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I am obsessed with these healthy seed and nut bars! They are packed with tons of nutrients, protein, good fats, and just the right amount of sweetness. I like to cut these up into smaller cubes and keep them in the freezer to keep on hand. You can be flexible with the...
I came up with these paleo pumpkin spice muffins, that are also nut free, for some very special clients of mine. In a previous post (on Peruvian chicken skewers), I mentioned that I have been hired to cook for some clients in October with a lot of different dietary...
These accidental pound cake bites came about because it's The Somm Chef's birthday month, my birthday month, and the anniversary of Ian and I moving down to FL (and sort of the anniversary of The Somm Chef inception). In short - September of last year was quite the...
Carbonara is an awesome meal for those nights when you don't feel like cooking and when you're out of groceries. Bon Appétit says that it's the perfect "no food in the house" dinner, and I completely agree. So what is Carbonara? Carbonara is an egg-based sauce that...
Truffle pasta may sound like a lot of work, but I promise it's actually quite easy. And no - you don't need a stand mixer, or a food processor, or even a pasta machine to make it! You can use those things, of course, but not required. The thing I love about homemade...
These Peruvian chicken skewers have a bit of a back story. In October I'm cooking for some amazing clients. They booked me for their wedding weekend to prepare and serve food at their home for three different days: a wedding kick-off evening, breakfast and lunch for...
Chicken chili can sometimes take the back seat to the classic beef chili, but I'd like to propose a recipe to counter even the best beef chilis out there (sorry, mom!). Not that it will replace them - after all, there's a time for chicken chili and a time for beef...
Steak Au Poivre is a black pepper-crusted steak that comes with a sherry cream pan sauce. You cook the sauce in the same pan that has the "fond" (those black bits stuck on the bottom from pan-searing the steaks) which adds so much incredible flavor! I've added in a...
My Cilantro Lime Crema first appeared on my post about my favorite recipe for Fish Tacos. That one does include sour cream, but you can definitely omit it and use the key ingredient I've switched it for in this recipe instead. My husband, Ian, and I try to stay away...
Let me first say that this recipe is truly inspired by one of my family's favorite restaurants, Ciao Bella in Minnesota. This recipe is also coming from a place of nostalgia, as my parents are moving out of Minnesota now and are selling the house I grew up in. I was...
Bacon Beurre Blanc takes this pasta to the next level, especially when you consider that pasta is as much about the sauce as it is the pasta. I already have a recipe that talks about Beurre Blanc and how it can be tricky or time consuming to make. But here's the gist...
Great for a crowd or simple meal for two, chicken satays are an awesome dinner or appetizer option! If serving for dinner, I like to pair these with a coconut rice, sautéd bok choy with shredded carrots, and crumbled peanuts with extra sauce on top. (simply cook the...
These easy baked pork ribs are a breeze to make! The spice rub is a piece of cake to put together, and it makes enough for the rub and the BBQ sauce that you'll also top the ribs with right before serving. Tips for Cooking Ribs Sometimes when I'm craving ribs, I want...
Pan Seared Halibut in Carrot Ginger Broth is a summer meal must! It's light but still satisfying and it's loaded with healthy antioxidants and vitamins. This recipe is inspired by one of my favorite cookbooks called "The Herbal Kitchen" by Jerry Traunfeld. I have...
This Basil Granita is a showstopper for sure. It's fun to see the wonder in people's faces as you serve this dish - the first look they get. Like "Wow! This is cool." Then, when they taste it, it's fun to see their reactions, "no way. This is the craziest flavor and...
What could be better in Summer than a Rosé wine spritzer? I know you can drink Rosé all year long, but really - let's be honest. It's just the best in Summer. This is a quick 2-minute little cocktail to get you ready for a relaxing and low-key weekend. If I could sum...
Hot fudge is one of those things you can buy at the store, yes. However, I've found that making it from scratch (while working in restaurants and for private events alike) adds so much more flavor and elevates any dessert. Sure, to your guests it adds extra care and...
Have you ever made your own ricotta? You'll be amazed at how easy making ricotta is! In fact - you may never want to buy ricotta again. I make this from scratch whenever I do a pasta dinner for clients. I'll come to your house and make three different types of doughs...
This post is for those who are interested in finding the right wines to age for long term wine storage. (i.e. greater than 3 years). In order to discuss this, we need to know what types of wines will age. There are a few things to look for when considering aging a...
Think of curating a wine cellar like curating your wardrobe. When it comes to having a well-curated collection, both wine cellars and closets share some common elements. First and foremost - every single wine cellar should be unique to the person who owns it. As...
Baking soda versus baking powder: what's the difference? Baking is a science and having the right ingredients can make a big difference in your finished product. If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between the two, you’re not alone! Many people don’t know...
Wine Tasting Basics: What to Look For In Every Glass If you’re interested in learning more about the world of wine, it helps to understand the basics of wine tasting. It’s important to learn how to recognize the different characteristics of a wine, not just for...
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...
Make your taste buds jingle all the way with these holiday wine pairings. It's the most wonderful time of the year! Which means it's also time to start thinking about what you're going to serve for Christmas dinner. Turkey? Check. Mashed potatoes? Check. Green bean...
On the list for 7/8/22 weekly wine picks is a Champagne that pairs with nearly anything on your table, a Rosso from a powerhouse Brunnello producer, and a white that’s the #1 value pick of 2021 wine pick from James Suckling.
7/1/22 Wine Access Weekly picks this Week: A Rosé Champagne that will blow your mind not your budget, from a winery that Dom Perignon and Krug get grapes from. A red from Bandol that's a darling of Michelin restaurants that just might become your new Cabernet...
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...