Occasionally there are times when I will bake a different recipe and think to myself, ‘WHY didn’t I think of that!’ – while smacking my forehead. Today this simple peanut butter cookie recipe from Dorie Greenspan did just that. I have… Continue Reading
I fell in love with cannoli in Turin, Italy, at the Terra Madre conference a few months ago. The cannoli I bought were fat but small – like half a pencil long – crunchy on the outside, creamy in the middle,… Continue Reading
Crème brulée, French for burnt cream, is a rich, creamy custard topped with a thin layer of hard, caramelized sugar. Crème brulée is one of those perfect desserts that seems complicated, and yet mastering this simple recipe will open the door… Continue Reading
As they always are, Amico del Signore and Femme de Joie were in search of decent Chinese food when they got to San Francisco. There’s no shortage of such restaurants, but weeding out the chaff from the wheat (to mix… Continue Reading
Adios Mimosa! The Paloma is the new “Cura Resacas” (Hair of the Dog). There’s nothing better than a New Year’s Day brunch to soak up what ails you, reconsider off-the-wall resolutions and look forward to 12 months of endless possibilities.… Continue Reading
As you may recall, I am working my way through Larousse Gastronomique with A News Cafe, rather slowly, I admit. My family has just moved into a new home, and amusingly enough, I am now baking in what I lovingly… Continue Reading
One of my favorite cold-weather dishes to serve my family and friends is risotto. Risotto is an incredibly versatile dish, perfect for cleaning out the vegetable drawer or using leftovers. When you learn the basic technique of adding liquid to… Continue Reading
It’s Black Friday and my wife and I had a major decision to make. Go Christmas shopping or visit Redding’s newest microbrewery, Wildcard Brewing? Needless and happily to say, we both would rather lift a glass or two with friends… Continue Reading
On September 12, 2012, The Village Voice wrote a not-complimentary review of the new restaurant opened in Times Square by celebrity TV chef Guy Fieri.  Three weeks later on October 2,  the New York Observer published a scathing review of Guy’s American… Continue Reading
Baking cookies is a tradition that many share over the holiday season. One of my absolute favorite cookies to bake is this simple sugar cookie dough. My house fills with the warm aroma of vanilla, butter and sugar that remind… Continue Reading
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