Invite a Touch of European Tradition into Your Holiday Season
Glühwein, a spiced or mulled wine, is very popular in German-speaking countries and in the region of Alsace in France. It is a traditional hot beverage served during the Christmas holidays and throughout the cold winter months. The oldest documented Glühwein is dated to the year 1420. Count John IV of Katzenelenbogen, a German nobleman, was the first grower of…
Thanksgiving – Be Creative but Keep the Classics
After spending more than forty years in kitchens prepping, cooking and serving Thanksgiving dinner in restaurants, hotels, and at home, I came to the following conclusion: In general, people still enjoy Thanksgiving classics such as velvety mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted yams with marshmallows, green bean casserole, and perfectly roasted turkey and gravy. However, besides the classics, it is also exciting…
Oktoberfest Comfort Food
One of Austrians and Bavarians childhood favorites is Wienerschnitzel, a great fit for the Oktoberfest festival. Oktoberfest has a long tradition and is known as the largest Volksfest (People’s Fair) in the world. It is an annual event held in Munich, Germany, with lots of local beer and Bavarian music.
Sizzling Summer Salads
As August temperatures soar, this salad sizzles without heating up your kitchen! A variety of healthy greens are topped with lean grilled protein to keep you in swimsuit shape. Of course, it’s the dressing that can make or break any salad, and these unique choices of creamy goodness or a tart vinaigrette will fire up all appetites.
Fire Up the Burgers!
Rising June temperatures create the perfect excuse to fire up the grill. Every cookout needs a great burger, and these juicy masterpieces, stuffed with cheese and peppers, will earn rave reviews! Of course, many people argue that the burger is only as good as its toppings. Since June is recognized as California Avocado Month and National Papaya Month, these two…
Skinny Sweets for Mom
cIn homage to visionary philanthropist and retailing legend Henry Segerstrom, the documentary film, “Henry Segerstrom: Imagining the Future,” was premiered for an impressive cadre of 300 guests at the Directors Guild of America’s New York Theater recently. Following the private screening, Cartier pages ushered guests to a champagne dinner at the Weill Terrace Room, Carnegie Hall, with featured remarks by…
April 2017 Culinary Creations
Spice up your dinner table with this exotic, easy dish which can utilize all the vegetables from your garden or the local farmer’s market. Throughout the world, diners are embracing the “farm-to-table” movement, and restaurants are responding by modifying their menus to offer more locally grown fruits and vegetables. Termed “paddock-to-plate” in Australia, the focus remains the same, integrating more…
What’s Cooking: A Chocolate Surprise for Your Sweetheart
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to spoil your sweetie with a sweet dessert! Nothing says “Love” like a delicious homemade treat. This recipe tastes decadent and difficult, but it is incredibly easy, so even non-cooks can quickly impress a special love. These romantic red velvet cupcakes are filled with a sweet surprise: a creamy chocolate filling!
Festive Candy Cane Christmas Cake
Christmas is a time of traditions, old and new, and this spectacular Candy Cane Layer Cake is sure to become a new favorite annual addition to your holiday table! Snowy white peppermint cake layers are nestled between creamy white chocolate frosting, tinted festive red and green in the Christmas spirit. Decorated with crushed candy canes, this recipe can easily be…
Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Sides
Time is a valuable commodity around Thanksgiving! There never seems to be enough time to get all the trimmings for Thanksgiving dinner finished at the same time. These quick and easy sides are a life saver! They can easily be prepared ahead, and they are sure to earn rave reviews from your guests. Try a new twist on traditional stuffing…
Elevate Your Tailgate Cocktails
With football season in full swing, throwing a winning tailgating party is a must. Fire up the grill and mix up some great cocktails to keep your party going strong from kickoff to the final horn. This year, take your game to new heights by putting an unexpected twist on traditional tailgate eats and drinks. Ditch the wilted stalk of…
A Healthy, Gluten-Free Picnic
With long summer days and warm summer nights, everyone is in the mood for a picnic! These easy, healthy recipes are perfect at the beach or in the backyard. The key to a successful picnic is fun food which travels well and can be made ahead. For easy healthy sides, pack fresh sliced fruit in pre-refrigerated mason jars, which keep…
Easy Meals for Men
They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but the reverse holds equally true. Every gal loves the thought of her man impressing her with a home-cooked meal! A Mexican theme is always festive and fun, with a dash of spice and a splash of tequila. Plus, these cooling Skinny Melon Margaritas are a third of…
From Garden to Table: Edible Flowers and Anti-Aging Herbs
A bouquet of flowers can brighten any room, but did you realize that they can sweeten your recipes while promoting longevity? Indeed, there are several varieties of edible flowers which can easily be grown in a home garden or even indoors. Plus, many of these pretty petals come from plants with a long history of anti-aging properties. A perfect way…
Healthy Movie Night Food
When April showers hit, create the ultimate cozy “movie night” with these fabulous recipes! This double feature of pizza and popcorn is guilt-free, with reduced-fat whole wheat pizza and light popcorn, made with a skinny secret topping packed with protein and vitamins (B-vitamins, folic acid, selenium, zinc). Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free and tastes better than movie theater popcorn at a…
Go Green: Big Flavor, Small Bites
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with these fabulous low-fat treats, and your diet will be loaded with the luck of the Irish! Instead of fattening corned beef and green beer, try these green-themed goodies which will add a festive touch to any party. Low in calories but bursting with flavor, these impressive tiny tartlets are easy to assemble, with a delicious…