My husband and I have been enjoying the warmth of the Hawaiian tropics for the last few days. It's certainly been a welcome escape from all the rain we left at home. This is the second Christmas we've spent outside of California--one can hardly complain about being in paradise--but it does ... Read More
Bourbon Maple Toasted Pistachios
This past weekend's storm let up long enough to allow for a pleasant drive up to San Francisco. 'Tis the season for holiday parties and Christmas shopping and for making sure we get to see our friends before the December calendar gets too full. We met good friends at Marlowe Saturday night, ... Read More
Pear, Prosciutto and Truffled Brie Tart
I bought a few Anjou pears with the intention of recreating a tart I enjoyed (a little too much) in France this past September. That tart didn't happen this weekend--I decided to make it my feature recipe for when I finally share the highlights of my Europe trip. Several weeks have passed ... Read More
Prawn, Pesto, Fig and Feta Sandwich
I can count on one hand the number of times I will choose a sandwich for dinner (on any given month with few fingers left to spare) over a rice or pasta dish. I wouldn't think twice about a turkey, tuna or roast beef sandwich for lunch but for dinner? I don't know why my mind discounts it as ... Read More
Tamarind-Marinated Baked Chicken Wings
Chicken wings. I have always loved them but I rarely ever order them at restaurants and even less frequently prepare them at home (this marks the third or fourth time, ever). It's not that I'm afraid the public will think me unrefined for eating them--they are considered finger food, after ... Read More
Taste of South America, Part 3: Wining and Dining in Mendoza, Argentina
Our rescue didn't come by way of a knight in armor. Rather, he was an older gentleman with a big smile, his missing front teeth just adding to his charm--and instead of a horse he had a motor scooter. We were lost in Mendoza. With only one full day to become acquainted with Argentina's wine ... Read More