Getting ready for my close-up
The “America’s Best” crew films Gail behind the counter.
I’m writing this a couple of days before “America’s Best” airs on the Food Network. The whole thing still seems pretty unbelievable, although we’ve known about it since February. For the editors of Food Network Magazine to say I make “the best little box of chocolates” [...]
Summer Recipes to Beat the Heat
Summer is in full swing and that means plenty of great fresh veggies and fruits!
I am so happy to share some of my favorite summer recipes with you. I especially love Chilled Watermelon-Mint Soup. I’m pretty sure it will rock your world. Serve it in a half-watermelon shell at your next outdoor party and wow [...]
It’s Summer: Get Outside and Party!
Hanging out on my deck with my friend Alison.
Can you believe July is already underway? Why does my favorite time of the year seem to go by so quickly? I don’t have the answers, but here is what I do to savor every moment:
First, I get outside as much as I can. If you [...]
A Brief Guide to the Best in Paris Sweets
Although my bags have been unpacked for about a month now, I’ve still got Paris on my mind. Since my last blog, I’ve had people ask me for recommendations on patisseries and chocolate shops. After looking through my notes, photos and maps, it’s really hard to narrow it down to one or two shops, so [...]
Falling in love with Paris (again)
A sixth-floor view of Haussmann’s Paris.
For eight days, I had the pleasure of breathing in all Paris has to offer. What a treat to enjoy a city so full of life. How do you begin to describe it? History, art, architecture, fashion, food, chocolate, joie de vivre … j’aime Paris!
I rented a sixth floor [...]
Bonjour, Paris!
The Medici Fountain in the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Throughout the spring, the thought of returning to Paris has motivated and excited me. It’s a city that holds special meaning for me. It was there, as a teenager, that my lifelong passion for chocolate truly began. Now, after weeks of reading various guidebooks and daydreaming, it’s time [...]
At Sea
Aboard the Regent Seven Seas.
What in the world am I doing at sea? Good question. It started in December, on the day of our first big snowstorm. You know the day–the University closed, we got 18 or more inches of snow. I walked into work and thought, “Great, I can have a catch-up day in [...]
It’s Spring! Try a Chocolate Adventure
When I visit the Upala Organic Cacao Growers Cooperative in Costa Rica, chocolate tasting and lots of discussion are usually on the itinerary.
After the rush of the winter holidays, it’s fun to be able to focus once again on our monthly chocolate tastings.
You’ve probably heard of wine tastings, but chocolate? Well, first off, it’s [...]
And Furthermore: Great Fun and Great Food at the Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest
I recently had the pleasure to present at the first Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest. What a fantastic way to spend a cold Saturday! There was a great crowd that mingled happily among an even mix of cheese and beer producers. There were about 20 booths with a cheese maker and a brewer standing side-by-side. [...]
Pairings from Fromagination
Here are the beer/chocolate pairings from the Fromagination event:
