Food + Beverage

Cotton Hollow Kitchen

A Q&A With Cotton Hollow Head Chef Mario Velasquez Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by John Helmke For our Food Issue, we spoke with Cotton Hollow Kitchen's Head Chef Mario Velasquez about his culinary journey, the global influences behind his cooking, the importance of local ingredients and his passion for creating elevated comfort food. 1. How would you describe your cooking philosophy, and how has your culinary  journey shaped the food you create? My training began in Peru...

Wellness

Food for Thought

The Connection Between Diet and Wellness Article by Chloe Seddon | Photography by John Cordasco Food does far more than satisfy hunger. The choices we make influence our energy, how our bodies function and, increasingly, how we think about overall wellness. At its most basic level, food is fuel. The body relies on carbohydrates, proteins and fats for energy and vitamins and minerals to support everything from muscles and bones to the immune system, brain and nervous system. A balanced diet...

Food + Beverage

Chocolate Hazelnut Praline Tart

Anu Ojha, owner of Rum n Plum bakery, shares one of her delectable recipes Article by Anu Ojha This elegant chocolate hazelnut tart is built around contrast: a delicate buttery tart shell, a crisp praline layer, and a smooth chocolate ganache, with a chocolate mirror glaze. The hazelnut croustillant adds roasted nuttiness and delicate texture beneath the creamy filling, while the glaze creates a polished finish. This classic French layered pastry, each component has a distinct role. Thorough...

Education

Curious Minds

At Presidents’ College Lifelong Learning at the University of Hartford, the classroom is a place for discovery, conversation and connection. Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by Presidents’ College Archives What if going back to school weren’t about earning a degree, passing a test or advancing a career — but simply about following your curiosity? At Presidents’ College Lifelong Learning at the University of Hartford, that’s exactly the point. Here, the classroom is a place where...