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everything bagels

How to make Easy Homemade Bagels

Posted by | Baking, Bread, Recipes | 10 Comments

No need to run to the bagel shop on Saturday mornings anymore with this easy homemade bagel recipe. Comfort food means something different to each person. For me, it’s fresh bagels. More specifically: everything bagels and cream cheese.

I’ve been making a lot of bread in the year of quarantine. I find it to be a stress reliever to knead out the dough. Plus, getting creative with flavors is always something I enjoy. So, it made perfect sense to me to try my hand at making bagels. With only six ingredients, they are simple to make. It just takes some steps.… Read more

spoonful of butternut squash souip

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Posted by | Recipes | No Comments

Whether you live in a winter climate or not, there is just something so comforting about a bowl of steaming hot soup. One of my favorites is made with butternut squash. While I know it is typically a fall food, I can eat this Roasted Butternut Squash soup all year round!

Having worked for a Japanese knife company for many years, one of the most shared frustrations that home cooks mentioned was cutting a butternut squash. With the hard shell, it can be dangerous to use a knife as it may slip on the unforgiving exterior of the squash. My most appreciated tip was not to use a knife but instead, a vegetable peeler.… Read more

Roasted Shrimp and Vegetable Salad with Parmesan Crisps

Posted by | Recipes | 19 Comments

Roasted Shrimp and Vegetable Salad with Parmesan Crisps – Homemade Parmigiano Reggiano crisps elevate this roasted vegetable salad for your holiday feasts.

Do you ever have an occasion that you just want to “wow” your guests (or family) with a dish but don’t feel confident in the kitchen to get too crazy? You know what I mean: recipes like lobster thermidor or an elaborate French recipe with a million complicated ingredients.

Then this easy, adaptable and flavorful dish is going to do the trick. You already know that I am a BIG fan of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. I have talked about how to determine what actually qualifies as Parmigiano Reggiano versus Parmesan. Read more

Beer and Pretzels are a Perfect Mix

Posted by | Favorite Finds, Foods, Kitchen Tools | 18 Comments

When you are in the mall and you start smelling that sweet, salty baking aroma coming from Auntie Anne’s pretzel store, have you ever stopped to ask yourself: “why can’t I make these at home”? Well, you can now! And Boardwalk Food Company makes it so easy.

They offer three different varieties of pretzels to make: Original, Cinnamon Sugar, Rosemary and Sea Salt. The secret ingredient is just what you would think of when you have a pretzel….beer! Yes, you add your choice of craft, domestic or imported beer to give that extra boost to the already yummy pretzels. If you prefer to not use beer, you can choose a carbonated soda like Sprite for a similar effect.… Read more

Vegetable Turkey Centerpiece

Best Cooking Tools and Tips for Thanksgiving

Posted by | Cooking, Entertaining, Gadgets, Gift Guide, Holiday, Housewares, Kitchen, Thanksgiving | 11 Comments

I love this time of year. A slight chill is in the air (although yesterday’s temp and snow are not welcomed!) and the holiday season is fast approaching. In just a few short weeks, we will be celebrating my favorite holiday: Thanksgiving. It’s the one time of year that family comes in from near and far to celebrate the holidays. We spend the day catching up on the happenings that have gone on throughout the year for everyone. The really fun part of this holiday though is we get to cook. Yes, that is exciting to me! Having the best cooking tools really makes a difference. … Read more

French Macaron Cookie Baking 101

Posted by | Bakeware, Baking, Cookie, Dessert, Housewares | 5 Comments

Have you ever tried those colorful, delicate and delicious French Macarons that you see in the windows of bakeries? There are rows of yellow, red and green cookies that look like little, perfectly formed sandwiches. These are not the coconut macarons that probably first crossed your mind when I said “macaron” however.  French Macarons are meringue and almond flour melt-in-your-mouth goodness filled with chocolate, pistachio or vanilla ganache. You can also fill with jams, jellies, and lemon or lime curd. It’s all up to you.

While I love to bake, I am definitely not a pro at it. As I have mentioned before in previous posts, I am a creative cook in that I improvise.… Read more