Chicken Liver Porcini Pâté with Pistachios


What do you think of when you hear the word chicken liver? I am sure there is a wide spectrum of responses. I grew up eating pâté in delicious banh mi sandwiches without ever knowing that what I was really eating was liver, which is probably why my response to this question falls towards the favorable end of the spectrum.  For the holidays I made a luxurious pâté from Nikki Stitch's cookbook Delicious Days. Nikki is a food blogger and cookbook writer in Germany who will be releasing a new book soon. I've cooked through most of the recipes in Delicious Days, so I'm looking forward to seeing what she has in store in the next book.

Merry Christmas!

The picture above was taken by my good friend Sherry Page, who is currently sampling every macaron-adorned Bûche de Noël that she encounters in Paris.

Christmas is a spiritual time for reflection, gratitude and for me personally - compassion. For as much joy that is being filled in our hearts, I hope that everyone is imbibing the magic and wonder of this holiday too.

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope the New Year brings much happiness and prosperity to your families!

Avec l'amour,

Christine


Dark Chocolate Almond Biscotti and a Baby Update


I've been inspired by the numerous holiday cookies that have appeared across the blogosphere. Recently I returned from a trip to San Francisco where I encountered a collection of creative gingerbread houses at the Palace Hotel.

Better Than Mashed Potatoes Celery Root Purée


Celery root may be one of the homeliest vegetables in season right now, and probably takes the cake for the ugliest vegetable all year round. But this vegetable, which is also known by the name of celeriac, does a tremendous job of adding panache and elegance to creamy soups, salads and purées. With a pat of fresh golden butter and cream, the concentrated flavors of celery can be coaxed and tamed into a sublime nostalgic mashed potato-like concoction - flavors that are familiar but intriguing with hints of parsley and sweet parsnip nuances that will keep guests guessing.