As Spring peaks, produce choices abound! Fruits and veggies can (and should) be incorporated in everything from appetizers, to pasta dishes, seafood preparations, to tasty twists on salads, and desserts. See what’s fresh in season this Spring, and what you can do with pretty produce to brighten and lighten your menus!
Who doesn’t love savory, spicy Mexican food?! Most of us have a favorite Mexican restaurant we enjoy and frequent regularly, but fresh and delicious Mexican food is easy and fun to make at home. Discover why I love Mexican food, the ingredients that make it so good, and the recipes you can make at home for your family and friends!
The Mediterranean Sea is a deep blue jewel, surrounded by 21 countries. From Southern Europe, to Northern Africa, and the Middle East, Mediterranean Cuisine is vibrant and nourishing. Seafood, olive oil, wheat, and the vine are well represented. Everything from herbs and rice, to meat and lamb, to walnuts and fruit can be found rolled in a leaf, or fresh pastry. Herbs like rosemary, mint, and dill are also prominent. This week, I teamed up with Erin Coopey, chef, cooking instructor, and author of “The Kitchen Pantry Cookbook” to bring you an inspired Mediterranean Menu you can make and share with your friends. You’ll also discover the health benefits of following a Mediterranean Style diet, including my favorite, red wine!
The pantry is making a comeback as part of a resurgence of nesting and home-keeping since the late 1990s. It’s one of the most requested features in American homes today, despite larger kitchen sizes than ever before. There is a charm and nostalgia to the pantry, as well as a practical, utilitarian purpose. The modern day pantry is for non-perishable foods that are easily accessible from the kitchen for items used both regularly and occasionally.
Wild-caught Pacific Halibut is a versatile, mild whitefish. Alaska is home to 75% of the halibut caught in the United States. Alaskan Halibut season starts in Mid-March, then kicks into full gear in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia in May. So, it’s the perfect time to get your halibut game on. Try a variety of preparations during Halibut Season and enjoy this delicious and lovely fish.
Easter brunch is one of my all time favorite food holidays. I love the fresh spring fruits and veggies that add color and texture to any Easter spread. Asparagus, citrus, fennel, berries, and cauliflower are fresh and fragrant this time of year! Of course, Easter Brunch is also a great excuse to share three of my favorite dishes from childhood with my friends and family. Stuffed Eggs Au Gratin, Strawberry Crepes, and Banana Bread were always on my mother’s Easter table and they remain on mine!
Saint Patrick’s Day is a day of celebration and feast, named for the most commonly recognized patron Saints of Ireland. For Christians, the day commemorates the arrival of Christianity to Ireland, but St. Paddy’s Day has become a celebration of Irish culture. Marked by festivals, parades, green attire, church services, and lifting of lent related restrictions, it’s a wonderful day to enjoy the classic dishes of Ireland.
Comfort foods conjure up sentimental, nostalgic, and soothing feelings from food. Comfort foods reduce our stress, increase our pleasure, and reward our taste buds. While comfort food recipes, preparations, and experiences vary regionally, every culture has their own comforting favorites. Read more about why we love comfort foods and the comfort foods we love!
On February 24, 2013 the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences rolls out the red carpet for the 85th Oscar Awards. It’s a black tie evening overflowing with celebs, bling, and elegant parties. This year’s best picture nominations cover themes from war to romance; adventure to relationships. If you’re planning an Oscar party we have some star-studded party tips and menu ideas to add to the fun.
Red stimulates our visual senses, and our appetite. It’s no wonder the color is linked to romance, heat, and love. This week we help you eat your reds with delicious and romantic foods you can make for the one(s) you love. Red foods are not only good for your appetite, they’re good for your health. Eat your reds and chances are you’ll be stimulating your appetite, health, and the potential for romance! Get the skinny on the red ingredients we love to eat!
