Recipe: Autumn Apple Crisp

Everyone loves apple crisp!  I didn't expect fall to sneak up on us so fast, but now that it is here, it is time to enjoy delicious fall fruits and vegetables. Apples, pumpkin, figs, avocado, sweet potatoes...

Perfect Pair: Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake

The cake was supposedly first made by accident in the 1930s by a St. Louis-area German American baker who was trying to make regular cake batter but reversed the proportions of sugar and flour.  This cake is available at most area bakeries and grocery stores in St. Louis. If you haven’t had it before, you are in for a treat. Neal Wavra, the sommelier of the Ashby Inn in Paris, Virginia, helped us select the pairing.

Recipe: Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

I love bananas and have been ordering them with most grocery deliveries.  Usually, we have some left that turn brown so I'm always looking for ideas to bake with the ones that turn over-ripe.  This is a good one.  

Recipe: M’Hanncha Coiled Serpent Cake

This crescent shaped pastry is stuffed with delicately flavored almond paste and coated with icing sugar. M'hanncha means "the snake" and this pastry certainly looks like a snake. It is made of filo dough and is then coiled like a snake. It is filled with an almond paste. You can make a large pastry with larger sheets of filo, or you can make individual sizes, which is much easier.

Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake

This recipe is featured on p. 120 of the Capital Cooking Cookbook. Long ago, we filmed the American Classics show with Chef Shannon Overmiller of The Majestic. Shannon is not only an amazing chef, but she is such a sweet person. This recipe is perfect for strawberry season.

Mardi Gras Recipe: Beignets

Since Mardi Gras is approaching, celebrate with some homemade beignets!  Did you know that St. Louis has the second biggest celebration?  If it was more kid-friendly, I'd be in Soulard this weekend, but alas I will not partake in the debauchery. 

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.  

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).

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?

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. 

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: Baklava

I traveled to Greece 10 years ago for an unforgettable trip.  I feasted on their amazing cuisine.  Make this dessert to get a taste of all the country has to offer.

10 Valentine's Day Cupcake Recipes

Valentine's Day is almost here!  Bake up something special with these ideas for Valentine's Day Cupcake recipes.

Get ready for Valentine's Day with Chocolate Pots de Crème!

Photo by Duane Heaton

You may have learned how to make Chocolate Pots de Crème on Capital Cooking's episode of "Romantic Dinner for 2."  Make this for your love on Valentine's Day.  It is the perfect dessert paired with my filet mignon and potato gratin.  Enjoy!

Banana Pudding for MawMaw

My Sous Chef

In 2017, my maternal grandmother passed away right before Christmas.  Her loss was devastating to my family.  This past December, my paternal grandmother had a heart attack and was told she has 30 days to live.  I'm not ready to lose her and neither is my family.  She's active, funny and so loving.  My daughters adore being with her.  We went to visit her last week and I asked her about her favorite foods and what I could make for her.  She asked for banana pudding.  I made the recipe below and she loved it.  Please keep her in your prayers.

Holiday Recipe: Peppermint Bark

Photo by Emily Clack

The holidays are getting close.  Instead of bringing a bottle of wine to the next party, try making a home-made treat that everyone will enjoy.

Recipe: Bread Pudding topped with Bourbon Sauce

In celebration on National Bourbon Heritage Month, try my Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce. Bread Pudding was way for housewives to use old bread. French bread is typical because of the French influence in New Orleans. You can also find this recipe and more in the Capital Cooking Cookbook.

Top 7 4th of July Recipes

Bomb Pop Shot

The 4th of July is almost here.  Can you believe it?  Check out these recipes to make your party perfect.