Lucia Roll Recipe

Janet Lorusso November 21, 2018

Lucia Rolls are a tradition for Thanksgiving in our house ever since my sister-in-law, Sharon, introduced me to these exquisite bites of heaven. Apparently, though none of us are the least bit Scandanavian by heritage, this is a traditional treat served for St. Lucia’s Day on December 13th. Being the overachievers that we are, we start early!

Tales from the Kitchen: Apple Picking Season

Janet Lorusso September 30, 2018

Fall is apple season in New England and at our house that means a few things.

Most importantly, CIDER DONUTS. If you don’t live here and have never experienced a still warm, sugar coated cider donut at an orchard, I’m sorry for you. These are one of life’s best little pleasures.

Happy 4th!

Janet Lorusso July 2, 2018

Happy 4th to you! Generally, the holiday includes sparklers, fireworks viewing, and a cookout with family and friends.

In our house it also means sangria: The perfect summer drink. Despite being Spanish in origin, it seems to pair well with all kinds of cookout foods and is my favorite ‘go to’ beverage for 4th of July celebrations. Also, it’s red. That should count for something on the most renowned of the “red, white, and blue” holidays! Here I’m sharing my current favorite sangria recipe.

Tales from the Kitchen: The Lazy Gourmet, Tips and Gadgets

Janet Lorusso February 12, 2018

I am basically a lazy cook. I don't want to create any more work or spend any more time than necessary, but I still want the best possible result. I value efficiency, of course, but until I acquire a scullery maid, here are some processes and gadgets that make cooking and baking a pleasure instead of a chore.

Tales from the Kitchen: A Nutcracker's Sweets Dessert Open House

Janet Lorusso January 9, 2018

Our most recent entertaining venture was our annual Nutcracker's Sweets Dessert Open House. It occurred on an absolutely frigid evening, but it was cozy inside and a delight to celebrate the end of the holiday season and the beginning of a new year with family and friends.

Tales from the Kitchen: Do ahead tips so you can enjoy the party

Janet Lorusso January 4, 2018

I love to bake and I love entertaining. So naturally, I enjoy creating parties centered around desserts. Dessert parties are some of the easiest parties to manage since desserts generally require very little last minute attention.

Here are some tips I have found helpful over the years as I have honed my dessert party skills:

A Thanksgiving Feast

Janet Lorusso November 16, 2017

A Thanksgiving Feast

Food and it’s presentation has been central to our family gatherings for as long as I can remember. That may be why I love to host meals and parties…I equate food-centric gatherings with feelings of love, comfort, and celebration.

AND it’s almost Thanksgiving…the beginning of the holiday entertaining season! We have SO much to be thankful for…family, friends, and the blessing of a warm, safe, and welcoming home.

Tales from the Kitchen: Misadventures in Baking

Janet Lorusso January 2, 2017

When life hands you lemons…Make lemonade! Or so the saying goes.

How optimistic!

In this case life handed me cake crumbs. The lesson of turning a disaster into an asset is so important, in the kitchen and in life. We learn the most from our failures, I think. My most recent kitchen flop started out innocently enough…

Cocktails Anyone?

Janet Lorusso August 11, 2015

My friend, Nancy, discovered this cocktail at a pub while vacationing in Meredith, NH ... with her rave reviews and the information that it contained American Harvest Organic Vodka and organic lemonade, we tracked down the recipe on the vodka website. They call it Harvest Basil Lemonade ... we call it Tipsy Lemonade ... you can call it whatever you want - but it is smooth, refreshing, and delicious on a hot summer evening!

2 parts American Harvest
4-5 parts fresh or organic lemonade
3 fresh basil leaves
2 slices of lemon

How to mix this cocktail

Muddle basil and lemons in a tall glass. Add ice and American Harvest and top with lemonade. Garnish with lemon wheels and basil leaves.

NOTE: Inspired by a ginger lemonade we tasted at the new Boston Public Market, we also tried a non-alcoholic version of this by mixing in ginger beer in place of the vodka with stellar results!

ENJOY!