Sweet Potato, Caramelized Shallots, Smoked Mozzarella Pizza with Wilted Arugula

Sweet Potato, Caramelized Shallots, Smoked Mozzarella Pizza with Wilted Arugula

How was your Turkey Day? Did you cook? Were you a guest? Do you have plenty of leftovers? For the last few years, I’ve contributed nothing to my family’s Thanksgiving table. As a passionate cook, I actually look forward to not seeing my kitchen for few days. Cooking is a tedious labor of love, and I deserve a break. Read more

Bed-Vyne Wine’s Thanksgiving Tasting

Bed-Vyne Wine Shop Postcard

There’s a new wine store in my Brooklyn neighborhood. The shop, Bed-Vyne Wine, is located on the corner Tompkins and Putnam. In their small, specially designed space, their selection of wines is organized by taste: Earthy, Floral, Sweet, Port, Sparkling and so forth. It makes searching for wine quite easy for burgeoning oenophiles (myself included that category). Read more

An Intimate Panel Discussion by The Meaning of Tea

Loose-Leaf Tea Leaves by TheMeaningofTea.com

An audience member told the story of a Chinese philosopher seeking to learn all medicinal 10,000 herbs. Towards the end of his life, the philosopher had learned 5,000 of the 10,000 herbs. Upon his deathbed, a student boldly asked about the other 5,000 herbs and where to find the information. The Philosopher shared the instructions of where to find his research with the inquisitive student. After his death, the student followed the philosopher’s directions to find the information about the last 5,000 medicinal herbs. Opening the drawer, the student only found Camellia Sinensis, the leaf used for tea. Read more

Apple Cider Green Beans with Bacon

Apple Cider Green Beans with Bacon

Apple Cider Green Beans with Bacon

Southern vegetable dishes are usually slowly simmered and seasoned with pork for a long period of time, creating a salty flavor killing all signs of life. The cooking time of green beans are easily indicated by the color. Freshly picked green beans have a mild color turning a bright spring green when blanched. Southern recipes use long cooked green beans with a dark, military green hue. Read more

Lamb Chops with Apple Cider Sauce over Couscous with Dried Fruit

Lamb Chops with Apple Cider Sauce over Couscous with Dried Fruit

Lamb Chops with Apple Cider Sauce over Couscous with Dried Fruit

Confession: I used to think red meat and pork was unhealthy. While at a dinner party a few years ago, someone ordered seared lamb chops. They looked irresistible. He sliced into one and offered a taste. How could I resist? I blame the wine for having the courage to say yes. Like a crack addict, each medium-rare chew was a sensuous flavor of high delight. It was unforgettable. Read more