The Secret Ingredient
"Tips & Tweaks to Elevate Your Dishes! "

San Marzano Tomatoes: The Secret To Your Red Sauce Success

We’ve all had really good tomato sauce at a restaurant before, right? Tomato sauce that is so multi-layered and sweet, bursting with flavor that you think that it must have taken a master chef to come up with this delicious concoction. Well, yes, it probably did. A master chef knows a good tomato sauce starts with one thing, good tomatoes. And they also know that not just any good tomato will work…in fact, there is one specific variety in particular that insiders know is the only way to start a sauce: the San Marzano,  Read More »

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Greek Yogurt: Not Just For Breakfast!

I love to have a nice bowl of Greek yogurt in the morning. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also very healthy, and the low-fat and non-fat varieties don’t skimp on flavor like other “healthier” yogurt options. But Greek yogurt is not only great in the mornings with some granola or fresh fruit, it also is a great staple to use in recipes throughout the day!  Read More »

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Raise A Glass To Singledom: The Bitter Sweetheart Mixed Drink

Oh Valentine’s Day, how I loathe thee. No, I’m not bitter because I’m single (yes I am. Single and bitter. Great combo, it’s super appealing), but this is just a ridiculous holiday. So what does a single boy (or girl) want to do on this, the unholiest of days? Well drink your sorrows away with your other single friends of course, and throw a Single Let’s Mingle Party! Featuring fun bites and strong sassy drinks you’re sure to forget all about your singledom …trust me, the alcohol will help.  Read More »

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Steak Poppers Recipe: Easiest Party Appetizer Ever!

Ready for something easy? Like super easy? Like, “I don’t have enough time between work, social obligations and living my life to make a really time-consuming, million ingredient appetizer for my friends for the Super Bowl Party” kinda easy? Let ADW give you a fix.  Read More »

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Fried Pickles: An Indiana Treat Perfect For Your Super Bowl Party!

It’s football season, or so my straight friends tell me, so you are going to need some good snacks to enjoy while watching the game. These next two weeks I am going to bring you some tasty appetizers to serve. You know I love to entertain, and nothing says a good time with friends more than food and fun. First up, some deep-fried goodness from the great state of Indiana…location of the upcoming Super Bowl and home of my alma mater, Indiana University… I bring you Deep Fried Pickles.  Read More »

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The Kentucky Breakfast: Liven Up Brunch With A Bourbon Cocktail!

Ok, we’re going to try something a little bit different this time around. A little bit unique and a lotta bit awesome. Brunch cocktails. No, not your average run of the mill Mimosa or Bloody Mary, we are talking something really out of the box, using very simple cocktail ingredients with one huge twist: egg whites.  Read More »

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Endive With Crab: The Perfect Party App!

I love eating things I can’t pronounce, don’t you? My current favorite is endive. Why? For a completely stupid reason…because I like this commercial. Yes, it’s a stupid reason, but it’s a funny commercial, and yes, the lady does pronounce it properly, it’s endive (ahn-deev), and if you haven’t had it, you should! This is the perfect appetizer for your Golden Globes party on Sunday…you are having one, right?  Read More »

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Mac and Cheese Cups: Comfort Food in a Finger Food Equals Yummy Fun!

Well, the New Year party has come and gone and mine was quite the festive occasion! My friend hosted, my other friend decorated, and I provided the food. Since there were about 25-30 people expected, I wanted to make some things that would be easy to make, easy to eat and perfectly delicious. And not terribly time consuming, because lord knows I’m not a catering company! So after culling the interwebs, I came across a photo, which led me to an idea, which lead me to a recipe! I know, it’s a bit convoluted, but trust me, the outcome was totally worth it!   Read More »

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NYE Cork Popping: Elevating A Glass of Champagne to a Sparkling Cocktail!

With New Year’s Eve a few shorts days ahead, I concocted a delicious and simple little cocktail recipe to help you ring in the New Year with fun, class and a nice little buzz, called the MoxieQ Sparkler.  Read More »

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Sweet Potato Latkes: A New Spin On The Hanukkah Tradition!

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…um…well nothing; First, because I ain’t in love (sad face), and more importantly, because I’m Jewish. Now you might think that it must suck to not enjoy the holiday fun and wonderment, but you would be wrong. See, during this season, we get to indulge in what I would say is one of the best of Jewish eats– the Latke.  Read More »

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A Minty Holiday Treat: Peppermint Meringues!

Tis the season for snacks, sweets and treats, and have I got a delicious one for you! I think that of all the things my mom made when I was younger (and she still makes), my favorite is her meringue cookies. My willpower for these is still fairly low. In an effort to try and emulate my mother’s recipe with a new spin, I recently decided to try a new take on the meringue cookie…  Read More »

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One on One with Kimberley Locke: Dishing About Her Favorite Eats, Healthy Eating and The Cause That Moved Her

Earlier this week, I had the esteemed privilege of interviewing former American Idol finalist and VH1 Celebrity Fit Club knockout Kimberley Locke, whom I met at an event two weeks ago. Not only is Kimberley an amazing singer who had eight Top 20 Adult Contemporary hits and four #1 Dance hits across various Billboard charts, but she is involved with some wonderful philanthropic causes and is a foodie who knows a thing or two about getting around the kitchen!  Read More »

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A Girl’s Second-Best Friend On A Cold Winter’s Night: The Apple Ginger Spritzer!

‘Tis the season for delicious cocktails galore, and I have a great, easy recipe for you to share with your friends that will be sure to warm your cockles during this time of year. Courtesy of our friends at the Food Network (but of course with the patented ADW spin), I give you the Apple Ginger Spritzer!  Read More »

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Green Bean Casserole Redux: Panko Makes Everything Better!

In the holiday spirit of sharing things we love, I wanted to share with you all a fantastic recipe for one of my favorite Thanksgiving dishes, the classic green bean casserole. Derided through the years as pedestrian or ‘boring’, it is the epitome of good home cooking and a favorite in its own right. All you naysayers, trust me, this recipe, provided by Food Network chef and kitchen wizard Alton Brown, is easy to make, and great to share.   Read More »

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Cranberries Gone Crazy! Using Chambord To Elevate A Turkey Day Standard

Now, I love Chambord on its own, added to champagne for a spin on the classic Kir Royale or even reduced on the stove until it becomes a syrup and poured over ice cream (try it, it’s killer). But this recipe is special, because the balance of flavors of the cranberries with the Chambord will be a nice surprise addition to the dinner table.  Read More »

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