Articles written by Catherine Pawelek

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About me - Catherine Pawelek

Catherine grew up in the Netherlands, finished her schooling in Paris (went to the Sorbonne University and worked as an Au Pair). Speaks 5 languages
Worked for the Airlines then moved to Southern California in the 70's. Met her husband Jose Luis on a cruise

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Food & Drink > Bread & Baking Recipes Recipes: Gingerbread waffles with applesauce: 1 of 6
From 2001-2006 for 6 years, we owned a country inn in New Hampshire in the heart of the White Mountains and served breakfast daily to our inn guests. When we had new guests every day it was easy enough to serve the same breakfast every day as the guests were different, but when we had customers staying with us for 7-10 days a... More..
Food & Drink > Meat & Poultry Tips for buying Kobe beef: 1 of 5
A couple of weeks ago there was an article in the St. Pete paper, written by our local food critic that explained a situation she encountered at a high end French Restaurant. She had taken 3 guests to this restaurant (she was not doing a review) and as they perused the menu the waiter recited some specials including a filet o... More..
Food & Drink > Dairy Products & Eggs Tips for buying gourmet cheese online: 1 of 5
As a child, growing up in the Netherlands, I remember Fridays as the best day of the week regarding food, and although growing up Catholic, my parents believed in the no meat Friday adage, it was never boring, as often eel, herring or cheese was a dinner staple . One of my favorites would be when my father indicated that it w... More..
Food & Drink > Restaurant Reviews Dining tips to avoid offending waiters, who may retaliate: 4 of 12
As restaurant owners, during the past 18 years, my husband and I have worked to not only create a great business for ourselves, but since my husband is the chef and I make the pastries and handle the front of the house, we are also here to support our staff, as they are part of our success.We work hard to make a good income a... More..
Food & Drink > Ethnic & International Foods Tips for buying truffles: 2 of 6
"When we mention the word "Truffle" to friends , they mostly associate it with the wonderfully misshapen chocolate delicacy made from pure chocolate, often infused with flavorings and rolled in a variety of coatings. It is only the shape of this chocolate bite and nothing else that reminds us of its true namesake, that fungi ... More..
Food & Drink > Dessert Recipes Recipes: Bananas Foster bread pudding: 2 of 6
Going bananasSo what is it about this classic dessert that lights up our eyes like a kid on Christmas eve, maybe it is the simplicity, the comfort it gives us or that delectable smell. I like to put a twist on the classics so I might substitute the raisins with dried cranberry, add some , Grand Marnier, banana rum or Cointrea... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: Personal experiences with the healing power of dogs: 38 of 110
When my husband and I married, 27 years ago, there was not a subject we couldn't or wouldn't talk about whether it was religion, politics, culture, the world at large, they were all subjects we attacked with gusto and conviction, but neither of us vocalized much about, having children. It just never seemed a priority.How odd ... More..
Travel > Bus & Train Travel Train travel recommended for vacationers: 7 of 17
Growing up in Europe in the 60's and 70's, there was just no two ways about it, buses and trains were the main forms of travel, and through today, for me they continue to be my favoured form of public transport, as they are reasonably priced, have sufficient space for luggage, are on time and clean. You can travel to almost e... More..
Food & Drink > Dessert Recipes Recipes: Chocolate pots de creme: 4 of 8
Petits Pots de Creme, remind a lot of Creme Brulee, without the brulee part. Back in the 70's I had the opportunity to live for 1 1/2 years in Paris, while attending the Sorbonne University, so money was not in ample supply. Since that time I still would rather have a dessert over a sandwich, or have an appetizer and dessert ... More..
Food & Drink > Seafood Tips for buying caviar: 3 of 6
During the past 27 years, my husband and I have always had a ritual for any special occasion, whether it be for a birthday, anniversary, New year's (you get the picture, any event will do). We pack a couple of ounces of caviar, with a variety of plain crackers (no saltines), some gourmet cheese and a bottle of champagne (We h... More..