If you have ever stumbled upon any of my social media feeds, you will quickly come to learn that I love food and love taking pictures of it. Yes, I am one of 'those' people. I do not stand on chairs or set up tripods, but my friends and family know—picture first, eat second. I decided to attend a food photo workshop that just so happen to be located at a winery, #WINWIN ... The workshop was put on my Niagara Culinary Tours hosted at Stratus Winery in Niagara on the Lake. Our fearless …
Think Outside the Island Destination Box: Family Travel in Costa Rica
For many years Costa Rica was thought of as a travel haven for backpackers and thrill seekers. There were very few all-inclusive resorts and it was just not a "Family Travel" destination. This's all changing! Central America has become a much sought after travel destination and Costa Rica is leading the way. Several years ago my husband and I spent two weeks in Costa Rica seeking ultimate thrills and experiencing every adrenaline rush possible. We loved the country and it's …
Have Food, Will Travel
One of the perks of being a chef is getting to travel to different cities and try local food. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it. Over the years, I've noticed that most major cities and states have a signature food on the 'must-try' list, even if it appears to be slightly touristy. It can be a slice of pie in New York City, oranges in Florida, peaches in Georgia, or a croissant in Paris, there's something built into my wiring that quietly says, "If you're here, you must try …
Reinventing Mac and Cheese; Bacon Syrup Anyone?
It’s finally happening. After generations of unpronounceable ingredients resulting in hyper orange powder and a somewhat passable cheese flavor, Kraft Foods announced that they are changing ingredients in their much loved Kraft Dinner Mac and Cheese recipe. Starting in 2016 Kraft is going to use natural ingredients such as paprika and turmeric to color the cheese powder in an attempt to meet the request of over 300,000 people who signed an on-line petition asking the manufacturer to consider …
A Bunny Worthy Easter Brunch
Easter Brunch is one of my favorite things. I think because it is an official sign that summer is finally on it's way. The colors of Easter are pretty and fun. Brunch in itself is FABOOSH because it is served late enough in the morning it is more than acceptable to have a cocktail. After all brunch without alcohol is just a sad late breakfast...and of course there is the chocolate. SO...let's start with THE BOOZE!! I love a good morning Sangria. The key is to keep it simple. A nice …
