Cool Pesto Dipping Sauce with Toasted Pita

I long for the days when I can clip basil in my backyard. Thankfully the ground hog didn’t see his shadow this month. That means my desire for truly fresh herbs will be satisfied in the very near future. Until that time arrives, quality jarred pesto will have to serve as a suitable substitute. I [...]

Pear, Gorgonzola & Caramelized Onion Focaccia

It was quite an experience the first time I had a back massage. My masseuse was a sturdy 35-year old woman with tattoos scattered on her arms, shoulder-length dreadlocks and a silver ring pierced through her nose. Her meaty hands pounded my tight muscles into submission as I thought to myself, “pain is beauty…pain is [...]

Bacon & Blue Dip

One of the ways I make entertaining look effortless is to always serve an easy and simple appetizer. It helps to keep my guests focused and entertained while I put the finishing touches on the meal. Best of all, appetizers keep my guests out of the kitchen and away from view should a mistake bubble [...]

Artichoke & Roasted Red Pepper Focaccia

Located near Pittsburgh’s downtown core is a one half square mile area known as the Strip District. This landmark neighborhood is home to a wide variety of gritty independent retail shops, ethnic food emporiums and local restaurants. The place is not for those seeking to wrap themselves in the sanitized comfort of a suburban strip [...]

Fresh Mozzarella Class

I thought I was the only person on the planet crazy enough to wake up at the crack of dawn on a weekend just to learn how to make fresh mozzarella. Of course that was until I walked into the classroom to see 10 other crazies waiting patiently for the class to start. My friend [...]

Baked Goat Cheese Marinara

Isn’t it amazing how something so simple can look so good in a photo? I posted this to my Facebook Fan Page a couple of days ago because I was that excited to share it before the blog post went live. I figured why should I deny my fans from such tasty beauty? (insert gleeful [...]

Buffalo Chicken Tacos

I have a confession to make. I don’t really like watching football. But there are moments when I crave the type of grub you would find at any football party. Especially when it comes to the spicy and finger-licking goodness of buffalo wings. This recipe is a fun twist on the classic football favorite with [...]