
Artichokes Aïoli- The Ultimate Amuse Bouche
The artichoke is one of the most beautiful vegetables that is delicate and delicious, yet is rarely thought of as appetizer before a meal. My sister Betty just served me an incredible meal last night that was preceded by an artichoke appetizer, and I delighted in the ritual of plucking and dipping the leaves and then devouring the heart. To prepare the artichokes, cut the ends of the stalks on the diagonal. In a large pot add two inches of water and bring to a boil. Place a s

The Ultimate French Onion Soup
I tend to get over-excited when a classic dish gets me to reconsider its virtues. Just when I had forgotten the French onion soup, I am reintroducing it into my culinary repertoire this year. Last night my dear and wonderful friend Andrea Stewart, an elegant chef who takes culinary complexity and makes it simple to make and love. She gets as excited over the discovery of a new butter from Italy, as she does over a trip to Asia. Her French onion soup which is inspired by diff