During my college semester abroad in London, I was determined to visit Austria on winter break. I am not sure where this notion came from, maybe too much Sound of Music as a kid, but I set out alone to discover whether the hills were truly alive. After a trying time in Vienna, I moved on to Salzburg, a lovely place I found charming and comforting and manageable. I think it … [Read more...] about Spiced Fruitcake Bars
Festive Favorites
I do not do Black Friday, or Saturday or Sunday for that matter. Nor do I do cyber Monday, though that would be easier, I suppose. I cannot abide the thought of all the crowds jostling and pushing over mechanical hamsters and 52” flat screens. Or spending 15 hours camped out in a freezing parking lot to save $100 on a gaming system. This year, after the big Thanksgiving … [Read more...] about Festive Favorites
Crispy Chestnut Veal with Chestnut-Wine Sauce
It may be politically incorrect, but I love veal. It is my favorite meat. If there is a veal dish on the menu (apart from sweetbreads), I will order it. I have eaten a great veal swath across the globe. On a family vacation in Eastern Europe, I ate wiener schnitzel in Vienna every day, then moved on to veal paprikas … [Read more...] about Crispy Chestnut Veal with Chestnut-Wine Sauce
Champagne Risotto
Champagne Risotto This is my favorite accompaniment to Crispy Chestnut Veal, as it is flavorful in a gentle way that doesn’t overpower the delicious veal. The pale champagne color is part of its charm, so use a light colored stock and do not allow the shallots to brown. 2 cups champagne 2 cups light chicken broth 2 shallots 1/4 cup olive oil 1 cup arborio … [Read more...] about Champagne Risotto
Pumpkin Cream Tart
My First Thanksgiving The first Thanksgiving feast that ever I cooked was during graduate school in England. An American friend and I decided to host a holiday meal at his digs, which had a larger kitchen, for a motley crew of Americans, Canadians, South Africans and an Ecuadorian thrown in for good measure. This plan of course meant that I cooked and he, well, he ate. I … [Read more...] about Pumpkin Cream Tart
