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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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Pulled Chicken. It's summer and that means one thing in terms of dinner. Barbecue. It's just American, right? Sweet Corn. Chicken. Steak. Ribs. Pulled Pork. Hot Dogs. Brats. Veggie Burgers (sorry this is the wrong post for you if you are vegetarian, but feel free to...
Adding curry to a classic beurre blanc really helps to brighten up your dinner routine! And I promise, that Beurre Blanc is not difficult to make. The base of any beurre blanc will be thyme (fresh if you can get it, but dried will be fine too), shallots, white wine...
The following recipe was inspired by Food & Wine Magazine's latest edition (January 2021) which is all about "sopping." I absolutely loved the editor's note about how he came across a woman in a grocery store who was asking him what naan was and how to use it. He...
Many great chefs and cooks agree- making your own stock makes all the difference in your food. This bone broth has great amounts of collagen and protein. Plus, it makes enough for you to freeze at least 3 quarts to save for later. Once you get everything in the pot -...
Hi friends! Here in this blog post, I want to talk about Chicken. Why? Because you can do a LOT with it, and during this time, I think you can get the most bang for your buck by buying a whole chicken. A whole chicken? You might say? Well - yes. Even if, and...
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...