Happy International Beer Day to you all. As a staunch supporter of barley, hops, and other fine grains, I recommend you go to your local watering hole, tie one on and get to know that cute bartender.I, for one, will be enjoying the above beverage (Natty Greene's Wildflower Witbier, a local version of the Belgian-style Blue Moon) along with a few of its brothers. Not a fan of beer? That's OK. I won't hold it against you...it IS an acquired taste...http://www.internationalbeerday.comhttp://www.... Read Full Story

July is National Ice Cream Month! I shared my love of ice cream and all things frozen by hosting a blogging event: Ice Cream, You Scream in 2008. I received entries from as far away as Serbia and as close to home as my very own kitchen.This year, there won't be an extravaganza of ice cream displays, but I will post a frozen treat or two to NikSnacks for you all to enjoy during the month of July.White Chocolate Raspberry Ice Cream Sandwich*I promise, if I ever open a restaurant, I will sell th... Read Full Story

The end of May brings whispers of late spring, early summer activities and food. May is National Barbeque Month! Did you know? It took me nearly all month to come up with a killer barbeque (or bbq, for lazy orthographic artists).First, let me say a little something about barbeque and what it is:(n) bar·be·que: 1) a social gathering at which food is roasted over an open fire 2) a large animal (pig/cow) that is roasted over an open fire, spit, or pit.(v) bar·be·que: 1) to cook pork in a highly ... Read Full Story

I'm obsessed with pies right now. We've stopped making galettes at the restaurant where I work & have made the infinitesimal leap to pies. My mind is always racing with ideas when I get home, so I took it upon myself to make pies all week long.We've got... my peach hand pies or empanadas, depending on your current location in the world.It's a pie that fits in your hand, so that part is easily explained. A panade is a mixture of butter, water and flour that forms the base o... Read Full Story

The two most exciting minutes in sports takes place today: The Kentucky Derby. Part of the Triple Crown (the Preakness Stakes & Belmont Stakes form the other angles), it always takes place the 1st Saturday in May & is marked by parties, parades and tradition.The food, drinks and hats worn by ladies of esteem are the most exciting parts of the day's festivities (to me). I've never been to Kentucky (well, I've driven through on my way to Ohio and destinations westward) &... Read Full Story

Happy birthday to me.Today is my birthday.Another year older. But not much wiser.But that just means I can have my cake & eat it too. This is the cake I made for myself. I plan to take it to work & share it with my co-workers. It'll be like 3rd grade all over again. If I feel so-inclined, I might pick up a package of Ninja Turtle napkins and a "Happy 8th Birthday!!!!!" card at Party City, too.Since I'm a professional now, I guess I can stop buying grocery store cakes... Read Full Story

Even though Earth Day was on April 22, Winston-Salem celebrated it a bit early last Saturday at Wake Forest. I helped out at the Slow Food booth but not before I went around to check out what food was being offered.Let me just say, local food rocks.First, Meridian Restaurant served up the Egyptian national dish, kushari. A blend of rice, lentils, chickpeas and macaroni, this simple dish totally hit the spot. I love northern Africa and all of its cuisine that I've tried and kushari is no d... Read Full Story

I've been obsessed with hot dogs lately. Those and cupcakes, but that's another post for another time.While my creation is no Kernel Kustard remake or the sliced goodness from Skippy's, I've got some good things going on in my tiny Ardmore kitchen.Nothing beats store-bought french fries slathered with shredded cheddar & homemade chili.Hot Dog Chili1 lb 93% lean ground beef1 medium onion, finely diced2 Tbsp Chili powder1/2 cup ketchup2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce1 cup low-sodi... Read Full Story

Spring is here.FINALLY.I thought I was ready for it last year, I'm definitely ready this year. At the commencement of Spring last year, I'd just come back from a tour of Napa, Yosemite and Sequioa National Parks in California. I'd eaten amazing food and gotten a better sense of what I wanted to do with my culinary life. It's funny how a little getaway can rejuvenate your senses and center you, all at the same time.This year, there has been no trip, but there has been a lot of ... Read Full Story

June is National Dairy Month and I'm doing my part to promote America's dairy industry by eschewing all of the lactose sensitive/intolerant friends of mine and making banana pudding. Around here, it's called nana puddin', nanner puddin' or just plain puddin', but never ba-na-na pud-ding. Too many syllables.I really don't like pudding.It's texture doesn't thrill nor sway me.I don't wake up in the middle of the night craving it.I don't put it on my wish list at Christmas.I pass over it in buffe... Read Full Story