Food delivery companies like Blue Apron, Plated or Hello Fresh all offer similar services to home cooks and foodies like us; the convenience of fresh produce, quality meats, and uniquely seasonal ingredients pre-portioned, according to inspired recipes, and mailed directly to your door step. This eliminates grocery shopping for full-time professionals, packing the kids into…
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With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I was inspired to concoct a vibrantly crimson dish adorned with hearts. Let’s be honest, nothing “beets” the bite of winter like a toasty bowl of soup. Hence, this Roasted Beet and Green Apple Soup was conceived and devoured. * Update: On 2-16-15, this Soup won the “Color Matters…
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Authentic homemade pasta contains only two ingredients, eggs and flour. When rolled out thinly and boiled quickly, these delicate noodles are second to none. I learned to make homemade pasta from my 93-year-old, straight off the boat, Italian Grandma. Grandma spoils us (my mom, aunts, uncles and cousins) every Sunday, making a large pot of…
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Risotto is Italian fare made with starchy rice that soaks up broth to a creamy consistency. This dish can be risky, as it requires pampering and constant attention. Arborio rice, used in this recipe, is a type of risotto rice that releases starch while absorbing liquid. With common ingredients and patience, this rich and creamy…
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Bread pudding is the comfort food of desserts. Warm and creamy custard moistens stale bread and is served with a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce. You won’t regret the calories! My mom came to visit this weekend, which means we will not be leaving the kitchen. Growing up, it was just me and mom. Every…
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Crème brûlée, a decadently-rich dessert encrusted with brittle caramelized sugar. This indulgent custard literally means “burnt cream”. Its elegant flavor and tantalizing appeal may entice you to order it while dining out, but intimidate you to make it at home. Do not be afraid, to my surprise, the ingredients were common and the cooking method was…
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Mussels are an elegantly delicate bivalve typically served as an appetizer or entree. Their intricate flavor leads some to assume that cooking them at home requires culinary prowess. However, with proper aromatics and good wine, nothing is impossible. Ina Garten’s Mussels in White Wine recipe not only boasts 5 stars with 142 reviews, but also…
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Forte is an eclectic fine dining restaurant located in the heart of downtown Jamestown, New York. Their menu offers a variety of ethnic flavors including Vietnamese short ribs, Japanese sushi, Thai noodle soup and Curried potpie. Yet seafood, burgers, gumbo and steak are also featured. Forte’s crimson walls and candlelit ambiance make it a hot…
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My hometown is in Syracuse, New York. Ever since I have moved to Pennsylvania, it seems like Syracuse has been developing trendy hotspots for foodies like me. While home on Christmas break (Yes, I’m a teacher and get two weeks off, you are allowed to be jealous) I have been indulging in many of these…
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The holidays bring about a sense of togetherness. Each year I plan some sort of friends get together which gives me an excuse to cook a new recipe and share laughs (and wine) with others. Pinterest has been blowing up with this “Favorite Things” concept, so I thought I could meld two parties into one:…
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