So many of us have made resolutions, set goals, voiced intentions, or whatever you wish to call it, to eat healthier this year; and I’m no exception. My intention is to eat less meat and I’ve challenged myself to cook more vegetarian meals that my family, and yours, will find pleasing to the eye and […]
She's Cookin'
Meatball Sliders
It comes as no surprise that meatballs were declared “Dish of the Year” by Bon Appétit magazine – “with a return to homey, comforting cooking this year, meatballs made it big, appearing on restaurant menus and kitchen tables everywhere”. In fact, as a regular happy hour patron it seems that no restaurant menu seems […]
Five Unexpected Food Trends
Recently I read an article by Joanna Prisco about five Unexpected food trends sweeping America. I’m naturally drawn to articles about food because: (1) I love food, (2) I love to eat, (3) I love to cook, and (4) I am constantly looking for material for the cooking blog I now find myself writing because of […]
Bon Appétit Challenge
It’s been quite awhile since I posted a Bon Appétit challenge recipe – I’ve been so caught up with the new blog design, joining OC Family magazine, blogger events, social networking at tweetups, and then the Holidays – it’s been a whirlwind! In case you’re a new reader, the Bon Appétit challenge began after I saw […]
Hoppin’ John – Not just for New Years
Eating Hoppin’ John blackeyed peas is a Southern New Years tradition to bring good luck and, with the addition of greens which represent money, prosperity in the new year. According to Wikipedia these “good luck” traditions date back to the Civil War, when Union troops, especially in areas targeted by General Sherman, typically stripped the countryside […]
Tamales: Preserving Traditions Through Cooking
Tamales – a Mexican Christmas Tradition In southern California, with its widespread Latin cultural influences, tamales are a Christmas tradition, even for those of non-Hispanic origins. You’ll find families ordering tamales from Mexican restaurants (we ordered ours from Las Barcas, a local neighborhood family-owned restaurant) or from some other inside connection established through a friend […]
Gifts from the Kitchen
For many this year, the emphasis during the holidays is restrained gift-giving and spending time with family versus spending money on lots of presents. Homemade gifts are nothing new, but they’re definitely being more widely appreciated, as is humorous regifting or recycled gift-giving. I smiled when I read Teresa Walker’s article in today’s Orange County […]
Divine Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms
For years I have cooked by haphazardly following recipes, substituting ingredients for what I have in the fridge or pantry and eliminating those that I deem superfluous or simply don’t have on hand, but always, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and complementing flavors. For my blog, I attempt to measure my wanton […]
Puttin’ on the Ritz with Albertson’s
A group of OC bloggers were treated to a red-carpet holiday event at Albertson’s in Brea this week. Heidi Diller, Corporate Nutritionist, first demonstrated how to make some super easy centerpieces by floating cranberries in water, add a tealight candle and a touch of greenery and viola! A warm and delicious cup of hot chocolate […]
The Perfect Antidote for a Chilly Night
Vegetable Minestrone A hearty, healthy, and tasty soup; makes a perfect weeknight dinner with enough to freeze for a day when you’re too busy to cook. With the Italian trick of cooking a bit of parmesan cheese rind in the soup for added flavor and the variety of vegetables, this minestrone surpasses the bland bean & […]