Simple Chocolate-Walnut Tart
Another simple dessert you can make in a matter of minutes!  But one that will get raves whenever it’s served. Here, the walnut’s natural bitterness is balanced by the chocolate, and the rich combination of the two will make you want to squeeze this tart between your teeth on a regular basis.  It yearns for a good red dessert w

Simple Apple Crisp
Research tells us Americans are cooking at home less and less.  They say this is because planning and preparing a meal takes more time than we have in our busy schedules.  And I can believe it – what with two incomes required to cover expenses, time is already tight.   Throw in a bit of business travel, a late night or two at the office, a play date for your kids and maybe a soccer practice and… it’s no

Favorite Holiday Dessert – Marion Cunningham’s Steamed Persimmon Pudding
Marion Cunningham is probably best known these days as the author of the 1990 version of the Fanny Farmer cookbook.  Or for her years in working with James Beard, who plucked her out of obscurity when he chose her as his assistant.

“Runaway” Chicken Chowder
I’m never sure if the name for this dish refers to the chicken seeking escape from the chopping block, or the recipe’s run-away popularity.  Either way, its bright orange color (and great flavor!) has made it the traditional dish at the annual family Halloween party hosted by our friend (and club member!) Laura Nagle. It is one of the rare dishe

Moules Marinieres – Mariner’s Mussels, the Highway to Heavean!
For one of my rather large birthdays, the kind that either demands a grand celebration with friends or a quiet closet in which to whimper, Superwife and Cole surprised me with a trip to the Loire Valley.  One of my favorite meals was at this street side cafe in Tours. This simple meal – mussels, crisp french fries, a fresh baguette and a cool glass of local Chenin Blanc – brought me closer to heaven than I probably deserve (or wi