Most people want to eat the same things on Thanksgiving. The kids clamor for the canned cranberry sauce. Aunt Hilda brings her green bean casserole made with mushroom soup. And Uncle Bert bakes up a sweet-as-corn-syrup pecan pie. My family comes from New England, where change does not [...]
The New York Times’ chief wine critic, Eric Asimov, is paying a visit to the Hotel Healdsburg at 6:30 tonight for a talk about his new book, “How to Love Wine,” hosted by Copperfield’s Books. The book is part memoir and part manifesto from the down-to-earth critic, who shares [...]
Sweet, juicy peaches are a sign that summer is in full swing. I swung by the Dry Creek Peach & Produce farm stand last weekend in Dry Creek Valley, and the peaches were practically flying out the door. Not to mention the peach jam, peach wreaths [...]
This Independence Day will be especially festive for the Redwood Empire Farmers’ Market, which is moving back to its original location on the east side of the Santa Rosa Veteran’s Memorial Hall after residing on the west side for the past six weeks. The market will run from 8:30 [...]
If you’ve been following the European Championship, you already know that the soccer semi-finals start this Wednesday at 11:45 a.m. with an all-Iberian match-up between Portugal and Spain. It’s the perfect excuse to break out your red-handled paella pan and whip up Spain’s favorite, one-dish feast. It’s actually [...]
Bi-Rite Market owner Sam Mogannam, author of “Bi-Rite Market’s Eat Good Food,” will share the secrets of responsible shopping and cooking from noon to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Ram’s Gate Winery in Sonoma. Guests will also go on a walking tour of the winery’s culinary garden with Executive Chef Taylor [...]
Maria Vieages, a private chef and culinary teacher in Sonoma County, will be featured on an episode of HGTV’s “House Hunters on Vacation,” airing at 8:30 p.m. June 8 on the HGTV network. On the show, families are given the chance to stay in a vacation home of their [...]
Julia Child’s first meal in Paris was Sole Meuniere, and it changed her life forever, inspiring a 40-year love affair with food and the start of a cooking revolution in America. This summer, Child would have turned 100 years on Aug. 15, and to celebrate her birthday, a [...]
A bright yellow cookbook landed on my desk the other day, with luscious ears of grilled corn on the cover. “I Love Corn,” by PBS producer Lisa Skye, offers a cornucopia of recipes from chefs across the country, including Dan Barber of Blue Hill restaurant in New York state. [...]
Cinco de Mayo provides a great excuse to indulge in a few of my favorite things: beer and margaritas, rice and beans, grilled steak and roasted chiles – what else do you need? Maybe just some warm tortillas and Cotija cheese. If you’re not much of a cook, you can [...]
Kitchen Talk, by Press Democrat staff writer Diane Peterson, is the ultimate guide for Wine Country home cooks who want to know the secrets of transforming our fresh bounty of veggies, cheeses and meats into simple but elegant meals worthy of a Michelin star. Whether you cook every night or just on holidays, you can channel your inner Thomas Keller when you know where to find the best ingredients along with recipes that won’t break the bank, or your confidence. Pour a glass of wine, grab a cutting board and learn to shop and chop like a pro. You’ll be healthier and wealthier – with change in your pocket for that special bottle of wine or dinner out – and you’ll be eating better to boot.
