Memorial Day began after the Civil War to commemorate fallen soldiers. These days, we think of it as a day to remember all veterans and loved ones, as well as the unofficial start of summer. Parades, barbecues, and long weekend trips are all on the agenda. My father served as a medic during the height […]

Mexico has a rich food history – from chocolate cultivated by Mayans to the Arabica coffee brought to the country hundreds of years later. With these two wonderful ingredients alone, what better way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo than by making dessert? Add a little cinnamon and sugar and you have a first class coffee […]

Traditional Irish holiday meat of choice? Pork. It wasn’t until the 1800’s that Irish-American immigrants latched on to corned beef as a less expensive alternative when they arrived in this country.  Mix Guinness with some sugar and spicy mustard for a dark, sweet-savory sauce that complements the ham’s smoky flavor. The recipe calls for only a […]

Baking soda, known as bread soda in Ireland, gives quick breads their rising power when mixed with an acid such as sour milk or vinegar. This down and dirty alternative to yeast allows you to mix up, bake and enjoy a piping hot, homemade loaf of soda bread in less than one hour. Ingredients 2¼ […]