Florida Winefest is just around the corner, with new tastings and events added. From winemaker dinners to sip and stroll- something for everyone April 23rd-26th www.floridawinefest.org Women’s Seder and Cooking Demonstration for Jewish Federation, March 26th Michael’s on East- Sorry guys, this is for women only but I promise to post the recipes on www.judigallagher.com April 6th_ Lee Roy Selmon declares a Sports Holiday- yup, between the Red Sox playing the Rays and the final basketball game of the NCAA tourney- you know I will be there with a beef brisket quesadilla and some of that outrageous...

Welcome Spring! Dear fellow foodies- decorate that table with colorful tulips and citrus spiked iced tea. Asparagus and Florida Strawberries are at their peak and fresh herbs make the perfect salad blend with grilled pesto lamb chops and barbecue salmon. Spring has sprung and the favors this time of year make cooking a gourmet’s version of March Madness. Like in winter when I braise the first veal shank, spring inspires me to clean out the grill, marinate chicken in lemon and garlic and make the first batch of red bliss potato salad.

Roasted Cornish game hens:  4 Cornish game hens- halved, backs removed ½ cup orange juice 4 TBSP. soy sauce 2 TBSP. whit balsamic vinegar 2 teaspoons honey ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger Dash kosher salt Orange zest for garnish   Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Rinse and pat dry hens. Whisk ingredients together in a bowl. Pout into zip lock bag, add hens and marinate for 15 minutes- 1 hour in refrigerator. Transfer hens to roasting pan and place on rack, skin side up. Baste every ten minutes. Roast for 30-40 minutes. Serve with pan juices and top with zest of orange. (you can also grill the Cornish...

Plain Yogurt with mixed fruit topping at Whiteberry. Just opened on Main Street, the tartness of the frozen yogurt will make you pucker and at only 90 calories for a 4-ounce serving, I might make an appearance several times a week after our power walk. (Nonfat green tea frozen yogurt and nonfat organic chocolate  just as good) Crispy Duck at Aqua in Ospey- this could be the restaurant of the year as far as classic tastes and properly prepared cuisine. So many good dishes you might want to read my review on www.sarasotamagazine.com  or click here for my foodies notebook. Broccoli Rabe and Italian...

By Marsha Fottler Contributing Food and Entertainment Editor Recently, with other members of my garden club I attended a workshop given by the expert (and award-winning) flower arranger and teacher, Penny Horne, who lives in Manhattan but travels the world showing people how to bring cut flowers into their homes for tabletop arrangements that are original, no-fuss and stunning. Flowers, like candles, bring elegance to your table just by being there. You don’t have to get fancy, just remember to include candles (always unscented) and fresh flowers on your table and your meal is already off to being a...