If you’ve been to one of my classes or read my previous blogs, you probably know that South American cuisine is one of my favorite topics. There’s something about the bold, fresh flavors and ...
Many regions have their own variations of rice porridge, but "gruel" or the boiling of starchy foods dates back to prehistoric times where it was an early application of harnessing fire and cooking. ...
I love making signature cocktails for special occasions and this cocktail is definitely one of my favorites. It has flavors of rosemary, ginger, cinnamon, and cranberry, complemented with a splash of ...
As a chef, I've always believed appetizers are the unsung heroes of dining. These small but mighty plates set the stage for any meal, offering a chance to impress, indulge, and experiment, all before ...
My mother is what I’ll conservatively refer to as a Christmas enthusiast. Her dedication to the season is both authentic and egoless. She doesn’t need ostentatious displays of decorations in order to ...
A couple of years ago, I professed my love of bagels in my blog Everything Bagel Strata. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the classic savory flavors of everything bagels, smoked salmon, cream cheese and ...
Cook Like a Tuscan is a Hands-On Introduction to Italian Cuisine
I fell in love with Tuscany on The Chopping Block's Cook Like a Tuscan tour last fall. I had never been to Italy before, and this seven-day trip was the perfect introduction to the region's beautiful ...
Chewy, Chocolatey and Festive: Hot Cocoa-Peppermint Cookies for the Holidays
Now that another Thanksgiving is in the books, we’re on a fast track to the winter holidays. This can mean a lot of different things to many people, but for me, my holidays always revolve around ...
This is the time of year wherein everyone I know is traveling: between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it feels like my transplanted group of friends is in mass-migration mode, heading back to where we ...
When it comes to cookies, snickerdoodles hold a special place in my heart and are the first cookie I make each holiday season. Their soft, buttery centers paired with the slight tang of cream of ...
