HANDCRAFTED MACARON RECIPE

When I think of macarons, I think Ladurée. The French luxury bakery best-known for baking and selling the double-decker macaron, fifteen thousand of which are sold every day! However, the Macaron cookie was born in Italy. It was first introduced by the chef of Catherine de Medicis in 1533 at the time of her marriage to the Duc d'Orleans who became king of France in 1547. The term "macaron" has the same origin as that the word "macaroni" -- both mean "fine dough".

Last Minute Party Preparations

I always joke that the better the party I throw, the worse I look when my guests show up. I’ve gotten better at getting ready way in advance so I don’t look like a madwoman. However, I do have a little routine I go through before the party starts. Even though I make sure the house is clean the day before, right before the guests begin showing up, I will do a quick “walk through.” Basically, I pretend I am a guest in my own home. I try to think about what would make people more comfortable and then go around sprucing things up.

SIX EASY AS PIE CRUMB CRUSTS with No-Bake Fillings

Home Economics 101. Mrs. Rogers. Skyline High School. Dallas, Texas. 198....

Pie dough was the first thing I learned to make in the kitchen. As a child my mother always gave me bits of raw pie dough to eat.I loved being in the kitchen with her, both my sister and I did.  Fast forward 12 years and as I sit in Home-Ec class, Mrs. Rogers is teaching her class how to make a basic pie dough. And that simple pie dough has taken me to such great places.... with wonderful memories.

VERONA, ITALY… BEYOND ROMEO AND JULIET

Although it’s most famous as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona has much more to offer than its connections to the star-crossed lovers! In fact, there’s little evidence that anything like the Romeo and Juliet story actually took place here… but it is indisputable that you won’t be short of sights in this beautiful city, even if you ignore Juliet’s “balcony” and “tomb.” In fact, the city’s rich culture and history has landed it on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

SALTED CARAMEL LAYER CAKE

I don't know how it happened, but, slowly overtime, when our family celebrates a birthday I end up cooking for and entertaining our family. No complaints mind you.... in fact, my favorite part of our little celebrations of life is baking the birthday cake.

Bridge of Sighs ~ Venice

If you happen to be in Venice... don’t stare across at the Bridge of Sighs – Go INSIDE the bridge and stare out!

A Well Traveled & Weary Trunk

Yesterday, E bought this vintage wicker steamer trunk for her and Bradley's new home. It comes with such a cool history. It hails from 19th century France. It has traveled all over the world, from Ireland to China and everywhere in between - even Italy.

Baskets Overflowing With Good Cheer!

Often the best way to package good cheer is in a basket.... to tote to a neighbor's house, to hand off to a favorite teacher, to present to your hostess at that yearly, jolly, Christmas party, or simply a fun way to give a cherished friend or family member that perfect gift.

Current Obsession: Monogrammed Cloth Napkins

I love shopping estate sales, thrift shops and tag sales -- I get a thrill out of saving money. A few years back, on a cold fall morning, as I was digging my way through a lovely old home here in Dallas, I came across a treasure trove of cloth napkins with our initials monogrammed on them. I could not believe my luck and I bought all of them before anyone else saw the wonderful prize I had found.

Happy Thanksgiving 2016

This morning, as I find myself in the kitchen cooking and preparing for our family to join us later in the day (and Mr.P is drinking his coffee while THE parade plays in the background) I turn my mind to the things that I'm most thankful for this year. 

Spicy Cranberry Cilantro Holiday Salsa

Looking for a last minute party starter?? Well look no further. This spicy cranberry salsa recipe is a mouthwatering addition to your holiday spread. It takes only a few minutes to prepare and is the perfect combination of spicy and sweet.

Our Favorite Cinnamon-y & Sugar-y Treats Round-Up

I've still got the cinnamon-sugar coated sopapillas on my mind after dinner last night. Are you in the baking mood? Do you love the cinnamon-sugar combo as much as me? Here is a list of some of our favorite cinnamon-y and sugar-y treats that would be perfect to bake for the holidays or any day! Follow the links and enjoy.