Cheesy Alexia Fries & Giveaway

The picture above is my favorite way to eat French fries – grilled chicken, smothered in melted cheese and a dollop or two of sour cream for good measure. I had the opportunity dive deep into the world of fries with Alexia Foods “Reinvent a Classic” contest over the summer. For an entire month, my [...]

French Fry Testing – The Final Submission

Click Here to View Slideshow in Flickr A voice in the back of my head told me it’s time to put my pencil down. The testing was now over. For nearly four weeks, I have been experimenting and testing new fry flavors for the Alexia Foods “Reinvent a Classic” challenge. Boy, it sure was a [...]

French Fry Testing – All About Spices

When I agreed to work with Alexia Foods on the “Reinvent a Classic” challenge, I never would have imagined the sheer volume of potatoes I needed to consume over a three week period. I tested them fried and baked. I tried them in crinkle, shoe string, wedged and waffle shapes. I’ve even tried flavor ideas [...]

French Fry Testing – Week 2

The best way to receive nearly immediate feedback when I test recipes is to throw a dinner party. This weekend was no exception. I was toying with three main flavor ideas for the Alexia Foods “Reinvent a Classic” challenge and desperately needed critiques before I moved forward. So I turned to my friends Jimmy and [...]

French Fry Testing: Week 1

While I’m no stranger to the crispy and golden world of fries, I honestly had never tried Alexia Foods natural fries until I was invited to participate in their “Reinventing a Classic” challenge. My first week focused on taste testing as many varieties of their fry products as I could handle. This approach is allowing [...]

Reinventing a Classic with Alexia Foods

No matter how they are sliced or seasoned, fries have always been a favorite food group in my life. I remember surviving many late night study sessions with a heaping pile of chili cheese fries shared among friends and washed down with a milkshake. Even as my tastes have matured, my desires have shifted towards [...]

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. [...]

Tips for Growing Fresh Basil

Anyone who flips through the recipes on this site will find I’m a huge fan of fresh basil. It’s my go-to herb of choice when I’m looking to add a boost of flavor. Of course, other classic favorites include parsley, rosemary, thyme and cilantro. But basil always seems to be the front runner in most [...]

My Most Common Cooking Mistake

While sipping on a Lemon Drop Martini, my most favorite beverage, I was having a great conversation about this website. My dining companion asked me, “What is your most common cooking mistake?” I took another sip, thought for a moment and then answered, “I always burn nuts when I’m toasting them.” Out of the thousands [...]