Ask Chef Walter: Eating in January – Chef Walter Pontenza

Creamy pumpkin soup garnished with herbs and croutons in a rustic bowl.

by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer, Chef Walter’s Cooking School EATING IN JANUARY January’s larder is a study in elegant resilience, offering ingredients that provide both comfort and a bright, cleansing start to the year. Friends: January comes quietly, bringing a sense of resolution and a real need for renewal. After the holidays, many of…

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We Cook! Oui! French Meat Pie – Anthony Salemme

French Meat Pie

by Chef Anthony Salemme Serves 6-8 Back to meat and potatoes is so comforting during the cold winter months. This tried and true recipe is very filling and all it needs is a green salad to go with it. Can be made the day before and reheated. Meat Pie 1 ½ pounds ground pork ¾…

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Ask Chef Walter: Expected Food Trends for 2026 – Walter Potenza

Colorful text asking about food in 2026 on black background.

by Walter Potenza, contributing writer Friends: In 2026, food is set to become a narrative of wellness, nostalgia, and creativity. As health, sustainability, and personal happiness take center stage, this year’s food trends blend new ideas with comfort, transforming everyday meals into thoughtful experiences. These changes are more than just culinary evolution; they offer businesses…

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Ask Chef Walter: My Christmas in Abruzzo from Afar – Walter Potenza

Five cannelloni pasta rolls in creamy sauce on a white plate.

by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer The scent of roasted chestnuts fills the air, mingling with the crispness of winter and the laughter that echoes through the ancient streets of home. Friends: The faint aroma of baccalà simmering on the stove wraps around me as I dial into the video call. On screen, my sister…

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We Cook! Sweet Potato Latkes for Hanukkah (Dec. 14-22) – Anthony Salemme

Latkes recipe

by Anthony Salemme, contributing Chef Happy Hanukkah! 1 ½ pound sweet potatoes, peeled and shredded 1 medium yellow onion, chopped fine 3 tablespoons chives, chopped fine 3 eggs ½ cup flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt – 2 teaspoons black pepper 1 cup vegetable oil for frying (Sour Cream – Apples – applesauce)…

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