Once a quarter I’m taking you into my kitchen for a look at what I’m learning, and how it adds to a kitchen life.

My inner Spring cleaning happens while at the sink with soapy hands, hanging up a pot, or grabbing the milk bottle from the fridge. In all these unspectacular, yet contemplative moments of just being, I come to terms with realities and the necessities of change.

A treat’s an out of the ordinary occasion. Not hunger easing like the mid-morning snack, but a respite, a reward and a pleasurable experience. We have the power to influence and change our family’s treats for good reasons, while ensuring that they remain delicious.  

If you’re serious about improving your culinary skills, then sit down with a cup of coffee close to the new year and reflect on what you’ve learned. Sidonie Shares with us what she’ll be doing in her Kitchen in 2024.

This symbolic time of rebirth and renewal is a magical opportunity to cook up traditions that will see us through our darkest season. Sidonie offers us some beautiful recipes perfect for the season.

Years ago, I remade Christmas cooking for myself. Little by little, I decided what mattered and let the rest go. And what did matter? — peaceful, contemplative cookie baking while listening to Christmas albums. A big bowl of bright oranges, with amaryllis and paperwhites blooming on the kitchen counter. Singing carols and laughing with my sons while cooking. Cuddling up with my husband and watching the twinkling tree lights in the dark. Having extended family over to make gingerbread. Perfecting my Panettone and Stollen sweet breads and gifting them to whoever comes by. Enjoying this special dedicated time with those I love, and realizing that it’s a lot more about presence than presents.

Sidonie breaks down some of the amazing ways Kale can be served up this holiday season!

I recently discovered “The Lazy Genius” podcast, hosted by Kendra Adachi, and am enjoying each episode. Her motto is — Embrace what matters, ditch what doesn’t and get stuff done. She’s also written “The Lazy Genius Way”, and “The Lazy Genius Kitchen”. I relate to her organizational approach, and am sharing her principles using soup making as our prompt.

Sidonie offers us an exciting vegetarian twist on a summer classic

Tarragon in cuisines other than French? Yes! Tarragon is beloved worldwide. See All the unique ways Tarragon can make a dish.

A good mother gives us solid life patterns to work from, and however far we travel from our beginnings, her influence is always there. Good cooking is similar—we may adapt and improve recipes, but they remain like mothers — fundamental.

Years ago, a friend who owned an Italian restaurant taught me how to line baking pans when roasting veggies, and avoid nasty clean ups. I was grateful and bought parchment paper by the rolls.

It’s hard to beat the versatility of chicken. See how Sidonie keeps a whole chicken interesting, yummy and economical for multiple meals.

With a wide range of flavors working harmoniously together, these recipes are sure to please!

This recipe is a delightful, bright, creamy soup that’ll quickly become a family favorite.  

With this cold January weather, we always love finding ways to warm up! These Pho recipes are sure to do just the trick.

RECIPES INCLUDED: Queen Bee Ginger Panfort, Rye Gingerbread Cookies, Chickpea Gingerbread Cookies, Gingerbread

Egg dishes are popular throughout the Middle East, and Iranians are especially fond of kuku, a type of open faced baked omelet similar to the Italian frittata and the Arab eggeh.