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Just Cook It: The secret is in the sauce

I received a question from a reader who asked about creating the sauce for date and nut pudding, a steamed cake.The reader said her latest attempt failed with making the sauce, which includes the ingredients: 2-3 tablespoons butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup milk and 1 tablespoon cornstarch ...

Just Cook It: What do you want to cook?

With 2015 in full swing, I would like to take a moment to revisit the past.I feel that the beginning a new year is a good time for reflection. Let’s take a quick moment to reflect on where we are, how we got here, and how we can make things better moving forward.I hear from readers of my ...

Just Cook It: Resolving to eat healthier

New Year’s resolutions are something I personally hold near and dear to my heart.This topic of commitment and positive change is so near and dear to my heart because when I was cooking professionally, I had my own “enough is enough” moment. I realized that I gained a lot of weight working ...

Just Cook It: Holiday dinner crunch time

I love cooking for the holidays, but no matter how much I love it, there’s always a lot to consider at crunch time.I hope that you, much like me, already have everything for your Christmas dinner well underway. I hope that you that you have a detailed prep list that you are following so you ...

Recipe: Mario’s Eggnog

Yield: 6 servings3 cups half and half1 teaspoon pure vanilla extractPinch of sea salt6 eggs, separated1 cup sugar1 cup heavy creamDash of nutmegProcedure:1. Place a large mixing bowl in a larger bowl of ice water and set aside. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat bring the half and half, ...

Just Cook It: Twas the night before Christmas

Next to Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve is my favorite holiday.Before I get into the food aspect of Christmas Eve versus Christmas Day, let me first touch on one other fact. Even as a young child, Christmas Eve always had a magical feel to me that I loved.It’s the excitement and suspense of ...