What is it that makes us crave a certain food? Clear out of the blue, I had an urge for chicken a la king! This is a dish that I probably haven’t had since my mother made it oh so many years ago. I couldn’t stop thinking about it and could actually remember exactly what [...]
Archive for the ‘food’ Category
Food From The Past
Posted in cooking, food, recipe on November 10, 2009 | 3 Comments »
Craving Comfort Food
Posted in cooking, food, recipe on November 9, 2009 | 5 Comments »
I am in my glory with the beginning of cooler weather. It’s time to say goodbye to all those warm weather recipes and welcome time in the kitchen preparing stews, braises, roasts and lots of baking. I must admit that I use my outdoor grill all year long (hey, a cold evening here is only [...]
Baking With “00″ Flour
Posted in Italy, cooking, food on November 3, 2009 | 6 Comments »
Calling all bakers-I need help! What’s up with “00″ flour- the flour used in Italy to make their delicate pasta and spectacular baked goods? I keep seeing recipes calling for this flour and it’s not easy to find here. The last time I was up at the amazing restaurant supply store Surfas in Los Angeles, [...]
Finally Fall
Posted in cooking, food, recipe on November 2, 2009 | 5 Comments »
It’s “officially” fall. We’ve turned the clocks back and its dark way too early. I wish I could say that there’s a chill in the air, but here in southern California it still feels like the middle of August. Despite the temperature, I’m embracing autumn and cooking with the incredible cool weather vegetables that are [...]
One Last Look
Posted in cooking, food on October 31, 2009 | 6 Comments »
Last weekend I begrudgingly cleared out all of our tomato plants. It’s been a great four month run and I loved walking out the back door and bringing in the bounty. I got to the point where I took it for granted that there were tomatoes to pluck whenever the urge struck, but reality set [...]
Stewed Spareribs With Tomatoes
Posted in cookbooks, food, recipe on October 28, 2009 | 3 Comments »
“As a teenager I remember the fun of a Sunday excursion in the country with friends for the sole purpose of eating large quantities of country food. We would dash to the hills in search of farmhouses that could feed a crowd for very little money. Those meals were made up of home-cured salamis, prosciutto, [...]
Anatomy Of A Dinner Party
Posted in cooking, food, friends, recipe on October 27, 2009 | 5 Comments »
For about fifteen years we’ve been meeting for dinner with a group of friends to share great wines and even better food. Originally there were six of us and after a short time, a fourth couple came on board. When you are the host, you are responsible for the entire dinner with a bottle of [...]
Butternut Squash Soup
Posted in cooking, food, recipe on October 25, 2009 | 3 Comments »
Some years back I served soup as a starter at a small dinner party. Instead of having everyone move to the dining table, I poured the soup into mugs and we mingled in front of the fireplace while we enjoyed this first course. J. dubbed it “the walk around soup”. I can’t tell you how [...]
Gratitude Friday: Time In The Kitchen
Posted in cooking, family, food on October 23, 2009 | 3 Comments »
There’s no where I would rather be than whipping something up in my kitchen! Well, of course I’d rather be doing it in a kitchen in Italy, but if not, my humble little kitchen in sunny California will do. I really would like to thank my mother for being my inspiration. Growing up I was [...]
“The Best Scones”
Posted in cooking, food, recipe on October 20, 2009 | 4 Comments »
Let me state right up front that the pronouncement of the best scones comes from J., who was smart enough to grab one just as I pulled them from the oven. I have to admit I to am pretty enamored of this recipe. I’ve made scones many times in the past-from the fluffy ones that [...]
