September 30, 2010.   Categories Chef Dawn Viola, Christmas, Contributing Chefs, Desserts, Pies and Tarts, Thanksgiving Dinner.

www.wickedgooddinner.com This is simply the best apple pie in America! Really! Dawn Viola of “Wicked Good Dinner” is an award-winning chef and food-writer.  She won the 2009 Crisco National Apple Pie Championship (professional division) for this wonderful Vanilla Vanilla-Bean Roasted Apple Pie.  Dawn has also appeared on Food Network, Fox News, Martha Stewart Radio, Cooking with Emeril and has been featured in Desserts...

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September 3, 2010.   Categories Aarti Sequiera, Contributing Chefs, Sandwiches, Slowcooker / Crockpot.

Interview and Recipe – The Next Food Network Star, Aarti Sequeira Photo Courtesy of Food Network Scroll down to see three of Aarti’s Recipes from her new show “Aarti Party” on Food Network Like millions of others all over America, I watched The Next Food Network Star to see who was going to win this year’s crown.  But I sat on the edge of my chair with increased interest because I had a personal connection to one of...

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August 21, 2010.   Categories Kitchen Tools, Ramblings.

Foodspotting.com – Smart New Website to Find the Best Restaurant Food Another food blogging friend asked me if I’d checked out this cool new website called foodspotting.com. I wasn’t familiar with the site so I’m very glad he shared it.  The concept is simple and brilliant.  Foodspotting is an interactive online restaurant guide that allows you to see photos and recommendations of dishes… not just restaurant...

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August 18, 2010.   Categories Appetizers, Italian, Light / Healthy, Vegetarian.

Heirloom Tomato, Basil and Goat Cheese Bruschetta This is one of my favorite things in the world.  When I start craving this during the peak of heirloom tomato season… I. must. make. it. now.  Although it’s not exactly a traditional method – I don’t care. There are a million variations of this including roasting tomatoes, adding garlic or a host of other ingredients.  But this is my favorite.  It is wonderful as a...

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August 17, 2010.   Categories Appetizers, Kitchen Tools, Southwestern / Mexican, Vegetarian.

  I’ve been making guacamole for years.  And over the years, I’ve probably made it 500 different ways.  Cumin. No cumin.  Lots of garlic. No garlic.  Tomatoes. No tomatoes. And let’s face it, no matter what you do  . . . it’s usually pretty good and is inhaled by your family and friends within minutes.  However, whenever I order guacamole at a restaurant, I am continually disappointed.  I have high...

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