Gluten Free, Naturally by Caroline Byron Book Launch

Model turned gluten-free chef Caroline Byron, known for her blog Simply-Caro.com, celebrated the launch of her book Gluten Free, Naturally on June 18th at Ladurée Private Garden in Soho in NYC.

Gluten Free, Naturally features one hundred recipes for meals on your own, weeknight suppers, and for larger gatherings with friends and family. The range of balanced, healthy recipes include soups, broths, salads, and stews, with lots of vegetarian options. Gluten Free, Naturally is filled with lots of kitchen basics and a useful gluten-free flour glossary. This cookbook is perfect for anyone that has celiac disease or is looking to cut down on gluten or has gluten intolerance. 

There are some tasty recipes I can't wait to try, including Exotic Rose and Cardamom Milk Pudding, Zesty Beet and Pomegranate Salad, Asian Summer Rolls, Peach, Almond and Raspberry Crisp.

Caroline trained at the French Culinary Institute in New York and now runs her own successful catering company. Her gluten-free recipes have gained her thousands of followers on Instagram and Twitter, and she has been featured in such publications as Vogue and Town & Country.

- Kim Weling

The Seasons of Veuve Clicquot: A Social Cookbook for All Celebrations Book Launch

On December 7th, I had the pleasure of attending an intimate gathering at the penthouse of Pamela Johananoff and Matthew Adell, for the launch of The Seasons of Veuve Clicquot: A Social Cookbook for All Celebrations by Stephane Gerschel, global communications director of Veuve Clicquot. Vanessa Kay, President of Veuve Clicquot USA, hosted the event, while guests enjoyed champagne and canapés.

The Seasons of Veuve Clicquot: A Social Cookbook for All Celebrations, published by Rizzoli, is the perfect cookbook to gift for the holidays. The cookbook is divided into four chapters - Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, "highlighting centuries-old traditions and expertise of champagne-making while chronicling the brand's world-renowned events and original recipes for celebrations fit for each season".

I couldn't ask for a better way to spend a rainy evening - with amazing food, including a to-die-for black truffle risotto, which is the best risotto I've ever had, and a beautiful performance by Stephane's cousin, that made me feel like I was in France.

I can't wait to try out some of these recipes!

Stephane Gerschel

Mixed Berry Tarts

Guests were able to sample a chosen recipe from each of the four seasons featured in the cookbook

Left - Spring: Spring Vegetable Ratatouille - pan seared red mullet fillet, diced baby zucchini, red bell peppers, eggplant, flowering thyme sprig

Right - Summer: Smoked Salmon Tiramisu - house smoked salmon layered with salmon roe mascarpone, baby arugala, sun dried tomato pâté, crema soaked whole wheat bread

Autumn: Duck a la Automne - seared sliced duck breast, pan roasted fall root vegetables & apples, Jerusalem artichoke purée

Winter: Black Truffle Risotto - riso carnaroli, beef stock, Veuve Clicquot, aged parmesan, panna, shaved black truffle

- Kim Weling