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Cranberry Brie Bites are loaded with flavor, warmth, and all the holiday feels. Plus, they can be eaten in one bite, so it's perfect to have at a happy hour when you have a glass of wine in your hand. I recently made these for a holiday tea party, but the cranberry...
The Manhattan cocktail, a timeless and sophisticated classic, has been delighting cocktail enthusiasts for well over a century. Its rich history and balanced blend of flavors make it a go-to choice for those seeking a taste of old-world charm. In this post, we'll...
This recipe is tried and true - the best ginger cookie recipe I have ever used. I love the blend of ground ginger, cloves, and cinnamon in this recipe. It all creates a complex cookie that's not too sweet. The molasses and butter contribute to the chewy gooey goodness...
French Toast, a beloved breakfast classic, has been delighting taste buds for generations. Its golden-brown exterior, fluffy interior, and versatility make it a cherished morning ritual for many. In this post, we'll explore the dish's history, the core ingredients,...
These perfectly roasted potatoes are the best roasted potatoes I think I've ever had, or made. I cook them at a lower temperature for longer, to develop a crunchy, golden brown layer that looks almost like caramelized glass. The yukon gold potatoes give a creamy...
This Chicken Salad Recipe is a true kitchen essential, offering endless possibilities to cater to your taste preferences. Whether you crave extra crunch from celery, a hint of tart sweetness from apple, or a touch of curry for an exotic twist, this adaptable recipe...
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins have been on my mind for a while now. I finally had a few overripe bananas (see below on how overripe) so I could experiment with some recipes! It's been so rainy the past few weeks that I've been able to catch up on a few different...
Why Keller's Buttermilk Biscuits? This recipe is based on Thomas Keller's recipe from his incredible cookbook Ad Hoc at Home. When I was working as a consultant/Executive Chef starting up a restaurant, I put Keller's Sandwich on the menu, which was a monster fried...
Frosé. What could be a better signal of summer than that? It's refreshing, easy to drink (maybe a bit too easy?), and just straight delicious. Have you ever tried to make your own frosé? It's so easy! And if you're looking for a beverage to bring to a Memorial Day...
It's almost Memorial Day Weekend! Strawberry sorbet made from fresh strawberries is one of my favorite dessert components of all time. I love using this strawberry sorbet recipe for client dinners. The sweet and refreshing sorbet pairs so well with so many different...
I love tiramisu in all forms, but the classic combination of ladyfingers, chocolate, coffee, and custard is my favorite. This recipe deviates from the original by adding masala to the custard, and by soaking the ladyfingers in espresso and marsala rather than just...
Homemade ladyfingers are quite easy to make. To make things even easier, I take this recipe and spread it out onto a prepared 1/2 sheet tray. This way you don't need a piping bag or tip. You can cut squares using a knife, or cut with biscuit cutters to fit whatever...
Easy Pizza Dough? Is there really such a thing? Nancy Silverton talks in her Chef's Table episode about how she spent 10 years perfecting the Mozza Pizza Dough.... so can it really be easy? (PS if you haven't gone to Mozza in LA -- add it to your bucket list). While...
This is a classic cinnamon ice cream. Egg yolks and a mix of heavy cream and half and half make this rich and decadent. So I'm giving you the disclaimer now: if you're the type of person that likes the "light" or "fake" ice cream stuff -- go get some fro-yo. This...
If you're looking for an easy flourless chocolate cake recipe, look no further! This dense and fudgy cake is best served cold with a light dollop of sweetened whipped cream and fresh berries. A client of mine asked for this as an add-on to a wine tasting and tapas...
Sometimes I just crave a good, hearty fall kale salad. Do you? This salad is paleo-friendly, gluten-friendly, dairy-free, allium-free, and grain-free. Whew! That's a lot of "free's" If you want to spice up the salad - I won't be offended, see below for my...
Apple and Squash Soup means that fall is HERE y'all! I'm going to be honest with you for a minute. Soup gives me a bit of PTSD. Is that odd? Sous Chef Jobs Here's the deal though. When I was a Sous Chef at a restaurant (that shall remain nameless) I had to make two...
Sometimes you just need some classic beef chili. This is a no-frills, flavor-packed, delicious, old-school chili. Most importantly, this is the chili my mom taught me to make. I've adapted slightly and moved some of the steps around, but for the most part, it's the...
Calling all Cabernet lovers and wine aficionados alike! I recently experienced tasting the Vineyard 511 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon and I have to tell you about it. When my father-in-law asked what I thought of the wine, I told him that it was inspiring. As a wine...
6 Holiday Wine Picks at a variety of prices for any Holiday occasion you may find yourself at. From 98-point Chardonnays to Nebbiolo Rosés, and impeccable under $50 Cabernets!
In the enchanting region of Rioja, where winemaking is an art, a true gem shines brightly. The 2015 Special Edition Rioja from the esteemed Bodegas Casa Primicia Pensante. This wine is not just any Rioja. It has earned the coveted title of Wine Enthusiast's #1 Rioja...
Yep - Sekt. Today we're talking about Austria and Germany's response to Champagne, Sekt. So, Let's talk about all the good things and the bad things that may be. In the past, Sekt's reputation has been soiled as cheap (because there's a lot of poor Sekt wines made out...
French Toast, a beloved breakfast classic, has been delighting taste buds for generations. Its golden-brown exterior, fluffy interior, and versatility make it a cherished morning ritual for many. In this post, we'll explore the dish's history, the core ingredients,...
These perfectly roasted potatoes are the best roasted potatoes I think I've ever had, or made. I cook them at a lower temperature for longer, to develop a crunchy, golden brown layer that looks almost like caramelized glass. The yukon gold potatoes give a creamy...
This Chicken Salad Recipe is a true kitchen essential, offering endless possibilities to cater to your taste preferences. Whether you crave extra crunch from celery, a hint of tart sweetness from apple, or a touch of curry for an exotic twist, this adaptable recipe...
Especially helpful if you've never been to Napa - but even if you have, maybe a tip or trick here can help take your next trip to the next level. Check out these 7 Tips to Know Before You Go. Tip 1: Choose Your Hotel Location Wisely Choosing the right location for...
If you're a Chardonnay lover, consider exploring Australian Chardonnay. From bright and fruity flavors, to complex and rich oak-aged expressions - this variety is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Let’s explore what makes it so unique. Australia is renowned for its...
Want to expand your wine horizons? Consider exploring South African Chenin Blanc! Whether you prefer a dry white or something more sweet, there’s a wide variety of styles on offer from this region. Let’s explore why they are so special. Chenin Blanc Overview Chenin...