December 1st marks the beginning of Hanukkah and the eight-day Festival of Lights celebration.The Hanukkah ritual of lighting the menorah at sundown commemorates the Maccabees’ triumph over the oppressive Syrian king and how one day’s supply of oil miraculously burned for eight days and nights following their victory. One of the traditional foods of Hanukkah is latkes […]
Hamachi with Coconut Green Curry Sauce
Thanksgiving aside, I’ve been pondering and searching for appetizers that are elegant, refreshing (had enough of carb overload) and easy to make and serve for holiday entertaining AND in particular, for an event on Dec. 6th at The Alley restaurant in Newport Beach where I’m the guest chef. Even though I’m kind of freaking out […]
Paris – Cupid Awakening Psyche
I am thankful for the beauty that exists in our world. For this week’s obsession, I offer you a glimpse of Italian sculptor Antonio Canova’s exquisite Cupid Awakening Psyche (1793) at the Louvre. Absolutely breathtaking- it is love carved in stone. According to myth, Cupid awakens Psyche from eternal slumber with a kiss.
Fresh Take on Green Bean Casserole
Talk about effective branding! That green bean casserole topped with fried onions makes an appearance every Thanksgiving on millions of dinner tables across America to this day. I’m always curious about the origins of different foods, especially when it comes to dishes that are included in traditional celebrations, both cultural and religious. Because one of […]
Picnic in Paris
While a picnic for one may sound frightfully lonely in most cases, a picnic for one in the Garden of Les Halles in Paris while savoring a French roll and salad from famed baker Eric Kayser, can only be described as an earthly pleasure that you hope exists in heaven. When faced with the gorgeous […]
Butternut Squash with Pancetta and a Winner!
With Thanksgiving just a week away, I’ve been thinking about side dishes to accompany that gorgeous Savory Brined Turkey which I made last week in my test kitchen using a brining recipe from Kikkoman and my own new glaze recipe. My husband has been enjoying turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce while I’ve been out of […]
Savory Brined Turkey with Brown Rice Syrup Glaze
Turkey recipes abound and its officially countdown time to the big day! I’ve ordered my Mary’s Free Range organic turkey – all it takes is a phone call to Whole Foods – and I’ll pick it up next Monday so it has 2+ days to defrost in the refrigerator. So let’s talk turkey! Have you […]
This week’s obsession….
Our second evening of eating like a local in Cannes: La Cave , a tiny, lively old-style bistro serving classic French food and wine. Amazing how in an unbelievably modest sized open kitchen and service area, 2 chefs and 3 waiters can efficiently create and serve flavorful and filling plates to a packed restaurant all […]
Saucy Sliders and a Giveaway
Even if you are normally a cook from scratch kinda person, there are days when quality, gourmet sauces and marinades can transform a dish from ordinary to extraordinary with the twist of a cap. Saucy Mama sauces and marinades are just what you need. While I specialize in simple recipes that fit your busy lifestyle, […]
Olive-encrusted Pacific Seabass with Provencal Vegetables
This easy recipe for Olive-encrusted Pacific Seabass with Provencal Vegetables is my homage to the allure of Cannes and the fabulous seafood we had there. Jump to Recipe Gaston Gastounette in Cannes Instead of eating like President Nicolas Sarkozy and dining at La Petite Maison in Nice (widely known to be the favorite restaurant of […]