Sparkling Pear and Champagne Cocktail
When hosting a gathering for friends and family I love to serve a signature cocktail or two. This way guests can help themselves to a festive drink and you don&...
Category: Food
When Lucullus Cooks for Lucullus: Parma Ham and Provolone Pastries
My grandfather was a Frenchman who instilled in me a deep appreciation for food. He wasn’t much of a cook, but he loved to eat. When you dined with him, food wa...
Chicken Milanese with a Green Apple, and Parmesan Salad
“What would you serve the president if he or she came to dinner?” This is the hypothetical question my husband likes to ask me every so often at din...
The Sisterhood of Strawberry Waffles
The best Mother’s Day gift we ever gave my mom was a Belgian waffle maker. I feel certain she’s the one who gave us the suggestion. However, it was really my si...
Pineapple Fruit Dip
Nostalgic recipes are having a moment. Everywhere I look from the New York Times to Better Homes and Gardens, and Southern Living there are more recipes with a ...
Reading and Eating: The Brown Derby’s Cobb Salad
Over the last few weeks I’ve been traveling across America by way of my kitchen and a great new cook book called Signature Dishes of America. This book wa...
The Great Dinner Dilemma
Aretha Franklin was once asked what her greatest creative challenge was and her answer was surprising. “Trying to figure out what to cook for dinner… nigh...
Happiness is Beef Empanadas
January brought snow and crazy double digit negative temperatures to Chicago. So, I’m happy to see February has come with sunshine and rising temperatures. Hope...
Festive Holiday Cheese Board
The first glimmers of the holiday season are here. So let the festivities and planning begin. I love the thought of twinkly lights, celebrations and time with f...
Glimpses of Fall and Waldorf Salad
September brings a new crispness to the air. I can feel fall sneaking in little by little. Those sunny days are growing just a bit shorter and the cool evenings...