FAST FINDS
When Life Gives You Strawberries
We are at the height of the strawberry harvest season in California. For the last few weeks, whenever I walk into the market, I have been practically stumbling over strawberries larger than the size of my nose. Have you noticed these California Giant Berries in…
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Grilled Balsamic-Garlic Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Grilled Balsamic-Garlic Crusted Pork Tenderloin gets lots of flavor from a simple marinade. This family favorite recipe is a go-to for grilling season!
Read MoreIf You Can't Stand the Heat…{Part I}
In my last post, I may have grumbled a bit about the crazy weather we’ve been having. You must forgive me, because we really do get spoiled here in California. By this time of year, we are usually well into our summery weather, with a…
Read MoreBecause of El Nino
Once February rolls into March, I typically start thinking beyond hearty comfort foods and dishes that deserve long hours in the oven. By this time of year, we have moved on to lighter fare. We usually start grilling again in earnest, and eating meals outdoors.…
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Cooking with Ambrosia
This whole week, I could not stop thinking about the extraordinary honey that I wrote about in my last post. I also couldn’t stop eating it. I ate it plain, on my English muffins with peanut butter and bananas, and over yogurt. The smooth, dark-amber…
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Striking Gold in a Desert Farmer’s Market
Wait a minute. A farmer’s market in the desert? I couldn’t believe it myself. The idea itself is an oxymoron. I was in Phoenix over the weekend, not exactly hunting down farmer’s markets, but to celebrate the wedding of one of my dearest cousins. Amid…
Read MoreA Prime Celebration
As I pondered this year’s Easter menu, the usual suspects crossed my mind. Ham? Lamb? Brunch? Something with eggs? For some reason, I was struggling with ideas for a suitable Easter meal. My husband’s solution was simple. Prime Rib. I don’t know about you, but…
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Out of a Rut and Into a Nest
98% of the time, I enjoy food shopping. It’s always fun to see what might be new to the markets, or what fruits, veggies, or seafood is in season. But there’s always THE RUT. It’s something I fall into, every so often. I catch myself…
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Appreciating Asparagus
Long before I appreciated asparagus as a vegetable, I had a fondness for the asparagus plant. Have you ever seen one? My mom grew asparagus in her garden (among many things – she had such a green thumb!), and I loved the delicate, feathery fronds…
Read MoreCoconut, Meet Toffee: A Cupcake Story
In case you have the misfortune of not having any Girl Scouts where you live, you may not know that it’s the end of Girl Scout Cookie season. And while I have a special place in my heart for Girl Scout cookies (you’re talking to…
Read MoreTuna Noodle Casserole | The Way Casseroles Were Meant to Be
I’ve mentioned before that my mom was more of a baker than a cook. To her credit, when she did cook, she was adventurous in the kitchen. That meant her tastes would lead us to more exotic foods. Norms for us were dishes like Hungarian…
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Chicken Angst
pail·lard (pī yär′; Fr pȧ yȧr′) noun a slice of meat, esp. veal or chicken, pounded until it is very thin and grilled quickly at high heat. Chicken can get a bad rap sometimes. I know that once in a while, chicken can get boring,…
Read MoreThe Taste of Time
I am a big believer in fate. Sometimes, there is no other explanation. A few weeks ago, I drafted a post on one of my favorite wines. Not just a favorite, but perhaps most favorite. I held back from posting for rather selfish reasons. Please…
Read MoreWalking on Sunshine
It’s those little things that can make a person’s day. And today, a fellow blogger totally surprised me! I was given the Sunshine Award by Denise from Quickies on the Dinner Table. I am extremely flattered that she passed on this honor, and am even…
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You Say Smoothie, We Say Soosmie
There are some things you can count on in our house. There will always be: 1. French Roast coffee, freshly ground and brewed, once in the morning, and once in the afternoon. 2. Sunday Morning Pancakes. 3. Daily Soosmies Soosmies? You probably call them Smoothies, but…
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