The Hungry Mouse

A friend and I recently went adventuring for lunch in Boston's Back Bay. Check out my quick Earl's Prudential restaurant review.  It's a great spot for lunch and after-work drinks.  The food is an eclectic mix of burgers and steaks, seafood, chicken dishes, noodles and rice bowls, tacos, sushi, and American bar food. And honestly? Everything I've ever had there has been...

Happy Thanksgiving to you all from Salem, Massachusetts! We're mostly skipping festivities this year because we lost our wolf pup, Penelope, very unexpectedly last month. Right now, we're looking forward to winter and putting a little time behind us. We're grateful to be connected to each of you, and are sending you all lots of love. Get some holiday recipe inspiration! We're working...

Baking fish en papillote is one of my favorite things to make when we have guests over. Mad love to my dear friend Chef Eric for brainstorming this simple, Asian-inspired holiday dish with me over lunch the other day. <3 Parchment baked fish steaks are fast and easy (and pretty damned fancy) These Icelandic cod steaks are moist, meaty, and fragrant with...

If you've hang out at The Mouse House with any regularity, chances are you've seen a charcuterie board or two (or ten). It's been a signature entertaining move for years, and will always be one of my favorite things to construct in the kitchen. Let's talk about what makes a great board, and peep some tips for creating the perfect presentation. What...

We've been in the market for some new ornaments for our tree for a while. And man, did I hit the jackpot today. Check out these gorgeous, super ornate Christmas food ornaments I found today in my travels. They're quite possibly the perfect gift for the foodie in your life.   So. Much. Fun. Where to buy Christmas food ornaments I know there...

Hands down, chanterelle mushrooms are one of my favorite mushrooms on the planet. Let's talk about chanterelle mushrooms, how to buy them, and how to store and cook them once you get them home.    What are chanterelle mushrooms? Chanterelle mushrooms, or Cantharellus cibarius, range in color from golden, buttery yellow to darker orange on the outside with a creamy white interior.   You...

It's with a heavy heart that I have to share some heartwrenching news.  We had to say goodbye to Penelope, our 9-year-old Keeshond. Many of you have been following along, and for that, we thank you. She was struck quickly with a very bad sick (IMHA) that she couldn’t beat, despite everything we did. She died in our arms, very happy, and in...

Hard to believe we've been posting about Halloween here in our home of Salem, Massachusetts for 9 years now, give or take.  We're in the throes of another October (a.k.a. the high holy month here in Witch City), and we couldn't be happier.  Stay tuned for our big recap post, with loads of pictures from the 2019 Halloween festivities.  In the meantime,...

This is one of my favorite chocolate cake recipes ever.  It's a spicy Mexican chocolate cake with a thin sugar glaze in honor of the Day of the Dead.  We thought we'd mix it up a little for you this year, since we do live in Salem, Massachusetts, Halloween capital of the world. More on living in Salem (with LOADS of pics)...

Any brownie recipe that starts with over a pound of butter and chocolate has my vote.  Hands down, these are the best brownies I think I've ever made.  For this recipe, I very slightly adapted Ina Garten's brownies. That woman knows how to BAKE.  This brownie is moist and fudgey, and dotted with molten, dark-as-night chocolate chips. The dark chocolate gets a boost of...