Life of the Party Always!

Score! Football Table Runner

Football fans will love this festive table runner! Whoever you cheer for come football season, this is the perfect way to bring more fun to the party! The role of the 12th man has always been a big part of the excitement of game day. The first recorded use of the term “twelfth man” was in a magazine published by the University of Minnesota in September, 1900, that referred to “the mysterious influence of the twelfth man on the team”, the fan. Themes and decorations always get everybody in the mood and what’s more fun than a little friendly rivalry?

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Chicken with Dijon “Beurre Blanc”

Bienvenue en France! Welcome to France, a country filled with tales of aristocrats, wars and revolutions, but mostly of cuisine, wine and cheeses. On the International Cooking Tour we will discover not only the food of France but some of the people who made it what it is today. One such person, Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, said “Tell me what you eat and I will tell you who you are.” So who are you when it comes to food?

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Haricots Verts with Lemon Nut Gremolata

Thanksgiving is almost here again. I love all the traditional flavors but I personally need something green and clean to cut the starches and richness. The flavors are so great but the colors of Thanksgiving are so…..beige. It doesn’t get any greener than Green Beans! Nathan Lane’s character, Albert, says it perfectly in Birdcage, (as they gesture to Albert’s pink socks) “These? Well, one does want a hint of color.” Continue reading →

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Lovers Unite! You either love pumpkin desserts or you don’t. This time of year makes me think of pumpkins so I felt compelled to make something. I am not a pumpkin fan but as Thanksgiving nears, I like to fantasize about pumpkin treats as if I were a fan. My tiny slice of pumpkin pie must be buried in a pile of whip cream for me to take the pumpkin plunge. Guess you can see why I added the chocolate to the bread! One of the girls I work with happens to love pumpkin and it is her birthday on Friday so that was all the reason I needed to whip up a little pumpkin bread with a fancy, festive holiday flair to it. Happy birthday Kim! Continue reading →

Roasted Tri-Color Carrots with Spiced Rum Glaze

I love Thanksgiving! There is so much to be grateful for. It is the perfect time to slow down and savor the season before all of the holiday shopping, decorating and craziness starts. The only gifts at this holiday are the gifts of family and friends and I find that to be so very nice. Being a lover of most food, I like to switch it up and try different foods for Thanksgiving dinner. Who wants to get stuck in a rut when there is so much to be thankful for?

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Marsala Tiramisu

By now, pretty much everyone knows Tiramisu means “pick me up” because of the chocolate and espresso in this heavenly dessert. Or is it because it tastes so incredibly good you could just swoon and need to ask, “Could you pick me up off the floor, please?” Either way, there is not another dessert around like it. Did you know it is not someones Italian great grandmother’s recipe either? Tiramisu was created in the 1970’s and has exploded upon the world making it one of the most requested desserts!

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Italian Beef Stew Over Polenta

Everyone has their favorite Italian food, mine just happens to be in the style of Northern Italy. Risotto and polenta are more popular than pasta here and with me too. The cuisine is characterized by the use of butter over olive oil and cheeses for cream sauces….channeling my inner Julia! Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello di Montalcino …I know Brunello is an overlap from Tuscany but I love it! (colloquially known as the “Killer B’s”) and a few nice sparklers are some of my favorite wines of this region. Come savor a few of my favorite things!

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Florentine Style Chicken Casserole

Visions of the Italian countryside come to mind when I think of Central Italy. Rolling hills, charming cities and vineyards. Life appears to move along at a very relaxed pace. Summertime temperatures are warmer than in Northern Italy and the cuisine is simple and rustic with lighter sauces. Join me for a leisurely tasting of the flavors of Central Italy!

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Chicken Marsala with Roasted Garlic Red Skin Potatoes

Italy! Just saying it gets me salivating! On the map, the Italian peninsula resembles a tall boot extending into the Mediterranean Sea. As we cruise along on the International Cooking Tour, we are going to eat Italy in several small bites! Italians are very proud of their cuisine and with 20 different regions all boasting their own traditions and specialties, we have a lot of ground to cover. Northern, Central and Southern Italy could never be experienced in just one meal. In fact, it could take a lifetime, so let’s get going! Continue reading →

Spiced Spanish Almonds ~ Salads and Gifts

Marcona Almonds! A gift for yourself and some for your friends. What could be better than that? Any time you make a treat in a big batch, there’s always enough for your family and to share or give as a gift to others. And with the holidays right around the corner, these Marcona almonds are a perfect hostess gift or a great little nibbly bit to give with a bottle of port, wine or a favor beer selection. Giving is so much fun! Continue reading →