Journalist

Amy Drew Thompson

Amy Drew Thompson is the Orlando Sentinel’s Food and Dining Reporter. She eats and she writes things. Amy Drew wears many hats, literally (she loves hats) and is highly flexible, literally (she loves yoga). New Yorker by birth, Orlandoan by choice, she delights in sharing the delectable spoils of her adopted city.

It has been said by many that America is not perfect but it is still great. In This week, we present the cake equivalent. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Restaurants, Food and Drink |
Fireworks bundt cake: Confessions of a very amateur baker

July 4, 2024 at 9:13 a.m.

When the "easy July 4 recipes" cake's not picture perfect, just remember: The people who love you know that you're not, either.

Sliced up, the fudge has a whimsical, nougat-like appearance. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)

Five-ingredient fudge, an ideal Easter recipe for wee kitchen helpers

March 22, 2024 at 3:57 p.m.

Easter colors make this sweet treat exceptionally pretty on your holiday dessert table. Plus, it's a fun recipe to make with the kids!

Ribollita's versatile foundation welcomes other flavors, including meat, but the classic version is always vegetarian. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Hearty ribollita is vegetarian love, Italian-style

February 2, 2024 at 4:10 p.m.

Ribollita: Fun to say and even better to eat, this classic Tuscan soup recipe dunks bread in the broth before it even hits the table.

The name kava traces back to early Polynesian, languages, meaning "bitter." Its use in South Pacific culture, both ceremonially and recreationally, dates back more than a thousand years. (Photo courtesy Shane Thompson)

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Kava. It's ancient and relaxing. And, now it comes in a can.

January 26, 2024 at 2:19 p.m.

In the Dry January home stretch: Kava's sootihng properties may help you finish the ride.

Gorgeous ... and maybe good luck?! Either way, this pomegranate-studded cheese ball will make your guests feel fortunate to have been invited. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Smashing the pomegranate: a jewel of a New Year tradition

December 28, 2023 at 3:16 p.m.

Gorgeous ... and maybe good luck?! Either way, this pomegranate-studded cheese ball will make your guests feel fortunate to have been invited.

Ghoul at Heart's Grim Reaper Galette is a guaranteed showstopper for your Halloween dessert table. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Grim reaper galette is a spooky stunner for your Halloween table

October 26, 2023 at 3:35 p.m.

Looking for a sinister centerpiece for your Halloween table? Ghoul at Heart's gorgeous galette certainly fits the frightful bill.

When I read that National Nut Day was coming up on Oct. 22, something inside me whispered, "pignoli cookies." Make a batch and you'll start hearing voices, too. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

The pignoli cookie is a sweet, simple way to time travel….

October 19, 2023 at 3:21 p.m.

Gorgeous and gluten-free, sweet, simple pignoli cookies are easy to make, and full of nostalgia for nonna's kitchen.

Sweet spongy and custard-like, the Domestic Rebel's pumpkin spice tres leches cake brings all the fall feels. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches: a PSL for Hispanic Heritage Month

September 28, 2023 at 2:12 p.m.

Got fall feels? This pumpkin spice tres leches from the Domestic Rebel will quell those cravings, with a hit of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Chef Norman Van Aken has beer and a cheeseburger at Off Site in Miami on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 as he reflects on his long-time friendship with entertainer Jimmy Buffet. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Entertainment |
Norman Van Aken remembers Jimmy Buffett

February 9, 2024 at 1:25 p.m.

Two transplants as fused to Florida as Carl Hiaasen or alligators, Norman Van Aken and Jimmy Buffett were friends before either was famous.

Beginning on Thursday, Aug. 31, Jeff's Bagel Run will be selling Florida college team-themed bagels. (Jeff's Bagel Run)

Jeff’s Bagel Run celebrates start of college football season — with team colors

August 30, 2023 at 11:05 a.m.

For four days only, the bagelry's two shops will be offering bagels in team colors of the Gators, Knights, Hurricanes and Seminoles.