How the French Warm Up in Winter – Braised Pork Ragout with Mushrooms and Pearl Onions
Succulent, tender braised pork cooked slowly with mushrooms, pearl onions, herbs and tomatoes. The French know how to warm up a winter evening with Ragout. The name comes from the French ragoûter, meaning: “to revive the taste”. Enjoy this medley of deliciousness with pasta, couscous, polenta or mashed potatoes. One of the best things about […]
Super Bowl Snacks
For some folks Super Bowl snacks are almost as important as the big game and the half time show. I like to make snacks that I can set out for my guests to enjoy, so I can watch the game instead of being tied to the kitchen all afternoon. Here’s some of my favorite “set […]
The Last Word Cocktail – Dressed Up With Empress 1908 Gin
The Last Word Cocktail is traditionally made with gin. I dressed it up by making it with my favorite gin – Empress 1908. Empress is inspired by the legendary Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia This gin is a gorgeous indigo blue gin which changes color to a pretty soft pink when citrus is […]
My Go To Holiday Appetizers
My go to holiday appetizers are quick and easy and SO TASTY! I promise your guests will love them! Happy Holidays!
Best Cookies for Santa + Stocking Stuffers
Treats for Santa and his elves available locally in Roanoke, Virgnia! Big chocolate chunks with bits of salty pretzel. Available at The Roanoke Natural Foods Co+op. Be sure to buy some extras for Santa’s little helpers (you) too! Individually wrapped. Santa’s elves love candy! Yummy Comb – Honey Comb smothered in Belgian Milk Chocolate is […]
What To Serve On Thanksgiving Weekend – Pasta With Amatriciana Sauce
After a huge Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, I am ready for some quick, easy dinners on the weekend. One of my favorites is a traditional Italian pasta dish – Pasta with Amatriciana Sauce. What makes it so delicious? Traditionally made with salt-cured pork jowl or pancetta, I make mine with prosciutto. Pancetta is flavorful, but […]
Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes
Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy tried and true recipes, with a few new twists. One of my favorite dishes on the Thanksgiving dinner table is cranberry sauce. I always serve the canned jellied cranberry sauce because that’s what Mom always served for the kiddos at her Thanksgiving table. She also served a lovely Clementine […]
Virginia-made foods and wine – Lovin’ Local – WDBJ 7 Here@Home
Fun day at WDBJ 7 on the Here@Home show featuring Virginia-made foods and wine! October is Virginia Wine Month…the perfect time to celebrate Virginia-made wine! Find my recipe for Gingersnap Sangria in the September, 2022 issue of The Roanoker Magazine. Click here. One of my favorite Virginia-made foods is AR’s Hot Southern Honey and I […]
Spiced Apple Maple Ginger Cocktail
Let’s celebrate apple cider season! I love this time of year in Virginia – the leaves on our trees are starting to change color to the most beautiful golds and red. Our local orchard sells apple cider and a bountiful array of apples. My spiced apple cocktail is full of crisp seasonal flavors, just the […]
Eggplant Pâté
August is Eggplant season and one of our favorite ways to prepare these gorgeous purple-skinned aubergines is in eggplant dip. A bit spicy with creamy goat cheese and crunchy toasted pine nuts. It’s the one dip my husband requests over and over again. I served my eggplant pâté with Keya’s Bombay Chips. The Indian masala […]
