By Kayla Schmidt Leftovers are inevitable most of the time, but they also lead to immense food waste. Our country in particular suffers from this; according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 30-40 percent of the food supply in the United States is waste. But there is so much you can do with leftover meals and scraps that can help ...

By Gia Miller When time is of the essence, it seems easier to grab the can, jar, bag, packet or box of food. However, ditching packaged food is better for your health (no additives or preservatives) and your tastebuds. All recipes below can be made in 15 minutes or less, except for the beans, which have about 15 minutes of ...

By Kayla Schmidt Ginger has countless benefits. It can reduce inflammation, boost your immune system, help with weight loss and provide relief from nausea and indigestion. Plus, some research has shown that it can improve brain function and protect against Alzheimer’s as well as protect against cancer. It contains Vitamins C,  B6  and B3, along with a smidge of Vitamin ...

Writing by Josephine D’Ippolito Photography by Justin Negard Be different this holiday season and make these cookies instead Perhaps it’s the festive magic in the air, or, more likely, the irresistible aromas of vanilla, caramel and cinnamon wafting through our kitchens. Whatever it is, holiday cookies are a cherished tradition unlike any other. Even those who normally avoid sugar seem ...

Writing  by Cathy Deutsch Artwork by Elizabeth Gourlay Photography by Justin Negard Holidays – especially Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas – are often where we gather with family and friends around the dining table in celebration of honored customs and traditions. For this Connecting in the Kitchen, we’ve skipped all the boring stuff (the turkey and ham, infinite variations of potatoes, ...

Writing  by Cathy Deutsch Photography by Justin Negard French-born pastry chef Patrice Yvon and his wife Lorna own and operate L’Anjou Pâtisserie Française in Mount Kisco. Growing up in France, Yvon has fond memories of Galette de Rois (King Cake), which is served during Epiphany (January 6).  The cake is topped with a golden crown and has a porcelain figurine ...

Writing  by Cathy Deutsch Looking for a fun, easy, Hanukkah-themed dessert that's a step up from your average gelt packet? You've found your match. These chocolate-covered Oreos are a perfect holiday recipe to make with kids and don't require too many ingredients or make a big mess. Plus, you can decorate the Oreos in any way you'd like, with your ...

Writing  by Cathy Deutsch Photography by Mark Kramer, Copper Kitchen Studio Chappaqua mainstay Susan Lawrence has served the area for over 40 years. Founded by siblings Mark and Susan Kramer, Mark, who is still at the helm, says he honors his sister’s memory every holiday season by making their favorite/signature Buche de Noel, also known as a French yule log ...

Writing  by Cathy Deutsch Photography by Justin Negard Cake design by Nikita Batra Head baker Rui Soares' first job at Sweet Delites was as a dishwasher. He worked his way up, and now he and his wife, Jill, own the bakery.   “We love the holidays,” says Jill. “When we bake during the holiday season, we blast holiday music in the ...

Writing  by Cathy Deutsch Photography by Justin Negard Another husband-and-wife team, British pond skippers Jason and Dawn Bowman, started a home baking business in January 2020. With help from Pound Ridge neighbor Booksy, they were able to sell their pastries, cookies and bread curbside during lockdown.  “We promised loyal customers we would get them through the pandemic, one pastry at ...

Writing  by Cathy Deutsch Photography by Justin Negard Hayfields Market in North Salem is a farm-stand-turned-gourmet-emporium offering meals and baked goods. Ronny Torres has served as the pastry chef since they opened eight years ago. Their Christmas tree cake features layers of light sponge with Swiss pastry cream in between each layer and coating the outside.  “I recommend enjoying a ...

Writing  by Cathy Deutsch Photography by Justin Negard Move aside sweet-yet-flavorless Hanukkah gelt that claims to be chocolate, there’s a new chocolate-based Hanukkah tradition in town, thanks to Sweet Delites in Somers. Meet the dreidel cake pops: they’re soft, moist and delicious. And it’s pretty simple to make as well.  All you need is a box of cake mix (or ...