Winter Rinktum Ditty

Whether you are staying close to the fire this New Year’s Eve or planning your next Game Day Menu, this heritage dish speaks Winter Comfort all the way.  This is an early New England dish with a name the kids will love to say.  “Come on Kids!  Get your Rinktum Ditty!” I mean, I love it […]

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, […]

MasterChef Mango Chutney

I loved Curry Nights growing up.  Imagine Trader Vics- 1969- San Francisco- style.  My dad would enthusiastically prepare a huge crock of aromatic yellow curry with chicken and coconut and pot of rice.  What would begin as a simple dish would take on an explosion of texture, color and flavor as we chopped, sliced and […]

Panko Crusted Sicilian Olives with Herbed Goat Cheese

Hot olives, creamy goat cheese and a crisp panko crust?  Yes, I’m in love.  Go beyond the cheese board and crudite- think hot, toasty amuse bouche and give your guests an extra bite that says you were expecting them.   We all know the kitchen (no matter the size) is the favorite hang out in […]

My Kitchen or Yours?

An afternoon of tasty bites, decadent sweets, a splash of vino and some girl talk? I’m there! I recently had the pleasure of hosting a private cooking lesson in our home.  If you’ve seen our kitchen, you know that it’s cozy.  It cranks and bakes and refrigerates proudly chanting Gordon’s quote, “the best food comes […]

PUMPKIN! I love you…

Brave goes Barefoot and celebrates Fall with Ina Garten’s  Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Frosting and Toffee Crunch! Yields 10 Cupcakes Pumpkin Cupcakes 1 cup all purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp kosher salt 2 tsp Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pie Spice (or 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp […]