Heirloom Tomato Galette

I love summer produce. As soon as the cherries appear at the farmers’ market, I know that apricots, peaches, and plums won’t be far behind. But those aren’t the only summer fruits I look forward to. I also love heirloom tomatoes. Not only are they gorgeous, they taste so sweet, it’s really like another piece… Continue reading Heirloom Tomato Galette

Roasted Shrimp and Orzo Salad

Now that the temperatures are finally warming up around here and the snow and ice have finally started to melt, it’s time to start thinking about warmer recipes. You know, recipes that are good for spring and summer picnics or when you really don’t want to cook. One of my favorites is a pasta salad.… Continue reading Roasted Shrimp and Orzo Salad

Roasted Salmon with Strawberry Salsa

Strawberries are finally in season and they’re amazing. While it’s true that here in Southern California we have strawberries year round, you can absolutely taste the difference between the ones from the greenhouse and those from the farms. The farm berries are just brighter, sweeter, and an all-around better berry. It’s during these months, that… Continue reading Roasted Salmon with Strawberry Salsa

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Mexican Chocolate Cookies

I love chocolate and cinnamon. While both are great on their own, put them together and you have a rich dessert that’s a little spicy. It’s seriously one of my favorite flavor combinations. So, when I found these Mexican Chocolate Cookies in Nicole Presley’s newest cookbook, Viva Desserts!, I knew I had to make them… Continue reading Mexican Chocolate Cookies

Beef Wrapped Gai Lan

So, last week I made a delicious noodle dish for the Lunar New Year thanks to some amazing produce from the folks at Melissa’s Produce. Well, I’m back this week with another awesome Asian-inspired dish. This week we use beef and gai lan! Now, I love a good shrimp recipe. But my first love when… Continue reading Beef Wrapped Gai Lan

Shrimp & Bok Choy Stir-fried with Noodles

The Lunar New Year started on Sunday and goes through February 15th. It’s a time of celebration all over the world. There are wishes to be made, food to be enjoyed, and plenty of hope and good fortune for the new year. During the new year, you’ll see red envelopes covered with gold writing, red… Continue reading Shrimp & Bok Choy Stir-fried with Noodles

Apple Challah French Toast Bake

Even though we’re getting into the citrus season, apples are still ever-present and new varieties are showing up weekly. (One of my favorites, the Sundowner, just hit the market last week!) I love apples, especially the tart, crunchy kind. You know the kind I’m talking about, those that aren’t too sweet or soft. The ones… Continue reading Apple Challah French Toast Bake

Morning Glory Fizz

Now that we’re through Christmas, there’s just one more holiday before we can pack up all the decorations and look ahead to 2023: New Year’s. While you’ll see a lot of recipes for champagne cocktails for New Year’s Eve, I’m bringing you a drink for the morning after. The morning when you might need a… Continue reading Morning Glory Fizz

Orange Cranberry Bundt Cake

Several flavors come to mind when I think of the holidays: oranges, apples, cinnamon, cranberries, and nutmeg. Those flavors, combined or separate, always make me think of snowy evenings, crackling fires, and plenty of presents under the tree. They make great cookies, cocktails, and cakes, all things absolutely necessary over the next couple of weeks.… Continue reading Orange Cranberry Bundt Cake

Princess Mary’s Pride

Thanksgiving is next week. And while you’re probably all set with your food menu, what about the cocktails? If you’re anything like me, there will be plenty of red and white wine. But what about a nice aperitif or digestif? Something to get the juices flowing before you sit down to stuff your face with… Continue reading Princess Mary’s Pride

Harry’s Pick-Me-Up

Have you noticed that over the past few years, certain food and beverages have been getting their own special days? I’m not kidding. There are even websites listing all the different days and which food, sweet treat or drink should be celebrated. Some items are so popular in fact, they have several days during the… Continue reading Harry’s Pick-Me-Up

Gnocchi, Corn and Arugula in a Cream Sauce

There’s nothing I love more in the late summer and early fall than fresh corn. It doesn’t matter if it’s yellow, white or a combination, if it’s in season, it’s sweet as sugar and I just can’t get enough! As soon as it’s at the farmers market I start buying ears by the bushel and… Continue reading Gnocchi, Corn and Arugula in a Cream Sauce

Mediterranean Zucchini and Chickpea Salad

Recently I’ve been doing recipes with corn and zucchini because those are the vegetables that are in season right now. Two delicious choices that are even better in the late summer and fall. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a huge fan of both these veggies and as long as they’re in season, I use them.… Continue reading Mediterranean Zucchini and Chickpea Salad

Royal Bermuda Yacht Club Cocktail

It’s been hot! I mean, surface of the sun hot. I live 10 blocks from the beach and it’s been oscillating between 80 and 90 degrees depending on the time of day. But if you look up above, it looks like rain… which sort of fits. Any time I’ve been somewhere tropical, somewhere the temperatures… Continue reading Royal Bermuda Yacht Club Cocktail

Peach Bourbon Sun Tea

For the past two years I’ve been invited to the OC County Fair to do cocktail demos. Last year I did bubbly cocktails with fresh produce. This year I did tea cocktails. Why tea? Well, the theme for this year’s fair was Feel the Sunshine, so I did something I’ve never done before. I made… Continue reading Peach Bourbon Sun Tea

Corn and Zucchini Orzo Salad

When summer turns to fall and the leaves start to change color that’s when we start to see some of my favorite summer vegetables. I know all I’ve been talking about are peaches and plums, but there are also a couple vegetables that I look forward to when August and September come around: corn and… Continue reading Corn and Zucchini Orzo Salad

Caprese Chicken

When summer hits, I’m all about the stone fruits. Cherries, peaches, plums… if it’s got a pit, I’m all over it. But there’s another fruit that  shows up when the temperature turns warm that I also can’t get enough of: the tomato. I love heirloom tomatoes. While a regular beefsteak or Roma tomato is great… Continue reading Caprese Chicken

S’all Good, Man

PLEASE NOTE – The following post/recipe contains spoilers for Better Call Saul. So, if you’re not caught up on the final season, please come back once you are. If you’re a Better Call Saul fan, you know that this Monday is the series finale. At long last, after years of meth and money, cartels and… Continue reading S’all Good, Man

Peach Berry Focaccia

I love bread. I know it’s super heavy on the carbs and it’s not the healthiest option out there, but I can’t get enough, especially when it’s piping hot, just out of the oven. But of all the different kinds of bread out there, my favorite is definitely focaccia. I make it every chance I… Continue reading Peach Berry Focaccia

Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Tomorrow is National Chocolate Chip Cookie day. I love chocolate chip cookies. I’ve been eating them since I could hold one in my hand. Haven’s you? Do you remember the first time you tasted a chocolate chip cookie? How about the first time you made a batch with Mom? The chocolate chip cookie is that… Continue reading Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gin & Tonic

I was going back through all my cocktail posts and I realized I’d never done the infamous G&T. You’re probably wondering why? I mean, I’ve got all the classics here. The Martini, the Manhattan, Bloody Mary, Mimosa, Margarita and the Mai Tai… and that’s just the M’s! If it’s got liquor and was made before… Continue reading Gin & Tonic

Cherry Blueberry Coffee Cake

It’s stone fruit season! I absolutely love stone fruits. This season is far and away my favorite time of year. It starts with cherries in May, then continues with apricots, peaches and plums all the way through October. I can never get enough. I buy as many pounds as I can and then make a… Continue reading Cherry Blueberry Coffee Cake

Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies

I know summer is the season of fruit, but every so often I need chocolate. I don’t care how hot it is. There are just times when nothing but a piece of dark chocolate or a bowl of chocolate ice cream will satisfy me. And when that craving hits, I open my cupboard, grab a… Continue reading Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies

Blueberry Coconut Mojito

Monday is July 4th. The day America celebrates its independence from England. I love the 4th of July. Backyard barbecues, block parties, fireworks and ice cold cocktails. Yeah, nothing goes better with a hot dog or hamburger than a beer. Unless it’s a cocktail. A cocktail that’s full of ice and bubbles. My favorite cocktail… Continue reading Blueberry Coconut Mojito

Ceviche Tostadas

When the weather turns hot, I like cool meals. It’s time for grilled proteins and pasta salads, poke and lettuce wraps, anything that’s chilled and filling. I don’t care if it’s cold fried chicken, steak salad or raw fish, if it’s cold and full or flavor, it’s all I want. One of my favorite choices… Continue reading Ceviche Tostadas

Parisian Cocktail

It’s officially summer and when it comes to cocktails that means 3 things: vodka, gin and rum. These are the liquors I like to imbibe when the weather turns warm. There’s just something about lighter liquors, especially when mixed with soda or champagne, that scream summer to me. And since the past two weeks have… Continue reading Parisian Cocktail

Beef Pad Thai

I’ve always been a big fan of Thai food. Chinese, Japanese, Korean… if there’s a wok, noodles, rice and some sort of protein, I’m all in. As a matter of fact, every time I make rice as a side dish, I always make extra so I can make fried rice later in the week. But… Continue reading Beef Pad Thai

Milano Torino Cocktail

Yes, it’s another Italian cocktail to commemorate my recent trip to Italy. But unlike last week’s spritz, this drink is definitely on the more bitter side. So, for all you Campari lovers out there, this one’s for you. Unlike my husband (and so many other people I know) I am not a Campari fan. It’s… Continue reading Milano Torino Cocktail

Limoncello Spritz

If you follow my Instagram, you know I recently got back from Italy. There was beautiful scenery, plenty of museums, amazing architecture and of course tons and tons of delicious food and drink! Yes, there was plenty of pasta and bruschetta, but there was also a ton of meat and seafood. While the entreés changed… Continue reading Limoncello Spritz

Gin & It

It’s been a whirlwind month and we’re only through the 2nd week of May! May’s always been a busy month for me. Between all my boys’ birthdays (there are 3!), Mother’s Day, 2 anniversaries (mine and my parents), it’s always insane trying to schedule everything. But this year’s especially nuts! Last week I was in… Continue reading Gin & It

Man O’ War Cocktail

There’s so much happening this weekend. Cinco de Mayo was yesterday, Mother’s Day is Sunday and tomorrow is the Kentucky Derby! Now, I know for most of us the Run for the Roses is not a holiday, but for sports fans and horse race aficionados, this is their Super Bowl. “The fastest two minutes in… Continue reading Man O’ War Cocktail

Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Cinco de Mayo may be tomorrow, but there’s another holiday right around the corner: Mother’s Day! Yes, that very important holiday where we celebrate the women in our lives. The women who took care of us from birth through those awful teenage years and yes, even into adulthood. I mean, let’s be honest, don’t you… Continue reading Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Cantaritos Cocktail

Cinco de Mayo is next week and that means it’s time to make sure you have everything you need to celebrate. Sure, you’ve got avocados, plenty of lemons and limes, ground beef, shredded cheese and tortillas. But do you have what you need to make the perfect Cinco de Mayo cocktail? I’m not talking about… Continue reading Cantaritos Cocktail

Tortilla Pie

Now that we’ve switched into spring, there are a few holidays coming down the pipe. First was Passover and Easter, then there’s Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. After that, we’re into June, the end of school and then it’s straight onto summer. With so many holidays and events on the calendar, it’s… Continue reading Tortilla Pie

Orange Strawberry Muffins

Now that spring is here, we’re starting to see all those delicious spring and summer fruits I love so much. Fruits like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. Whenever I see baskets and baskets of fresh strawberries I know that spring is here and all those delicious stone fruits like cherries and peaches aren’t too far… Continue reading Orange Strawberry Muffins

Tuna with Cucumber-Olive Relish

It’s spring break here in Redondo, and that means that Passover and Easter are this coming weekend. If you’re entertaining friends and family like me, you have a menu planned. But in case you don’t, as always, I’m here to help. Both Passover and Easter have their rules about what you can and cannot eat.… Continue reading Tuna with Cucumber-Olive Relish

Toad in the Hole

Easter and Passover are a little less than two weeks away and if you’re anything like me, you’re already figuring out your guest list and menu. While Passover’s almost always dinner, Easter can be brunch or dinner. It really depends on when you’re heading to services. Do you like to go early in the morning… Continue reading Toad in the Hole

Greek Lamb Pita Pockets

With Easter and Passover coming up, it’s all about spring recipes, and have a I got a few. There’s lamb, egg, lemons… so many options, and all of them are great choices for the spring holidays. Better yet, all of them coming up over the next few weeks. While red meat and bread aren’t usually… Continue reading Greek Lamb Pita Pockets

Toronto Cocktail

We’re in a weird place right now with the seasons. It’s officially spring but it’s still chilly outside. Beautiful green leaves are sprouting on the trees but then a bitter cold wind blows off the ocean. It’s that weird time of year when I really don’t know what to drink. I know that sounds odd.… Continue reading Toronto Cocktail

Red Wine Lamb Chops with Dried Fruit

When winter hits, all I want is warm comforting meals. Dinners that will coat my throat and stomach and make me feel all cozy inside. Hearty proteins that will fill me up and keep me content until breakfast the next morning. Meals like chili or spaghetti and meatballs. A thick, rich risotto or savory stew.… Continue reading Red Wine Lamb Chops with Dried Fruit

Baked Polenta with Sausage

If there’s one thing I love, it’s an easy dinner. I’m so busy during the week, taking the kids to and from their various activities, that making something simple always makes me happy. I make a variety of things from taco salads to roasted chicken to pastas. Anything that takes a minimal amount of time… Continue reading Baked Polenta with Sausage

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Roasted Chicken with Grapes

I make dinner almost every night for my family. Those dinners range the gamut from pasta, to seafood to steak and chicken. It really depends on what we’re in the mood for. While I love chicken and steak, my boys are partial to pastas and pizza. But since we can’t eat chicken nuggets and pizza… Continue reading Roasted Chicken with Grapes

Lemon Butter Cookies

I know I’ve been all about being healthy the past few weeks but even I need the occasional cookie or sweet treat. A simple cookie won’t tip the scales if you’ve been cutting back, but it could temper those cravings that we all get now and again. Personally, I love a good chocolate chip cookie,… Continue reading Lemon Butter Cookies

Roasted Salmon with Orzo

The past few weeks I’ve talked about how I’m trying to be healthy in the new year while still eating delicious, filling meals. I’ve cut back on the sweets (somewhat) and I’m making hearty dishes. Since it’s National Soup month and it’s been a pretty cold start to the year, the last couple weeks have… Continue reading Roasted Salmon with Orzo

Lasagna Soup

We’re still smack dab in the middle of National Soup Month and there’s nothing I want more on a bitingly cold day than a big, hot bowl of soup. I’ll take anything from the classic chicken noodle to a hearty vegetable. I especially love it when my soup has stuff in it. Stuff like noodles,… Continue reading Lasagna Soup

Chicago Fizz

Sunday is National Repeal Day, the last night of Hanukkah and we’re officially in the middle of Christmas season. That means it’s all about fall and winter cocktails. There’s the classic egg nog, mulled cider, cranberry cocktails… anything that has to do with the holidays. When I think of this time of year, I think of… Continue reading Chicago Fizz

Zucchini Pancakes

Tonight is the 4th night of Hanukkah which means we’re right in the middle of the festive holiday. By now you’ve gotten a few presents and have probably eaten plenty of latkes, brisket and sufganiyot (jelly filled donuts). I love this time of year because it’s eight nights of delicious food, driedel, celebration and food!… Continue reading Zucchini Pancakes

2021 Gift Guide for the Foodies in your Life

Now that we’re past Thanksgiving, it’s time to start thinking about the holidays and all the gifting. Between Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday and the fact that Hanukkah started last night, there’s no time to waste. It’s time to get your lists in order and buy, buy, buy!  So, let’s dive… Continue reading 2021 Gift Guide for the Foodies in your Life

Double Cranberry Sauce

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and by now you should have your menu all planned, and you may have even started making some dishes to prepare for the big feast. There’s the turkey, stuffing and gravy. There’s a potato dish as well as a vegetable, and of course there’s dessert. But there’s another smaller dish that’s just… Continue reading Double Cranberry Sauce

Stone Fence Cocktail

Since Thanksgiving is next week, I wanted to bring you one more cocktail that’s not only perfect for the upcoming holiday, but has all those fall flavors we love so much this time of year. It’s the Stone Fence. If you are looking for a cocktail that epitomizes autumn, the Stone Fence would be it.… Continue reading Stone Fence Cocktail

Denver Potato Gratin

With Thanksgiving only a week away now is the time to start planning your menu (if you haven’t already). If you’re hosting you’ve probably already ordered your turkey and are in the process of figuring out what to serve with it. There are the standards: potatoes, cranberries, gravy and green beans… but then there are… Continue reading Denver Potato Gratin

Devil’s Cocktail

It’s October and while that means there’s a chill in the air and the trees have started to shed their leaves, it also means that Halloween is right around the corner. This is the time of year when you start seeing green and orange cocktails or drinks that are smoking thanks to a little dry… Continue reading Devil’s Cocktail

Slow Cooker Short Rib & Carrot Ragu

My weeks are pretty busy. Between the boys being back in school and trucking them back and forth to sports and robotics, my week days have gone from empty to overflowing. While I’m thrilled things are finally getting back to normal, trying to find time to make a nice dinner has disappeared. Most nights it’s… Continue reading Slow Cooker Short Rib & Carrot Ragu

Gettin’ Figgy With It

It’s October and everywhere you look it’s apple and pumpkin everything. But there’s another fruit out there this time of year. It doesn’t get a lot of love, but it’s just as much a part of fall as the other two: the fig. Figs are a huge part of fall and are absolutely delicious. Available… Continue reading Gettin’ Figgy With It

Brandy Daisy

Today’s the first day of October. The leaves have started to change color and there’s a definite chill in the air. While others are thinking about Halloween decorations, I’m thinking about fall and winter cocktails. This is the time of year I start to switch out my vodka and gin for bourbon and scotch. But those… Continue reading Brandy Daisy

Coffee Chocolate Chip Cookies

Today is National Coffee Day! While a lot of blogs and Instagram feeds will be whipping up coffee drinks and cocktails for you today, that’s not the only way to take your coffee. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing I love more than a large cup of coffee or espresso with plenty of frothy milk.… Continue reading Coffee Chocolate Chip Cookies

The Alaska Cocktail

The first day of fall was Wednesday which means it’s time to start thinking about warmer drinks and cocktails made with bourbon or scotch. But in several places (including here in So Cal) it still feels like summer. (It’s actually in the 80’s here.) That means you don’t need to pack up the vodka and… Continue reading The Alaska Cocktail

Peach Blueberry Buckle

I know fall officially starts tomorrow, but here in sunny, southern California, it’s still in the low 80’s. So, while apples and citrus are starting to show up at farmers markets and grocery stores, there are still plenty of berries and peaches available, too. As a matter of fact, peaches will probably be around for… Continue reading Peach Blueberry Buckle

Sweet Challah Rolls with Apple Raisin Filling

We’re right in the middle of High Holidays. Last Tuesday was Rosh Hashana and today and Thursday are Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur. It’s a time of celebration and atonement. A time to reflect on the past year, what we’ve achieved and what we hope to accomplish in the coming year. It’s a time when… Continue reading Sweet Challah Rolls with Apple Raisin Filling

Knickerbocker Cocktail

I know it’s been a little quiet here the past few weeks. I’ve missed you guys. I’ve missed sitting down at my computer and writing about what’s been going on in our lives while whipping up some delicious dinners and mixing up some delectable cocktails. Well, we’ve wrapped up our summer and the kids are… Continue reading Knickerbocker Cocktail

Grilled Shrimp Orzo Salad

It’s August which means we’re deep into the summer. I still can’t believe there are only a couple more weeks before school starts. And unlike last year, school is actually going to start! But while the kids going off to school means more time for you to run errands, go shopping or just binge all… Continue reading Grilled Shrimp Orzo Salad

Polynesian Pearl Diver

Hubs and I love TCM. As vintage fans, we love tuning into those classic movies from the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. Sure, the stories are always quaint and the guy always gets the girl, but there’s just something about those black & white pictures with the beautiful clothes and stories so ridiculous there’s no way… Continue reading Polynesian Pearl Diver

Peach Blueberry Crumble

Now that things have opened back up here in the States, people are traveling again. People are visiting relatives on coasts they haven’t been to in over a year. They’re getting on planes and going to the Bahamas, Hawaii or Mexico. Places that are all about escape, which after the last year, is something we… Continue reading Peach Blueberry Crumble

Grilled Chicken Fattoush Salad

Summer’s in full swing and that means it’s time to pull the cover off your grill and get to grilling. While hot dogs and hamburgers are the easy choice, nothing is better right off the grill than chicken, or seafood or even a nice T-bone steak. But you don’t have to stick with proteins. You… Continue reading Grilled Chicken Fattoush Salad

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Pork Chops with Peach-Plum Compote

Since we’re right at the beginning of peach season, it’s all about peaches for me. Where I used to buy pounds and pounds of citrus, I’m now buying pounds and pounds of peaches, plums, pluots and apricots. In other words, I’m buying as much stone fruit as I can get my hands on. And now… Continue reading Pork Chops with Peach-Plum Compote

4th of July Stuffed Strawberries

Block parties are back, baby! Okay, let me backtrack a bit. For over a decade, my street has been having a block party every year on the 4th of July. What started as a small get together with just a few neighbors has turned into a serious party with a DJ, a chili cookoff and… Continue reading 4th of July Stuffed Strawberries

Bruschetta Chicken

You all know how much I love the spring and summer produce. I can’t wait for those amazing stone fruits to make an appearance. Then from April through at least September I cook with them constantly. While I can’t get enough of all those peaches and plums, they’re not the only produce I look forward… Continue reading Bruschetta Chicken

Mint Blackberry Lemonade

I know I usually do cocktails on Fridays, but this week I wanted to bring you a refreshing beverage that’s alcohol-free! I know, you’re probably wondering what’s wrong with me? Nothing! It’s summer and while I’ll never pass up a fizzy cocktail, a non-alcoholic drink can be just as refreshing and won’t leave you feeling… Continue reading Mint Blackberry Lemonade

Citrus Rhubarb Olive Oil Bundt Cake

I know we’re getting into stone fruit season, but you can still find rhubarb and plenty of citrus at the local farmers markets. Yesterday I actually spotted a bushel of Meyer Lemons! Meyers! They’re those sweeter lemons that are great for lemon bars, lemon tarts… pretty much anything with lemon. So, I grabbed a bunch,… Continue reading Citrus Rhubarb Olive Oil Bundt Cake

Green Isaac’s Special

Have you noticed how every day seems to be a holiday these days? Some, like Christmas and Veteran’s Day, are definitely noteworthy while others, like No Diet Day and Dictionary Day (yes, these are real holidays) are some of the stupidest things I’ve ever heard of.  But in the midst of all these weird (holi)days… Continue reading Green Isaac’s Special

Ahi Poke

The past few months I’ve been trying to make our dinners a little healthier. While I’ve been making meals from scratch forever, you need to do more than just copy a recipe. The ingredients you use are also very important. As you all know, I try to get the freshest ingredients from produce to proteins.… Continue reading Ahi Poke