In a small medieval village in eastern France, artisan cheesemakers produce small, fragrant wheels of a pungent cow’s milk cheese following a traditional process dating back to the early 16th century. Named for the village where it is made, Époisses de Bourgogne was a favorite of Napoleon, who called it “The King of all cheeses,” […]
My doorbell rang yesterday, and when I opened the door expecting company, nobody was there, just footprints in the snow leading up the steps to my door, and there at my feet nestled in the snow was a small parcel wrapped in brown paper tied with a string. I had been anxiously awaiting this package, […]
In the midst of a cultural revolution, visionary winemaker Bernard de Nonancourt created a daring wine that combined a structure of freshness with soft character. Making non-vintage rosé champagne was virtually unthinkable prior to 1968. Inspired by the times of French King Henri IV, a distinctive and elegant bottle was created to celebrate this special […]
I first met Abby Zukowski, owner of Life’s Sweeter Side Bakery while judging chocolate dishes at the AIDS foundation of Chicago’s annual World of Chocolate gala. Though I tried many wonderful desserts, their chocolate cake was the best in my book. Rich, moist, and chocolatey, it was definitely one of the best I’ve tasted in […]
Wine and cheese have been paired for centuries, and most people know at least a little bit about how to go about matching them. What most people do not know how to do is to pair cheeses with spirits, liquors, and beers; a trend which is growing among cheese fans who are looking for alternatives […]
What better way to ring in the New Year than with a glass of fine Champagne? Tonight I’ll be uncorking an exquisite bottle of Laurent-Perrier’s Grand Siécle, and since I think oysters are the perfect indulgence, I’ll be pairing it with an elegant seafood platter or plateau de fruits de mer. Grand Siécle or “grand […]
Martina McBride’s new cookbook Around the Table: Recipes and Inspirations for Gatherings Throughout the Year is filled with entertaining menus and ideas for every occasion. In it, she says “If I weren’t a performer, I think I would love to be a party planner. Every aspect of planning a gathering – coming up with the […]
A twinkling tree stands above a sea of colorful presents, while a crackling fire and spiced hot apple cider tempt young and old alike. Cakes, cookies, and pies may satisfy the little ones, but these decadent chocolate truffles flavored with rye whiskey, ginger, and vanilla are a perfectly decadent treat for adults. Templeton Rye was […]
The widow Mathilde-Emilie Perrier first launched Ultra Brut in 1889, the same year that the Eiffel Tower was completed. For nearly a century Laurent-Perrier was renowned for its ‘Grand Vin Sans Sucre’ or unsweetened wine; champagne in its purest, most natural form. Then in 1981, Bernard de Nonancourt reintroduced Ultra Brut in 1981 made with […]
I was contacted some months ago by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago inviting me to judge at their ‘World of Chocolate’ event held annually at Chicago’s Union Station. 22 culinarians would compete in three categories for the best chocolate themed dishes. I tasted many, many dishes and though they ranged from sweet to savory to […]
Laurent-Perrier’s Brut Millésimé 2004 celebrates one of the finest vintages in recent memory. The resulting wine is a signature house style Brut that captures the unique and rare qualities of that harvest. The label Millésimé is reserved for only the greatest of harvests, and only when the grapes possess unique character is a vintage declared. […]
The delightfully balanced and elegant Brut NV is the signature House Champagne of Laurent-Perrier. Designated non-vintage because it contains grapes from more than one single harvest, this Champagne has been expertly blended from several excellent vintages, each lending unique characteristics. Containing 50% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier and comprising more than 55 individual […]
A Cook's Canvas 