If you’re one of my regular readers *hugs*, you know that I’m not a baker – that in fact, most baked goods seen here are the handiwork of the Young Baker who is off studying *wink* at UC Santa Cruz now. So, the two divine desserts that you’ve seen here this week: the rustic Plum […]
This week’s obsession….
Nachos Dulces at Sol Cocina warm tortilla ‘chips’ dusted with cinnamon sugar, drizzled with dulce de leche & chocolate sauce, topped with whipped cream, sprinkled with crushed Ibarra chocolate & toasted almonds
Blackmarket Bakery
Last week I shared my Cabernet-crusted Chile Rellenos and promised to tell you more about a fascinating new product: Cabernet Wine Flour. I was uber excited that this modern take on my favorite classic Mexican dish received so many compliments and I’m here to give you the scoop on the cabernet flour that inspired it. […]
Roasted Tomato Soup with Manchego Crisps
I know, I know – we’re having a genuine heat wave in SoCal, so bookmark this for after the October Santa Ana’s my friends 🙂 Meanwhile, fall is in the air in the rest of the Northern Hemisphere and this rustic, comfort food favorite is beckoning you to the table. Roasting the tomatoes to concentrate […]
Cabernet-crusted Chile Rellenos
On Monday night, Chef Rachel Klemek of BlackMarket Bakery in Irvine invited a group of Orange County foodies to her kitchen to experiment with sister company Marche Noir Food’s cabernet flour and cabernet pasta. It began with an ecologically creative idea to utilize the skins and seeds of crushed grapes, a byproduct of wine processing, […]
Cuisine and Couture
Being the only restaurant in the U.S. with a fashion runway, AnQi by Crustacean evokes glamour and sophistication the instant you enter the Asian-inspired eco modern space. As the Orange County glitterati streamed in for the first-ever Bloomingdale’s fashion show, a palpable excitement fills the air. Once the throbbing techno beat begins, eyes are transfixed […]
French Tomato Tart
A savory French tomato tart makes use of the best of summer’s bounty! Jump to Recipe With the Young Baker now settled into her new environs at UC Santa Cruz, you may not be seeing too much in the area of sweet treats here. But I do love savory tarts and, with a late crop […]
This week’s obsession….
The Pink Lotus at AnQi by Crustacean. A beguiling cocktail that begins with a flourish of fluffy pale pink cotton candy, dissolved beneath a river of grapefruit vodka and muddled grapefruit and orange juices with a splash of Cointreau. Go quickly: AnQi South Coast Plaza adjacent to Bloomingdales (714) 557-5679 Look for my post about […]
Fall OC Restaurant Week
Restaurant Week Launch Party Join us at the kick off party for Orange County Restaurant Week at Prego Ristorante in Irvine It’s free but you must RSVP, Space is limited to the first 250 to respond. Fall Orange County Restaurant Week, September 26 through October 2, will begin with an official kick-off party at Prego […]
Corn for all seasons
I think most of us are trying to eat more sustainably, buy organic when we can, be more conscientious about buying locally and seasonally at farmers markets, etc. But I’d like to share a few tips that you may not have considered from 50 Tips for Eating Sustainably at Whole Living. 1. Use the whole […]