French Roots, American Dream – Gruet Winery

French Roots, American Dream – Gruet Winery

Gruet Brut Rose

I’m a big fan of Gruet wines and find it fascinating that an acclaimed French Champagne maker would travel to the USA in the 1980s, specifically New Mexico, to start a sparkling wine business. What foresight and drive! About Gruet Winery Gilbert Gruet and his wife Danielle, dreaming of producing fine Champagnes, founded Gruet et […]

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Tour of Spain Wine Dinner at Spuntino in Clifton

Tour of Spain Wine Dinner at Spuntino in Clifton

Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas (http://spuntinowinebar.com), which specializes in small plates dining of Italian classics with a modern twist, is hosting a Tour of Spain Wine Dinner at its location in the Clifton Commons on Thursday, July 26 at 7pm. Spain, which is known for bold reds, crisp whites and distinctive sparkling and fortified wines, is the third largest […]

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Watermelon and Basil Margarita

Watermelon and Basil Margarita

Watermelon and Basil Margarita anyone? Why yes! Once again, I have a ton of basil in my garden that I’m trying to be creative is using. I just hosted a party so decided to use basil in a signature cocktail. I try to always do a signature cocktail to greet my guests with, I just […]

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New Jersey Blueberry Dumplings

New Jersey Blueberry Dumplings

It’s blueberry season in New Jersey where I live and, while I love them fresh with Greek yogurt, I also like them in baked goods. I was going to a potluck where I offered to bring dessert and thought….why not do something different than my usual Very Berry Cobbler and steam some of my Great-Aunt […]

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Chive Sour Cream Salad Dressing

Chive Sour Cream Salad Dressing

This Chive Sour Cream Salad Dressing was something we used on fresh green lettuce during the summer months in Quebec when I was growing up when the days were warm and eating outside was de rigueur. It’s a really simple, tangy dressing that you can make a day in advance if kept in a container […]

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Mussels in Garlic White Wine Sauce on the Grill

Mussels in Garlic White Wine Sauce on the Grill

Mussels Cooking

I’m always looking for easy dishes for summer that I can make right on the grill and not in a hot kitchen. We love mussels and prepare them in several ways but our favorite, when it’s nice out, is to cook them right in our extremely old wok, right on my grill’s side burner or […]

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Limerick Lane Cellars Tasting Room Visit

Limerick Lane Cellars Tasting Room Visit

About Limerick Lane Cellars Limerick Lane Cellars is a 30-acre estate located in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley, just south of Healdsburg. While the area is renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Limerick Lane grows and produces world class Zinfandel and Rhone-blends. Limerick Lane was originally planted in 1910 by the Del Fava family, immigrants […]

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Tangy Carrot and Celery Slaw

Tangy Carrot and Celery Slaw

In the summertime, I’m always looking for easy and tasty recipes for side dishes to serve at outdoor parties. While I love my mom’s potato salad is always a hit, I was looking for a tangy, vinegary slaw to serve. I found the perfect slaw in this week’s Blue Apron box! It’s made with sweet […]

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Maple Bread Pudding Mugs for Two

Maple Bread Pudding Mugs for Two

Maple Bread Pudding

I love bread pudding. The custardy bottom and the slightly crispy top make for a perfect dessert that can be changed up based on the season and most importantly, what’s in the house. I had leftover sourdough bread from last weekend’s party, so I used two thick slices of that for these two mugs. At […]

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Cognac Cocktails to Rock Summer

Cognac Cocktails to Rock Summer

I love serving signature cocktails when guests come to my parties. During the summer months, I’m always looking for new drink ideas that aren’t being served everywhere, so when the fine folks at Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac shared some interesting facts about the region and the spirit, along with cocktail recipes, I was thrilled. […]

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