I forced myself to attempt canning this year. I am intrigued by all the canning, preserving, drying and curing that were so critical to survival not too long ago. People figured out ways to make their food last, to use methods to keep food not only safe but sweet and/or savory. It impresses me that [...]

Simple Syrups are easy-squeezy to make, and the number of flavors you can concoct are endless. Pictured here are a raspberry, blackberry and a combination of blackberry blueberry.
My first venture into the world of simple syrups was my impatience for a great mojito. I wasn’t about to waste any rum on a bad mojito, and [...]

In a pinch, Sangria is a pleasant, unexpected surprise, giving cheer to any meal. Sangria reminds me of champagne, a drink with a reputation for celebration. The myth being you need a reason to celebrate; I think we just need to celebrate more often without a given reason. Besides, this is so easy to pour [...]

This recipe is one reason I started writing a cookbook. Offered as hostess gifts and an unexpected apertif at a dinner party, limoncella sneaks right in to take center stage: everyone wanted the recipe. You will have to wait for my cookbook, I would tease. And now, cookbook turned to blog means all of [...]