THIS CAFE LIFE

Curated by my son — an exceptional cook in his own right — the Rising Chef Kit is what happens when skill meets curiosity. He’s constantly experimenting, refining, and finding the tools that make cooking not just easier but more intuitive. Together, we’ve gathered pieces that every serious home cook should own — not everything you could buy, but everything that earns its place in the kitchen.

The espresso martini is a study in balance — the sophistication of a cocktail meets the comfort of coffee.

There’s something meditative about making soup — the quiet rhythm of chopping vegetables, the patient simmer of a stock, the aromas that fill a kitchen. Few cooks have captured that rhythm, or the poetry behind it, as completely as James Peterson  in his classic cookbook Splendid Soups . First published in the 1990s, Splendid Soups  remains one of the most comprehensive and thoughtful explorations of soup-making ever written — a book that bridges professional training and the

There’s something deeply personal about giving food you’ve made yourself. A jar of homemade jam or a bottle of fruit shrub isn’t just a gift — it’s a reflection of care, patience, and time. In a world where so much can be bought, the act of crafting something by hand feels grounding, almost rebellious. It’s a return to flavor, connection, and intention.

Coffee is more than caffeine — it’s ritual, personality, and comfort in a cup. In our home with three adults, we all begin our mornings with coffee, but none of us make it the same way.

The Blue Chair Jam Cookbook by Rachel Saunders explores why this James Beard Award–nominated classic belongs in every kitchen. Learn about her trilogy, sustainability ethos, and how to pair it with our Preserver’s Kit for gifting and mindful cooking.