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 ...

Yields: 10 Rolls Ingredients For the lobster: 2 ½ lbs. fresh cooked lobster meat Juice of one lemon 1 – 1 ¼ cups mayonnaise  2 ½ stalks chopped celery  Salt Pepper For the buns: 10 New England brioche rolls ½  stick butter, room temperature Directions Chop the lobster meat.   Combine lobster with lemon juice in a large bowl.  Add the ...

By Gia Miller Photography by Justin Negard  If you live in Northern Westchester, odds are good that you’ve been to King Kone at least once. In fact, odds are also good that between April and October, the person you Venmo the most is Deb Hopkins. Yeah, that’s us, too.   King Kone began in 1953 when a local family opened a ...

Serves 2-3 people Ingredients lamb shoulder (2 to 3 lbs.) 2 tsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 Tbsp. butter 4 shallots, chopped 8 cloves of garlic, peeled 1 Tbsp. tomato paste 2 cups dry white wine 1 -14.5 ounce can San Marzano peeled and diced tomatoes 2 cups chicken stock 1 bouquet ...

Serves 2-3 people Ingredients 4 oz. dry Dandan noodles 1 lb. Impossible beef 2-3 Tbsp. chili oil, plus more for the noodles Cilantro Splash black vinegar Fried scallions Peanuts Fried Shallots (optional) 2 Tbsp of a neutral flavored such as canola or grapeseed oil 2 shallots Homemade chili oil (optional) 1 cup of a neutral flavored such as canola or ...