My bedroom in my childhood San Francisco home was situated in front of the house. My middle sister and I shared an adjoining bathroom while my youngest sister's bedroom was on the opposite end, next to my parents' bedroom. It was not uncommon when I was in junior high school to see kids ... Read More
Espresso Bourbon Brownies with Toblerone Chunks
For a household that relies almost exclusively on wine for libation, we have a liquor cabinet that is filled to capacity. Rum, brandy, vodka, whiskey and a variety of liqueurs--all opened, in varying degrees of almost-full. What is the shelf life of alcohol anyway? Opened bottles of wine ... Read More
Cantaloupe Popsicles
After a few unusually wet days here in northern California summer has returned. You've heard me blah, blah, blah about what a dry winter season we had this year so I won't drone on. I will say, though, that I didn't mind the dampness and overcast skies at all. I made a big pot of ribollita ... Read More
Fig Bars
Nabisco's Fig Newtons were my introduction to figs. They were my favorite sweet treat from the grocery store as a child and I could easily eat half the package in one sitting; the other half wouldn't last long after. I don't remember my sisters ever being as fond of them as I was but boy, did ... Read More
Cherry-Almond Cake
I parked myself on a bistro table and enjoyed a leisurely lunch of a salad, a baguette and an iced tea. I was so happy to be seated outside the European bakery in Santana Row on a gorgeous sunny day like today as I toggled my attention between my Kindle and the people walking by. When I got ... Read More
Coconut Lime Bars
It's been 48 hours since my return from Los Cabos, Mexico. I spent a week lounging, reading, watching the waves and (occasionally) drinking a frozen margarita poolside on the south end of Baja California. Between swimming and reading I took pictures, lots of pictures. As usual, organizing them is ... Read More