So I'm going to go ahead and be one of those people who talk about their cats. I've resisted thus far, but it's time to introduce the world ...

We know that toast and biscuits just wouldn't taste the same without jelly, but when it comes to the world of pastries, jam rules. This tip will up your game.

Adapted from Around My French Table by Dorie GreenspanDorie doesn’t specify any type of apple but instead advises that you should use a mix of them. I don’t know what kind mine were since Romain brought them to me. The rum is really a great flavor in this cake, but if you’re avoiding alcohol, you could double or triple the vanilla to compensate. I also like this recipe because you can make it with ingredients easily on hand. Being American, I was tempted to add a dusting of ground cinnamon…

Adapted from Beard on Bread by James BeardUsing the higher amount of sugar will produce a moister and, of course, sweeter bread. I often use bourbon, as I like the flavor, but cognac and brandy work well, instead. I'm often asked about making this cake without the liquor and haven't tried it, as the liquor is an integral flavor in the cake. If you want to try it with something else, perhaps black tea or root beer could take its place. But I haven't tried either.

Best Brownies Recipe - I've tried this recipe with carob (because I'm allergic to chocolate), and YUM!!!

Adapted from Feast by Nigella Lawson

To skin hazelnuts, rub the still-warm toasted nuts in a tea towel, to get off as much of the skins as possible. The nuts can be toasted in a 350ºF/180ºC oven for about 10 minutes first. If you want to make your own candied citron, you can find my recipe at that link. You'll often see Panforte baked on rice paper (or made of another edible starch), which is harder to get than parchment paper. You can buy sheets of wafer paper online, and cut them to size.

Try to have all the vegetables diced and sliced about the same size, which makes for a nice presentation. Of course, you can vary the vegetables according to what’s available. Feel free to add any other herbs when sauteing the vegetables. If you wish to use canned beans, use 2 cups (300g, drained) or for a real treat, use 2 cups of fresh cooked shelling beans. There are a variety of ways to make this soup. Some people will cook the beans in one large pot with 3 quarts (3l) of water, then…

What happens when a winter storm collides with a planned dinner party? People cancel. At least that’s what happened to the December 2010 installment of our Inspired Supper Club. Fr. Leo wa…

SOME ONIONS WON’T LAST—you know, the ones whose tops didn’t brown down thoroughly before harvest, and may still look more like a scallion’s stalk, or store-bought ones sitting in that bowl on the counter a