We recently invited friends Lee and Barbara to dinner to celebrate Barbara’s birthday. For a friend new to our circle, it was a delight to make a special dinner as a birthday gift. And, as I have often said, the gift of food is definitely one that comes from the …

It might be surprising to find wok vegetables, handrolls, and sushi on menus in Southern France. But, as we know, the culinary world is global, and chefs love experimenting with Asian-flavoured food and wine pairings. In this case, it was challenging to find a match for a 2019 Côtes de …

The thing is, we weren’t planning on grilled halibut for dinner. But sometimes, that is how things go when you get to the grocery store, and they don’t have what you had planned. In most cases, that isn’t too complicated a switch, but for this meal, we had planned a …

Let me start by saying this is not eggplant parmesan. Yes, it has eggplant and includes Parmigiano-Reggiano, but it is not the dish you might expect. This side dish is delicious in every season. Serve hot in the fall and winter and at room temperature in other months. The eggplant …

I made this recipe for a spiced baked apple dessert as a guest post for my friend Ron who writes Lost in a Pot in Sweden. I think a few of you might have seen it, but a repost seems like a good idea. The best part? It is truly …

We all know that French pastry chefs have perfected tempting (and beautiful) fruit tarts, but there is an equally long repertoire of savoury tarts. Perhaps the best known is a classic quiche Lorraine. Then there is the delicious combination of sliced onion, lardon and crème fraîche that makes Flammekueche (Tarte …

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 …