Drinks2018-01-18T05:24:53-05:00

My Sourdough Starter Journey

By |December 6th, 2023|Categories: Breads / Biscuits, Tips|Tags: , , , |

And just like that we have a month left of 2023. It has been quite a year — a wedding and grandbabies, but I am finally finding the time to sit down and begin my blogging journey again. I wanted to start with something a bit different as it has become part of my daily routine and one I [...]

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Friday Cheers –

By |June 17th, 2023|Categories: Drinks, Wine|

There’s nothing like a chilled glass of wine on a hot summer afternoon which brings me to another wine worth mentioning from Trader Joe’s. It is from the Marlborough region of New Zealand and it’s this week’s Friday Cheers wine pick. The Pass / NZ is a delightful Sauvignon Blanc that has a bright crisp taste with grassy and [...]

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Chocolate Chip Bang Cookie

By |June 8th, 2023|Categories: Dessert|Tags: , |

Every once in a while, you land on a recipe you just have to share. For me it is a chocolate chip recipe that has yet to fail me and gets better each time I make it. Mike and I were watching an episode on Zoe Bakes where she made chocolate chip cookies, and I knew right then I [...]

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Friday Cheers –

By |May 19th, 2023|Categories: Uncategorized, Wine|Tags: , , |

Trader Joe’s is everyone’s favorite grocery store. From their fun snacks to their abundant wine selection, which they so generously offer samplings of. Several weeks ago, Mike and I popped in for some groceries and low and behold they were doing a wine tasting. The wine, a pleasing French White Bordeaux this week’s Friday Cheers wine pick. The 2022 [...]

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A BLT Chaffle

By |May 17th, 2023|Categories: Breakfast Food, Main Dishes|Tags: , , , , |

Mike and I are BLT fans and have always loved the simplicity of this iconic sandwich. Imagine biting into perfectly toasted bread smeared with mayo then topped with crispy bacon, lettuce, and a juicy tomato... it’s not only satisfying but delicious. There’s so much goodness in this crunchy sandwich. It can’t be beat. Plus, it can be enjoyed for [...]

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For the Love of Guacamole

By |May 5th, 2023|Categories: Appetizers, Snacks|Tags: , , , |

I have a special treat for you on this first Friday in May. My daughter, Talia will be sharing a recipe that she and my son-in-law, Luke love to make and have made for us on various occasions. I know you will enjoy this classic Mexican dip as much as we do. Take it away Talia. Our love language [...]

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Friday Cheers – Mojitos

By |April 28th, 2023|Categories: Drinks|Tags: , , , |

Last May we travelled to Cabo San Lucas. It was perfect in so many ways: the location stunning, the people friendly, the culture beautiful, and the food and drink magnificent. It was here that I enjoyed my first Mojito. Yes, you heard me...my first. I fell in love with this smooth, easy to drink (maybe too easy), minty wonder [...]

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Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms

By |April 23rd, 2023|Categories: Main Dishes|Tags: , , , , |

Here's a flavorful recipe you can make with or without meat. I have made it both ways and they are equally delicious. So, if you are looking for a great dinner idea for Monday's meatless menu...look no further! In our house it's portabella mushrooms filled with homemade tomato sauce, sautéed spinach, and topped with creamy goat cheese. Add a [...]

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Friday Cheers – Miraval Rosé

By |April 14th, 2023|Categories: Wine|Tags: , , , , , |

Sometimes a beautiful wine bottle excites me more than the wine...but if the wine is as beautiful as the bottle, then you have a match made in heaven.  For me, the match is Miraval Rosé...this week’s Friday wine pick. Miraval Rosé comes to us from Cotes de Provence, France.  It is a light-bodied, crisp wine that is light pink, [...]

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Scandinavian Almond Cake

By |April 5th, 2023|Categories: Dessert|Tags: , , , |

Happy Easter everyone! I can’t believe it’s April...where has time gone? As my sweet man always says, time waits for no one. As I sit here planning our Easter menu, all I can think about is the dessert. I recently made a Scandinavian Almond Cake and was blown away by the taste and texture. It was rich, but not [...]

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Cranberry Bread

By |April 1st, 2023|Categories: Breads / Biscuits|Tags: , , , , , |

The holidays may be over but some days I just crave certain foods and flavors. I’m sure many of you feel the same. For me, my post-holiday craving has been for a cranberry bread infused with orange. Sounds delicious, right?!? I love the way those two flavors marry together...a perfect balance of tart and sweet. This bread is moist, [...]

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Italian Chocolate Cookies

By |March 23rd, 2023|Categories: Dessert|Tags: , , |

A very chocolaty cookie that’s not too sweet yet has that crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside texture with a flavor reminiscent of the holidays! Recently I had the opportunity to go through my mother-in-law’s collection of recipes some of which go back nearly 100 years. Each recipe was neatly typed and kept in a binder and [...]

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Friday Cheers – Avaline White Wine

By |March 17th, 2023|Categories: Wine|Tags: , , , , , , |

Do you ever find yourself scrolling through your IG feed and one of the posts grabs your attention? Clearly, one grabbed my attention: Avaline /ah-vah-leene/ Wines. The perfect choice for this week’s Friday Cheers wine pick. Founded by Cameron Diaz and Katherine Power, Avaline Wines are clean and organically grown. The goal of this duo was to create wines [...]

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The Fluff

By |March 2nd, 2023|Categories: Dessert|Tags: , , |

This Strawberry Fluff recipe is not your traditional Fluff Salad made with Strawberry Jell-o and a frozen whipped topping. This Strawberry Fluff recipe is made with fresh strawberries, cream cheese, heavy cream, and a touch of monk fruit. It is a quick, and delightful treat, that (to me) screams summertime. Although who’s to say you can’t eat this dessert [...]

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Beet Salad

By |February 22nd, 2023|Categories: Salads|Tags: , , , , |

Tonight, we are opting for a simple favorite: sirloin steak seared in a cast iron skillet in butter with a beet salad and zucchini spears. I’m hungry just thinking about it, especially for the beet salad. It is super easy to make and does well in the refrigerator for days if it’s not consumed all at once. This side [...]

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Stuffed Peppers

By |February 15th, 2023|Categories: Main Dishes|Tags: , , , , , , |

When a pregnant woman talks you listen... especially when she's talking about food and especially if she's your daughter. Cravings... maybe but not sure?!?! Recently I spent a day with Talia, my eldest and the bearer of our first grand baby and I offered to make dinner while I visited. She didn't think twice when she suggested Stuffed Peppers. [...]

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New York Cheesecake

By |February 1st, 2023|Categories: Dessert|Tags: |

Mmmmmmm...is it okay for me to moan over my own cooking??? I’m not sure if that’s proper etiquette, but let me put it this way, I couldn’t help myself. I made a New York Cheesecake to die for. This past weekend dear friends from northern Virginia joined us for dinner. While dinner was delicious, dessert was downright heavenly. This [...]

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Cauliflower Quiche

By |January 25th, 2023|Categories: Breakfast Food, Family Recipes, Main Dishes|Tags: , , , , |

I’m not trying to be boring here, but I just have to share another cauliflower recipe with you. This recipe has been in our dinner rotation since the girls were little. It has yet to fail me and seems to get better each time I make it. Today’s recipe is our family favorite: cauliflower quiche. It’s a simple recipe [...]

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Tzatziki & Curried Cauliflower Steaks

By |January 19th, 2023|Categories: Main Dishes, Side Dishes|Tags: , , , , , , |

Four years ago, Talia and I embarked on a European journey through the Mediterranean. Part of our journey included three Greek Islands: Corfu, Santorini, and Mykonos. It seemed our sole mission was to experience tzatziki at each island and that we did. Each island had its own take on the yogurt-based dip, but each one left us completely and [...]

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Friday Cheers – Chocolate Coconut Smoothie

By |January 13th, 2023|Categories: Drinks|Tags: , |

I read somewhere that “goals are outcomes; resolutions are actions”. Instead of making New Year’s Resolutions that will inevitably be broken by month’s end, why don’t we set goals we know we can obtain. So, here’s to 2023 and the goals we set! As I reflect on 2022 and begin the new year, I want to focus on how [...]

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Tuna Salad

By |January 12th, 2023|Categories: Salads|Tags: , , , , |

Last night I decided to make tuna salad for dinner which made for a simple and satisfying meal. This light and healthy salad is full of tastes and textures from the crunchiness of celery and red onion to the saltiness of capers, and the sweetness of dried cranberries. I added in dill, and freshly squeezed lemon juice for a [...]

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Okra Stew

By |January 4th, 2023|Categories: Main Dishes, Soups|Tags: , , , , , |

There is something comforting about Okra. Maybe it’s because I associate okra as a staple of southern cuisine...think gumbo...comfort food to the max! But there is also stewed okra, fried okra and the delectable taste of pickled okra to name a few other dishes. I absolutely love okra and can’t get enough of this amazing fruit, aka vegetable! Here [...]

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Borscht – A Christmas Tradition

By |December 15th, 2022|Categories: Family Recipes, Soups|Tags: , , , |

Our Christmas Eve dinner is steeped in tradition...tradition that stems from my childhood. Growing up Ukrainian, my parents kept our heritage alive. Home was Lubbock, Texas, not exactly the mecca of Ukrainian society but my parents still taught me to speak the language and to never forget my roots. My mother was an excellent cook. At Christmastime she would [...]

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Friday Cheers – Bourbon

By |December 10th, 2022|Categories: Drinks|Tags: , , , , |

Happy Holidays! Today’s Friday Cheers pick is...Bourbon.  Why, because I have a bourbon lover in my home, and it may just be his Christmas gift this year. Bourbon is a barrel-aged American whiskey distilled from a mash made primarily from corn giving bourbon its sweeter and oh so smooth taste. Bourbon smells wonderful and that’s due to guaiacol, an [...]

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Café Au Lait Cheesecake

By |December 7th, 2022|Categories: Dessert|Tags: , , |

Cheesecake lovers unite. Boy, do I have the cheesecake recipe to share with you. This is by far one of my favorites! I love making it for family, I love making it when we are hosting guests, and I especially love making it as a dessert when we go to dinner parties. It’s smooth, creamy, and downright decadent, and [...]

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Friday Cheers – The Iconic Martini

By |December 3rd, 2022|Categories: Drinks|Tags: , , , , |

Besides wine...my other favorite beverage is the iconic Martini.  It wasn’t always a favorite...it was a drink I learned to enjoy. Mind you, there are many varieties and brands of gin and vodka and for me it took finding the right brand to make it irresistible. Welcome to a twist on today’s Friday Cheers...the Martini. In reading up on [...]

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Mushroom Gravy

By |November 30th, 2022|Categories: Family Recipes|Tags: , , |

Nothing beats homemade anything...especially homemade mushroom gravy, or as my mama used to call it mushroom “saucik”. I was in the grocery store prior to Thanksgiving picking up last-minute grocery items when I noticed a woman picking up a packaged gravy mix and placing it into her cart. I cringed to myself because making mushroom gravy is so simple. [...]

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Friday Cheers – Belle Glos Pinot Noir

By |November 25th, 2022|Categories: Uncategorized, Wine|Tags: , , , , |

Good friends are like a fine glass of wine and I have to give a big shoutout to my wonderful friend, Stephanie, who knows how to pick a fine bottle of wine. She gifted me this week’s Friday Cheers wine pick...Belle Glos Pinot Noir. We paired this wonderful 2018 vintage with our thanksgiving dinner and it was the perfect [...]

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Apple Galette

By |November 23rd, 2022|Categories: Dessert, Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , |

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Hope you are enjoying time with family. As usual I'm in my kitchen... you would think that I was cooking for 20 but there will only be four of us at our Thanksgiving table this year... oops I meant to say five (there's a bun in the oven) and we couldn't be happier. I have quite [...]

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Friday Cheers…Viña Ardanza Reserva 2015

By |November 18th, 2022|Categories: Wine|Tags: , , , , |

Yet another Spanish wine worth mentioning has been poured into my glass. This one is La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva 2015 and it is this week's Friday Cheers wine pick. I was first introduced to this wine through my sister who had the pleasure of trying it at Tavern on the Green, a NYC restaurant nestled within Central [...]

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Salmon

By |November 16th, 2022|Categories: Family Recipes, Main Dishes|Tags: , , , |

When it come to seafood, salmon is my absolute favorite to prepare. It is a weekly staple in our household and never disappoints. I like it because it not only tastes good but it's also one of the most nutritious types of fish you can eat. Salmon is an excellent source of protein, high in omega-3 fatty acids, B [...]

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Quiche Lorraine

By |November 10th, 2022|Categories: Breakfast Food, Main Dishes|Tags: , , , , , , |

Quiche Lorraine is my obsession this week. It's a classic French tart named after the Lorraine region of France. It's a pleasing dish which comes together with ease and is most satisfying. I love the flakiness of the crust and the perfect texture of eggs that are filled with smoky bacon, caramelized onions, beautiful mushrooms, and cheese. Cheese excites [...]

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Shakshuka from Scratch

By |November 3rd, 2022|Categories: Breakfast Food, Main Dishes|Tags: , , , , , |

Shakshuka is one of my favorite breakfast dishes...it's colorful, flavorful, and downright delicious! And with Christmas just eight weeks away and a houseful of family joining us Shakshuka will be my go-to recipe for our Christmas Day brunch. It's a simple, yet elegant dish made with eggs poached in a delicious tomato stew. Shakshuka is layered in flavor, which [...]

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Friday Cheers…Goru Gold Red Blend

By |October 28th, 2022|Categories: Wine|Tags: , , , , |

Ego Bodegas Goru Gold Red Blend was awarded 93 points from Wine Spectator. Meaning it is an outstanding wine of superior character and style. And that, it is! This wine when poured is almost deep purple in color with wonderful aromas. It is full-bodied, smooth with ripe berry flavors that end nice and dry on your palate. If I [...]

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Ready, Set, Start Prepping!!!

By |October 26th, 2022|Categories: Dessert, Family Recipes|Tags: , , , , , |

One of my fondest memories goes back to our days in northern Virginia...the girls were little, it was Father's Day weekend, and we were off to an orchard to pick peaches, cherries, and Italian plums. I remember that day as if it were yesterday, we ate as much fruit as we picked. When we got home it struck me, [...]

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Friday Cheers – French Rosé

By |October 21st, 2022|Categories: Wine|Tags: , , , , , , , |

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to go to a wine tasting at Oakdale, which is a premier event venue and soon to be vineyard in Ashland, VA. Chris Stem, the proprietor, opened the venue several years ago and started working with Harlow Ridge Wines of Ashland to bottle several varieties of wine. His wines highlight grapes from Virginia, [...]

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Friday Cheers – Ronan Bordeaux Blanc by Clinet

By |October 14th, 2022|Categories: Wine|

This week's Friday Cheers wine pick is Ronan, a lovely 2020 Bordeaux Blanc, by Clinet. This French wine, which is also referred to as White Bordeaux is unbelievably fresh tasting. It is made from a blend of two grapes, Sauvignon and Semillon, and comes from the Bordeaux region of France. According to Wine Folly, an educational wine blog, "White [...]

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Hot Italian Sausage Stew

By |October 13th, 2022|Categories: Family Recipes, Main Dishes, Soups|Tags: , , , , , , , |

This past week Mike and I travelled to upstate New York to see his parents. The drive was breathtaking with the autumn colors in full swing. The further north we travelled, the more brilliant the leaf color. New York in October is tradition for us, not only is it our favorite season for visiting, but it's also cherished time [...]

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Pesto – 3 ways

By |October 5th, 2022|Categories: Pastas, Pizza, Side Dishes, Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , , |

While I love the fall season, there's something sad about the end of my summer garden. There is a lot to be said about opening your back door and stepping out into your garden to pick fresh vegetables and herbs. I love that feeling of growing, harvesting, and eating from my garden. When I think of a garden my [...]

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Friday Cheers – Chalk Hill Pinot Noir

By |September 30th, 2022|Categories: Wine|Tags: , , , |

Welcome to Friday Cheers! To start off today’s wine pairing I chose a Pinot Noir.  Why a Pinot, because it’s such a versatile wine that goes with just about anything. Its high acidity and low tannin content makes it the perfect wine to enjoy with a variety of appetizers and will move well into your main course.  Whether you [...]

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  • Turkey burgers

Turkey Burgers – Шницлі

By |September 28th, 2022|Categories: Family Recipes, Main Dishes|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Hi, hello, and welcome back to wineandwhat. It’s been quite a while as life happens. I am ready and excited to get back to sharing some phenomenal recipes and wine pairings. Fall has arrived...from the change in temperature to shorter days, to the color of the leaves, to the food we eat and share. These meals known as comfort [...]

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Thanksgiving Dressing

By |November 19th, 2018|Categories: Family Recipes, Side Dishes|Tags: , , , |

Happy Thanksgiving week everyone! To me, Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday. From spending time with family and friends to the wonderful variety of delicious foods we eat until we can’t eat anymore, to Thanksgiving being the start of the holiday season… and most important of all, the many reasons we have to be thankful. So you can see why [...]

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Making Applesauce

By |November 10th, 2018|Categories: Side Dishes|

Applesauce… the word automatically makes me think of comfort. Applesauce is one of those many fall comfort foods that I love. It is wholesome and delicious… it can be served chunky or smooth. Even better, it is easy to make and easier to consume - hot or cold! I love this time of year… apples are in season and [...]

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Pumpkin Bread

By |October 31st, 2018|Categories: Breads / Biscuits|

Happy Halloween everyone… it seems like it was just October 1st and here it is October 31st! Where did that time go?? Between finishing a seven-month yoga teacher training course, retiring from my job, promising Talia I would help her care for her puppy, Milly, and then adding into the mix a puppy of our own… well, all I [...]

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  • Greece

To Travel is to Live… Our Summer Adventure!

By |September 4th, 2018|Categories: Lifestyle|

With Labor Day behind us and summer fun quickly coming to an end…I have to admit this was the BEST SUMMER EVER!  And it all began with a spur of the moment trip… the best kind! It was late May when Talia asked if I was interested in traveling to Europe.  My only though was… “is she kidding me?!?” [...]

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Making Strudel

By |July 20th, 2018|Categories: Dessert|

When I was a little girl (growing up in Lubbock, Texas), my mother used to make Apple Strudels all the time. The smell was intoxicating. I remember coming into the house after playing outside or being at school and the smell of baking apples, topped with cinnamon and sugar was more than I could bear. My mouth would water [...]

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Caribbean Tomato Pasta

By |July 7th, 2018|Categories: Pastas|

Okay… so it’s HOT outside. The dog days of summer are here! And with temperatures soaring and the humidity stifling it’s the right time to take a break from cooking or at least make a dish requiring little to no cooking… sounds pretty great, am I right?! I stumbled on this gem in a Southern Living Magazine back in [...]

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Best Blueberry Muffin

By |June 30th, 2018|Categories: Breads / Biscuits|

Sweet indulgence is what I would call these wonderful cake-like on the inside and crusty on the outside blueberry muffins. I made them this morning and couldn’t stop eating them. Neither could Mike. They are that good! And with it being peak season for North American blueberries (mid-June to mid-August), there’s no excuse not to enjoy these every weekend. [...]

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A Fancy Breakfast Sandwich

By |June 23rd, 2018|Categories: Breakfast Food|

I absolutely love the Saturday mornings when I don’t feel rushed. And for some reason more lately than ever, those are few and far between. But this morning was different and wonderful all wrapped up together as Mike and I lounged over coffee, talked about our wild week and then decided what we wanted for breakfast. Several years ago, [...]

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Grilled Chicken Taco Salad

By |June 15th, 2018|Categories: Salads|

Every so often you come across a recipe you can’t get enough of. This is one of those. As a matter of fact, I made it for dinner this past week for the umpteenth time and after the initial bite Mike looked at me and said, “I could eat this once a week.” Well, let’s be real, so could [...]

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My Ever Faithful Butter Crock

By |June 8th, 2018|Categories: Lifestyle|

One of the coolest yet simplest kitchen utensils I own is a butter crock. It’s actually a container for butter that keeps butter fresh and spreadable without refrigeration. That’s right… room temperature butter! The design is simple… a base that holds an inch of water, and a cup that holds about a stick of packed butter. You place the [...]

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Making Donuts…

By |June 1st, 2018|Categories: Breads / Biscuits|

In honor of National Donut Day… I decided to make donuts. Mind you I have never ever made donuts and so I thought today would be the perfect day to start. I needed a partner so, I reached out to Talia and she said, “I’m game!” Talia and I have been partners in the hunt for the perfect donut [...]

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Since It’s National Wine Day…

By |May 26th, 2018|Categories: Wine|

It’s hard to believe that the Memorial Day weekend is upon us. Where have the first five months of the year gone? It seems (as I get older), time passes faster and faster. I guess it waits for no one. I have learned that making and taking time for the simplest of pleasures is important for my wellbeing. To [...]

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A Mother’s Day Treat…

By |May 18th, 2018|Categories: Dessert|

I know Mother’s Day was last weekend, but celebrating holidays (and it doesn’t matter what holiday) is difficult when living hundreds and sometimes thousands of miles away from family. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. You struggle to make the right decision even though you know what needs to be done. This year, Mother’s Day morning was [...]

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Spatchcock Chicken

By |May 8th, 2018|Categories: Main Dishes|

Last Friday, we once again played host as Mike’s youngest sister, Debbie, and her significant other, Rob joined us for an evening of good food and drink. Debbie and Rob hail from Charlotte, NC. Although they have been dating for over two and a half years, this was our first time to meet Rob and we certainly enjoyed getting [...]

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Balsamic Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin

By |April 27th, 2018|Categories: Main Dishes|

I absolutely love…and I mean love buying cookbooks and cooking magazines! Mike will attest to this obsession of mine. I have them stacked up everywhere with many of them dog-eared to recipes that are tried and true to ones that I want to try. My favorite go-to pork tenderloin recipe is one I found in a Paleo Magazine some [...]

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The Family Bean Pot

By |April 20th, 2018|Categories: Family Recipes, Side Dishes|

Life is about family, and it's always wonderful when we get together. Family and food go hand-in-hand. As I write this blog Mike and I are hosting six members of the Zyla clan. They have traveled far and wide to gather around our table. There is something extremely exciting and nerve wracking about cooking multiple meals for a house [...]

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Angel Food Cake from Scratch!

By |April 13th, 2018|Categories: Dessert|

Back when we lived in Enid, Oklahoma, I had a wonderful neighbor by the name of Floralee Day who took me under her wing. One day when she was over at the house I was making a boxed… yes, boxed Angel Food Cake. Floralee looked at me and said, “Roma, no one makes boxed Angel Food Cakes.” She quickly [...]

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A Taste of DC in less than 48 Hours!

By |April 7th, 2018|Categories: Lifestyle|

Life should be about experiences and that meant a mini jaunt up the road to our Nation’s Capital. Talia was on spring break, so I took some time so we could do some sight seeing. We spent less than 48 hours in one of the most visited cities in the world, but packed in quite a bit, including good [...]

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Let’s get personal… about wine

By |March 30th, 2018|Categories: Uncategorized, Wine|

Wine is personal... and what may taste good to one person doesn't always taste good to another. Our palates are all at a different place. However, when pairing wine with food all you need to remember is light with light and rich with rich. With that being said, pair chicken and fish with white wines. Meat and cheese with [...]

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Pineapple Zucchini Bread

By |March 23rd, 2018|Categories: Breads / Biscuits|

One of my favorite sweet breads is Pineapple Zucchini Bread... it's also known as a quick bread because you simply mix all the ingredients and bake. For me, it just can't get any easier than that! My mother-in-law, Madeline, shared this recipe with me years ago and since then it's been a family favorite. We love the moist texture [...]

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Growing Campari Tomatoes

By |March 16th, 2018|Categories: Lifestyle|

One of my favorite tomatoes is the Campari. It is deep red, juicy, sweet, and delicious. It is also surprisingly easy to grow! A few years ago I was surfing the Internet and came upon an interesting way of growing Campari tomatoes. No need to purchase tomato plants or seeds… all you need is one or more Campari tomatoes. [...]

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Pineapple Cheesecake

By |March 9th, 2018|Categories: Dessert|

Last weekend we welcomed our new neighbors by having them over for dinner. The meal was lovely, but it was the dessert I was most pleased with... my Pineapple Cheesecake. It was creamy and fresh tasting with just the right amount of sweetness. The graham cracker crust didn't overwhelm, but was the perfect landing for the cheesecake batter that [...]

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Cottage Cheese Pancakes

By |March 3rd, 2018|Categories: Breakfast Food|

Cottage Cheese Pancakes have been a staple in our home for as long as I can remember. I made them for my girls when they were little and my sister (who shared the recipe with me) made it for her girls. These pancakes are packed with protein, they are light and delicious, and easy to make. Be prepared because [...]

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For Meat Lovers!

By |February 24th, 2018|Categories: Main Dishes, Uncategorized, Wine|

Several weeks ago my yoga instructor said, "Yoga is not about the movement, yoga is about the happiness it brings." And, it does. I truly feel euphoric after a 60-minute class of hot yoga. To me, yoga is a lot like cooking. It's not about the process, it's about the result. And last night's result was beyond delicious and [...]

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Getting Saucy in the Kitchen!

By |February 17th, 2018|Categories: Pastas|

Okay... so I know it's not the season for fresh homegrown tomatoes, but I can't help myself.  I just had to share this, as it is hands down one of the best sauce recipes I have made! It's easy and despite being a few months from growing season, grocery stores are full of so many different varieties of tomatoes [...]

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A Buttery Cup of Coffee

By |February 9th, 2018|Categories: Breakfast Food, Drinks|

Who would have thought a tablespoon of unsalted grass-fed butter whipped into your coffee would make one smooth tasting cup? Well, it does! Our friend Jonathan, who visits often, introduced Mike and I to coffee with butter... it was quite the experience and one we continue to savor. The butter is a nice replacement to the Half & Half [...]

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Bread… the Stuff of Life

By |February 2nd, 2018|Categories: Breads / Biscuits|

One year ago this past Christmas, Mike gave me a cookbook on baking bread. Was it a hint?? It sure seemed like it. Well, it wasn’t just any cookbook; it was how to bake artisan bread. Mike had wanted me to bake bread for quite some time…not just any type of bread, but the rustic type with a hard, [...]

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An Amazing Bottle of Wine…

By |March 30th, 2015|Categories: Wine|

Normally, I talk about food first and then the wine we serve. But today I have to tell you about an amazing bottle of wine that we had last night. It was an Australian Red that was highly recommended by our wine steward friend Lucia Matheny. The wine is called Molly Dooker, Two Left Feet. It is a 2012 [...]

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Varenyky (Pierogies)

By |February 26th, 2015|Categories: Family Recipes, Pastas, Recipes|

One of my favorite foods growing up is a Ukrainian dish called Varenyky – you may know them as Pierogies. I am sure you have seen these doughy wonders sold in the frozen food section of your grocery store, but like anything else homemade is always better. I remember as a little girl watching my mother make this traditional food. [...]

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It’s Chili Time…

By |February 13th, 2015|Categories: Recipes, Soups|

Making chili is fun… it’s letting your creativity go crazy in the kitchen. Plus it’s a great comfort food for cold, dreary days. You can make it the day before as it will only get better with time. There are no hard and fast rules and you can make it anyway you want from super mild to spicy hot! You [...]

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One of our own…

By |February 5th, 2015|Categories: Family Recipes, Recipes|

Years ago when the girls had gone off to 4-H camp, Mike and I decided to fool around in the kitchen… with food of course ;). I took on the role as Mike’s sous chef, slicing and dicing various vegetables that soon became one of our favorite concoctions. Years later, I still do the prep work for this soul-warming meal. [...]

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Chicken Soup

By |February 3rd, 2015|Categories: Recipes, Soups|

Apparently my blogging hiatus was a bit longer than expected – my apologies, but I’m back. I’m back with recipes that will give you a glimpse of my childhood and my Ukrainian heritage. The following is a recipe that my mother shared with me, and one that I will pass on to my girls. Let me start with Chicken Soup, [...]

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It’s Pizza Time…

By |December 12th, 2014|Categories: Pizza, Recipes, Wine|

Whenever I make pizza, I think of the song, “When the moon hits your eye, like a big pizza pie, that’s amore” because at our house making pizza is a labor of love. It literally takes hours from start to finish, but worth it when you savor that first bite. The dough recipe is one I have used for years, [...]

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Dates and Mascarpone

By |December 9th, 2014|Categories: Dessert, Recipes|

Life is pretty hectic this time of year… from hosting friends and family for dinner, to going to parties, to preparing for the holidays. There is always something to do, someone to see or someplace to go. Here is a great and simple idea if a friend stops by either for coffee in the morning or for a glass [...]

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Roasted Beet and Carrot Salad

By |December 3rd, 2014|Categories: Recipes, Salads|

If you need a great salad for some of your upcoming holiday meals or you just want to impress someone with your culinary skills, you may want to indulge in this recipe. Back in October, Mike and I travelled to the Adirondacks for our annual pilgrimage and while there, we ate at a restaurant called Smoke Signals in Lake Placid. [...]

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Apple Pie… a family favorite!

By |November 26th, 2014|Categories: Dessert|

Happy Thanksgiving! One of my favorite recipes to make during the fall and through the holidays is apple pie. I have been using the same recipe forever! No kidding! A family favorite! Yes, it is time consuming because the dough is made from scratch, the apples have to be cored, peeled and sliced, but in the end it’s worth [...]

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Wine Pairings: Thanksgiving Edition

By |November 24th, 2014|Categories: Wine|

Selecting the wine you will serve at your Thanksgiving dinner should be as important a selection as which turkey you will buy and which sides you will serve. Because there is such a variety of tastes, textures, and aromas in your Thanksgiving Day meal from the turkey to the stuffing to cranberries to sweet potatoes, more thought will be required when [...]

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Tomato Sauce Made Simple!

By |November 21st, 2014|Categories: Pastas, Recipes|

Have you ever heard of the expression less is more? Well it applies to food as well. The tomato sauce I have been making for years is beyond simple. But it certainly is delightful. Add pasta, meatballs (if you like), a wonderful side salad, a nice bottle of wine and voila…you have a delicious dinner! Not only is it divine, [...]

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Winging It!

By |November 19th, 2014|Categories: Main Dishes, Recipes|

The other day I had a hankering for chicken wings and not the kind you purchase at a grocery story or at a restaurant, but the homemade kind. I was first introduced to buffalo style chicken wings when we lived in New York State. I will never forget that first bite…I knew then, I was addicted. They were tangy, hot, [...]

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Beef Tenderloin at its Best!

By |November 18th, 2014|Categories: Main Dishes, Recipes|

Beef tenderloin is an absolutely wonderful cut of meat to serve guests, and if grilled to perfection, it literally melts in your mouth! It is an expensive cut, but well worth the price for a special occasion. Mike is my grill master and I can always count on him to grill the meat to perfection. He uses a Perini Ranch [...]

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Carrot Ginger Soup

By |November 14th, 2014|Categories: Recipes, Soups|

The Carrot Ginger Soup we served at our dinner party Saturday night was simply delicious! It was rich in color and flavor. Its creamy texture and the delicate sweetness of the carrots punctuated by the bite of the ginger excited everyone’s taste buds for what was to follow. This is a delectable recipe, which I am thrilled to have the [...]

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Hosting a dinner party…

By |November 12th, 2014|Categories: Entertaining|

I am an event coordinator and parties are my thing. Whether I am organizing an event for 500 people or having an intimate dinner party in our home, it is all about the detail and the preparation. Call me crazy, but the adrenaline starts flowing when I am in the kitchen. This past weekend, Mike and I hosted a dinner [...]

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Enjoying Wine – The Journey Begins

By |November 5th, 2014|Categories: Wine|Tags: |

Wine is all about discovery! And it is all about what you like and what tastes good to your palate. The nice thing is everyone’s palate is at a different place in terms of advancement. So whether you are a novice wine drinker or a more seasoned one here’s to enjoying and learning more about wine. Did you know there [...]

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Roasted Tomato Soup

By |November 3rd, 2014|Categories: Recipes, Soups|

The first time I made this soup I knew it would not be the last. And, I knew I would never make tomato soup from a can ever again. This Roasted Tomato Soup is not only delicious, but also simple to make. What you will need is about two and a half pounds of a variety of tomatoes – heirlooms, [...]

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Pumpkin Pancakes

By |October 31st, 2014|Categories: Breakfast Food, Recipes|

I am so totally into pumpkin this week… even for breakfast! Here’s a great pumpkin pancake recipe that is easy to make and amazingly delicious. I found this recipe in a Paleo Cookbook about a year ago and have been making it ever since. I modified it slightly because the batter seemed to be a bit runny. It could be [...]

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Pumpkin Soup

By |October 29th, 2014|Categories: Recipes, Soups|

Fall is my favorite time of year! I love my ginormous mums, the huge pumpkin I insisted on carting home from upstate New York, and the changing foliage. There is something about the crispness in the air that creates this desire in me to spend endless amounts of time in the kitchen cooking comfort foods. A dear friend of mine [...]

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Stocking up on Kitchen Utensils

By |October 17th, 2014|Categories: Tips|

Now for your smaller items you cannot live without when starting your kitchen. Again the items I list are the basic essentials. There are so many products out there that it is mind numbing. Buy as good a quality as you can. Take care of it and it will last. You will need: Knives -A set would be great, [...]

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Stocking up on Baking Essentials

By |October 15th, 2014|Categories: Tips|

Baking, unlike cooking, is an exact science. I love to bake! I especially love making apple pie from scratch. From peeling each and every apple to mixing the dough, getting it just right, and rolling it out. But before we can bake, we need to stock the kitchen with a few essentials… Cookie sheet – One will do, but two [...]

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Stocking up on Kitchen Essentials

By |October 13th, 2014|Categories: Tips|

Before you cook, before you start experimenting, and before you fall in love with something you will be doing for a lifetime, you will need to set up your kitchen. So let’s start with pots and pans: Two non-stick skillets, a 10” and a 12” are all you will need in the beginning. I own the Calphalon Unison Slide pans, [...]

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Refreshing Treat — Lemon Ice Cubes!

By |October 10th, 2014|Categories: Tips|

Here’s a great idea…lemon ice cubes! I love to put lemons in my water, but what I don’t love is having to squeeze them. If I have a slight cut on my finger, getting lemon juice into the wound stings. It takes about eight small lemons to make one cup of lemon juice. Wash and cut each lemon in half. Using a [...]

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