spain specializing... Read More

Recipe Soups and Stews

Chicken Noodle Soup

February 26, 2013January 18, 2017 chicken, Mains, soup

I've got a cold today. Nothing serious, just a little sniffle and a scratchy throat. But the moment I feel sickness coming on, I turn to good old chicken noodle soup. Nothing else will do. There is actual scientific evidence that proves that chicken soup is good for the cold.... Read More

Pinot Noir Tasting USA Wine

Anthony Road 2010 Pinot Noir

February 25, 2013January 18, 2017

It was in the Finger Lakes (outside of Rochester, NY) where I first discovered I liked wine. New York wine is not easily found here in Florida, so I snatched up several bottles in New York City this Christmas at Chelsea Wine Vault. I've been a very big fan... Read More

Mains Recipe

Sunday Dinner, Quick Brined Pork Chops and Roasted Kabocha Squash

February 25, 2013January 18, 2017 Mains, pork, squash

For a very long time, I did not like porkchops, they were dry and tough and about as appetizing as shoe leather. Then I had brined pork chops, and my perception of them took a 180. Now they are succulent and juicy and the perfect canvas for any set of... Read More

Breads and Baking Recipe

Sandwich Bread – Make or Buy?

February 24, 2013January 18, 2017 baking, bread

Sandwich bread is one of those staples (like eggs and milk) that I always try to have in the house. From morning toast, to a quick PB&J, it's just good to have bread around. So recently, when I reached for a loaf at the grocery store, I hesitated. I've been... Read More

How To Pasta

Homemade Pesto – Easiest Meal Ever

February 21, 2013July 24, 2017 cheese, herbs, Italian, Mains, nuts, pasta, pesto

I love homemade pesto, and what an easy dinner it makes. Put a pot of water on to boil, and by the time your pasta is done, the sauce is made and you are eating. I came home starving tonight, and I wanted to get dinner on the table as... Read More

How To

The Canelé Quest

February 20, 2013January 11, 2017 baking, caneles, sweets

A canelé (or cannelé) is a little french pastry I've heard very aptly described as crème brûlée in a bite sized cake. Well, they aren't actually cakes (although some people consider the mini ones petit fours), but they are more solid than a custard. They originate from the Bordeaux region of... Read More

How To Soups and Stews

My take on ribollita, a hearty Italian soup

February 18, 2013January 11, 2017

I love all kinds of soup. There is just something so comforting about a big steaming bowl in front of you. Especially when that something is a bowl of hearty ribollita soup. In case you aren't familiar with it, ribollita is a famous Tuscan soup, with main ingredients being beans,... Read More

How To

Can you use store-bought liquid egg whites in macarons? My first attempt.

February 18, 2013January 11, 2017 baking, cookies, macarons, sweets

I am breaking the rules today. If you are like me, every time you make macarons you have to figure out what to do with all those leftover egg yolks. There are entire blogs dedicated to just that question. Yes, I've made pasta and custards and carbonara, but come on,... Read More

Breads and Baking Recipe Snacks

Homemade Soft Pretzels

February 18, 2013January 11, 2017 baking, bread, pretzels, snacks

My husband loves soft pretzels. When I started baking, it was the first thing he requested I make. I needed an easy and foolproof soft pretzel recipe, and I needed it fast. If there aren't soft pretzels currently in my house, he asks for them. Repeatedly. So much so that... Read More