12 Days of Giftmas – All Things Entertaining Edition

12-Days-Of-Giftmas-Entertaining-2012

We are down to the wire - the holiday is upon us and it's all things holiday prep.  Let's continue with the 12 Days of Giftmas with some last minute ideas to help you round out your holiday gift list. Entertaining is not just for the holidays but year 'round.  I must confess that I, personally, can lose sight of that.  There's something to be said about the hustle and bustle of hosting a soiree for a few close friends to gather, have a fabulous cocktail and some delicious dishes, all while … [Read more...]



12 Days Of Giftmas – Williams Sonoma Edition

12-Days-Of-Giftmas-Williams-Sonoma-2012

Williams Sonoma is one of those stores that friends and family know a gift card is always a perfect present. I hoarded a few gift cards that I received from my birthday and, during their recent Friends and Family event, I went on a bit of a shopping spree – saving a fortune in the process. I finally got that All-Clad roaster I've been lusting after, the Emile Henry ombre loaf pan, the OXO food mill, a candy thermometer that I hope I don't fry and some odds and ends that my kitchen was in need … [Read more...]



Tyler Florence Gets Fresh in Philly

Tyler-Florence-Fresh

This has been quite the cookbook season and, as we start to get ready for the holidays, I always recommend that if you have a foodie on your holiday gift list who adores certain chefs, a signed cookbook is always a fantastic gift idea. Tyler Florence will be visiting the Williams Sonoma store in King of Prussia on December 5, 2012 at noon to sign copies of his latest cookbook, Tyler Florence Fresh. I have heard some great buzz about this cookbook and his recipe for Smoky Roasted Chicken with … [Read more...]



The Barefoot Contessa Is Foolproof On The Today Show And A Book Tour Update

Barefoot Contessa Foolproof Book Tour

Last Tuesday, the Barefoot Contessa was slated to not only visit the King of Prussia store to sign copies of her latest cookbook, Barefoot Contessa Foolproof: Recipes You Can Trust, to kick off her book tour, but also appear on the Today Show to spotlight some of her recipes from the book. As you all know, on the 30th, we were dealing with the aftermath of Sandy so the Williams Sonoma store wisely postponed and the Today Show focused on covering the storm. According to the management at … [Read more...]



Fab Friday – Hurricane Sandy Edition

FabFriday-10.26.12

Apparently, if you listen to some of the news reports, there's a Category 1 Hurricane headed smack dab for Philly and it's time to panic.  (According to other reports - it's also headed for Long Island, Delaware, New York - I can't keep track).  If you are listening to the media all you are hearing is: Pull out those generators. Rush to the grocery store and buy eggs, milk and bread. Do you have extra batteries for the flashlights? You have extra candles, right? Oh – did you charge your … [Read more...]



Fab Friday – Weekend Chill Edition

Fab-Friday-Weekend-Chill-Edition

According to weather predictions, a major chill is supposed to hit Philly this weekend and it's going to be a bit frosty – well, until Sunday when its supposed to hit 70°. Needless to say, I'm not holding my breath because I'm starting to think predicting the weather is like predicting the lottery. The Philly weather peeps have been way off base recently so while they may say chilly, I will compromise and break out the slow cooker but leave the gloves and scarves in the hall closet. Next … [Read more...]



Fab Friday – Cooking In Stilettos Edition

Fab-Friday-Cooking-In-Stilettos-9-28-12

It has been a crazy week and, when looking at my calendar for October, it's going to be a very busy October for Cooking in Stilettos.  If you happen to follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you might have noticed that I've been yappin' about Emeril's new cookbook, Kicked Up Sandwiches lately.  Well, I'm excited to tell y'all that this gal was selected to participate in Emeril's Serious Sandwich Cookalong where, throughout October, you will see a few posts about my attempts at whipping some … [Read more...]



Iron Chef Michael Symon To Visit Philly

Michael Symon - Kitchen

It's going to be quite the cookbook season here in Philly – we've got a plethora of chefs and cookbook signings that are scheduled for this fall and winter. My cookbook shelf is about to cave in if I'm not careful and I know a number of friends and family are already asking for signed cookbooks for holiday gifts. One cookbook that has been on my radar for a while is Michael Symon's Carnivore: 120 Recipes for Meat Lovers so when I heard that the Iron Chef and co-host of The Chew would be … [Read more...]



Fab Friday – Fall Breezes Edition

Fab Friday - Fall Breezes Edition

So, we're two weeks into September and, guess what, the heat hasn't gotten the memo. Thankfully, at night, the weather has gotten a bit cooler and there's a nice breeze that is sweeping across the Philly area. It makes walking the SousPug easier at night because he's not panting like a madman and has been known to sit his pug butt down and chill a bit, especially when I'm chatting with some of the fellow dog owners at the apartment complex. The weather peeps here promise it will be cooler … [Read more...]



Barefoot Contessa To Kick Off Book Tour In King Of Prussia

Barefoot Contessa Foolproof Book Tour

Forgive me. This was the hardest kept secret I EVER had to keep from y'all – but, I had to do it until everything was confirmed. The Barefoot Contessa is returning to Philly to sign copies of her latest cookbook, Barefoot Contessa Foolproof: Recipes You Can Trust on October 30, 2012 at noon at the Williams Sonoma in King of Prussia.  As this is a ticketed event, I highly suggest that you call Williams Sonoma to order your copy at (610) 265-5970 ASAP as tickets are going fast. Barefoot … [Read more...]