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. [...]

Prosciutto Wrapped Cantaloupe with Blackberries

Summer is supposed to be a time for rest, relaxation and reflection. None of those items are in my deck of cards these days. Life has been busier than ever with interesting projects coming out of the woodwork in all directions. Whether it’s writing for class, leading walking tours, digging in my front yard or [...]

6 Tips to Always Be “Party Ready”

Life is pretty busy these days with graduate classes, leading food tours and participating in a community garden program…to name a few. But that hasn’t stopped me from wanting to enjoy the summer entertaining season with friends. I’ve developed a few techniques on how to always be “party ready,” no matter when the mood might [...]

French Toast with Maple-Apple Compote

I’m a huge fan of a hearty breakfast on the weekends. By the time I wake up though, it’s late enough to be counted as brunch. Sophie woke me up early over the holiday weekend to go outside for private moment in the bushes. The extra time gave me a chance to whip up a [...]

Brunch at The Inn on Negley

Get ready for an explosion of flavorful beauty as I share with you my recent seven-course brunch marathon! Located within the historic Shadyside neighborhood just east of Pittsburgh’s downtown core is an amazing boutique hotel called The Inn on Negley. This beautiful property features 8 huge bedroom suites, sunny dining area and two professional chefs. [...]

Basil & Tomato Baked Eggs

Forget about rubbery scrambled eggs or slaving over a hot stove while frying eggs one at a time. A simple and creative way to add elegance to a Sunday brunch is to bake your eggs in gratin dishes. You can even add a splash of summer freshness with a sprinkling of snipped herbs or farm [...]

Broccoli & Cheese Quiche

Nearly 8 months ago, Brent decided to make the major career decision to leave corporate life and leap into the fabulous world of hairstyling. That’s right, soon he will graduate school and embark on making a full fledged living off of clipping, coloring and curling. And he couldn’t be more ready to do great hair. [...]

Steak & Eggs with Hollandaise Sauce

Hollandaise seems like the kind of sauce that everyone wants to order but nobody wants to make. In fact, I have really rarely seen this other than served over poached eggs at hipster brunch spots and fancy restaurants where the servers call me “sir”. I have to admit I have been intimidated to make such [...]

My Most Favorite Chicago Restaurants

I had the privilege of living and working in the heart of Chicago for five years.  This city offers the incredible energy of a major city, combined with a melting pot of cultures and flavors through its diverse network of neighborhoods.  I have since moved to Pittsburgh, but I still get asked from time-to-time my [...]

Grilled Angel Food Cake with Balsamic Strawberries

This was my dessert for my Impromptu Dinner Party. When life speeds past you at 100 miles per hour, it’s always good to remember to stop and savor the season’s best flavors.  Like balsamic strawberries with the tender, light and airy texture of grilled angel food cake.  The heat from the grill creates an intense, [...]

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