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
Shrimp Fried Rice
I have been up for a couple of hours now and the sun has yet to rise. I'm savoring the last few minutes of quiet time before my husband gets up and invites me for a walk down the beach to the local Starbucks two hotels over. The last few days before Christmas were a blur as we scrambled to ... Read More
Pan-Fried Trout, White Bean Purée, Wilted Spinach and Baby Squash
It is 4:30 am and I have been up for hours. I had my morning cup of tea shortly after 3 am and as I type now the washer and dryer are running, my to-do list has been updated and I'm eating a bowl of chicken adobo and rice with a glass of orange juice to wash it all down. My body still thinks ... Read More
Orzo with Pesto, Shrimp, Eggplant and Artichokes
Whether it's because we know what we like or we're creatures of habit my husband and I tend to frequent the same restaurants in the neighborhood. We know the weekend specials at the Japanese restaurant so our visits are timed accordingly. The hostess at the Italian restaurant knows not to ... 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
Risotto with Saffron, Seafood and Peas
I have always been a good eater. My mother never had to worry about me cleaning my plate when I was a child. Contrary to my youngest sister who had an aversion to cheese and whose favorite meal was a bowl of Froot Loops, I liked most everything...well, except vanilla ice cream. I didn't ... Read More