I can’t remember a time in my adult life when I’ve eaten more ice cream, sorbet and gelato. A pint or more of sorbet or ice cream is on my shopping list every week. I tell myself I’ll only need a pint but if I don’t pace myself, I can eat all of it in one sitting. Last weekend, I was in the Bronx where my friend and I had...

I was at the nail salon a few years ago when I discovered this recipe for Broccoli Grape Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette in a magazine. I figured since it had two things I love, broccoli and grapes, it would be worth trying out. I was also intrigued by the combination or broccoli and grapes and wrote the ingredients in my notebook.  The next time I had family and friends over,...

Jerk is both a style of cooking and the mix of spices used to make jerk. It is a very popular way of cooking in Jamaica that has grown from chicken to pork, fish, sausage, tofu, lobster, etc. My earliest memories of jerk was of a man who used to sell jerk chicken door-to-door on his bicycle. Back then, making jerk was an elaborate affair – it was always slow-cooked...

I love tapas and go to tapas bars every so often, especially in the summer. What are tapas? Tapas are canapes or appetizers or small snacks that originated in Spain. They can be served hot or cold. There are tapas bars all over Spain and now all over the U.S. I found a tapas restaurant near the London Eye and was surprised to see oxtail tapas. Of course, I had to...

Solange, my almost-mother-in-law, used to make coq au vin (chicken in wine) quite often. Stylish, beautiful, generous and funny, she was a stay-at-home mom, long before the term came into vogue, to eight children. Her home was inviting and warm and almost always full of people. Mom had a habit of “spicing up” everything she made — it just wasn’t done until she added her own flavors and seasoned it...

When the temperature turns warm, we reach for cooling foods. Sorbets and ice cream are delicious ways to help beat the heat. I love the flavors of sorbet, especially mango, which reminds me of home. I love how light sorbet is, how it feels on my tongue, at the back of my mouth and how refreshing and clean-tasting it is. I found this recipe of one of my favorites, Lemon...

When the weather turns hot, all I want to do is drink – water, mostly – and eat light, very light. One of my favorite light meals is gazpacho, a cold soup that I was introduced to in Spain, that is made from fresh tomatoes and chopped raw vegetables. It’s my summer meal lifesaver. This recipe that I found on spain-recipes.com comes closest to the way I make mine. Traditional...

When the weather’s good, few of us want to stay indoors, especially at lunch time. And in New York City, vendors with food carts make it easy for those of us who wish to, to enjoy the sun and an inexpensive meal at the same time. Food trucks are not just around construction sites these days, they’re everywhere. And they’re offering more than just coffee and bagels. Some offer gourmet food,...

I had Bananas Foster a few years ago when a friend brought it to a party. I couldn’t believe how good it was but then again, I should have. I love bananas. And the best part, it’s so easy to make! Ingredients 1/4 cup butter 2/3 cup dark brown sugar 3 1/2 tablespoons rum 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3 bananas, peeled and sliced lengthwise and...

My almost mother-in-law and second mom was a fabulous cook who hosted elaborate parties. She was a stickler for attractive food presentation.  She’d always say that food should please the eyes first before it pleased the stomach. I spent a lot of time at her home the summer following our meeting, getting to know the family. I ate a lot and discovered several dishes that have become favorites. She always...