On March 14th, I hosted a Launch party to celebrate a New Chapter at A Taste of Paris. Of course, as subscribers, you were all invited to join the fun. And what fun we had!! It’s hard to believe that 3 weeks have passed. It’s been an absolute whirlwind at my desk! I can’t wait to tell you all about the festivities and what has been happening since. What were we celebrating? The launch of my brand-new website that was many months in the making. It’s like a grown-up version of what I had before, click over to see the new digs. I’m especially proud of the Trip Gallery Photos, all those smiling ..read more

Tomato Basil Soup Recipe It seems that spring came a bit earlier than I expected, what about you? I love making soups and for me, something light and easy like Tomato Basil Soup is the ideal choice for dinner anytime, as long as the outside temperatures don’t reach the 100-degree mark! The best way to eat this satisfying soup with a chunk of fresh bread and butter, with a side salad or of course the quintessential favorite, grilled cheese. Humm that gives me an idea for a future post-3 Cheese Grilled Cheese, now, that’s a family favorite for sure! I categorize Tomato Basil Soup as a Go-To re ..read more

Friends, there is just something about chocolate cake for me. I can say no to ice cream, fruit, and creamy desserts all day long but a good, dense, moist chocolate cake, well it’s my kryptonite. Last week was Valentine’s Day, so I took the opportunity to create a Chocolate Coffee Cake to take and share with my bible study friends. The reviews were pretty great so I wanted to share this bad boy with you, even though Valentine’s Day and the official chocolate season are behind us. Another point I should be super real about, there is no chocolate season for me, I believe in eating chocolate ev ..read more

Have you heard? The dinner party is back! I happen to adore this time-honored tradition, this nod to Western civilization passed down through the generations. A chance to bring a mix of old and new friends together for an evening of breaking bread and conversation. Dare I say it? In my opinion, dinner parties are less about what you serve and more about the atmosphere. Creating an environment that will put people at ease and lets them know they’re in for a special evening is my top priority. Dinner parties are so classic and cool. I always harness an early 1960s vibe when I think about hostin ..read more

Shortbread Black and White Heart Cookies have been a favorite of mine for many years. When I looked back, I could not believe I’d never shared this classic recipe from my kitchen. I absolutely adore these cookies. They are buttery and soft with a cracked sugar glaze that balances the salty cookie, add a layer of dark chocolate, and well I am in heaven! The dough is simple to make and yields about 12-16 cookies depending on the size of your cookie cutter. If you don’t already have an assortment of heart cookie cutters, click here. Once the dough is mixed, place it into a zip-top bag. Use a ro ..read more

What are some of your favorite January dishes? I’d love to know in the comments below! As promised for the next few posts I’ll be sharing how we “clean up our act” in January. In theory, this is an easy task because, if you’re like me, you’ve been indulging non-stop for weeks on end and it feels like time for the madness to end. And then the hunger and cravings begin… I’ve learned that the best way to combat this phenomenon is to cook dishes that are filled with color, and natural flavor and have at least one element that is a bit more indulgent like my Walnut Crusted Chicken. I was standing ..read more

It’s been a fun few weeks of posting some of the best appetizers from this year’s cooking season. I’ve posted Cranberry Pecan Gouda Truffles, Beef Stuffed Cocktail Peppers, Mediterranean Hummus, and now for my final fourth mouthwatering appetizer, Crab dip! This sensational appetizer will delight your friends and family with creamy goodness. But before we dive into this one, I have one last party planning tip. When you create your party menu, always consider variety. For example, if all of your appetizers are made of cheese, something I could easily do because no one loves cheese more than me ..read more

I’ve been having so much fun sharing some of my favorite appetizers from this year’s cooking season. Last week I shared my Beef Stuffed Cocktail Peppers and before that my Cranberry Pecan Gouda Truffles. Today I am thrilled to share the third appetizer for this party season, Mediterranean Hummus. Before I tell you more about this flavor-packed appetizer, I want to talk a bit about the color on your party tables. When you are planning appetizers for a party, be sure and think about adding plenty of color. If you serve all brown food, no matter how tasty it is, it will look and feel boring. Pla ..read more

Today I am sharing the second in my series of holiday appetizers. Last week, I posted my Cranberry Pecan Gouda Truffles and they were a total hit with readers! I can’t wait to tell you about my Beef Stuffed Cocktail Peppers, but first, a few thoughts on creating a fantastic appetizer party. I think about a lot of things when I plan a party and the top of mind is the guest’s comfort. For this reason, you will never find anything too complicated on my table. I refuse to offer any appetizers that require a fork. Why, you may ask? Because it’s awkward. Here you are, trying to meet new people, sip ..read more

It’s cocktail party season! You will undoubtedly be asked to bring an appetizer or two to a party this year. Whether you are gathering with your neighbors, colleagues, or dearests friends, and family, appetizer season is in full swing. I am thrilled to share 4 of my favorite appetizers from this season’s cooking over the next few weeks, with one thing in common, they are as beautiful as they are scrumptious! Stay tuned for all the goodies, because your people will find them irresistible! The first recipe up is my Cranberry Pecan Gouda Truffles. This is not my first foray into the cheese truff ..read more