Europe has been making wine for centuries. In fact wine making goes all the way back to the Roman period and the Romans spread their wine making to just about every land they conquered. Though, the wine industry was almost lost in the 1800’s. Thanks to a little aphid-like bug called the phylloxeras. (Image from … More European Grapes and Their Old American Roots

Lately I’ve really been getting into seasonal drinks. It’s always this time of the year when I really start craving something more festive. I think most people do. As that one Christmas song (gasp, I said it and Halloween isn’t even here yet) goes, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” and it is. … More Pumpkin Pie Martini

A few weeks ago, I came across a picture of a steak, mushroom, and Gruyere pie that you could buy through Goldbelly and have shipped directly to you. It looked so amazing. I just had to figure out how I could make my own. There had to be a recipe out there for this pie. … More Steak Mushroom and Gruyere Pie Adventure Part I

Last night I sat through a presentation on wines of Le Marche, Italy by Petra Belliti, Italian Wine Ambassador and a Vinitaly International and NASA Italian Wine Specialist. We discussed the grape varietals that are grown in the region and how different soil (or terroir) affects the development of the same grapes. The region of … More Wines of Le Marche Italy

We have pears in our house about as often as we have apples. They are two of my favorite fruits to bake with. We’re always receiving them in our fruit and veggie delivery from Daily Harvest Express. This time we received a few Asian pears. Asian pears are round and crunchy, similar to an apple, … More Cardamom Pear Pie Bars

It’s not even October yet and I’m already getting into the spirit of fall holidays. I have the inside of the house all decorated for Halloween and I’m allowing myself to start indulging in movies with that Halloween spirit. For example, I have the original Ghostbusters playing on TV in the background right now. What … More Boozy Pumpkin White Hot Chocolate

Today was a warm day, but the clouds were moving in and rain is predicted in our near future. Our summer temperatures are expected to drop and more seasonal 60 degree temps are coming this weekend, so I’m happy. We’ve had such a humid end to our summer this year and being a Southern California … More Roasted Squash Cornbread

Last night I made the Italian dish, Gnudi Al Sugo, or ricotta dumplings in tomato sauce, for dinner. These dumplings are a bit more like a cheesy meatball sans the meat. They slowly cook in tomato sauce and are usually served on their own. They go really well with some crusty bread and a salad. … More Gnudi Al Sugo (Ricotta Dumplings in Tomato Sauce)

Recently we received what I assume will be some of the last stone fruit for the season from our Daily Harvest Express fruit and veggie box, which is a bummer because I love stone fruits. But, we’re now moving into fall and different fruits will start to take their place. Having received as much fruit … More Bourbon Peach Brown Sugar Crisp

Cacio e pepe, which literally translates to cheese and pepper, is a very popular pasta dish in Rome, Italy. It’s a simple dish that consists of pasta, black pepper, and Pecorino Romano cheese. Now when I say simple, I mean it contains few ingredients because it’s simplicity can be deceiving. Though, if you get the … More Cacio e Pepe Soufflé