Life is finally returning to normal after vacation. The work week came and went, the bills that piled up in the mail have been paid, the jet lag is gone and I'm back in the kitchen. When I left in late August summer was in full swing but it was fall that greeted me when I stepped off the ... Read More
Seared Ahi with Wonton Crisps and Shiitake Mushroom Salsa
Not too long ago my husband and I were invited to a San Francisco-based wine club's annual dinner. Several of our friends are members so we were fortunate to be invited to this year's celebration. While the previous year's party was held at Chateau Montelena this year's venue took us back ... Read More
Parmesan-Herb Madeleines
Do you ever feel at a loss on what to serve when company comes over? Appetizers are the easiest thing to put together but sometimes I have a hard time figuring out what to serve. I tend to be the most inspired when I'm just cooking for myself and my husband; I suppose it's because I don't feel ... Read More
Prosciutto, Brie & Jalapeño-Tangerine Jam Crostini
My diet seems to always go off-kilter after a vacation. I have a hard time getting back to my normal routine and instead continue to indulge my cravings with little to no regard for balance even after I've shaken the travel dust--or in this case the beach sand--off my feet. Since returning ... Read More
Cheese Sablés with Pine Nuts
What's your favorite part of the week? When I was a child I lived for Saturday mornings. It meant sleeping in past 6:30 am and watching at least an hour (or two) of cartoons and old movies before my parents called my sisters and me to the kitchen for breakfast. We each had our own bedroom ... Read More
Rosemary-Parmesan Roasted Chickpeas
My neck of the woods is abuzz with anticipation of Super Bowl Sunday--loyal fans eager to see their 49ers play (win?) in just a couple of days. I haven't followed football much since leaving home in my early 20s but I am every bit a fan (my family would disown me otherwise). I may not yell ... Read More