Thinking of Drinking: Champagne Cocktails

Break out the bubbly!  Try my Italian Kiss Cocktail or 11 Pipers Piping featured in the Capital Cooking Cookbook.  Add some sparkle to your evening.

Thinking of Drinking: Gingerbread Man-tini

It is time for holiday parties. Check out my segment on Let's Talk Live! Start with some bubbly!

Thinking of Drinking: Christmas Party Punch

Get this punch ready for the holidays!

Holiday Side Recipe: Creamed Spinach

This recipe is a great addition for a holiday side.

Recipe: Sticky Butterscotch Banana Cake

I checked out Jenn Segal's book from the library and found all sorts of fun recipes.  I tried this one over the weekend.  

Thinking of Drinking: Spiced Eggnog Cocktail

The holidays are not complete without Spiced Eggnog. In tribute to the timeless holiday drink, the Spiced Eggnog Cocktail provides a spirited twist on tradition and is made with Captain Morgan spiced rum, local eggnog and topped with whipped cream, cinnamon and nutmeg dust. Try this recipe from Jardenea Restaurant at Melrose Georgetown Hotel in Washington, D.C. 

New Recipe: Gumbo

I made this over the weekend and it turned out so good. Enjoy!

Holiday Recipe: Spinach Balls

It is already December and Christmas will be here before you know it.  Time to get your menu ready.  Holidays back home aren't complete without my Nana's spinach balls.   

Thinking of Drinking: Poinsettia Cocktail

Inspired by the famed flower of Christmas, the Poinsettia Cocktail is made with calvados brandy, apple and cranberry puree, lemon juice, spiced simple syrup and prosecco, and is garnished with a scarlet blossom.  Make this at the next holiday party.

New Recipe: Eggnog Crème Brûlée

Get ready for the holidays with Eggnog Crème Brûlée! This recipe is adapted from my Cooking 101 class at L'Academie de Cuisine when we made Pistachio Creme Brulee. This eggnog version is a seasonal delight. 

New Recipe: Chocolate Chip and Pistachio Biscotti

It is time to start making some holiday cookies for friends and family.  Do you have any fun recipes to share?  Try my  Chocolate Chip and Pistachio Biscotti (Italian for Twice Baked).

New Recipe: Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

My daughter loves broccoli.  It is her favorite food.  She wants to eat it for dinner every night.  I was trying to think of something new to make with it so I made her this Broccoli and Cheddar Soup.  She loved it and I hope you do to. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have so much to be thankful for and I'm sure you do to.  Tell those you love how thankful you are to have them in your life.  I hope you have an amazing day!

The Best Thanksgiving Recipes You've Never Tried

It is getting closer to feast time.  Have you planned your Thanksgiving menu yet?!  Check out some of my recipes below to make the best sides, cocktails, turkey, dessert and more.  What are some of your favorites?

Boqueria’s Fall Menu Updates

Boqueria is the Barcelona inspired tapas bar with locations in Washington and Manhattan and they’ve  launched seasonal menu specials for the Fall season.  Autumn flavors with Spanish flare are warming and delicious - case and point: Apple Cider Sangria.

Thanksgiving Recipe: Sweet Potato Soufflé

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching.  Michelle Poteaux of Bastille has shared one of her personal family recipes from her Mom's side of the family.  Her Aunt Denise made it every year and at Thanksgiving she thinks of this dish above everything else!  Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Recipes: Sausage Bread

Apollina Spoto shared this recipe with us:  I definitely have a recipe to share for Thanksgiving, thank you for asking me to contribute!  My family and I make this every morning on Thanksgiving, we eat it while we watch the parade and drink coffee, it's my favorite part of the day! 

Perfect Pair: Mushroom, Sausage and Spinach Bread Pudding with Wine and Beer

Try this recipe instead of stuffing this year.  It was a big hit at my pre-Thanksgiving feast.  This is one of my favorites that I love during the holidays!  Our local pairing suggestions work perfectly.  Enjoy!

Thinking of Drinking: Pecan Pie Cocktail

Looking for Thanksgiving cocktails?  I'm a big fan of drinking my dessert.  (less calories and more fun!)  Try my version of Pecan Pie.

Guide to Halloween Cocktails

You know I love a good themed cocktail.  Here's some of my favorites throughout the years:

Opening: We, the Pizza in Ballston

On October 30th, We, the Pizza franchise is opening their fourth location in the Jamestown Ballston Exchange in Arlington, VA.

Perfect Pair: Autumn Salad with Casa Rossa Rosso

The Dish:  Autumn Salad

Thinking of Drinking: Cooper & Thief Red Blend Swizzle

Aged for three months in bourbon whiskey barrels, Cooper & Thief’s spirituous character enticingly lends itself to Elliott’s cocktail connoisseurship, offering an out-of-the-box twist to a classic fall drink. For the spice lovers, the Cooper & Thief Red Blend Swizzle is the move (step aside, pumpkin spice). The delicious cocktail features cinnamon syrup and a freshly grated cinnamon garnish for undeniable fall flavor with a kick. Cheers!

Perfect Pair: Chicken Tetrazzini

Chicken Tetrazzini is perfect this time of year and is featured in the Capital Cooking Cookbook! This recipe makes me nostalgic. I used to eat this all of the time growing up and it was one of my favorites.

Happy 150th Anniversary, Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut!

Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season?  

Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Dip

Are you looking for an easy dip to bring to your next fall gathering?  Look no further.  Yes, it is that time of year! It is pumpkin season. Try my Pumpkin Pie Dip from the Capital Cooking Cookbook. It is quick and easy and is sure to be a big hit. 

Recipe: Pumpkin Crème Brulee

Happy Fall!  This recipe is adapted from my Cooking 101 class at L'Academie de Cuisine when we made Pistachio Creme Brulee. This pumpkin version is a seasonal delight. Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin you use to taste. Also, don't be afraid if you don't have a torch. You can always make it under the broiler. It is sure to be a hit at your Autumn feast. This recipe is featured on Capital Cooking's Lunch with a Lobbyist episode. 

Hot Salami Pizza!

What do you get when you combine Giola's hot salami and Dogtown Pizza?

On The Road Again: Things to do in Kansas City!

We love KC! 

Thinking of Drinking: The Coconut Highball

Perfect neat, or in a Highball, the flavor profile and versatility of DEWAR’S Caribbean Smooth 8-year-old rum cask finish offers a great alternative to beer and wine for food pairings. Signature serves include The Coconut Highball, which reimagines the classic highball with a refreshing blend of coconut and citrus flavors, as well as The Cask to Colada that includes Caribbean Smooth, fresh pineapple juice, vanilla sugar and coconut water.

Thinking of Drinking: White Wine Paloma

After months full of rosé and endless Aperol spritzes, we deserve to sip something that not only keeps the season alive, but does so with a twist. To upgrade your end of summer cocktail routine, Cooper & Thief Cellarmasters teamed up with experimental mixologist Elliott Clark (@apartment_bartender) to reinterpret a warm-weather favorite featuring 2016 Cooper & Thief Sauvignon Blanc (SRP: $29.99) – the Cooper & Thief White Wine Paloma.

Perfect Pair: Sweet Corn and Jalapeno Risotto

Today, I'm craving risotto.  My end of summer risotto pairs perfectly with two white wines. Check out my recommendations below.

A Few of My Favorite Things: Plant-Based Cakes Delivered by Seasonal Roots

Seasonal Roots is an online farmers market that supports family farmers, local artisans, and small businesses who use sustainable practices that are less about short-term profit and more about preserving the land and the environment for future generations. The farmers they partner with grow nutritious produce and humanely raise happy animals for meat, eggs, and dairy while the small businesses create some of the most delicious products! Recently, Seasonal Roots partnered with Empowered Plant Cakes - a plant-based company created by Paige Welch. The cakes are gluten free, raw, plant-based, and absolutely amazing!! 

Eat With Your Eyes: Summer Salads

It is hot this summer!!  You need something light and refreshing.  Try my Top 4 Summer Salad Recipes.

 Caprese Salad

Recipe: Tzatziki

Photo by Shauna Alexander

When it is warm, it is so nice to sit outside with friends to enjoy food.  This recipe for Tzatziki is simple and refreshing.  I love to dip pita chips and carrots into the yogurt sauce, but you could also serve it over lamb.  Serve it with other appetizers or make an entire Greek feast.

Out to Brunch: Rooftop DJ Brunch at City Winery

Looking for a fun brunch spot? Welcome to urban wine country! City Winery's rooftop is open every Saturday and Sunday for summer with an awesome DJ and a delicious brunch!

Pre Theatre Menu at BLT Prime

Early bird diners and DC show-goers, BLT Prime in the Trump International Hotel is now offering a Pre-Theatre Menu. 

Recipe: Paprika Dusted Pork Chops with Corn, Shallot, Tomato and Mint Salsa

Pork chops are delicious in the summer.  This recipe is from our Simple Summer Supper episode.

Out to Brunch: Pisco y Nazca Prix Fixe

I have found one of my new favorite brunch spots. Pisco Y Nazca - a Peruvian Ceviche Gastrobar in downtown D.C.- is the perfect place to indulge in a prix fixe boozy brunch that won't break the bank! 

Happy 2nd Birthday, Sweet Girl!

You light up our world!

Uncorked: Rose et Or

Rosé all day? Yes, please!  Do you love rosé  as much as I do?

Uncorked: A New Wine Just in Time for Summer Picnics

Have you tried the 2018 Kendall-Jackson Avant?  This wine is fully unoaked and cold-fermented in 100% stainless steel.  Avant captures the purest expression of the Chardonnay grape.  This is perfect for summer picnics.

4th of July Magic

This little one wasn't sure about her first sparkler.

Did you have a good holiday weekend?  We did.

2019 RAMMY Award Winners

We had an incredible time at the RAMMY Awards Gala on Sunday! So many talented people in one room, so many fun photo-opps, and of course, so much to eat and drink! The winners of the 37th Annual RAMMY Awards are:

Event: The Rammy Awards Gala is this Weekend!

The DC food event of the year is this Sunday at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. This is my absolute favorite day of the year – celebrating the best restaurants in the District with the biggest foodies in town. So many hard working individuals and organizations are up for awards this year in over twenty different categories. 

On The Road Again: Kansas City

We love Kansas City! 

Recipe: Enchiladas with Seasonal Roots

My favorite home delivery box – Seasonal Roots – curated another great box for me to make some delicious Enchiladas! The veggie fairies brought me fresh meat from Ovoka Farm’s and a spicy sauce from Clark & Hopkins. 

Opening: Fogo de Chao Grand Opening in Bethesda! Make Reservations Today

The delicious Brazilian Steakhouse is now open in the Pike & Rose retail center! The new restaurant is their third location in the Metro DC area, and features a more contemporary dining space. 

Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Looking for the perfect summer BBQ recipe?  Try this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.  I made this for my daughter's unicorn birthday party and everyone loved it.  

Happy Birthday, Corey!

We love you most!