To die for.
If you're a fan of cold soups like I am, I'm sure you'll agree they're the perfect midday refreshment during one of Summer's heat waves. Although gazpacho takes a lot of credit for its cooling properties, don't discount other traditional warm-weather favorites, like the chilled version of the Eastern European soup known as borscht. The soup's beets, aside from having a nice depth of flavor, Read more
Do you know what the Russian dish pictured below is called? Hint: a Top Chef recently suggested these... Read more
If you're looking for something new to serve this holiday season, why not try this beautiful Russian Vinaigrette Salad. Its festive color and lively flavor will surely be a cause for chatter at your next party. — Nami-Nami Read more
Now that it's officially fall, we are outwardly embracing fall foods. For example, the dish pictured below is an excellent cool weather meal. It's named after a Russian count — or so the story goes — and generally consists of tender beef sauteed with onions, mushrooms, and butter combined with a sour cream sauce. Do you know what it's called? Read more
In my opinion, the best part of a travel party is transforming each room to resemble a different country. With a little imagination, it's easy to come up with festive and fun decor. Mexico: Dress the table with Mexican blankets and hang a Mexican banner in a crisscross pattern along the ceiling. Plate chips and dips in plastic sombrero shaped serving platters. Use bright candles, flowers, and Read more
This week, I've invited guests to join me in traveling to five countries. While we won't be actually jetting on a plane and heading to each destination, five rooms in my house will be transformed into a specific theme based around each country. The rooms will have unique decor, music, food, and drinks. In the Mexican themed room I'll fill huge bowls with multi colored tortilla chips and homemade Read more
After enjoying a Chocolate White Russian, I couldn't help but be reminded of its predecessor. After all, the creamy cocktail is but a variation of the Black Russian, a simple yet satisfying coffee creation. Invented in the 1950s by Brussels barman Gustave Tops, the Black Russian is basic enough for even the most inexperienced bartender to whip up. The drink's proportions are disputed — some Read more
Like the perfect handbag, a well-constructed potato galette is perfect for any time of day or occasion. Just ask Fresh Tart! A potato galette is simply thin slices of potatoes, fat, and seasoning layered into a shallow pan and roasted until crusty and browned. It's traditional to serve alongside a roast of some sort, and definitely do that, because you can imagine crusty, buttery potatoes do a Read more
What's not to love about circuit training? Combining heart-pumping elements of cardio with strength-training moves means you torch calories while toning muscles. It's just so efficient. Here's a fun yet challenging circuit workout I did recently with my Equinox trainer Lauren. The workout has you performing each exercise for a minute, which means you need to keep a stopwatch handy, but you have Read more
Scarlett Johansson kicks major butt as Black Widow in The Avengers, saving Earth from imminent doom, all while wearing a black catsuit. Between slipping into a skintight costume and unveiling some serious moves against Loki's army, this wasn't a character Scarlett rolled out of bed for. To prep for the physically demanding role, Scarlett worked for almost two months with trainer Bobby Strom and Read more
