Apple-Cranberry Panko Crisp
I arrived home after a long day of activities to be greeted by a package on my doorstep. The box, measuring 24”X24”, contained a wide assortment of products from my friends at Kikkoman. We had such a blast last year hosting a Tasty Turkey Party and they asked if I was interested in testing a few holiday recipes this year. The box contained several of Kikkoman classic favorites including soy sauce, teriyaki marinade and rice vinegar. I was thrilled to find a bottle of Ponzu sauce wrapped tightly in the bottom of the box. I had become a fan of this ...
Roasted Apple & Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash isn’t typically a go-to vegetable in my cooking routine. But I couldn’t help but pick up a delicious golden orb during a recent trip to the farmers market. I also happened to have a rather large bin full of apples after that unforgettable impulsive purchase at an orchard last weekend. I found this soup to have a more pronounced apple flavor and sweetness than the usual butternut squash recipes out there. That’s why I decided to list the apple first in the title. Perhaps the sweetness will be a welcomed treat for the kids (or big kids) in your ...
Chocolate Beet Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
After several weeks of unusually warm weather, winter has finally arrived in Pittsburgh. That means it’s time to gear up for some much needed baking. The warmth of the oven offers a sense of comfort that can only be appreciated when a dusting of snow swirls across my front lawn. I had a couple of prehistoric sized beets, leftover in my last CSA delivery, that were begging to be incorporated into a recipe. “Please make me delicious,” I imagined them saying as I washed away bits of soil left behind after harvest. On most occasions, I associate beets with other savory ...
Cozy Noodles & Rice: Thanks for the Memories…
I opted to take a 12-week food writing course this summer, along with a few other twisted souls, for my graduate degree. The class challenged my writing skills and helped to expand my perspectives about food. Plus, I got to meet several amazing writers, magazine editors, photographers, and chefs who are all focused on the art and craft of food. It should be no surprise; I did a lot of reading and writing for the class. One of the assignments was to write an 800-1000 word piece about a food experience that could then be published as a blog post. (A ...
Recent Recipes & Stories
Exploring the Charming Flavors of Brookline, PA
Brookline, located just south of downtown Pittsburgh, is known as the city’s second-biggest neighborhood. The area has experienced an emergence of new independent businesses, particularly food shops, over the past few years. It was through an invitation to join a walking food tour from Sylvia McCoy, owner of ‘Burgh Bits and Bites, I was able to... [Read more]
Chocolate Beet Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
After several weeks of unusually warm weather, winter has finally arrived in Pittsburgh. That means it’s time to gear up for some much needed baking. The warmth of the oven offers a sense of comfort that can only be appreciated when a dusting of snow swirls across my front lawn. I had a couple of prehistoric sized beets, leftover in my last CSA delivery,... [Read more]
How to Roast Beets in 5 Easy Steps
My appreciation for the mighty beet grew around the time they started to appear in my winter CSA box. Before I found them awkwardly interesting and, frankly, annoying at the same time. They are a pain to clean, they stained my hands several shades of magenta and would take hours to transform into anything edible. As more began to arrive with each bi-weekly... [Read more]
Baked Egg Nog French Toast
I’ve come to realize there are two reasons why my mom enjoys my visits to northern Michigan. The first is to provide the opportunity to see her ridiculously clumsy son do something that’s uncontrollably laughable. Like the time I collided into a tree that mysteriously jumped in front of me while walking on the sidewalk. Or when I was so excited... [Read more]
Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese & Apples
Living on potato chips and Red Bull for the past two weeks was a real challenge. Balanced between my usual hectic holiday activities, I worked hard, and well into the late night hours, to finish projects for three graduate classes this semester. Now that everything is completed and grades are officially posted, preparing real food is joyful again. I... [Read more]
Apple-Cranberry Panko Crisp
I arrived home after a long day of activities to be greeted by a package on my doorstep. The box, measuring 24”X24”, contained a wide assortment of products from my friends at Kikkoman. We had such a blast last year hosting a Tasty Turkey Party and they asked if I was interested in testing a few holiday recipes this year. The box contained several... [Read more]
Tips
How to Roast Beets in 5 Easy Steps
My appreciation for the mighty beet grew around the time they started to appear...
Spiced Rum Vanilla Extract
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Stories
Exploring the Charming Flavors of Brookline, PA
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Friendsgiving Blessings
Off I go…over the river and through the woods with a picnic basket in tow. With...
Cheesy Alexia Fries & Giveaway
The picture above is my favorite way to eat French fries – grilled chicken, smothered...
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