Feel Good by Giving

Help Hunger

I want to start this out by sharing a little about my past.  I did not come from a life of privilege or wealth.  My Father was a hard working man, my Mother a homemaker and while we didn’t have alot as kids we were never short on love.  During my childhood the country was in the throes of the recession of the 70s.  Jobs, money, oil and food were all things in short supply.  My Father’s job was hit hard and he found himself out of work.  Unemployment was enough to pay the bills, but that was it.

When we went to look for help the Food Banks were dry, our Church was tapped, our family and friends were in no better shape than we were.  It was hard times.  I remember watching my Parents not eat for 3 days just to give my Brother and Myself the last can of beans. My parents sat where they thought we could not see them crying in each other’s arms. They were  wondering what they were going to feed us tomorrow and hoping for some kind of help.  This made a lasting impression on me as a child and I vowed that if I were ever in a position to help people… I would.  I did not want other kids or their parents to ever be sad over the last can of beans.

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Goodbye Gourmet

Early Work
The early days of my food styling & photography with Gourmet’s Apple Pie… so much still left to learn. circa 1993

It is with a very heavy heart that I, along with many others,  bid farewell to a magazine that threw open the doors of an exciting culinary world for me to explore. You can read more about the shuttering of Gourmet Magazine here.

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Biksemad – Thrown Together Food

Biksemad

Lately, I have been trying my hand at Danish cuisine. Why? Well this summer I will be going to visit my other home in Copenhagen for the very first time. You see I imported myself a hubby from Denmark and I have been wanting to give him a little taste of home. Also, to practice cooking Danish food so I can (hopefully)  impress our friends and family in Demark.

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Vineyard Pie

Vineyard Pie

What the heck is a Vineyard Pie!?  It’s grape laden wonderful bliss, that’s what.  Recently, I entered a pie contest for which I will share pictures and stories at a later time.  Since the contest, I have had numerous requests for the recipe of my Vineyard Pie and so everything else must take a back seat while I share the secrets of my unusual grape pie with my friends.  This recipe is entirely original and my own.

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Smoky Chicken Chili

Smoky Chicken Chili

I am in “Hurry-Mode” today, so this post is going to be quick and to the point as I have to scoot out of here in just a few minutes… but not before I steal a moment share this recipe with you.  Although it’s fast, it has a lovely complex layer of smoky flavors.  The smoke hits you first, then the sweet of the tomatoes, then the richness of the chicken and beans and it finishes with a nice little kick of heat from the chili flake.  Quick, healthy, cheap, delicious comfort food folks!

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Basil Gremolata

Basil Gremolata

Oooh this Summer has been a busy one, and now we are already in to Fall.  Good thing we preserved some of Summer’s gorgeous basil.  So what to do with all that lovely Basil Paste we just made a few weeks back? I’ve got a little something up my sleeve that puts an answer to that very question.  This time we are going for a bit of an unconventional twist on the classic Gremolata.  Read more…

Basil: Not Just for Pesto

Basil
Summer has wound down and you are probably like me, clambering to get your hands on those last fresh bits of basil from your garden and Farmer’s Markets. There is nothing more refreshing than Basil’s crisp herbaceous flavor tinged with a hint of pepper and licorice.

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Steamed Clams

Steamer Clams

Round these parts we call these guys Steamer Clams, elsewhere folks call them Cherrystones and Little Necks, but here in my neck of the woods we call them good ole Steamer Clams. And no matter what you call them, they make me go “nom nom nommy nom”. Read more…

Brie & Apple Melts

Brie & Apple Melts

This is about simplicity.  Perfect, fresh ingredients combined together to make a perfectly delicious snack.
This quick & simple little bite works well for a party appetizer, a snack or as a home cooking project with the kids. Read more…

Truffle & Herb Roasted Turkey Breast

Truffle & Herb Roasted Turkey

So you remember that Truffled Herb Butter we made a little bit ago right?  Well allow me to give you a turkey recipe that will make your eyes close and roll back up in your head while you uncontrollably go “Mmmm mmm MMM!” between bites. Read more…

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