…from the Perspectives’ Kitchen How you doin’? My Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins are about the best ever… if I do say so myself! It’s my standard muffin base I use for a wide variety of flavors. With just a couple simple tweaks, you can go from fresh lemon poppy seed muffins to any other flavors you desire. This is a solid and quite forgiving muffin recipe where the possibilities are endless. A healthy dose of poppy seeds gives these sweet muffins a slight crunch. That’s the best part about poppy seed muffins! The poppy seeds are a perfect contrast to the muffin’s soft interior. This recipe is pretty basic. One important thing to note, however, is to expect a thick and airy batter. Don’t be tempted to add more liquid; you want a nice thick batter so the muffins hold shape. Don’t fill the muffin pan too high as they do spread out into mushroom-looking tops when overfilled. For the best tangy-sweet and tender (and aromatic, too) lemon poppy seed muffins, top them with a sweet lemon icing. That makes a special breakfast treat taste like it came straight from your family’s favorite fresh bakery. Prep time: 15 minutes Bake time: 20 minutes Yield: 12 muffins Ingredients For the muffins 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled) 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon fine kosher salt 4 tablespoons poppy seeds 1 stick (8 tablespoons) softened unsalted butter 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 large room temperature eggs 1/2 cup room temperature sour cream 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 teaspoon lemon extract) 1-1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup room temperature whole milk For the lemon icing 1 cup sifted confectioner’s sugar 1-1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon whole milk 1 tablespoon poppy seeds Directions To make the muffins
ChefSecret: For jumbo muffins: Preheat an oven to 425° F for 5 minutes, then reduce to 350°F for 22–25 minutes for a total of 27–30 minutes. Makes about 6 jumbo muffins. Refrigerated ingredients should be at room temperature so the batter mixes together easily and evenly. You can fold in about 1-1/2 cups of fresh or frozen berries (do not thaw) into the batter before spooning into the pan and baking. ------------------------------------------- Quip of the Day: Q. Why is a baseball team similar to a muffin? A: They both rely on the batter. ------------------------------------------- Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food. We have hundreds of archived Covid Era recipes which you can easily access using this link https://www.perspectives-la.com/Covid-19-Survival-Guide ------------------------------------------- To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, kind, thankful, and stay well and safe. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross. #Baking #Muffins #LemonPoppySeedMuffins #Lemon #PoppySeeds #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #ThreeSquare #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026
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…from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar How you doin’? Is it true, blondes have more fun? Did you know only about 2 percent of the world’s population is naturally blonde? Yet somehow, blonde hair has historically dominated the beauty industry. Transformations have been framed as brighter, bolder and, according to a phrase that refuses to die, a lot more fun. Most women (and some men) enjoy the experience of a cape clasped around their neck, a comfortable chair, and soft music playing. You snag one last peek at your reflection, knowing it won’t be the same when you return. Maybe today is the time to go blonde. Whether it’s the promise of a summer glow-up or the idea of ultimate reinvention, it seems that blondness has always captivated our attention. When asked about the “fun blonde” cliché (I think it’s mostly a myth) we’d be lying if we said there wasn’t a little something to it. Color brands have turned blonde hair into a persona embodying confident, carefree femininity. And you could be her, too, with just a little color! This can largely be traced back to Marilyn Monroe, whose platinum locks helped define the “blonde bombshell” image in the 1950s. Even now, in 2026, blonde is still seen as a form of reinvention, and the allure of going blonde lingers. But outside of media and marketing, the decision to go blonde is much more personal. Sometimes it’s about reinvention—leaving the salon (or the bathroom) looking nothing like you did when you walked in. Sometimes it’s tied to life changes: a breakup, a new job, or simply wanting something different and craving a change. Personally, I don’t think blondes are inherently more fun—but in a lot of cases, it boosts people’s confidence, especially since blonde is still seen as the beauty standard by many. It is the perception of confidence is reinforced by what we see online. Around 90 percent of those who go blonde choose to stick with it. So why not go for a French Blonde?... cocktail, that is. Actually, it’s more of a pale pink cocktail in coupe glass with grapefruit slice on rim. The French Blonde Cocktail is a modern spring classic that leans into citrus and soft florals. The French Blonde Cocktail appears to be composed yet it’s easy to execute at home. Prep time: 3 minutes Yield: 1 cocktail Ingredients 1 ounce gin (in this cocktail I prefer Bombay Sapphire Gin) 3/4 ounce St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur 1/2 ounce Lillet Blanc Aperitif 1-1/2 ounces fresh strained grapefruit juice 1 dash lemon bitters Grapefruit slice or twist for garnish Directions
ChefSecret: While I usually favor Hendrick’s Gin, with the mixture of florals and botanicals, this cocktail is best suited with Bombay Safire Gin. ------------------------------------------ Quip of the Day: Q. Why did the blonde nurse bring a red marker to work? A. In case she had to draw blood. ------------------------------------------- Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food. We also have 1,000 archived Covid Era recipes that you can easily access using this link https://www.perspectives-la.com/Covid-19-Survival-Guide. Use the search box above our pictures to find what you’re looking for. ------------------------------------------- To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well and be kind. No matter which side of the aisle you reside, please say a prayer for the U.S. men and women in uniform who protect this nation every day. And if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross. #Cocktail #HappyHour2026 #Cocktail #Gin #StGermain #ElderflowerLiqeuer #FrenchBlondeCocktail #Cheers2026 #Cheers #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026 …from the Perspectives’ Kitchen How you doin’? When you have friends and family coming over for dinner, you know that pressure is on. Since I am the culinary expert in the neighborhood, whenever we have dinner guests, I know they will be expecting so much from me. So, I went back to my recipe roots from Fanny’s Fish Market for one of our non-seafood specialties entrees. Even though it’s warm here in Las Vegas, I don’t want to do another steak on the grill. I want to do something special that’s easy to cook so I can spend the maximum time with my guests and not be a slave to the kitchen or grill. If you find yourself in the same position, try my Italian Stuffed Chicken Breast. Make it a day ahead and just pop it in the oven. This is so easy to cook, the hardest thing you have to do is wait for dinner to come out of the oven. Well, you do have to cook the pasta, garlic bread and whip up a simple green salad. Oh, if you have the time, you may want to make an Italian Ricotta Cheesecake in your Instant Pot—it tastes like cannoli. This makes a very satisfying, delicious and inexpensive meal any time. Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 50 minutes Yield: 4 servings Ingredients 1-1/2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 4 whole fresh basil leaves 1 egg, well beaten 1 cup spaghetti sauce 1/4 cup shredded Italian cheese blend, or to taste Directions
ChefSecret: Fettuccini is my pasta of choice. If you don’t have the time to make nonna’s (Italian grandmother) favorite marinara sauce, get a jar of Rao’s at your local supermarket. It’s a little more expensive than most others but well worth it. ------------------------------------------- Quip of the Day: “Why does a chicken coop have two doors? Because four doors would make it a sedan!” ------------------------------------------- Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food ------------------------------------------- To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well and be kind. No matter what side of the aisle you reside, please say a prayer for the U.S. men and women in uniform who protect this nation every day. #Entrees #Brunch #ItalianStuffedChickenBreast #ChickenBreast #ItalianCheeseBlend #ParmesanCheese #RaosSauce #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #ThreeSquare #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026 …from the Perspectives’ Kitchen How you doin’? A couple of days ago I picked up a deviled egg and the bottom fell through. I had a trail of filling and broken hard cooked white all over the front of my sweater. S—t! I hate having to pay my dry cleaner $7 to dry clean my sweater. So, I came up with a better idea... Deviled Egg Dip! My Deviled Egg Dip is a tasty twist to turn traditional deviled egg flavor into a creamy dip. Plus, it’s much simpler than making deviled eggs, but you’ll still have their delicious and comforting flavors. Serve it with fresh veggies, crackers, pretzels, bagel chips, or crostini. Deviled eggs became a staple at social gatherings, picnics, and family reunions and have a storied history that spans centuries. These bite-sized morsels of hardened egg yolks mixed with various ingredients and stuffed back into egg whites have evolved over time, influenced by different cultures and culinary traditions. The concept of deviled eggs dates back to the Roman Empire, where eggs were boiled, halved and filled with a mixture of yolks, herbs and spices. The Roman cookbook “De Re Coquinaria” by Apicius includes a recipe for stuffed eggs, which is one of the earliest known references to this dish. The Romans are credited with introducing eggs to Europe, where they became a staple in many cuisines. Have you ever wondered who the first Roman soldier was to eat an egg?… you know, the thing that popped out near the chicken’s poop shoot? During Medieval times, deviled eggs continued to evolve, with new ingredients and cooking techniques being introduced. In the 13th century, a cookbook from the court of King Richard II of England included a recipe for “stuffed eggs,” which consisted of boiled eggs filled with a mixture of yolks, cheese, and herbs. This recipe was likely influenced by Arabic cuisine, which had a significant impact on European cooking during this period. As trade and colonization expanded, deviled eggs spread to new regions, adapting to local tastes and ingredients. In the South American colonies, deviled eggs were often filled with spicy sauces and meats, reflecting the influence of indigenous and African cuisines. Similarly, in Asia, deviled eggs were adopted and modified, with ingredients like soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil being incorporated into the filling. Deviled eggs became a staple in American cuisine during the 19th century, particularly in the Southern United States. The dish was often served at social gatherings, picnics, and church functions, where it was prized for its simplicity, portability, and flavor. The traditional American recipe for deviled eggs typically consisted of boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and diced vegetables, which are mixed together and filled into egg whites. As American cuisine continued to evolve, deviled eggs underwent numerous transformations, with regional variations and creative twists emerging. In the South, deviled eggs were often topped with pickle relish, paprika, or chives, while in the North, they were frequently filled with diced meats, like bacon or ham. The West Coast introduced its own unique flavors, incorporating ingredients like avocado, salsa, and cilantro into the filling. My mother made green deviled eggs and called it Egg Surprise so my brother and I would be enticed into eating it. While deviled eggs are a beloved dish in the United States, they are also enjoyed in many other countries, often with unique twists and flavors. In Europe, deviled eggs are a common appetizer or snack, with countries like France and Italy offering their own variations. In Asia, deviled eggs are often served as a side dish or used as a topping for other dishes, like sushi or noodle bowls. Some traditional deviled egg recipes from around the world include:
Now you know the whole story. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 17 minutes Yield: 8 servings Ingredients 6 large hard cooked eggs, peeled and diced 3 ounces softened cream cheese 1/3 cup mayonnaise 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar 2 teaspoons yellow mustard 1 teaspoon garlic powder 2 teaspoons Sriracha Thai hot sauce, or more or less to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives, for garnish 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, for garnish Directions
ChefSecret: The best way I have found to boil eggs is to place them in a small saucepan and cover with cold water. Put a lid on it and bring just to a boil. When the water starts to boil remove the pan from the heat and let the eggs steep for 15 to 17 minutes. Then, shock them in cold water and ice cubes. This will make it easier to remove the shells. Quip of the Day: Q. Why did the egg break up with the frying pan? A. It felt like it was always getting too much heat. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food. We also have 1,000 archived Covid Era recipes that you can easily access using this link https://www.perspectives-la.com/Covid-19-Survival-Guide. Use the search box above our pictures to find what you’re looking for. ------------------------------------------- To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well and be kind. No matter what side of the aisle you reside, please say a prayer for the U.S. men and women in uniform who protect this nation every day. And if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross. #Appetizers #Dips #SideDish #DeviledEggs #DeviledEggDip #SocialFoodCustoms #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #ThreeSquare #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026 …from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar credit: liquor.com How you doin’? It’s coming up to Easter Sunday, and you still have time to go to the store and pick up a chocolate bunny. It’s difficult to make this drink properly any other time of year other than Easter season, when chocolate bunnies are available in every grocery store. But if you have an unseasonal craving for the drink, it is acceptable to pour it into a regular glass. Just be sure to have some grated chocolate to dust the top. When we first bought our hollow chocolate spinner at Choclatique I started playing with hollow bunnies… fruit salad, candy bar salad (a blog into the future) and whatever else I could use the little critters for. I soon discovered it was a bunny body filled with hot chocolate—that was a disaster! Okay, here’s the truth of the matter, some cocktails are sophisticated, combining rare spirits, bitters and liqueurs all served in elegant glasses. My Easter Bunny Shot is not! Instead, the Easter Bunny Shot is a fun “grown up” take on the childhood pastime of nibbling the ears off a chocolate Easter bunny. Essentially boozy strawberry milk using real strawberries, the drink also includes vanilla vodka, Irish cream and heavy cream, all served in a chocolate Easter bunny—without the ears. It is the ideal drink to be sipped while the younger generation hunts for Easter eggs. Or, better yet, mix a round of them for friends to accompany an adult boozy Easter egg hunt. A little advice, stick to only one of these shots considering the sugar in it, especially if you choose to eat the whole rabbit when you are finished with the drink. And doing that is definitely the right move. NOTE: these little bunnies are so tempting, be sure to keep them from the kiddos, or it won't be their sugar rush you'll be dealing with! This Easter cocktail starts with fresh muddled strawberries (they are already in season—red, sweet and delicious) they add some tartness and juiciness to the mix of vanilla vodka, Irish cream and heavy cream. Okay, if you don’t make it to the store before Easter, go to your local drug store and get the chocolate bunnies half price on the bargain table and save them until next year—only kidding. Make your kids’ chocolate milk really special after Easter. Prep Time: 5-10 minutes Yield: 1 cocktail Ingredients 1 6-inch+ hollow chocolate bunny 2 fresh ripe strawberries 1-1/2 ounces vanilla vodka 1/2 ounce Baileys Irish cream 1/2 ounce heavy cream 1/4 ounce simple syrup (1 part granulated sugar / 1 part water) Garnish: 1 teaspoon chocolate shavings Directions
ChefSecret: Muddling is the act of smashing the strawberries against the mixing tin to release both the flavor and the color of fresh berries. ------------------------------------------ Quip of the Day: Q. What do you call an Easter Bunny that can’t remember anything? A. A hare-brain. ------------------------------------------- Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food. We also have 1,000 archived Covid Era recipes that you can easily access using this link https://www.perspectives-la.com/Covid-19-Survival-Guide. Use the search box above our pictures to find what you’re looking for. ------------------------------------------- To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well and be kind. No matter which side of the aisle you reside, please say a prayer for the U.S. men and women in uniform who protect this nation every day, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross. #Cocktail #HappyHour2026 #EasterBunnyCocktailShot #ChocolateBunny #Baileys #Vodka #Cheers2026 #Cheers #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026 …from the Perspectives’ Kitchen How you doin’? Butter tarts are a Canadian staple. My English Butter Tarts are fantastic with a sweet, homemade crust, but are my favorite treat to whip up quickly when I have shells pre-made. A fantastic spring or Easter treat, they're delicious with a cup of tea. Butter tarts are a quintessential Canadian dessert, with their roots traced back to Ontario. The earliest known recipe was published in 1900 in a cookbook from Barrie, Ontario, entitled "The Women's Auxiliary of the Royal Victoria Hospital Cookbook.” This recipe is often cited as the first printed version, but the creation of butter tarts likely predates this publication. The development of butter tarts is believed to be influenced by the arrival of young women from France to Quebec between 1663 and 1673. These women brought traditional recipes that evolved over time, adapting to the ingredients available in Canada. The butter tart is thought to be a variation of the sugar pie, a simple dessert made with similar ingredients. Today, butter tarts are celebrated as a symbol of Canadian cuisine, particularly in Ontario. They are enjoyed across the country and have become a staple at family gatherings and special occasions. Various festivals and tours, such as the Butter Tart Festival in Midland, Ontario, highlight their popularity and cultural importance. Prep time: 10 minutes Bake time: 25 minutes Additional: 10 minutes Yield: 24 2-inch tarts or 1 9-inch deep dish pie shell Ingredients 24 (2 inch) unbaked tart shells 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup light corn syrup (I prefer Karo corn syrup) 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter 3 large eggs 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt Directions
ChefSecrets: They are called Butter Tarts for a good reason—Do not substitute anything for the butter; this will affect the taste and consistency. Margarine will make them oily and wet. Good Canadian Butter Tarts should have a light brown, bubbly, soft-crust, and should be gooey, with a bit of liquid (syrup) inside. They should not be jelly-like, or 'jammy'. The tarts will fall as they cool. Similar butter tarts are seen in other cultures—Dan Tat in Cantonese Dim Sum Restaurants and Pastéis de Nata in Portuguese specialty bakeries. ------------------------------------------- Quip of the Day: I threw a custard pie at my soon-to-be ex-wife after we had an argument. She took me to court over who should look after the kids after we divorced. She got custard-y ------------------------------------------- Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food ------------------------------------------- To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, kind, thankful, and stay well and safe. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross. #Dessert #CanadianButterTart #ButterTart #DanTat #EggCustardTart #EasterDessert #HappyEaster #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #ThreeSquare #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026 |
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