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...

Culinary Institute of America- their newest edition is perfect for the home cook that likes a little flare. Less technical than earlier books- this has a beautiful selection of recipes and culinary definitions.    Cream of Tomato Soup with Rice and Basil  2 Tablespoons olive oil 11/2 cups onions, chopped 1-quart vegetable broth 1 Tablespoon fresh garlic, minced ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped 1 pinch crushed red pepper 28 ounce can high quality plum tomatoes 1-cup heavy cream 2- cups cooked rice 1 Tablespoon basil, chiffonade (roll basil and slice into thin strips)   Heat Olive oil in large soup pot....

  Superior Soup Service By Marsha Fottler Contributing Editor This is the definitely the month to serve soup, either scratch made or from-the-can varieties, which have never been of better quality. I’m attached to the Wolfgang Puck selections and also those put out by Amy’s Organic as well as the Campbell’s Select Harvest line up. But no matter the source of your soup, how you serve it to family and guests makes a huge difference in enjoyment. Never underestimate the power of eye appeal. Try something different and think outside the bowl. A good friend of mine collects gravy boats, china ones...

Dear Friends and Fellow Foodies,  There was no denying February came in. Even in Southwest Florida, the temperatures dipped below freezing recently. The chill certainly inspired our Contributing Food and Entertainment Editor and our team to think soup. A warm mug of steaming hot chicken noodle soup, a bowl of roasted tomato and fennel bisque, (with a grilled cheese sandwich of course) and a classic corn chowder with a bacon crusted pan seared scallop for a little decadence atop. Yes, nothing yells “warm me up” and comfort more than homemade soups. In fact, a few weeks ago I served piping hot bowls...

     Many of you will find this posting a bit of a “spoiled brat- inappreciative coffee snob gone sarcastic on her mate” kind of thing. Nevertheless, I sincerely think I have a gripe here. My husband, for many- many years, has found it in his heart to bring me coffee in bed when he is home. We had it down to a system. Since he is an early riser and sipped his coffee several hours before I would even stir, I would just open our bedroom door and await the aroma of fresh brewed coffee and the delivery of a robust cup, dressed with light cream, a copy of the New York Times and usually a kiss on the...