Le Sud: Recipes from Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is a cookbook that is bound to transform you and if you don’t want to take the next plane, train, or automobile to the south of France after reading it, I will be shocked. I met the cookbook author, Rebekah Peppler, recently at a conference in New York and just hearing her speak about the area, made me want to dig out my passport, pack my bags, and journey to one of Europe’s most beautiful areas along the sprawling Mediterranean Sea coastline.

Sweet, juicy watermelons and summertime treats go hand-in-hand. There is just something about this melon that screams summertime to me. So take advantage of the watermelon’s short peak season and use it in as many ways as possible. Let your imagination run wild! Just about every part of this colorful, delicious fruit can be used–except maybe the seeds. There are savory bites and sweet treats, and so many ways to use its juice and even its green-striped rind can be transformed into something delicious.

Revamping your Summer Bar Cart

Summer is the perfect time to revamp your bar cart—after all, ‘tis the season for refreshing cocktails and long evenings gathering outdoors.

If you’re looking to replenish your bar cart or even build one out from scratch, I’m here to help. As a seasoned entertainer, I’m excited to guide you through my comprehensive bar cart guide.

Alfresco dining simply means enjoying your meal outdoors and hopefully with family and good friends.  Basically, it's another reason to entertain.  So naturally I turn to one of my favorite culinary retail shops, Williams Sonoma, for a cookbook that is one of the most inspiring for recipes, menus, and the most helpful hints for an alfresco meal.

There is nothing I like better than to get up early-ish on a Saturday morning and head over to the Farmer’s Market.  I am fortunate to live in an area that has so many to choose from on Saturdays and throughout the week.  My ultimate, ultimate favorite is the farmer’s market at Findlay Market, and if I am not doing a tasting or at a festival or market with In the Curious Kitchen, you will find me perusing the booths at a farmer’s market.