Meatball Love

I am the head chef at a little family restaurant called Chez Mason. Most nights I plate for eight, six of my guests being under the age of 15. The menu is seasonal with a Mediterranean flair. Broccoli, salmon and blueberries are on regular rotation. House rules: No TV or cell

Continue Reading

Ribollita, Tuscan Vegetable Soup

I am standing here barefoot in my kitchen, wooden spoon in hand, a medley of carrots, leeks and celery simmering in olive oil perfumed in oregano, preparing a vegetable soup "absolution" for a most marvelous and decadent Thanksgiving weekend!

Continue Reading

All things French!

It comes as no secret to those who know me that I love all things French! So, today I am going to share three "French treats" that give me beaucoup de soul-joy! This summer while visiting friends in France, I had a ham and cheese sandwich that I am still dreaming

Continue Reading

French Galettes

If you walk through any bustling open food market on a Saturday morning in Nice, France, your olfactory is immediately treated to the fragrance of chickpeas, buttery olive oil, cinnamon and cumin brought to life in the French savory crepe called either socca or a galette. Hot off the pan

Continue Reading

French Classic

This week I invited my French friend, chef and owner of Le Petit Gourmand to come and make mischief in the kitchen with me! Our theme was a Parisian Spring picnic. Every time I am with Guinevere she not only inspires my cooking imagination, but she also treats me to

Continue Reading

A Twist on Spaghetti

My mom's recipe for Artichoke Chicken spaghetti is a family favorite. It is one of those recipes that can be made in a pinch, and increased easily to feed a legion. I love to eat it almost like chili warmed in a bowl for lunch too.

Continue Reading

One Pot Wonder

Sunday bliss: A warm fire, a perfect Matcha tea latte with swirls of turmeric and cinnamon, thumbing through Ruth Reichl, the former editor of Gourmet's new cookbook, and a "one pot wonder" simmering on the stove.

Continue Reading

Perfect Autumn Soup

The leaves are twinkling from their branches and the temperatures are finally cooling! All we need now is the perfect creamy (without cream) Autumn soup to settle in with by the fire and admire Mother Nature's annual wardrobe change from tangerines and gold to Winter white!

Continue Reading

Panzanella Salad

There is nothing as simple, colorful and happy as the classic Italian Panzanella salad. This rustic tomato and bread salad is always a crowd-pleaser, especially when your garden is plentiful with tomatoes at the end of summer! Visit a Tuscan trattoria and you might spy it on the menu under

Continue Reading

PLAT DU JOUR: TARTINES!

Visit any quaint neighborhood bistro or cafe in France in the summer, and you are sure to find "tartine du jour" in a cursive scrawl on the chalkboard menu passed from table to table. The popular open-faced sandwich is the French take on "fast food." Leave it to the French

Continue Reading