Holiday Appetizers Beef Stuffed Peppers Today I am sharing the second in my series of holiday appetizers. Last week, I posted my Cranberry Pecan Gouda Truffles and they were a total hit with readers! I can't wait to tell you about my Beef Stuffed Cocktail Peppers, but first, a few thoughts on creating a fantastic ... Read more
Tag: cooking trips

Holiday Appetizers Gouda Truffles
Holiday Appetizers Gouda Truffles It's cocktail party season! You will undoubtedly be asked to bring an appetizer or two to a party this year. Whether you are gathering with your neighbors, colleagues, or dearests friends, and family, appetizer season is in full swing. I am thrilled to share 4 of my favorite appetizers from this ... Read more

Captivating Light of Provence
Captivating Light of Provence and 3 Tips for Outstanding Photos There is something spectacular about the light in Provence. It feels like you are standing in an orb of soft light and photos, especially of people, are extremely pretty. This interesting phenomenon is of course what has drawn artists to the sunny South of France ... Read more

Roasted Poblano Pepper Soup
Roasted Poblano Pepper Soup I love soup. As soon as the autumn chill descends, soup is all I can think about for dinner. It was easy to decide on the first pot of soup for the season. As you can see my poblano pepper plant was very generous this year, just look at this haul ... Read more

Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Pumpkin Coffee Cake Finally, the temperatures are cooling and it feels like fall. As soon as we have our first cold snap, like magic, I'm in the mood for all things pumpkin. Pumpkin is not just for pie anymore! This delicious bright orange ingredient is packed with potassium, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Some of ... Read more

Tapas & A Party Every Month
Tapas & A Party Every Month! Who knew roasted chickpeas could taste so good? Have you ever made Tapas? It is a Spanish tradition; lots of tiny bites served with some good wine and you have a party on your hands! That's exactly what happened at my house recently, let me tell you how it ... Read more

Olive Inspiration
Olive Inspiration I was so inspired by the olive trees at our Provencal villa on my recent ATOP trip to Saint Remy. The pure simplicity of the small trees in a terracotta pots, positioned in the center of the garden tables, was magical. The truth is, it's impossible not to feel inspired, by just about ... Read more

Summer Salad
Summer is the best time to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables! I think I can squeeze in one more favorite summer salad before the season is officially over. I love this salad because it includes one of my favorite summer fruits, nectarines. I simply cannot get enough of these ripe sweet and tart stone fruits ... Read more

Ratatouille a Provencal Classic
All month I've been sharing my favorite things as a way to celebrate August as my birthday month. There are so many dishes that I love to make and eat it's impossible to make a shortlist of favorites. And lately, I've been craving Ratatouille. I guess that's because I've been preparing to return to Provence ... Read more

Gardenias and White Flowers
Do you have a favorite flower? Mine is the gardenia. I adore the tightly wound petals, that thick leathery texture, and the shiny, deep and lime green foliage. Don't even get me started on the intoxicating aroma. When I was a child, my mom, had 3 large gardenia bushes right off of our patio and ... Read more