Vegan Lentil Burger from Our Tuscany Cooking Vacation
Filed Under Kitchen Tips, Recipes
While traveling is often seen as an excuse to indulge, it doesn't have to be if you don't want it too! In fact, our What Women Want trip (with our Cooking Under the Tuscan Sun cooking vacation partners) actually offers a healthier than usual spin, both in regards to the food and the activities. When you're not being pampered in their beautiful spa, shopping in Cortona, or taking a wine… Read
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Poule au Pot Recipe from our Discover Normandy Cooking Vacation
Filed Under Food History, Recipes
What's on your weekend menu? Over in France, a traditional Sunday dinner often features poule au pot, which literally translates to "chicken in the pot." The classic dish has quite the history too. While some kings -- such as Louis XVI -- were very much focused on high-class feasts with as many as 50 dishes even as the country suffered from famines, other kings at least attempted to create policies… Read
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The History of our Discover Normandy Cooking Vacation Property
Filed Under Destination Features
The region of Normandy -- located in the north of France -- is a place steeped in history in so many ways. Well known as the site of the D-Day landings during World War II, there are an incredible amount of places to visit, including the beaches and museums. According to Chef Sinead of our Discover Normandy cooking vacation in France, "the poignant American Cemetery, in my book, is an… Read
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Christmas Chocolate Recipe from Chef Katerina
Filed Under Recipes, Special Occasions
No matter where you travel this holiday season, chocolate is bound to be served in some form or another. But come the holiday season, it can also make a tasty gift! At least that's what Chef Katerina, of our Greek cooking vacation, likes to do with it after making it in the kitchen. But she also recommends having a bite or two for yourself too, of course! This recipe even… Read
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Chestnuts and Mushroom Cream Recipe from Spain
Filed Under Kitchen Tips, Recipes, Special Occasions
Chestnuts abound during the holiday season. In fact, tour the Christmas markets -- particularly around the Mediterranean -- and chances are you'll see more than one vendor roasting chestnuts and doling them out. These nuts are high in nutrients, including loads of fiber, but they also are a bit sweet after they've been roasted. (Raw, they have a bitter taste). But roasted chestnuts aren't the only way to enjoy this… Read
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Christmas Eve Culinary Traditions in the French Alps
Filed Under Destination Features, Interviews, Special Occasions
All over the world, families and loved ones gather together to celebrate the holiday season. For many, traditions revolve around the dining room table, and in France, there are quite a few traditions in regards to what's served and when. In today's blog, Chef Nikki, of our fabulous Cooking in the French Alps culinary vacation, shares what her traditional meal consists of, complete with luscious descriptions of all the different… Read
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Drinking Chocolate: History and Recipe
Filed Under Food History, Recipes
Long before chocolate was turned into solid form (and the origins of the solid bar of chocolate vary, depending on who you ask), it was enjoyed as a drink, from the Americas to Europe. But this is no mere 'hot cocoa' we're talking about. Drinking chocolate has all sorts of depth of flavor, as well as a reputation as a symbol of power that, throughout history, was most often enjoyed… Read
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Three Interesting Facts About Chocolate
Filed Under Food History
When it comes to food history, there are legends and stories galore, which are at once fascinating and even at times, we daresay, fanciful. Chocolate is one of those foods that has a history that spans the globe, and, as such there's a lot that can be shared about this wonderful bite. Here's just three interesting -- and quite simplified -- tidbits about chocolate's evolution over its 3,000 year history.… Read
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Dobladillas with Mole de Guajolote Recipe from our Hola Mexico Cooking Vacation
Filed Under Food History, Recipes
If you're looking for a dish that epitomizes Mexican gastronomy, while also offering an amazing variety in flavors, look no further than mole (pronounced MOH-lay). Every region in Mexico has their own take on this dish, resulting in both different appearances (from thick dark sauces to light colorful ones) and flavors. Terrain plays some part in the different takes on the dish, and that's why in one region alone you… Read
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Why Visit Mexico for Dia de Los Muertos
Filed Under Destination Features, Special Occasions, Travel Tips
While the U.S. is gearing up for Halloween with everyone picking out their costumes and buying their Halloween candy, our neighbors to the south are getting ready for a similar – but truly unique – holiday. Rather than a 'spooky' time of year, Dia de los Muertos -- or Day of the Dead -- is more of a celebration of the life of loved ones who have passed on. The… Read
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