You’re invited, tapas party.  BYOB. The new year has me thinking about food, of course, and travel — reminiscing about past adventures,  daydreaming about future destinations, anticipating new foods to be discovered.  Come this time of year, am tired of the winter’s gray, bored with the daily routine, the travel bug begins to ease its … Continue Reading

  It’s that time of year — all I want is soup, soup, and more soup. The secret to a flavorful bowl of soup is to start with a really good stock.  So, I’m starting the year on a new foot, making my own stock.  Today, mushroom stock (or would this be a broth?).  Next … Continue Reading

 Who doesn’t like the crispy and browned bits?  The top layer of a baked ziti or mac and cheese is undoubtedly the best part; the part where the noodles and cheese get all nice and toasty and crunchy. Looking for something to do with those leftover noodles in your fridge?  A unique way to reheat … Continue Reading

Today’s post is all about simplicity, letting the ingredients shine without too much fuss.  I picked up an assortment of mushrooms over the weekend, a medley of beautiful yellow and white oysters, maitakes, shiitakes, trumpets, creminis, and portabellos.  I can’t think of a better way to enjoy mushrooms than simply prepared on the grill — … Continue Reading

Always on the lookout for cool props. I came across this great piece of Japanese drift wood in the clearance section of an antique shop in Old Town, Alexandria, VA, this past weekend. Just sitting there on the floor, unassuming, camouflaged among the flashier items. According to the sales staff, someone else had been admiring … Continue Reading