Much Ado About Mocha (Mocha Cheesecake)

This post is also available as an article in the 8/29/2012 Williamsport Sun Gazette.

August marks the beginning of one of my very favorite times of year, as blistering heat ebbs and gives way to fresher air, bluer skies, and cooler breezes. Living in the valley, our mornings are often deceptively shrouded in thick fog, only to burn away into the clear light of day. As the season turns, my sister-in-law Sarah and her husband, Seth, take different tasks on their farm, like gathering fresh honey from their many hives. While I had originally intended to feature that glowing, liquid sweetness for today's article, an even more momentous occasion cropped up: Aaron's birthday.

Increases happiness by at least 5%

Capital Gains (Kona-Crusted Tenderloin, Caramelized Shallot Butter)

This post is also available as an article in the 4/25/2012 Williamsport Sun Gazette.

A few years ago, on a trip to New York, we stopped in at the local Capital Grille. Not the most adventurous choice, given the location, but the visit definitely paid off. Upon this fateful evening, between oysters and dry martinis, I first discovered Kona-crusted steak with caramelized shallot butter, and another love affair was born.

Where have you been all my life?