We’ve already talked about how much I love store bought puff pastry for its short cutting ways in the kitchen.  And I’d like you to know I feel very much the same way about store bought rotisserie chicken.  I’m unashamed to admit that I can’t […]

It’s no secret among my friends and family that I love champagne.  Something about the flutes and the bubbles just make me happy.  So champagne cocktails feel extra celebratory, and I’m always on board. The French 75 is about as classic a champagne cocktail you […]

Ready to add a fancy dinner party dessert to your at home cooking repertoire?  Let me introduce you to one of the easiest and prettiest fancy desserts you’ll ever make:  red wine poached pears.  Doesn’t it just sound like you should be eating it at […]

As far as entertaining goes, I’m going to contest there is literally nothing more crowd pleasing than melty cheese with some sort of dipping mechanism.  Tell me about your favorite appetizers – they almost all have melted cheese in them in some fashion. One of […]

Picture yourself walking around Paris, taking in all the sights and sounds of the city.  You start to get tired so you walk into a nearby cafe or brasserie – one of the ones with small tables and chairs squeezed together all facing the street.  […]

Can we all take a moment to agree that store bought puff pastry is one of the best baking shortcuts you can have as a home cook?  It’s my secret weapon for both appetizers and desserts, and it’s the main reason why these lovely sweetly […]

Things that are hearty and cozy and feel like home:  this rich slow cooked Italian beef recipe.  This meal reminds me of football Saturday and of family gatherings.  On cold winter days few things sound more satisfying than this Italian beef.  And this is coming […]