For the first week of the new year, I make a big pot of veggie soup. I love that it has so many possibilities. I can change up the veggies, use different tomato flavoring, and toss in pasta, rice, or farro for added substance. This soup is bubbling away on top of my stove as…
7 Tips for Better Wine Choices in 2022—For Both Good Taste and Health
I’m not very good at making New Year’s resolutions. Correction: I’m very good at making New Year’s resolutions, but not very good at keeping them. But as I got to thinking about what our lives would be like in regard to our wine choices in 2022, I realized that there are a few tips that…
Classic French Lentil Soup
Packed with hearty vegetables, ham, and pantry staples, classic French lentil soup is on heavy rotation across French households during the winter. The key ingredient to this staple dish is a French culinary treasure: nutty, firm, and nutrient-rich Le Puy lentils, which make it both healthy and filling. Whether you’re looking to lighten up your…
Don’t Give Frozen Foods the Cold Shoulder
Nearly every health expert will be quick to tell you that it’s a good idea to load up your shopping cart with more vegetables and fruits. Their unique nutritional stew of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals is key to lasting health. But sometimes fresh options in the produce aisle don’t look so fresh and are…
Smoked Salmon on Cucumber Rounds
These are so easy to make and so fresh and creamy. I love serving this at cocktail parties; all my friends with gluten sensitivities are incredibly appreciative! Makes about 24 2 medium cucumbers 4 ounces smoked salmon 6 tablespoons whipped cream cheese 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Freshly ground black pepper Wash the cucumbers to…
Homemade Potato Chips With Allioli
These oven-fried potato chips are perfectly crisp and golden. Season them twice, before they go into the oven and then just as they come out, and play around with other seasoning mixes: spicy chile pepper, parsley, ras el hanout … the possibilities are endless. The same goes for the dipping sauce. Serves 6 4 large…
Champagne Cocktails for a Crowd
My take on the French 75 swaps the gin and lemon juice with vodka and lime, topped with Champagne and soda water for more bubbles. Serves 8 1 cup vodka 8 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 cup soda water 1 750ml bottle Champagne, cava, or prosecco In a pitcher half-filled with ice, stir in the…
Parmesan Crisps With Salmon Caviar
Totally addictive both to eat and to make, these crisps are also great to use as a garnish for soups and as an alternative to croutons in salads. They’re quite salty, and baking the cheese brings out its pungency, so a little sour cream helps balance out the strong flavors. Makes about 20 2 cups…
Pigs In a Blanket
The most popular of all the finger foods that I serve, pigs in a blanket is total comfort food. Everyone loves and devours them. Play with the different dipping sauces, such as Dijon country mustard, ketchup, or even honey mustard. Makes about 32 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed 32 mini hot dogs 1 large…
Easy Entertaining: A New Year’s Eve Cocktail Party
To celebrate New Year’s Eve this year, my friends and I are splitting up. The entertaining, that is—I’ll be hosting a cocktail party at my home during the early part of the evening, and then the celebrations will continue at theirs for dinner and beyond, or until after midnight. Brilliant, I say! Don’t underestimate the…
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