There's something so enticing about a cocktail that incorporates rosemary. In most drink recipes, like the one seen here, the rosemary is muddled in a cocktail shaker, so the finished libation has an earthy, fresh, woodsy quality, but no chunks of the actual herb. This concoction is especially alluring because it combines the subtle kiss of rosemary with vibrant, tart citrus. Although the base Read more

Although using herbs in cocktails is nothing new — in the Summer, I love incorporating basil into drinks — recently, I've been really into experimenting with rosemary as a flavor enhancer. In this recipe, the woodsy herb adds a hint of earthiness to a vodka-cranberry-based concoction. The original method, which I found on a fun iPhone application, calls for blackberry vodka, but I didn't want Read more

Instead of serving a spirits-based specialty cocktail at my Californian Thanksgiving, I'll be pouring a wine-based drink that's garnished with icy grapes. The recipe is somewhat like sangria, but without the addition of liqueur. White wine is infused with fresh rosemary, mint, and lemon zest. It sits overnight until the wine has an aromatic herbal quality. It's a light, refreshing, and fruity Read more

Being a professional in the food industry, I'm often asked the same questions over and over again. What's your favorite restaurant? What was the most memorable meal you've eaten all year? When people ask me that one, I tell this story. I'm crazy about lamb, and one of my best friends happens to live on a farm. They not only have chickens, but her boyfriend and his brother, The Fry Bros., are Read more

As much as I love sticky, sweet barbecued chicken, there're only so many times you can eat it during the Summer. That's why I recently looked for an alternative to barbecue sauce and decided to give this buttermilk-marinated grilled chicken a chance. The buttermilk, which is seasoned with lots of garlic cloves and fresh rosemary sprigs, tenderizes the chicken. The key to making this chicken Read more

Whenever I'm planning a long trip, be it by plane or car or train, I like to make snacks for the ride. They satiate hunger and are more budget-friendly than gas station food; plus, a delicious homemade treat makes the trip feel more special. My go-to travel snack are nuts. For a while I was obsessed with smoky and spicy almonds, but after making them for multiple vacations, I decided an Read more

For most of the year, I avoid wearing the color red. It simply doesn't look great with my coloring. However, around the Fourth of July is when I make an exception, I like to wear red, white, and blue — just as I like to cook dishes in these all-American colors. With its creamy white cheese and deep ruby berries, this easy appetizer would be a welcome addition to any festive spread for the Read more

When it comes to affordable and easy entertaining, I'm a huge fan of the other white meat: pork tenderloin. It comes in packs of two that are usually sold for under $10. It's also a quick-cooking and versatile cut of meat that can be seasoned with just about anything. Recently I made grilled pork tenderloin with a rosemary coating and red pepper sauce. The tender pork was so juicy and flavorful Read more

With Memorial Day kicking off the unofficial start to grilling season, it's likely there are plenty of burgers in your near future. Unfortunately, cooking meat at high temperatures (like grilling) can create carcinogenic chemicals known as heterocyclic amines (or HCAs), which have been linked to cancer risk. The good news? Certain add-ins can make your meat much safer to cook — and more Read more