Homemade Olive Crackers

One of the best parts of the holidays is having everyone come together, eating and sharing stories.  

I love putting together an 'Apero-Dineatoire' - a French concept that is perfect for bringing everyone together and enjoying each others company.  The idea behind Apero-Dineatoire is that there is plenty to eat, all in small finger-food portions casually served in the living room.  Everyone relaxes and explores the array, grazing throughout the evening over stories and music.  Its the best!

Roasted Eggplant "Hummus" Dip

Eggplant is such a versatile vegetable that often gets overlooked.  When it is baked, it gets a wonderfully creamy flavor.  

This recipe for Roasted Eggplant "Hummus" is a variation on Baba Ganoush - a Middle Eastern eggplant dip.  It is delicious served with slices of crusty bread, Pita Chips, as a sandwich spread, or even mixed together with rice and vegetables.  

Holiday Roasted Olive & Tomato Chicken

Growing up, decorating the Christmas tree was always a VERY big deal in our family.  Each year at the beginning of December we'd spend hours wandering through the fields at our local Christmas Tree farm searching for the Perfect Tree.  It had to be just the right shape, evenly leaved without brown patches, and most importantly...GIANT.  At least in our little eyes.

Extra Virgin: A Tuscan Cookbook

White Bean and Pancetta Bruschetta, Tuscan Bread and Tomato Soup, Chestnut Flour Cake...my mouth is watering just thinking of them all!