The best ice cream I ever ate

Who doesn’t like ice cream? If you are lactose intolerant, diabetic, or have a milk allergy, you are not allowed to answer. We all have our favorite flavors and experiences with frozen dairy desserts. The wide variety of niche and chain ice creameries, gelaterias, frozen yogurt shops in the U.S. alone show us that ice…

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Belgian-inspired Speculoos cookie ice cream

Winter and ice cream certainly aren’t synonymous, but this ice cream, inspired by a house-made ice cream at one of Brussels’ trendiest restaurants, is perfect for a cozy winter dinner party or indulgent treat. When I created this recipe, I was surprised at how well the flavors and textures melded together; I would count this…

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Profile: Bordeaux’s Glouton, Le Bistrot

If I were to conceive the quintessential French bistro, it would look very much like Bistrot Glouton in Bordeaux, France. On a recent trip to Bordeaux, I had the pleasure of a lovely Saturday lunch there. A small, simple, and modern interior houses small wooden tables that place one in close proximity to fellow patrons,…

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Two days in Bordeaux

If you have been looking to plan – or just dreamed about – a trip that includes hops around Europe or France, make sure to add Bordeaux to your bucket list. Wine is only a starting point.  Whether or not you are an oenophile (wine lover), Bordeaux has a lot to offer visitors. A cosmopolitan…

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“Old-Fashioned” Truffle Brownies with whiskey cherries

Who can resist this dark, rich brownie with a hint of a classic cocktail: The Old Fashioned. Really? Just in time for Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite chocolate recipes to share with your Valentine; they will appreciate the homemade decadence much more than a box of chocolate covered cherries, believe me! Whiskey-accented cherry…

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Warm up with spiked hot chocolate

This time of year, the cold air and brisk wind makes it hard to stay warm. Hot beverages really help do the trick; add some booze and you’ll forget you just came in from the cold…well, almost. A steaming nightcap of spiked hot chocolate is even better; it’s a simple and satisfying indulgence to end…

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In search of the world’s best hot chocolate

Anyone who knows me knows that chocolate is the food love of my life, my desert island food (or, should I say dessert island!).  I typically prefer to eat my chocolate calories, rather than drink them; yet good chocolate is good chocolate, no matter the form. I was raised on my mother’s homemade, stovetop cocoa…

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It’s Chocolate Month at The Culinary Diplomat!

Welcome to the official launch of Chocolate Month here at The Culinary Diplomat.  Throughout the month of February, we will pay homage to the sultry sweet that has inspired conquests – political and romantic alike – for thousands of years.  Chocoholics around the world: unite! Our Chocolate Month series will travel the world high and…

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