The sun-drenched shores of Nice have gifted the culinary world with many treasures, but none quite as vibrant and refreshing as the Salade Niçoise. As I stand in my Chicago kitchen, the aroma of fresh basil transports me back to my apprenticeship days in the South of France. There, I learned that this seemingly simple … Lire plus
The Story Behind Vitello Tonnato: A Piemontese Summer Classic As I stood in my grandmother’s sun-drenched kitchen in Piedmont, the aroma of simmering veal and aromatic vegetables filled the air. It was a scorching August afternoon, and Nonna was preparing her signature Vitello Tonnato for our annual family reunion. This classic Italian dish, with its … Lire plus
The aroma of sizzling butter and shallots wafts through my kitchen, transporting me back to my childhood in New Orleans. I’m recreating a sauce that bridges my French heritage and American upbringing – the luscious Choron sauce. This lesser-known cousin of Béarnaise adds a vibrant twist with the addition of tomato, creating a harmony of … Lire plus
Lemon drops are classic cocktails known for their perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. However, you don’t need alcohol to enjoy these refreshing drinks. We’ve created five delicious non-alcoholic versions that capture the essence of the original while offering unique twists that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re the designated driver, pregnant, or simply prefer … Lire plus
As I stand in my Chicago kitchen, the aroma of simmering garlic and fragrant olive oil transports me back to a sun-drenched afternoon in Calabria. It was there, in a tiny trattoria overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, that I first tasted the sublime simplicity of Pasta al Tonno. This humble dish, born from the pantries of … Lire plus
Cassoulet: A Taste of Southern France in Your Kitchen The aroma of slowly simmering beans and rich meats wafts through the kitchen, transporting me back to my childhood summers in Languedoc. My French father would spend hours tending to his beloved cassoulet, a dish that embodies the heart and soul of Southern French cuisine. This … Lire plus
Ah, Nanaimo bars! The mere mention of these decadent Canadian treats takes me back to my first visit to British Columbia. I remember strolling through a quaint bakery in Vancouver, the aroma of cocoa and vanilla dancing in the air. As I bit into my first Nanaimo bar, I was instantly captivated by the perfect … Lire plus
The aroma of buttery puff pastry and savory pork fills my kitchen, transporting me back to my childhood in New Orleans. My father, a French chef, would create his signature Pork en Croûte for special occasions, expertly wrapping tender pork in golden, flaky pastry. This dish, with roots in both French haute cuisine and rustic … Lire plus
The Delicate Art of Duck Tongue: A Culinary Adventure The first time I encountered duck tongue was in a tiny bistro tucked away in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. The chef, a grizzled veteran of Michelin-starred kitchens, presented a plate of glistening, mahogany-hued morsels that looked nothing like any poultry dish I’d seen before. “Langues … Lire plus
The briny scent of olives wafts through the air, transporting me back to sun-drenched afternoons in Provence. As a young chef-in-training, I spent countless hours perfecting the art of tapenade – that quintessential Provençal spread that captures the essence of the Mediterranean in every bite. Today, I’m thrilled to share my treasured olive tapenade recipe, … Lire plus