I have known Debbie for so many years. We have shared our children’s birth years – in fact we were in the same hospital for our second child’s birth, and Debbie visited me at my bedside as she had given birth to her daughter Arielle 2 days earlier! When my husband and I first moved to our new home down the street from Debbie, we received a barbecue meal, with brownies as a welcome gift as we were moving in! We have walked our pooches together – great time to catch up!
Over the years, we have shared many occasions together. Our husbands (who were endodontists) gave a presentation at our local elementary school on dental awareness, Debbie and I took a computer code class together (it was lost on me!), we took the art of Japanese floral arrangement (Ikebana) together, and as the years evolved since we both had similar interests, it became a very fun competition with regards to our cooking interests. By that I mean we would say to each other what we had just purchased to see if the other person had it yet. We both made homemade wine years ago. My reasoning was to have everyday wine without sulfites such is imbibed daily in Italy and France but other than having lovely wine labels, my wine was awful but I did try for 3 years! I do make liqueurs which Debbie has not tried but we can always chat on what we have made (or not), and we have closed a restaurant on occasion as we always have something to discuss! We love to share recipes, and discuss what to make and how to make it!
I had bought a baking pan for Ebelskiver Danish style donuts that are not deep fried. Debbie had one! It made us laugh. I bought a Korean table top grill last year – Debbie had one (but not the cooking pan that fits on top – Ha!). During Covid, Debbie conquered Sour Dough bread and she really tried to help me do the same, but I gave up. Her breads were delicious, but not mine!
Debbie is a well known local Speech Pathologist and she is always correcting my British pronunciations (I refuse to change!), has created an app to aid young children with their speech, and has written a book (yet to be published). I do have a book that I have had published entitled “It’s Okay to Walk in the Rain” ( The book is a metaphor for children on how to help them overcome small anxieties), and I have created 5 children’s games which I never pursued but my issue! Debbie has now left me in the reeds as we say with her chocolate making skills. Why has she started making chocolate? Simply because she loves to learn, and it gives a sense of accomplishment and it is fun. However, not just any chocolate making but truffles , and not just truffle but beautifully colored truffles with exotic lush, yummy centers. I had come across a 2010 Raspberry Liqueur I had made and gave her a bottle, she promptly made a truffle using the raspberry liqueur!
Debbie being Debbie created an apron, a name for her chocolates – and who knows what else she will create! One thing is sure though, that her life is always interesting, exciting and fun!
Debbie loves to golf , read, and I was in awe when she recounted her New Year’s celebrations with long time college friends. She had created a menu and celebrations for few days, hosted the perfect get together with everlasting memories, and I loved the idea that she everyone cooking one meal together with different tasks. What fun! Who knows what Debbie will accomplish this year but I had to compliment her on her chocolate making skills and she will be the first one to say that the photo above was the first try, and will be perfected but that is Debbie! Pictured below are more creations including maple bourbon, espresso, walnut, lemon, raspberry and pomegranate truffles!
Living in New Rochelle is great. We have a wonderful neighborhood, lovely neighbors , so many people from all over the globe, and so many pet lovers.
New Rochelle is great!
