Chocolate Angel Food Cake with Peppermint Buttercream Frosting and Drizzled Fudge Icing could be the best chocolate cake you will ever eat. I grew up eating this cake until my favorite  bakery closed many years ago. This was our “special occasion” cake. Since then, I have tried to find a recipe that comes close to […]

What’s more fun that challenging two great chefs at Four Seasons Hualalai? How about creating a savory and sweet pairing for a the only certified organic tequila on the market? That would be 1 2 3 Organic Tequila (Uno Dos Tres). Spotlighting local ingredients turned out to be a fun challenge for Four Season’s Chef Angela […]

The Four Seasons is known for its five star accommodations, fabulous food and exceptional service. Read on for an example of the  Four Seasons Resort Hualalai going the “extra mile.” I threw out a culinary challenge to Food and Beverage Director, Sebastian Hinsch, and Executive Sous Chef Nick Mastrascusa. How would you pair food with the only certified […]

Donna Hay’s Sugar and Spice Glazed Ham is a perennial favorite during the holiday season. It’s easy, can be prepared in advance without a lot of fanfare and is perfect for entertaining. Everyone loves leftover glazed ham.Donna Hay’s recipe has the perfect blend of spices. Donna is the author of l8 cookbooks and her magazine […]

Roasted asparagus with sliced fennel and onion, drizzled with a little olive oil, is a sure winning elegant side dish. My friend, Linda, always prepares fabulous food with a twist. Her addition of sliced fennel and onion enhances the texture and sweetness of the asparagus. Perfect for easy entertaining. SERVES:  6 INGREDIENTS 3/4 to l […]

  Crispy Ice Cream Cups are festive and easy to prepare. Donna Hay creates this quick, elegant dessert that can be made ahead and assembled just before serving. Use your favorite ice creams or choose an assortment for guests. Scoops can be prepared up to several days in advance and kept in the freezer. This […]

  “Nuts N Bolts” or “Doo Dads” are a favorite family holiday snack. I start making the mix mid November and put in the freezer before adding the liquid ingredients.  Each bowl is labeled for a particular family member. This solves the problem of one not wanting salt, one not liking nuts, or one wanting extra […]

Homesick Texas Carnitas, or Pork Carnitas, are perfect for an easy to make, throw everything into a pot  informal dinner. Put on corn tortillas, squeeze a little fresh lime juice with a slice of avocado and you’re set. Try it for a Sunday night gathering. Smitten Kitchen is one of my favorite blogs. I love the […]

The Barefoot Contessa’s  Mocha Chocolate Icebox Cake combines everyone’s favorite chocolate chip cookies or chocolate wafers with layers of  delicious mocha whipped cream. Is there anything that Celebrity Chef Ina Garten, better known as the Barefoot Contessa, makes that isn’t  a great dessert for entertaining? SERVES  8 INGREDIENTS 2 cups cold heavy cream 12 ounces Italian mascarpone […]

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is known as much for its dining as it is for  luxurious hotel accommodations. Great ingredients, with an emphasis on farm fresh local selections, are the key. Food takes center stage. All photos in this post are from the new menu debuting tomorrow. Executive Sous Chef Nick Mastrascusa has been overseeing tastings […]