TASTE TEST – NON-ALCOHOLIC BEER – There is a trend moving toward non-alcoholic beverages and alcohol free beverages. The difference is some beers naturally ferment leaving up to 0.5% alcohol vs. alcohol free brewed to have absolutely no alcohol in it. Our …

I miss my mom, no doubt. But every time I think about her and her influence on my life, cooking comes to mind. She tried so hard to please everyone through her cooking. From my Irish dad with his stew and pot roast, to her finicky daughter (that’s me) to …

This is a great bread to throw together Christmas morning and then bake-off around noon. It is from Jacques Pepin,  Jacques Pepin Celebrates! available on Amazon. Jacques Pepin’s no-knead holiday bread . If you like that, try THIS no-rise bread.      

BRITISH PASTY Small, half-moon shaped “pies” filled with meat and veggies. It’s an idea that’s spread across all culinary cultures and nearly all four corners of the globe. In Italy they’re called Calzones, Hispanics call then Empanadas, Russians love their Pirozhki, and in don’t visit an Indian restaurant without trying …

If you want the English muffin flavor without the work, this Elizabeth Bakes No Knead English Muffin Loaf is perfect for breakfast or sandwiches. It’s so easy it can be made in a snap. This is made using the King Arthur version, with a little less salt and real butter. …

We have all witnessed the “power of cheese” but have you ever wondered how to put together a cheese platter that will please everyone? Here are some tips on having a balanced cheese offering with a range of textures and flavors. Never serve cheese straight out of the fridge. Like …

St. Patrick’s Day is coming and the Leprechauns are feeling frisky! A cozy Irish meal, a pint of Guinness (or a nice cabernet for the less brave), and a heavenly dessert will lead you over the rainbow to a romantic Irish evening.

You can ignore the topic. You can tiptoe around the subject if you want to. You can pretend it doesn’t matter that in a 2007 campaign speech to Iowa farmers, then candidate Obama said that Americans had the right to know about the foods they eat. You can pretend it …