by TT on February 1st, 2012 | Desserts, Recipes
While it may seem silly to be planning your Valentine's Day menu so much in advance of the day, there are some definite benefits. First, there's no need for last minute panic and shopping. Second, you have the opportunity to try the recipe before the actual day, so that you are able to perfect it. Third, if you make a sample round of the dessert, you get to eat an extra dessert!
This week's dessert idea is a wonderful combination of wine, pears, almonds, and mascarpone. Not only is it a delicious dessert, but it also has a beautiful presentation.
by TT on January 30th, 2012 | Soups & Stews
Having one person that is vegetarian in our house doesn't make meal planning difficult, usually. When there are four or more of us for dinner, I simply substitute the meat item with a non-meat protein, and everyone is happy. In fact, quite often I make two of the non-meat protein, as I enjoy a good number of vegetarian items.
The tricky times are when there are only three of us dining. It feels more cumbersome to make two different entrées for a party that small. Our of deference to our vegetarian, I make a meal that is vegetarian and (hopefully)
by TT on January 18th, 2012 | Desserts, Recipes
If I asked you what food you think of when I say Valentine's Day, I would be willing to guess that most people would respond, "Chocolate." Although I am not an adoring fan of that addictive treat, I appreciate that most people, such as my children, are. So, what better way would there be to continue our Valentine's Day series than with a second chocolate treat?
This week's recipe comes to us courtesy of
Chef Greg DeMichiel, who has been featured on WE TV's
My Fair Wedding and VH1's
Famous Food. With his recipe for Flourless Chocolate Cake you will
by TT on January 16th, 2012 | Breakfast Dishes, Recipes
My husband and I went to a fabulous winter farmer's market this past Saturday. Both the quantity and quality of products available were amazing. In addition to typical items, such as chicken eggs and root vegetables, there were veal, lamb, goat, ducks, pâté, lobsters, mushrooms, and greens. Being a bigger market, there were more cheeses and baked goods available than usual.
Obviously, visiting this farmer's market was quite a treat for us. Not only did we get to make some great purchases and sample some yummy tidbits, but we also found sources for illusive items, such as homemade sausage and
by TT on December 31st, 2007 | Drinks, Recipes
Putting away Christmas items and "undecorating" the tree today has put me in a reflective state of mind. In the last six and a half months, I have shared daily events and recipes. Each recipe about which I have written is part of a memory of this year. There have been new foods tried, new family members added, and the adventure of writing a blog.
In the coming year, there will be new memories created. With my love of food and cooking, I am sure that some food or beverage will be part of these memories. I would venture to guess that
by TT on December 29th, 2007 | Main Dishes, Recipes
Christmas has been celebrated at our home no less than 5 times this season. We have had 2 Christmas Eves and 3 Christmas Days. Needless to say we are ready for New Year's - a different holiday to celebrate.
Christmas Eve#1 was celebrated with 1 set of parents, friends, and 2 of the 4 kids. Christmas Day#1 was celebrated quietly with just a set of friends. Christmas Eve#2 was enjoyed by the other set of parents and the other 2 kids. Christmas Day#2 was all 4 kids and 1 set of parents. Today was the final get together, Christmas Day#3.
Today's gathering was the
by TK on December 24th, 2007 | Restaurant Reviews
For a special holiday fare, we decided to go somewhere with a great reputation for creating special occasions - Bedford Village Inn in Bedford, New Hampshire. My delightful girlfriend, Michele, set the entire evening up (arranging for a babysitter and getting the reservation). She set the reservation for 8:30, but was told on the phone that it would be fine to come early and have a drink in the tavern that is attached to the main restaurant.
The babysitter set up shop at our house around 7, and we decided to head out then on the half hour drive that it
