New England Open House Cookbook by Sarah Leah Chase: With a foreword by Ina Garten (my culinary hero), I felt in good hands from page one of this beautiful cookbook and, in fact, each of the five recipes I tested have become part of my permanent repertoire. Pan-Seared Hanger Steak (p. 201) with itā€™s delicious and super easy pan sauce paired perfectly with Crispy Potatoes with Garlic and Rosemary (p. 257). And for dessert ā€“ a wonderful Chocolate Amaretti Torte (p.341) ā€“ my hubbyā€™s new favourite! This book will make you want to jump in the car and take a road trip to New England. Short of that, if you love good, reliable recipes (with a bit of whimsy sprinkled throughout), try this wonderful tribute to all things New England.

Originally published in ParentsCanada magazine, Spring 2017.