Christmas Panettone

I believe it was over Labor Day, a few months ago, when my dear old dad looked at me and said, “I think you need to start perfecting your panettone around October of this year. After all, Fellini begins their process early on and theirs is the best!” Well, Dad, as I write this, it’s…

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Blueberry Cilantro Salsa & Pan Fried Pork Chops

I woke up early one morning with the hankering to treat my friend to dinner. Something savory, of course, but also something a little sweet. While I feel like we’ve gone a little overboard with the cinnamon-pumpkin spice kick this year (and every year, thanks, Starbucks) I decided that fresh blueberries would satisfy the sweet,…

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Cranberry Caraway Rye Wreath

Homemade bread for the holidays is a must – particularly when it takes the shape of a Christmas wreath! The subtle sweetness of dried cranberries, the savory goodness and aromatic essence of toasted caraway seeds, and a hint of rough rye make this bread not only beautiful, but totally delicious! Cranberry Caraway Rye Wreath 1…

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Rustic Beer Bread & Brats

Well, it may seem like the holiday season is not necessarily appropriate for beer and brats. But, if you assumed that, you would be wrong. In my humble opinion, it’s always the season for a good celebratory brat, and some beer, right? I do have a little German heritage in me…mostly I’m Irish, but in…

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Vegan Vanilla Rose Shortbread

Maybe it’s because the holidays are approaching and I see Walker’s Shortbread fairies dancing in my head…or maybe it’s simply because I love baking and the warmth of the kitchen and needed an excuse to spoil another girlfriend with some shortbread goodness. Who knows? Either way, I’m proud to have converted my Lavender Shortbread into…

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Cranberry Chèvre Beef Wellington

I’m a bit disappointed in the poor lighting as a part of these photographs. However, I am certainly less than disappointed, and quite enthusiastic, about the finished product and flavor of this Cranberry Chèvre Beef Wellington. And, who serves Beef Wellington at home on a Thursday night anyway? We do! Beef tenderloin, of course, wrapped…

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Sage Pork Meatballs with Raspberry Onion Coulis & Comté

cou·lis ko͞oˈlē/ noun a thin fruit or vegetable puree, used as a sauce. comté (or Gruyère de Comté) kɔ̃.te noun  a French cheese made from unpasteurized cow’s milk in the Franche-Comté region of eastern France. Comté has the highest production of all French AOC cheeses, at around 64,000 tonnes annually. The cheese is made in discs, each between 40 cm (16 in) and 70 cm (28 in) in diameter, and…

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Chocolate Nutella Raspberry Cheesecake

I made this today for my birthday. That’s right, I made my own birthday treat. It’s not really for me, it’s to share with my friends and family. That’s the way I roll. Let’s celebrate LIFE. Let’s celebrate everyday! Let’s celebrate with a Chocolate Nutella Raspberry Cheesecake! Chocolate Nutella Raspberry Cheesecake Crust: 9 oz. chocolate…

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Toasted Coconut Ginger Chicken

It’s time to say goodbye to leftover Thanksgiving turkey, and welcome some Thai inspired chicken! With toasted coconut, a little ginger, and Jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk, topped with cilantro and lime, this dish is so easy, you can’t go wrong! I have to admit, I’m a little disappointed in the appearance. I crowded…

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