Welcome. My name is Steve. Thanks for visiting My Favorite Flavours. By day, I work in the financial services industry on Wall Street. And I love what I do. But, away from work, I seek to do things that completely take me away from the pressures and stresses of my job. I cook. I’m also a private pilot, so I fly. Outside of the office, I have never been particularly good at multi-tasking, so I appreciate the singular focus I get from working in the kitchen or working with the controls of an aircraft. I know it sounds strange, but that focus really allows me to relax – not thinking about what’s happening back in New York.
I grew up with good, flavorful food. My grandmother was an amazing cook who produced some of the best simple and authentic dishes I’ve ever tasted. My mother is skilled and tends to tackle things that are more complex and exotic. My father was the ultimate grill master. I’d put one of my mother-in-law’s casseroles (yes, I like a good casserole) up against anyone’s. My family and I have moved ten times in the last twenty-five years. Having lived in Orange County, Houston, San Francisco, and Chicago – to name a few places - I’ve had the opportunity to experience and appreciate so many regional foods. While I don’t necessarily cling to one particular style, I must admit that I have an affinity for good, honest Southern cooking. I suppose that’s homage to my Oklahoma roots. But I choose to prepare recipes from anywhere in the world. One requisite – the food has to have lots of flavor. Not every dish is five star. Some threes have good potential. I enjoy working with a recipe that has great foundation but a bit on the bland side.
I’ve been married to Anne for almost twenty-seven years. She will say that she cooked for the first twenty-five and it’s perfectly fine that I should do it for the next twenty-five. We have two children, a son who graduated from college in May, 2009 (and he has a job!) and a daughter who is in her senior year of college. Two catheads and a big bear Bouvier dog round out the family. We live in Summit, New Jersey, about twenty miles west of Manhattan.
Everything you see here is “tried and true.” I’ve adapted some recipes, those handed down from family have remained intact because that’s the way I remember them and that’s the way I want to serve them. I hope you enjoy what I have to offer and I certainly welcome your feedback.
Steve,
I’m so inspired! I love your ideas and writing. The site is quite elegant and easy to read. I also appreciate the special links you’ve included. It’s just what I enjoy reading about and I’ll try every recipe you post!
Your fan,
Macy
Oh, we’re going to be reading your website and trying out your recipes for sure.
Hi Steve,
Can’t believe you live in Summit too!
Hope to have dinner with you some time……….
Thanks for the link on your side bar.
Best,
Stacey
PS we are addicted to Mad Men too!
when will see some pressure cooker recipes????
Hello Steve! I’m so happy to have happened upon your blog. I really like the clean, uncluttered look and your recipes sound fabulous. I look forward to following along.
Thank you for the link to my blog on your sidebar.
Cheers, and have a delicious day! ~Mari
Mari,
You made my day. I’ve followed you for some time now and always seem to find something good. Just today, I clipped your pizza dough recipe and will try it very soon. Yesterday, I was intrigued with the beignets. Can’t wait to try those as well. Wish my photography were as advanced as yours! Wonderful site. Thanks so much for visiting. Steve
Steve,
You have yet another fan and kindred spirit. Like you, I too love the signular focus that I get in the kitchen. My work has me working on many projects for months on end, sometimes years until we are done. So starting and finishing a project in just a few hours is the appeal for me. Of course there is that same enjoyment when your done…just the pure satisfaction of a project/meal well done. Your sense of flavour and simple changes to common recipes have me hungry for more. Keep them coming.
Oh thank goodness for a nice clean, easy to read layout. Very nice! Haven’t even gotten to the recipes yet- but I am on my way there now. Glad I found this!
Ari, thanks for stopping by. I see we have similar taste in site layouts! Can’t wait to try your Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Spread. Sounds great. Steve
Steve,
Thanks so much for reading and commenting on my blog! It’s always a great surprise to get a comment like yours. Thanks to Betsy for passing it on – she’s one of my best fans.
Your blog is terrific! Great recipes, nice photography. Fun, isn’t it?
Karen
You live in Summitt – how interesting. My husband grew up in Summitt. None of his family is still there; however his (late) mother’s best friend was Lois Schneider and I know she’s still in Summitt. In fact we got one of Lois’s calendars of the area for Christmas. It brought back many fond memories for my husband.
You have a lovely blog and it’s nice to meet someone from Summitt. I subscribe to Stacey’s Snacks and found your blog on her friends list.
Sam
Steve,
I love your website. It’s very professional looking and I can’t wait to try out some of the recipes. We should open a restaurant together!
You as the chef and me as your pastry chef.
Ellen,
Thank you so much. A restaurant? Hmmm, sounds inviting but I’m not sure i want to work that hard when I finally get out of NY. We can just have lots of dinners (with brownies) when we’re all back in TX. How does that sound. Had a good time with Bud this week in OR.
Hi Steve,
Gregg is hoping you post your favorite homemade ice cream recipe when the snow melts. We love seeing you spend leisure time emersed in something that brings you joy. Thanks for sharing the wonderful recipes, we plan on trying Ropa Vieja soon.
Carol, Gregg,
Thanks for stopping by. OK, got the message. I’ll look for the best ice cream recipe. I recently made a cream cheese ice cream, also a cinnamon rum. Not sure those are gooey enough to suit, so I’ll find something good. Enjoy the sun – we’re envious as we sit here with 18″ of snow — still. S
Steve: My wife Beth gave me the link to your site and I’m impressed! I thought I was the only guy in New York who went through 57 rubs and barbecue sauces from TX before I found the mix I liked. Next week we will be travelling to Austin and I’m going to send you some barbecue rub from Iron Works Barbecue. Try it (if you haven’t already) its my favorite. I use it for my ribs and finish them off with Austin’s Own, a wonderful, locally manufactured barbecue sauce (can be found in Whole Foods TX). I order it by the case from the President of the company who is thrilled that someone in New York comes to TX to buy her products. Its available in mild, medium and hot. But what ever you do, don’t tell anyone my secrets! Thanks