Lemons + Anchovies

Pastéis de Nata

Thoughts of my visit to Portugal a few years ago always evoke warm feelings for the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of Lisbon, azure skies and equally blue waters of the Algarve coastline.  Also vivid in my mind are the cork oaks that stood proudly along the country roads.  The tree trunks were in ... Read More

On Growing Up and an Ultra-Rich Chocolate Cake

  Life has a way of working out...if you let it do its thing.  I didn't become aware of my controlling nature until I reached my thirties (which will be history in a couple of weeks), realizing that when it comes to my life, I am very specific about how I want things to go.  I assert this ... Read More

French-Style Spareribs

  The oak trees in our yard are quickly shedding their leaves to prepare for the coming winter.  In contrast, Pilot, my normally petite cat is just a bit bigger as he's now holding on to his fur (and hopefully appears more formidable in the eyes of the field mice).  The resident Great Horned ... Read More

Banana Turnovers and My New Favorite Pastry Cream

  With Thanksgiving just around the corner my mind is on food more than usual.  For the last 10 years, my husband and I have happily played host during the holiday.  I would be in charge of the turkey, traditional sides and a dessert or two while my family would take care of the rest.  Each ... Read More

Stir-Fried Eggplant, Mushrooms and Tomatoes

  This healthy, flavorful dish is completely unlike all the rich foods I've indulged in all week.  It's as if a switch turned on inside me, sparking an insatiable hunger for only rich, heavy foods.  In short, I've been an eating machine.  I made a large batch of chicken adobo earlier this ... Read More

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