Sunday Supper Recommendation: Curry Lentil Salad

I may be in Madrid at the moment, but if I were back home, I would be preparing curry lentil salad for Sunday Supper tomorrow!

To whatever you are gathering to for Sunday supper, I hope that you find time to gather around the table together.

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Weekend Happenings! Europe Bound

This evening, my brother and I are heading overseas! From Madrid to Barcelona, Lisbon and Paris, we have quite a trip ahead of us!

To whatever it is that you are doing this weekend, I hope that you find time to gather around the table together with your family or friends. I know my brother and I will gather around the table together as we make our way from Spain to Portugal to France!

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Throwback Thursday: My Sister's Maid of Honor

This past summer, I had the great honor and privilege of being my sister’s Maid of Honor. When you grow up talking about getting married and the day actually comes, it’s a moment too special for words.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Eating with your Eyes!

They say we first eat with out eyes. Before we take that first bite, we are already making an assumption on how it will taste, whether or not we want some, how much we want, and whether we are going to like it or not. This being said, it’s just as important to make our food LOOK delicious as it is to TASTE delicious!

With this is mind, always take into consideration how your final product looks. A quick garnish of chopped parsley, clean whip around the edge of the platter or simply arranging food in a organized and nice manner, takes ordinary to extraordinary!

Here are a few ideas that can help:

• Color: Always think about color in a dish: What makes it pop? Is it a pop of red in your breakfast quiche? Red bell peppers are a great way to add color! When making a salad, cheese, nuts, thinly sliced radishes and strips of peeled carrot or zucchini all make beautiful additions.
• Height: Height makes everything look abundant and fresh. With salads, use your hands or tongs to pile the salad high in the middle. With freshly cooked pasta, swirl the pasta so it stands tall in the center of the plate. With a protein, prop it on an upward angle on the side of rice or mashed potatoes.
• Sauce: If something looks dry, give it a light finish of olive oil or add more sauce to make it looks nice and juicy. Nothing looks worse that pasta that has been sitting in sauce too long. Simply by giving it that “glow” back, it comes to life!
• Hot: If your dish is supposed to be hot, make sure it is! Cold soup and food simply looks dull, and usually tastes so too.
• Plates, platters, bowls, table settings, etc.: Take an extra minute to plate things in pretty service ware. It takes no longer to clean an ordinary dinner plate and looks like a million bucks. Plus, it gives an impression of care and attention to detail which guests will assume translates to the food. Setting the table with cloth napkins always adds an element of perfection and finesse. Take the extra minute, as it’s just that and well worth it.

After going through the effort and time involved in cooking a delicious homemade meal, take the extra minute to bring it to the next level. After all, you will enjoy it too!

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

What's Cooking Sunday Supper Reveal! Crustless Quiche

Just as I mentioned yesterday, tonight I plan on making a deliciously healthy breakfast quiche. I find that by finishing my weekend on a high-note, I am set for a healthy week ahead!

Whatever it is that you are gathering to for Sunday supper, I hope that you find time to gather your friends and family around the table together.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Bandera's

Given I have been out of town for the last few days, and in lieu of not wanting to grocery shop after a long day of travel, I am going to Bandera’s in Corona Del Mar for my favorite salad, the Macha Salad. From perfectly roasted chicken to cornbread croutons, dates, corn, avocado and champagne vinaigrette, I am in good hands!

Whatever you are gathering to this evening, I hope that you find time to gather around the tablet together with family and friends.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Sunday Supper Recommendation: Breakfast for Dinner

Sometimes, breakfast for dinner just hits the spot! Tomorrow night I am making my crustless quiche recipe, which is quick, delicious and healthy! Whatever it is that you are gathering to for Sunday supper, I hope that you find time to gather your friends and family around the table together.

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Seattle!

I wish I could say this weekend’s trip to Seattle was to see family and friends, which is true, but unfortunately I am coming home for a funeral. Some of us look at funerals as an end to life and living. I try to look at funerals as a celebration of life and a time to connect and reflect on memories that will forever be apart of us. Death is never something we want, but when it takes its turn, allow yourself to morn using those memories and moments together as a way to help heal the pain.

To whatever you may be doing this weekend, I hope that you take a moment to tell those that you love, that you love them, to hug a friend and be thankful for good health, great friends and family that surround us.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Throwback Thursday! First Day at Le Cordon Bleu

I will never forget receiving my allotment of 3 chef coats, 3 pairs of white and black checkered chef pants, and 2 hats. Of course my mom had to capture this first moment in my pressed coat, and I’m glad she did! Every time I look at this picture, I remember that feeling of excitement but also anxiety as I headed into my first class at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu. Looking back now, I cannot even imagine how I truly felt walking through those doors, but I’m so glad I did!

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Cookbook Recommendation: "The Cake Doctor" by Anne Byrn

Whether you are an experienced baker or just starting off, Anne’s collection of books are a must in every household! Simple enough for beginners and knowledgeable enough for even the most proficient of bakers, there is something for everyone! Anne also has a Gluten Free version so run, don’t walk, to your nearest bookstore and pick up a copy for you and your friends. We have some baking to do!

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Cooking Essentials

For the last few weeks, I have discussed my list of essentials. From stocking your pantry and baking areas, I have you covered! Today I want to spend a little time discussing essentials when it comes to cooking; where we put everything together and make wholesome delicious meals for our family and friends.

Where to begin…

• Knives: First and foremost, let’s access your kitchen knives. Are they sharp? There is nothing worse, unproductive and unsafe than dull knives! A sharp knife will increase efficiency and protect your fingers from slipping. Kitchen stores quite often offer knife sharpening services which is a great investment (often $5 a knife) once or twice a year depending on how often you use them. When it comes to what kind of knives to own, I personally believe every cook needs a solid chef knife, pairing knife, slicer (for bread), and a carving knife (chicken, Thanksgiving turkey, roasts) etc. Always try the knives before you use them as they have to feel good in your hands. Most kitchen stores, at least the ones you should be buying your knives from, will let you give them a test run before you take them home.
• Knife Block: Always store your knives in a knife block and not in a container blade down. Great knives are spendy and properly storing them is of upmost importance. If you had a Lamborghini, you would probably take great care in where you parked it, how you drove it and it’s overall care and maintenance. Same concept applies, especially when some knives are nearly as costly as one!
• Cutting boards: Wood cutting boards are the absolute best and will help protect your knife’s blade. Glass and plastic are not good choices especially since glass will dull your knives and plastic are porous and can easily carry bacteria. 
• Vitamix: I cannot imagine life without my Vitamix! From smoothies, ice cream, soups and a self-cleaning feature, to name a few, I quite honestly cannot imagine how I made velvety smooth soups and smoothies before owning one. It’s an investment I am proud of and a constant in my kitchen!
• Pots and Pans: For those just starting off, I recommend looking at making an investment in a set. Sets usually include a few pots, sauté pans and fry pans of different shapes and sizes. This gives you a nice collection from which to build from. If you find that you use your 10-inch sauté pan every night, you can buy a second one as an individual piece. A few of my favorite brands that will last you a lifetime are Demeyere and Scanpan. These can also go from stovetop to oven, which in my opinion is essential!
• Cast Iron: There is nothing better than a beautiful sear from a well seasoned cast iron pan. Yes, they may be heavy, but they are the ultimate form of cooking and I have built my collection over the years. My favorite brand is Staub whose price tag may be more expensive than Le Creuseut but it’s absolutely worth it! Le Creuset is also an excellent choice, but Staub is the absolute ultimate in my opinion. Lodge is a nice introductory pan but must be seasoned before use and soap cannot be used when cleaning.
• Meat Thermometer: Having a digital meat thermometer is a wonderful investment for knowing when your meat is done and ensuring perfectly cooked proteins every time. They even have some that will alert you when a certain temperature is met, which you set. I always recommend using a thermometer but also using your visual queues as thermometers can sometimes malfunction, especially if they are inserted on a thinner portion of the meat or are touching the bottom of the pan or a bone.
• Roasting Pan with Inserted Roasting Rack: These are great for anything from chickens, turkeys, lamb, and spiral cut ham.
• Attire: Aprons, oven mitts and kitchen towels are a constant in my kitchen. From keeping myself clean and safe, I always have a rotating supply of each. Also, always make sure you wear tennis shoes when cooking in case a knife or hot liquid slips from the countertops.

However you stock your kitchen, make sure that it makes sense to you. Regardless, I hope that this list inspires you to take inventory of your current situation and take control of what changes are needed to start cooking at your best!

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Sunday Supper Reveal: Meatballs!

I cannot speak for your family, but my family loves meatball night! Not only does the house smell incredible, the end result is absolutely beyond delicious! Meatballs are super easy to make and so juicy and flavorsome, it’s really hard to not overeat them! Then again, come meatball night, we all plan accordingly by dressing appropriately (loose fitting waist line) and eating a lite lunch! 

Whatever it is that you are gathering to for family supper this evening, I hope that you find time to gather your friends and family around the table together.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Sunday Supper Recommendation: Beet Hummus!

Hummus is delectably delicious with intense flavors of garlic that somehow linger for hours after consuming. Regardless, we love hummus and cannot get enough of it! This weekend, how about making hummus with roasted beets for a little variety and tremendous pop of color? Not only is it show-stopping, your guests won’t be able to pull themselves away from it!

Whatever it is that you are gathering to this weekend, I hope that you find time to gather your friends and family around the table together.

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Weekend Happenings: A Trip to the Farmers Market

With my recent work schedule and traveling, it has been a while since I have visited the farmers market. This weekend, I plan on heading to the one in Corona Del Mar. Their Saturday market is small and quaint but lovely with lots of options to choose from!

Whatever it is that you are getting into this weekend, I hope that you find time to gather your friends and family around the table together.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Throwback Thursday: Varsity Tennis at Chapman University

People always told me that playing sports in college was a great way to meet friends, get involved and to form a community or family away from home. This is absolutely true! From playing varsity volleyball (my first year) and varsity tennis (all four years) at Chapman University, I immediately developed a family and close circle of friends. However homesick I may have been that first year, this was after all the first time I had lived away from home, I found great comfort in my team. From traveling, training and eating together, this was my family and I loved every second of it. To this day, I am still close friends with several of my teammates and will always and forever encourage other athletes to try out for the collegiate team.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Cookbook Recommendation: "How to Boil Water"

Several years ago, before culinary school and living in California, my mom gave me a copy of How to Boil Water. From just that, boiling water, to poaching eggs, perfectly cooking seafood and steaks, to egg salad sandwiches, burgers and roast chicken, this book had it all! I remember bringing it with me on a work trip and reading it like a text book. Hundreds and hundreds of tips on the fundamentals and even beyond, I was learning how to cook. Soon after, I started giving them as gifts to all my friends as it fit a need. Learning how to cook and becoming more empowered and in control of your kitchen. I loved it and so did my friends.

Fast forward several years later, I moved back to Southern California, enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu and started cooking out of other textbooks. Fast forward a year I was working on the culinary team for a celebrity chef and traveling the country and world cooking. I still have a copy of How to Boil Water – which is filled with post-it notes and highlighted remarks – as I give it credit for planting the seed and lighting the fire.

Whether you are an experienced cook or just getting started, I highly recommend getting your hands on How to Boil Water.  It has a little bit of something for everyone and as I always say, there is always something new to learn when it comes to cooking.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Baking Essentials

Last week we discussed pantry essentials but that left our baking area untouched. For those of us that like to bake, however frequently that may be, I thought it would be helpful to provide you with a few essential and “key” ingredients.

• Flour: I usually bake with All-Purpose unbleached flour but sometimes I need cake and bread flour. All three of these are always on standby with an extra bag of AP flour as I use it the fastest.  My favorite brand is King Arthur.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Always have one of each as recipes are very specific to which one to use and cannot be used interchangeably. Replace your baking soda and powder once a year, maybe on your birthday so you always remember.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is my go-to but having a small bag of Sugar in the Raw and Turbinado or Demerara sugar on hand is a great solution when finishing sugar is needed.
• Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar is a constant in my pantry as that’s what most recipes call for. I usually have a bag of dark brown sugar on hand because every once in a while a recipe may specifically ask for dark brown sugar which has a deeper and more intense molasses flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Always use pure vanilla extract as it is hands down much more superior than imitation. Yes, you will pay a few dollars more for it, but those few dollars are well worth it! I recommend looking into vanilla bean paste which includes the vanilla been seeds making everything from crème anglaise to whipping cream absolutely beautiful with the little specks. Vanilla bean paste can be found at most cooking stores, like Sur La Table, and can be used part for part with vanilla extract. In other words, 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste = 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. My favorite brand is Nielsen-Massey.
• Other Extracts: Depending on how often you use them, almond, orange and peppermint (especially around the holidays) are great to have on hand. Coffee is nice too. Nielsen-Massey carries a variety of flavors to pick from.

Depending on what you find yourself gravitating to when it comes to baking, feel free to subtract or add-to this list accordingly. They say an organized kitchen is an organized mind. I say, a well-stocked kitchen is a stress-free and efficient kitchen allowing more time to gather around the table together with family and friends.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together! 

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

What's Cooking? Sunday Supper Reveal!

With so many new restaurants to try in Orange County, tonight I am taking advantage of that.  I haven’t quite figured out where I will go yet, but with so many options, I don’t think I could go wrong with any of them.

Whatever or wherever you are gathering to for Sunday supper, I hope that you find time to gather your friends and family around the table together.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Sunday Supper Reveal: Braised Chicken Thighs with White Wine, Carrots and Thyme

A perfect way to gather your friends and family around the table together for Sunday supper is luring them with the beautiful aromas of chicken braising in white wine, carrots and thyme. It’s healthy, flavorsome and a perfect dish for sharing around the table together.

Whatever you are gathering to for Sunday supper tomorrow, I hope that you find time to gather your friends and family around the table together.

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!

Weekend Happenings: Dad's in Town!

This weekend my dad is coming into town for a visit. With several reservations already in the books and bike tires pumped for our Monday bike ride, I am super excited to spend some quality 1:1 time with him.

Whatever it is that you are getting into this weekend, I hope that you find time to gather your friends and family around the table together.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!