We began our second module this week: Chocolate. The main focus was learning how to temper chocolate properly. Tempering is the process used to form stable cocoa butter crystals in chocolate. Typically you melt the chocolate to around 45°C, then lower the temperature to roughly 30°C by adding some unmelted chocolate and stirring until it … Read more

Pasta is one of my favorite dishes — comforting, quick, and satisfying — so I cook it at least once a week. Recently Alberto and I went to an Italian restaurant where vegan options were limited, but we ordered spaghetti all’arrabbiata and a vegetable pizza without cheese. The meal was excellent and reminded me how … Read more

Eggnog isn’t just a seasonal beverage — it’s a cozy tradition. Rich, spiced, and luxuriously creamy, this Southern-style homemade eggnog blends comforting flavors and cultural heritage into every glass. I once bought cartons each holiday until my mother shared the family method that her mother and grandmother used. Homemade, silky, and velvety, made the way … Read more

The Jungle Bird is a classic cocktail made with dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice, fresh lime, and rich demerara syrup. Balanced between sweet, tart, and bitter, the Jungle Bird stands out among tropical drinks thanks to Campari’s herbaceous, pleasantly bitter character. Brief History The Jungle Bird first appeared in print in John J. Poister’s The … Read more

Ultimate vegan loaf harmoniously blends the earthy richness of lentils, the hearty crunch of nuts, and the deep umami of mushrooms to create a crowd-pleasing holiday centerpiece. This gluten-free, juicy vegetarian roast is packed with plant-based protein and fiber and full of flavor. Serve it with mashed potatoes, vegan gravy and a side of balsamic‑glazed … Read more

Starbucks Strawberry Funnel Cake Frappuccino brings the carnival to your glass. Made with bright strawberry puree, a generous cloud of whipped cream and optional sugar funnel cake crumbs, this Frappuccino is a summer must-try. This recipe walks you through each step to make a strawberry funnel cake Frappuccino that’s even better than the one from … Read more

A simple, creamy fettuccine Alfredo made even better with the earthy umami of fresh mushrooms. This quick mushroom Alfredo is perfect for busy weeknights—prepare the mushrooms and cook the pasta ahead of time and you’ll have a rich, restaurant-style dinner ready in under 30 minutes. With just a handful of pantry staples—butter, flour, milk, and … Read more

I’m embarrassingly late to the courgetti trend. With Pinterest, Instagram and even an ad on a bus full of zucchini noodle inspiration, I had no shortage of ideas — and I grow about eight courgette plants every year. Still, it’s taken me a while to share my own version: courgette noodles with a creamy coconut … Read more

This is the easiest tagliatelle Bolognese or tagliatelle alla Bolognese! Really the simplest recipe ever. You’ll be surprised how few ingredients are needed to make a rich, comforting Tagliatelle Bolognese. Ready to cook? Let’s head into the bistro kitchen and make an authentic, hearty ragù. Table of Contents Easy To Make Bolognese Recipe What You … Read more