Winter is here and that means it is time to cook up some comfort! With a polar vortex looming around New England this week, pulled pork and herby biscuits are calling our name. This slow cooked, bone-in pork butt is loaded with flavor thanks to a tasty rub and a bottle of our good friend Sam Adams. […]
Winter Rinktum Ditty
A Better Benedict
Eggs Benedict is synonymous with “Today is Special”! It is always my birthday breakfast of choice and what I lean to on the big holidays and special occasions. No surprise, it is on the menu this Christmas Morning (along with my favorite Stickiest Brioche Pecan Rolls)! But this year, in the interest of closing out 2014 […]
Fleur de l’Orange Christmas Cakes
Citrus is such a wonderful flavor to celebrate during the winter months. I call this cake Fleur de l’Orange because of the layers of orange flavor. The orange juice and Cointreau are forefront and the zest and Olivio Extra Virgin Olive Oil add fragrance, spice and a story. I chose to use extra virgin olive oil because […]
Candy Apple “Nachos” for your Little Turkeys
Candy Apples are a favorite treat for us this time time of year. While these Candy Apple “Nachos” are still finger lickin’ good, we have taken some of the commitment out of biting into a whole apple by serving these as wedges with all of you favorite fixings. We made Olivio’s Salted Caramel for a […]
Pumpkin Bread…From My Kitchen to Yours
There is something so warm about gifting a loaf of bread. For the holidays, we constantly have Pumpkin Bread batter in the mixer and loaves in the oven. This recipe comes from a long time family friend, Ilsa from Bainbridge Island. A gracious entertainer and wonderful cook, Ilsa’s recipe will yield enough for you and […]
Cider Glazed Pork Chops with Mascarpone Polenta, Onions and Apples
We celebrated Max’s 1st birthday in the heart of October with this quintessential fall dish! Creamy mascarpone polenta warms you from the inside out and pork chops are such a fantastic tribute to Harvest Season. Sauteed onions and apples are luxuriously humble and the cider glaze brings us home. Wishful thinking as a mother that I have […]
Mediterranean Harvest Salad & Homemade Focaccia
This hearty salad is a nod to fall, from here in New England to travels along the Mediterranean. The creamy butternut squash is roasted with aromatic cumin, sweet paprika and the goodness of Olivio’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil then tossed with hearty lentils, refreshing mint and an earthy goat cheese which balances out the exotic. Toasted almonds […]
Olivio Brownie Bites
I’ve been making these Brownie Bites all summer using my Mom’s company-pleasing Virginia Belle’s Brownie Recipe and substituting Olivio Spreadable Butter for the Sweet Cream Butter. Typically, this recipe is made in an 8×8 ceramic baker but I found a silcone baking form at TJMaxx a couple months ago that yields these adorable “bites”. In fact, […]
Simple Summer Steak and Potatoes ~ Fire up the Grill!
I love simple food with big flavor! Grilling wins my heart every time with its ability to elevate great ingredients and limit the time I spend in the kitchen. AJ and I really stepped up our grill-game in collaboration with Fire Magic Grill. If you are in the market for a state-of-the-art grill, this beauty is a work […]
Master Your Holiday Meal!
‘Tis the season for big family dinners and holiday entertaining! Are you hosting this year? If you are looking for some last minute inspiration for your holiday meals, check out the Master Your Holiday Meals web cooking series that Brian Dunn, Corporate Development Chef at Roche Bros and I put together with 5 home cooks across Massachusetts! […]
Buckling Up for Parenthood: Reflecting on Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week
PSA: New and Expecting Parents ~ mark your calendar! For more information on Car Seat and Child Passenger Safety, join UPPAbaby’s Child Passenger Safety Advocate, Daniella Brown @UPPAcpsa and me @MC3Anna next Wednesday September 25th 9pm EST/ 6pm PST on Twitter #UPPAchat! Bring your questions and join the Twitter Q&A. The chat will be a great opportunity for […]
September Roasted Peach Cake
Pineapple Coconut “MockMosa”
AJ and I are expecting a baby boy this October! I am finally lacing up my MasterChef boot straps and reclaiming my Brave Apron after months of “non bloggable” dishes. Thanks Annie’s Mac and Cheese and Trader Joe’s Corn Bread for getting me through the first few months- I’ll see you again in a couple years. Alas, […]
Boston Strong – Marathon Recovery
Like for so many, the bombings during Monday’s marathon have impacted me and AJ on a profoundly personal level. Marathon Monday is a fantastic day in our neighborhood as we have the thrill of watching the runners race by, just two quick turns from the finish line. It’s a day of innocence, of drive, of […]
Blueberry Avocado Detox Smoothie
AJ and I are lovin’ our morning smoothies. This Blueberry Avocado Smoothie has become another one of our regular favorites. I can’t wait to pick and freeze my own berries this summer! The avocado adds a beautiful creamy texture and the mint makes this a refreshing *spa~like* way to start the day:) Surely summer will […]
Fennel Risotto with Saffron Wine Reduction and Seared Phillips Grouper ~ The International Restaurant and Food Service Show of New York
AJ and I had were honored to be invited up on the Main Stage as presenters at the International Restaurant and Food Service Show of New York at Javits Convention Center last weekend. We had a blast doing what we love to do best together… cooking and dishing about MasterChef:) With over 18,000 attendees and […]