We made a trip recently to a bakery that my niece was raving about!  This family-owned bakery, Natale’s  specializes and is famous for this cake.  Where did it get it’s name?  Philly, I assume comes from the cream cheese in the recipe.   In the bakery case, these cakes look like an Angel Food cake…

I know my last three posts have been a pasta dish, but I think you know me by now!  I’ve been searching the globe to find this recipe which is a copykat from the Cheesecake Factory version.  I’ve finally found someone who broke the code!  I order this whenever I go there.  Their shrimp are…

Ćwikła isn’t quite easy to pronounce so I’ve always just called it red beets, because that’s what is is. Buraki, in Polish simply means beetroots and this is a typical Polish condiment, served with roast or any kind of smoked meat or sausage. It is a must on the holiday table, regardless if it’s Christmas…

Growing up in a Polish family, we had sauerkraut often with many meals.  My Mom’s sauerkraut was the best and I would make a sandwich with just sauerkraut.  When I saw this “burger” with sauerkraut, I had to give it a try. I’m calling this recipe German Meat Pies since it was a German/Russian family that…

Delicious, sweet fig fruit is one of the prime fruits enjoyed since antiquity in the human history. Fig is naturally rich in much health benefiting phyto-nutrients, anti-oxidants and vitamins. Dried figs, in fact, are concentrated source of minerals and vitamins.  Simple Figs and sharp cheese are a perfect combination. Who said you can’t play with…

Babka is  brioche-like yeast cake traditionally baked for Easter.  Babka comes from “baba or babci” meaning Grandmother.  This is my mother’s recipe.  Perfect in the morning just with butter and a hot cup of coffee. You will need: 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter 1-1/4 cup scalded milk 2 pkgs. dry yeast 5 cups all…

 This recipe for Slovak sweet egg cheese is typically served at Easter time and goes by various names including hrudka, cirak, sirok, sirecz and on and on. It’s an interesting concoction that’s made the same way fresh cheese is.  It’s variously called hrudka, sirok, Typically, hrudka is made without sugar, but some cooks prefer it sweet. Another way I…

Classic Egg Salad 4 eggs, hardboiled 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 Tbsp. finely chopped celery 1 tsp. Dijon Mustard Few Dashes of hot sauce (optional) Salt and Pepper to taste Avocado slices Leaf lettuce Whole Grain Toast  Tomato  Hope you have a great day!

We went apple picking this past Sunday to an Orchard in Oldwick, NJ.  When we arrived, hay rides coming and going, a stand roasting fresh corn, and plenty of pumpkins.  Apple Butter, fresh apple cider, homemade jams and mustards all waiting for you!  All the sights and aromas of Fall.  I just bought a quart…

A Waldorf Salad is traditionally made with fresh apples, celery and walnuts, dressed with mayonnaise and served on a bed of lettuce as an appetizer. The salad was first created between 1893 and 1896 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City.  It was the maitre d’hotel who created this recipe.  The salad became so…

This was a White Bread challenge for me.  I’ve always wanted to learn how to make a good bread.  Getting a nice, crusty loaf straight from the oven is not an easy task. I wanted to make an “everyday” bread that was easy to make since alot of us don’t have the time to be…

My second shipment from Certified Steak & Seafood has arrived! Now I get to try the Chilean Sea Bass! I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with Certified Steak & Seafood Company !  Restaurant Quality, individually portioned meat and seafood delivered right to your door!  Certified Angus Beef, Lobster and Seafood, Steak & Seafood Combos and…

Some of the best pizza comes from coal-fired ovens.  Until I build one in my back yard, we can get the same effect on the grill.  We want a crust that’s crisp, smoky and slightly charred – my favorite way to have pizza.  A few things to keep in mind – the dough needs to…

“In the childhood memories of every cook, there’s a large kitchen, a warm stove, an apple pie and a mom.”   With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s time to start thinking and planning meals for the upcoming get-togethers with family and friends.  It seems that everyone is so busy these days, that sometimes holidays are…