• Tiny handheld bouquet of ranunculus and garden flowers
    Living

    Living Well in the New Year

    If you’ve taken one of my cooking classes, you know that I consider making beautiful food to be an essential part of loving ourselves and those around us. When I hear that one of my recipes has become part of your regular meal rotation, or a special indulgence, it fills me with joy to know that you have found a new way to enjoy time in the kitchen. Perhaps you find the time we spend together to be that moment of inspiration in the week that fuels your own creativity and helps you to approach meal making in a new way. Often I hear our time allows you to relax,…

  • Food

    Roasted Tomato Soup

    With all the recent snow, it’s time for a clean comfort food recipe that’s satisfying and relies on pantry staples you can stock up on before the next storm. Since whole peeled tomatoes are packed at the point of peak flavor, they are reliable throughout the year and preferable during the months when garden grown ones are still months away. Roasting them increases their sweetness. Just make sure to reserve their juice as this will be added to the soup as well. For a vegan version, substitute vegetable stock and use olive oil instead of the tiny amount of butter. Pure tomato goodness is the best way to describe the…

  • Cranberry orange mocktail with ginger and garnished with rosemary
    Drinks

    Cranberry Orange Mocktail with Ginger and Spice

    On the cusp of winter, which happens to be peak citrus season, I’m sharing my cranberry orange mocktail with ginger and spice. I love non-alcoholic drinks for the holidays, and with New Year’s Eve celebrations coming, this is a flavorful option that everyone can enjoy. Certainly you might put out some spirits for those who wish to add a splash, but this drink is absolutely delicious on its own. Berry flavor comes in the form of a cranberry spice syrup than can be used in lots of holiday drinks, while the citrus component can come from mandarins, blood oranges, clementines, or your preferred variety. Save a few slices for the…

  • Pine nuts cookie bars
    Baking

    Pine Nut Cookie Bars

    Festive ingredients and a simple baking method make for the perfect holiday cookie. With pine nuts in caramel topping a shortbread base, these cookie bars satisfy the need for something golden and toasty on the dessert table. Still tender when baked, the nuts lend a delicate texture and their nuanced, buttery flavor. Whether you’re making Christmas cookie boxes, looking ahead to New Year’s Eve, or sharing dessert at a holiday gathering, think about the shape of your cookie bars before serving. They can be cut in a variety of ways with a knife or cookie cutter and always come out looking like lacy gold ornaments. Just be sure to save…

  • Cranberry mostarda
    Food

    Cranberry Mostarda

    Tangy and just a tad sweet, cranberry mostarda adds holiday flavor to cheese and charcuterie boards, baked Brie, and even sandwiches, which is how I have been enjoying it lately with sliced pork tenderloin on brioche. As the name suggests, mustard lends this condiment its signature flavor. Fresh and frozen cranberries and interchangeable in this recipe, so I recommend stocking up while they are available at the market and freezing some so you can make this recipe throughout the winter months. From cranberry sauce to a linzer torte which makes a delicious alternative to a classic Thanksgiving or holiday pie, cranberries always make it to my table throughout the colder…