Holiday Wine Guide

The holiday season is here and you need wine. Whether it is pairing your feast or a great wine to bring to a holiday bash, we've got you covered. Dashing through the snow, sipping red, white and Rosé, to the parties we'll go, laughing all the way!

Thinking of Drinking: Espresso Notini

Looking for a cocktail to make for the nondrinkers?  This could even be great as a dessert.  I'm also going to use it to make Tiramisu.

Perfect Pair: Potato Gratin and Chardonnay

Love these potatoes! I know a lot of people like mashed for Thanksgiving, but these are better.  This recipe was featured in the Capital Cooking Cookbook.  

Recipe: Lauren's Winning Chicken Potpie

Almost 15 years ago, we filmed Capital Cooking's Food Bloggers Challenge Parts 1 and  2.   The judges picked my version of chicken pot pie as the challenge winner.  This is the perfect time of year to bake some at home.  You can also find it in the Capital Cooking Cookbook along with many other comforting recipes.

Recipe: Francesca's Famous Granola

My little girl loves to cook and bake with me.  We created this recipe together and have made three batches.  It is delicious!  We even got some cute jars to share with friends.  We like to use it on top of our Greek yogurt in the morning with fruit.  Hope you enjoy!

Thinking of Drinking: Spiked Cider

Photo by Bryn Wallace

Grab yourself a gallon of cider and spike it with some brandy or rum.  Warm and comforting...another perfect drink for a Halloween party.

Fall Flavors Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

Photo by Emily Clack

It is sad for me to admit, but summer is over: (I love the fall, but I just wasn't ready yet.  I'm hoping that this soup will help pave the way.

Have you been to Hi-Lawn?

This place looks so fun!  Hi-Lawn has just introduced several exciting post-pandemic offerings, making it DC’s ultimate warm-weather destination this season. The scenic astroturf-covered green space is now open seven days a week, with live music, giant lawn games, weekly themed nights, and new summer food and drink menus.

Thinking of Drinking: Orange Crush

Boy, I'm craving one of these!  Feel like you're relaxing on the water near the Eastern Shore, VA by mixing up one of Mallards at the Wharf's refreshing Orange Crush cocktails.  

Recipe: Summer Squash Gratin

There's nothing better than fresh produce. I love this during the summer months.  I am so glad to be vaccinated and seeing friends again.  This recipe is a great addition to grilled meats.  Enjoy!

Recipe: Strawberry Tiramisù

Who wouldn’t love to sit in the sun at an outdoor café in Italy sipping a chilled glass of wine and eating a favorite Italian meal? Coleen Kirnan, the owner, and host of Tuscan Women Cook, the unique and popular culinary vacation located in the heart of Tuscany, bring the cuisine and culture of Italy to home kitchens with her new cookbook, Tuscan Women Cook: Nonnas ▪ Memories ▪ Recipes. Each recipe will transport you to the sun-dappled Tuscan fields where farm-to-table cuisine is commonplace. Check out this recipe below for a new take on Tiramisu.

Thinking of Drinking: Limoncello Sparklers

Make this Easter really special with these Limoncello Sparklers.  These cocktails are perfect for any spring party.

Top 5 Easter Sides

Roasted Asparagus

Perfect Pair: Garlic and Herb Lamb Loin Chops

My mom came to visit me during Easter  in DC and I made a delicious feast. Celebrate spring with Garlic and Herb Lamb Loin.

Thinking of Drinking: Carrot Cake Shooter

Photo by Jessica Patterson

This Easter, add a little alcohol to your dessert.  I'm always a fan of festive cocktails and Easter is no exception.  I'll be making my Aunt Linda's Award Winning Carrot Cake, but I thought I'd have a little fun and make these shooters as well.  It will be the perfect welcome treat as my guests arrive.  Bottoms up! 

Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger soup?  What?  Sounds strange.  I thought so too, but I made Food and Wine Magazine's version last night and it was pretty tasty.  The pickles really make the dish.  Give it a try yourself.

Recipes for St. Patty's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Try some green recipes. How about my spanakopita,  guacamole or my spinach balls... or check out our fried green tomatoes from the American Classics episode, or spread a minted pea mash onto crostini.

Perfect Pair: Shepherd's Pie

Photo by Emily Clack

Tuesdays are all about pairing food and wine. Here are some winter suggestions to get you going. Check out my recommendations below. Have fun mixing and matching.