Recent Posts

Happy Beaujolais! 2011 Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages

November 21, 2013September 9, 2016

Today is a big day in France. The third Thursday of November is the day that each year's Beaujolais Nouveau is cracked open and tasted for the first time. The wine is literally just months old, but the event is used to get a sense of the vintage as... Read More

✷ Mains Recipe

Quick and Easy: Naan Pizza

November 15, 2013September 1, 2016 cheese, naan, pizza

I discovered this recipe years ago when I read Nigella Lawson's cookbook Nigella Express. It's a great book for quick meal ideas and techniques what are way more interesting than opening a package of some random processed food. While I hesitate calling this pizza (it's really a flatbread) the addition... Read More

✷ Mains Recipe

Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot) Pulled Pork

November 11, 2013September 1, 2016 barbecue, bbq, brioche, Mains, pork, sandwich

I would love to claim that I was a barbecue pit master. That I had the time, energy and equipment to do real deal, slow smoked ribs, brisket and pulled pork. I do have my eye on a smoker and perhaps in the future I'll be able to make that... Read More

Spain Tasting Tempranillo Wine

2009 Bodega Numanthia Termes

November 10, 2013September 9, 2016

I am a fan of Numanthia wines. Located in the Toro region of Spain, this Bodega makes entry level Tempranillo to the very fine (and expensive) stuff, but what they all have in common is incredible structure. They can be very big, powerful and bold, with lots of tannin,... Read More

Recipe Soups and Stews

Sausage, Potato and Kale Soup (aka Zuppa Toscana)

November 8, 2013September 1, 2016 Italian, kale, potatoes, sausage, soup

Sausage, Potato and Kale Soup (aka Zuppa Toscana)I have no idea why this soup is called zuppa toscana. I can't seem to find anything particularly Tuscan about it, and after doing a bit of research, I can't seem to find any traditional version of this recipe that would mark it... Read More

Recipe Side Dishes Veggies and Salads

My favorite Brussels Sprouts…

November 2, 2013September 1, 2016 sides, vegetables

My favorite Brussels Sprouts...For years I wanted to love Brussels Sprouts, but never got past finding them simply okay. Turns out, simple is best when it comes to these little cabbages. After trying blanching, braising, frying, shaving and shredding, the trick to making them addictively delicious is simply high heat.... Read More

Recipe

Red Chile (Enchilada) Sauce

October 30, 2013July 21, 2016 chiles, Mexican, sauce

After my impromptu success with huevos rancheros, I was beginning to feel like I needed to cook more Mexican (or at least Tex-Mex) food at home. I can make salsa or guacamole without thinking, but I realized that if I want to start making seriously delicious Mexican food, I needed... Read More

Orlando

East End Market Open!

October 26, 2013July 21, 2016

After waiting for what seemed an eternity, East End Market, Orlando's first attempt at a neighborhood artisanal market, has finally opened. I've been excited about the idea of East End Market for a long time, and while I couldn't make the grand opening yesterday, I came on day 2 to... Read More

Breads and Baking Recipe Sweets

Let Them Eat Brioche!

October 22, 2013September 1, 2016 baking, bread, breakfast, brioche

Ah, brioche. The buttery, eggy gorgeousness that somehow marries bread and cake. When I started baking breads at home, I overlooked brioche, instead favoring peasant loaves and baguettes, with their crusty exterior and airy interior. But after sampling some lovely brioche recently, I was again hooked and craved making my... Read More

Breakfast How To

Huevos Rancheros For One

October 13, 2013September 1, 2016 breakfast, corn tortillas, eggs, Mexican

I have to admit - I have never eaten huevos rancheros before this morning. I'm actually a little nervous about this post because I can claim no expertise or experience with the dish other than seeing what other people make and eat. Nevertheless, this morning I woke up crazy hungry,... Read More