Did you know that mulberries are at the center of one of the world’s oldest love stories? Star-crossed lovers, Pyramus and Thisbe, agreed to tryst at the well-known white mulberry tree on the banks of a cool spring. When Pyramus arrived late and came upon a lioness with Thisbe’s veil in her mouth, he mistakenly […]

Did you know it’s called a pound cake because the original recipe called for one pound each of flour, butter, sugar and eggs? That makes sense, and it’s easy to remember, but what a massive cake that would make! Try this recipe for a more manageable pound cake, with a hint of hazelnut essence: Million […]

Treat Dad to brunch, and perk up your Father’s Day with these sparkling, exotic Blood Orange Mimosas.  Blood oranges, a variety of orange with crimson flesh and a distinct raspberry note, will add breathtaking color and citrusy delight to your drinks. Blood Orange Mimosas ¼ cup blood orange juice ¾ cup Champagne or proseco Pomegranate […]

Did you know that a chef’s hat is said to have one pleat for each of the many ways eggs can be cooked? The French already knew 685 different ways of preparing eggs at the time of the French Revolution. Well, here’s one more – it takes only 5 eggs to make this simple, custardy Puerto Rican-style […]

Flan, a sweet crème caramel popular in Latin countries, makes a beautiful sugar-coated, fruit-topped presentation at the end of a meal. This recipe is an easy Puerto Rican-style custard with just the right number of eggs for a smooth, sturdy texture, and enough vanilla to add a rich, aromatic flavor. Feel free to fiddle around […]

Interested in trying new breakfast dishes from around the world? Start with Israel’s shakshouka – eggs poached in spicy tomato sauce and served in your own little frying pan. Serving shakshouka in its own pan reminds me of a restaurant we used to frequent as kids. After a long bike ride on the boardwalk, Dad […]

Did you know that there is one piece of silk for each kernel on every ear of sweet corn?  That’s quite a bit of silk, when you consider that the average ear of corn has 800 kernels.  Nevertheless, juicy, flavorful sweet corn is well worth the husking. Best when picked fresh, sweet corn loses a […]

Kick up your corn bread with some southwest flavorings and a hint of heat. This moist, citrusy version calls for fresh lime juice and zest. Aromatic cilantro infuses the batter and visually enlivens the bread. I like to add fresh corn kernels for texture and sweetness, white pepper and cayenne for spicy depth. Mini-corn molds […]