Fall gets busy. I know. It’s easy to forgo a nice little appetizer before a festive meal, or just throw some cheese and crackers on a plate (nothing wrong with that). But creating something special with just a little effort can really add to the experience. If you get asked (or volunteer) to bring a snack to an event, make it something truly unique. This makes a fantastically … [Read more...] about Calvados and Hazelnut Camembert
Cider Chicken Casserole with Celery Root Mash
Finally fall is in the air. I mean, sure, I got really hot when I wore a sweater this week, but at least there was enough chill that I could even imagine wearing a sweater. The leaves are not yet turning, just sort of browning, but I am fully ready for the flavors of fall. Warming soups, rich and hearty casseroles, chilis and stews. But we ain’t there yet. I consider this a … [Read more...] about Cider Chicken Casserole with Celery Root Mash
French Apple Hazelnut Loaf with Quatre Épices
Some years ago, on a cooking trip to France, I bought every manner of French ingredient I could fit in my suitcase (removing the dirty clothes to an extra folded bag that came with me for this exact purpose). I visited gourmet markets, specialty traiteurs and big box grocery chains. It was marvelous. I tucked in jars of fine herbes, herbes de provence and a jar of quatre … [Read more...] about French Apple Hazelnut Loaf with Quatre Épices
Oktoberfest Onion Dip (Beer Caramelized Onion Dip)
This time of year, I always seem to find myself thinking up new dip ideas. Fall seems like dip season – tailgates, back to school events, Halloween and Thanksgiving and all sorts of harvest events. I don’t know. That being said, I love onion dip any time of the year. I make it with roasted onions, with a hit of bourbon and bacon, a recipe you’ll find in my … [Read more...] about Oktoberfest Onion Dip (Beer Caramelized Onion Dip)
Salted Honey Chess Pie
I have been on a quest for some time now to create a dessert that really tastes of honey. I make many desserts that have honey as a sweetener, but the rich, earthy taste of honey is often masked by other ingredients. I mastered the honey flavored cake with my Honey Raspberry Cake, but then I tasted this amazing, almost creamy, honey tart at an afternoon tea in London. It was … [Read more...] about Salted Honey Chess Pie
