From cookies to pies and cake to fudge, Christmastime is the season for all things sweet. Although many people associate this time of year with gingerbread and sugary cutouts, my thoughts turn to one luscious treat - English Toffee. If anything symbolizes the start of the holiday season in Continue reading
2 December 2010 
Literal “Roots” of the French Yule Log
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(Photo source) There are many Christmas traditions that are shared by those in the US and in France, including tree decorating, gift giving, and the belief in Santa Claus (or Père Noël in France). Both countries also share a love for elaborate holiday feasts which most often include decadent Continue reading
15 November 2010 
Simple Mediterranean Recipes from Cooking Light
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(photo source) From hummus to feta and olives to orzo, Mediterranean food is one of my favorite cuisines to eat. We all know by now that the Mediterranean diet is thought to be one of the healthiest in the world - which is a big reason why I like it. However, Mediterranean food is also extremely Continue reading
4 November 2010 
Taste of Napa Valley
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Last week, I traveled to Napa Valley, CA, for the first time. I ended up having one of the most enriching wine experiences of my life. Not only did I have an amazing time tasting all kinds of wine, but I learned a great deal about wine and wine tasting, which made the experience so much more Continue reading
15 October 2010 
Walnut Adventures
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Bonjour Everyone! It's Walnut Harvest time in California and I'm a right in the thick of learning all about walnuts. Tonight, I experienced a fantastic interactive cooking demonstration where I was able to get my hands dirty by making a white walnut pesto. I have to admit, I don't know if I will Continue reading
7 October 2010 
Nostalgia in a Cookie
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When I was a little girl, my father would make trips to the local bakery for our weekly bread and pastries. Although donuts were a family favorite, often found on our kitchen table on Saturday/Sunday mornings, what I really liked were the bakery cookies. The cookies that my father would bring Continue reading
4 October 2010 
Crunchy Granola a la Bistro Chic
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There are many things that I admire about the Mediterranean lifestyle - the laid back attitude, the emphasis on friends and family, and their love of eating foods in their purest or most natural form. I feel that just about anything that you can find prepackaged in the store can be made at home if Continue reading
13 September 2010 
How British Food Favorites Got Their Names
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(Photo source) From Scotch eggs to Bloody Marys, the British have many odd food favorites. And in a new book, What Caesar Did for My Salad, author Albert Jack reveals the origins of these strange dishes, and, more importantly, how they go their names. SCOTCH EGGS The Scots are known for Continue reading
6 September 2010 
Vinegar and Oil: Taste of the Mediterranean
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You've all heard of wine tastings, beer tastings, cheese tastings, etc. But have you ever been to or even heard of an olive oil and vinegar tasting? Olive oil and vinegar tastings sound very exotic, something you'd most definitely find in the Mediterranean while on holiday or possibly near the Continue reading
30 August 2010 
Lessons From A French Woman: Preparing Lunch
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(Photo source) With my extremely busy schedule, I don't always find the time to make my lunch for work. And, quite honestly, it's not always a time issue. In some instances, we don't have much of a selection for lunch food in the house or I'm tired of eating the same old dishes. At these times, I Continue reading
26 August 2010 
Mediterranean Diet: A Cultural Symbol
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(Photo Source) Italy is known for many things – the wine, the history, and home to the Vatican. But what Italy really wants to be known for is the food – specifically, the Mediterranean Diet. According to recent reports, Italy has aggressively been pushing for the Mediterranean Diet to be Continue reading
16 August 2010 
Anatomy of a French Market
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French markets have been a regular feature of small and large cities all across Europe. And, with the help of French market planners Bensidoun, French markets are now becoming more popular in North America. This weekend, I was fortunate enough to attend one of these North American French Markets at Continue reading
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