Watch Chef Mark Salter on WUSA on May 13

On Wednesday, May 13, Chef Mark Salter will make an appearance on WUSA's 9 a.m. News here in Washington. Just in time for summer, Chef Salter will share some great picnic ideas, creating fabulous dishes for everyone in the family to enjoy!

Salter will present a variety of dishes using his signature Pub Sauce "Ketchup for Big Kids"-from chips and dips to a great baster for shrimp. You'll have to watch the segment to get a real taste of how Pub Sauce can add a bit of pizazz to your food!

Simple Solution for a Gourmet Dinner

I am really excited about one of my latest projects. In addition to the fabulous work that I've been doing for Share Our Strength, I've received another opportunity, with a chef that I am honored to be working with-Chef Mark Salter of the Inn at Perry Cabin (an amazing inn in St. Michaels, Maryland).


Like many of us, Chef Salter is ready to come home to relax and spend time with his family so after a long day at work, he wants to enjoy delicious meals with them, but not spending too much in the time creating them-of course.

In 2004, Chef Salter and his wife launched a line of gourmet dressings and products called Chesapeake Gourmet. His inspiration came from not being able to find dressings and marinades that suited his palate so he created his own (naturally, what else can a chef do!).

Well, in the next few weeks (once I get some samples), I'll be creating fabulous dishes with them. In the meantime, you can check out salterschesapeakegourmet.com.

Spring in D.C.-Cherry Blossoms Bring Out the Best of Everything!

Spring in Washington, D.C. It's my favorite time in the nation's capital. Why? The misery of winter has faded away along with the gray skies, snow, sleet, rain and wind (well, the wind is still around) ...replaced with longer days, warmer temperatures and cherry blossoms! When the cherry blossoms bloom so does the city. There is a sense of excitement in the air and you can see it and feel it everywhere. Scarfs, winter coats, and unhappy people have been replaced by smiling faces in bright colors-happy to be outside.

Restaurants create menus around the festivities. Bakeries create commemorative cherry blossom cupcakes in honor of the festival (check out Hello Cupcake) and local mixologists concoct unique cocktails around them.


But, it's the cherry blossoms themselves that always steal the spotlight. Thousands of people from across the nation and abroad always find themselves in awe as they walk through groves of cherry blossoms, search for the perfect spots to have picnics and click hundreds of photos, hoping to get the perfect one.


This was my fourth time to experience the cherry blossom festival in D.C. The first time I had ever seen these delicate flowers was in Okinawa, Japan, in February. I was only a teenager then and don't think I appreciated them the way I do now. As we meandered through the tidal basin to the Jefferson Memorial, our final destination, I found myself experiencing so many emotions--happiness, peace, excitement. I don't know if it was the pink that tickled me or simply knowing that spring had finally arrived, but I can tell you this-it's my favorite time of year in this amazing city!

Hello Cupcake! Does Something Sweet to Help End Childhood Hunger

One of the nation capital's top cupcakery's is doing its part to help end childhood hunger in America. Hello Cupcake located in the ever-hip Dupont Circle will be hosting its very own Great American Bake Sale for Share Our Strength. Between May 11-16, Hello Cupcake will be donating 100 percent of its proceeds from its original flavors to Great American Bake Sale. So,if you're having a sweet craving for a delicious chocolate or vanilla cupcake then seriously consider stopping by Hello Cupcake! You won't need to feel guilty for this indulgence because your treat will help feed a child.