Leeks are an underused vegetable. Did you know that leeks are loaded with antioxidants that fight inflammation? If you have not heard by now, inflammation in the body is something we all need to pay attention to. Inflammation can cause all kinds of illnesses and can cause our cells to age. Leeks also contain cancer-fighting ... Read more
How to Cook the BEST Bacon Did you ever wonder why things taste so good at restaurants? It's because they have a few tricks up their sleeve! I was chatting one time with one of my favorite restaurant chefs' and he gave me the secret to the very BEST bacon! And now I am going ... Read more
Stains Be Gone Now and then you come across a product that changes your life. I discovered Carbona stain cleaners after reading a book describing how the French household is set up including a long chapter on laundry. The French have access to many solvents and cleansers that we can't get in the United States ... Read more
Apricot Prosciutto Appetizer Recipe My Apricot Prosciutto Appetizers are full of fresh flavor and can be made in a matter of minutes. The appeal of these scrumptious morsels depends on fantastic fruit; so, select apricots that are sweet and juicy for this one. Can't find the ideal apricots? Then choose my personal favorite, nectarines, or ... Read more
What is Bastille Day anyway? In America, we celebrate our independence on July 4th, and in France, they celebrate Bastille Day in a similar fashion. On July 14th, 1789, the Bastille, a medieval fortress, used as a state prison, was attacked by an angry mob, freeing the prisoners held there. This act is seen as a ... Read more
Now and then you make a dish that causes your taste buds to sing and my Herbed Goat Cheese with Peppered Peaches is definitely one of these recipes. Let's just say it's special! The creamy herbed goat cheese is flavored with garden-fresh herbs and shallots and is topped with peaches that have been cooked with ... Read more
Book Review: The Nightingale I'm delighted to recommend Kristin Hannah's 2015 novel The Nightingalefor your reading enjoyment! This riveting book was recommended by a sweet walking friend that knew I’dbeen devouring books related to French food, culture, and enigmatic Frenchicons. The Nightingale was the first book I read in the Pre to Post WWII genera,depicting ... Read more
With inflation on the rise, it's hard to join a conversation anywhere that is not revolving around the subject of higher prices. Perhaps the only place these higher prices are more evident than in the grocery store is the gas pump. In the early years of teaching and writing about food, when I had small ... Read more
The First French Picnic was more rustic than my Bastille Day baskets. It was 1990 it was my first trip to Europe and I could not get to Paris fast enough
One of the greatest joys of my life is walking out the kitchen door to my DIY herb garden to collect what is needed to make recipes come alive with flavor. I'm lucky to have a bed in close proximity to the kitchen that's been expanded numerous times over the years and now encompasses a ... Read more
