Apparently, when Alice B. Toklas went on a picnic, she did not fool around. I say “apparently” because I can find no evidence that today’s recipe was either taken on a picnic by Toklas or is actually her recipe. I have an uncredited magazine clipping — most likely from the …

It is the height of tomato season, and I cannot get enough of their bright red deliciousness. I will sometimes buy a couple of pounds from one vendor at the farmers market, then see more at another stall and buy them, too. Yes, I have even bought from three different …

David Scott Allen shared his experience in Santa Fe, New Mexico, last summer. The destination is known for its art scene, outdoor opera (Santa Fe Opera), and creative New Mexican cuisine. However, a much less known fact about Santa Fe is the number of apricots that grow there. During their …

It is no wonder why strawberries and cream are a “thing” at the Wimbledon tennis tournament. The combination of fruit and cream is light and delicious. Honestly, fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) and sweetened cream, I have lost count of how many times I have made this dessert over the …

Ahh… memories of our New England summers, when we lived in Maine and could amble to the end of the street to buy lobster from shops on the piers over the tidal creeks of coastal Maine… or bicycle to nearby seafood shacks for lobster rolls. Now, our ocean is the …

When it comes to Mediterranean cuisine, the “borders” are blurry. Long before the EU made inter-European travel more flexible, culinary influences moved organically between countries. The following recipe for White Bean and Tuna Salad is a perfect example, as it could just as easily appear on a menu in Marseille …

When the weather is warm (hot), I love to serve a big plate of fresh greens lightly dressed with extra virgin olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice, topped with slices of grilled chicken cutlets and fresh farmers market tomatoes. I marinate the chicken in the same salad dressing ingredients, …

Where’s the beef, you ask? It’s cleverly wrapped like a little holiday gift for your table! I often think of Beef Wellington as a holiday dish, but it’s perfect for any special occasion. Including my birthday, which is in August! A French chef might put you through your paces to …

Salty food and oily fish is a wine pairing challenge. However, nothing that Cocoa & Lavender wasn’t willing to try. Taking inspiration from southern France, this delicious warm platter of feta and sardines paired beautifully with two Acquiesce wines. Producing only Rhône-style white and rosé wines, Acquiesce Winery is a …

As the weather in the Sonoran Desert finally cools down, the morning temperatures are just low enough to use the fireplace. Once winter arrives, I  look forward to that first fire and spend all morning staring into the flames. Along with those indolent desert winter days come the addictive comfort …