Category: Food

Anatomy of a Classic Cocktail: The Boulevardier

I’m not one to deny the ambition of extending summer with breezy tropical cocktails in December, but I do embrace Old Man Winter with a glass of something hardier yet complex enough to sip and ponder by the hearth. For this, the near-century-old boulevardier suits the occasion. The cocktail in print dates back to 1927,…


Feast on This Epic One-Pot Meal

Back in my personal chef days, I worked for a wonderful family that had a bit of a dinner conundrum. The father longed for his Sicilian American mother’s beef ragu, but his kids wouldn’t touch it because it contained — gasp! — vegetables. Wanting to find a compromise, I added something to the recipe that…


Southern Pulled Pork Recipe (Oven Baked, Sugar Free)

What Southerner does not love barbecue? This classic recipe for pulled pork is one of my “redone” favorites using healthier ingredients. It is slow-cooked in the oven…who has a smoker in the backyard, after all? No worries, as the results turn out just as tender! This dish is just perfect for serving guests or a…


Looking for a Last-Minute Holiday Menu Addition? This Is the Easiest Side Dish to Make

Forget the ketchup. Serve roasted potatoes with either of these creamy sauces for a special Thanksgiving side dish. Chive Sour Cream In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. For extra zing, stir in 1 minced garlic clove. Garam Masala Yogurt In a small bowl, stir…


Holiday Party Strategies

When several people gather to celebrate, such as at year-end holiday parties, the beverages often aren’t particularly upscale, which is perfectly appropriate. In multiparty festivities, people rarely pay attention to the nuances that are in the glass. It doesn’t make sense to serve classics like 1961 Chateau Petrus at large gatherings. Classic wines call for…


You Don’t Need a Lot of Time to Make a Tasty Breakfast Dish

This delicious spinach omelet recipe is ready in just 10 minutes for a nutritious breakfast. Eggs and cheese help pack it with protein, while fresh dill boosts its flavor. 10-Minute Spinach Omelet Serves 1 Active Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup spinach 2 tablespoons…


How 2 Famous Authors Started the Thanksgiving Turkey Tradition

George Washington noted that it was “the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly implore his protection and favor.” This was stated at the beginning of his Thanksgiving Day proclamation, which he issued on October 3, 1789. Through the…


Choose Cornish Hens for a Small Holiday Gathering

This is a holiday stand-by favorite. If you are having a small group for holiday entertaining, consider serving these Cornish hens. The hens are very manageable, and no carving is required. Simply ask your butcher to halve the hens for you. This recipe is quick to prepare, and guests will love the switch-up from holiday…


Hanukkah Cocoa Fritters Sweeten Your Holiday Celebration

Not to be rude, but there’s something a little scary about jelly donuts. It’s not the donut part. It’s not even the jelly part, to be frank. I just don’t like surprises in my sweets. Don’t ever hand me a box of chocolates without a very clear map of exactly what’s in there, and at…


Southwestern Cheeseburger Sliders

View the print-friendly version of this recipe. If you’re a fan of my Juicy Steakhouse Burgers, you’ll love these drip-down-your-chin cheeseburger sliders jazzed up with smoky Southwestern spices, jalapeño pepper and Jack cheese. They are phenomenal topped with my Roasted Tomato Peach Jam, which is more of a tangy-sweet relish than a true jam — but if…