Clik here to view.
Beet Salad: Raw, Roasted & Pickled with Lavender Vinaigrette
Beet salad is one of my favorites for its eye popping, show stopping magpie appeal. I like to prepare the beets three ways so guests can enjoy the complexity of flavors: raw, roasted, and spiced. The...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Leeks Vinaigrette: Poireaux à la Vinaigrette
This is a great French bistro dish and makes a beautiful summertime side for just about any roasted protein. It also works on it’s own with the addition of a poached egg and perhaps a few filets of...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Tian Provençal: Summer Squash Sides
This is one of the most colorful French vegetable sides I know and a great way to use up summer squash that is dominating your garden. We made this dish (plus a whole lot more) at our French cooking...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Tarte Au Chocolat : Chocolate Tart
Oh yes, this is a rich, silky, take-your-time-savoring-each-bite bittersweet chocolate dessert. I use pâte brisée (shortcrust) for the pastry shell with a pinch of extra sea salt to balance the rich...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Flaky Pie Crust
“Statistics are to baseball what flaky crust is to Mom’s apple pie” (Harry Reasoner) Call it what you will: pie crust, shortcrust, or pâte brisée – it’s one of my favorite things on this planet and I...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Tarte au Citron: Lemon Tart
“When life gives you lemons, don’t make lemonade. Make life take the lemons back! Get mad! I don’t want your darn lemons, what the heck am I supposed to do with these? Demand to see life’s manager!...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Pig Roast Sides: Sautéed Greens with Pine Nuts
You just need some simple greens at a pig roast amidst all the heavy dishes. Sautéed greens from the farm to the frying pan. Jay Jackson Photography (As if succotash, smoked potato salad, cowboy-up...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Winter Squash in Walnut Sauce
I love Winter for all the beautiful squashes! And there are so many more out there to choose from besides butternut and pumpkin! If only the markets the would carry the full bounty available! (Sigh)...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Smashed Parsnips and Rutabaga with Bay Leaf Olive Oil
Every time I buy either parsnips or rutabagas at the store, without fail, some one always asks me what do with them. Sunchokes too. No one seems to know what to do with those funny little tubers....
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Make Pumpkin Pie From Scratch
I’m blessed to work with so many organic farms in Pescadero, California who grow such beautiful winter squash that the thought of using anything out of a can is just, well, unthinkable. I don’t find...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Super Bowl Spareribs with Guajillo BBQ Sauce
Yes, over half the country is experiencing record freezing weather, while we spoiled Californians are lying out on roof decks sun tanning and enjoying the BBQ. Here’s a recipe for pork spareribs that...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Game Day Jalapeño & Shrimp Poppers
For Game Day I’m not so much a ‘wings’ fan as I am an everything-else-fan. Shrimp stuffed jalapeño poppers included! And yes, I realize that this is the first time in 10 years of writing this blog that...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Berrylicious Jam Jar Cobblers
Jam jar cobblers are a fun farm-to-table dessert! I make these with Edible After School to sell hot at the Pescadero farmer’s market and I often use this recipe as a sweet-tart country finish for farm...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Spoonbread! (It’s Gluten Free)
This gluten-free cornmeal soufflé is without a doubt the most satisfying creation I’ve feasted upon since giving up all wheat products. I baked one off as a test run for a farm-to-table event, and the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Nopales & Delicata Squash Quiche
This post concludes my love affair with nopales. Yes, my little prickly friend, we are done! I have used you up and now we must part. And same to you Delicata, you are the very end, my friend. It was...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Roasted Beet & Cara Cara Salad with Orange Blossom Vinaigrette
I’ve got to squeeze in the end-of-Winter-citrus recipes before Spring blankets us in sweet peas, strawberries, and rhubarb! Cara Cara & beets salad with fennel, orange blossom vinaigrette, and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Chorizo & Feta Stuffed Calamari with Tuscan Bean Salad
Maybe it’s the abnormally hot weather in SF, but I’m craving food that is: tangy, spicy, salty, juicy and fresh– nothing manicured, or tweezed to perfection, or ridiculously complex with subtle...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Rosé Poached Salmon, Lemony Parmesan Cream & Pommes Anna
I missed posting this for Easter – good thing Mother’s Day is right around the corner! How about rosé wine poached salmon infused with herbs and sauced with lemony Parmesan cream for brunch? Rosé...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Truffled Celeriac Soup with Dungeness Crab & Romanesco
For a root that looks like a large baseball dusted with dirt, celeriac sure is rich tasting. Celeriac’s flavor is reminiscent of cream-of-celery soup straight out of a Campbell’s can and yet, this...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Fuyu Persimmon & Little Gem Lettuces with Labneh Kefir Ranch Dressing
Did I mention that my new favorite ingredient is Labneh? The thick kefir based strained tangy yogurt (some say soft cheese) that is mega delicious and packed with bazillions of probiotics? If you’re a...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Tamarind Scented Roasted Cauliflower Soup with Pomegranate & Pistachio
This is a sensuous soup with earthy flavors that hit all the right spots. Tamarind lends a sweet n’ sour finish to the puréed caramelized cauliflower and pomegranate gives a bright pop with toasted...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Strawberry & Bibb Lettuce Salad with Creamy Herb Dressing
Spring salads! The easiest way to breathe new life into a menu is to update the salads. So it’s out with the pear and pomegranate starter that was so popular during the Winter and in with the berries...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Baked French Toast with Orange Blossom Maple Syrup
Is it the weekend yet? I’m ready for Sunday brunch! This might be the most over engineered baked french toast recipe on earth, but it also elicits comments like: “This is the best I’ve ever had”. The...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Shrimp Salad Appetizer
Here’s a pretty pastel appetizer for Easter – bay shrimp salad with fennel & radish. I use medium size scallop shells to plate this recipe when serving as an appetizer and large ones for a sit...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Shaker Lemon Pie
Shaker Lemon Pie a.k.a. Ohio Lemon Pie is one of my top ten favorite lemon desserts – right up there with lemon bars, lemon curd and the French tarte aux citron. The filling calls for thinly sliced...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Squash Blossom & Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad
Squash blossom & walnut pesto pasta salad can be served warm or cold. I shave in baby summer squash for a little crunch. Add some warm rendered pancetta or grilled shrimp or both for a heartier...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Grilled Branzino with Green Harissa
Grilled Branzini stuffed with mint, parsley and lemon Branzini is the plural form of branzino, did you know that? After all these years of cooking and I just found that out! I thought they were just...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Pink Pearl Apple Galette with Cardamom Brown Butter
I’m the Johnny Appleseed for Pink Pearl apples because I plant one wherever I go. It’s my good luck tree. If I’ve got a backyard, then I’ve got a Pink Pearl. To me, they are the perfect apple:...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Grilled Artichokes with Anchovy Remoulade and Mint
I don’t think you can call yourself a Bay Area resident if you don’t know how to eat an artichoke, it’s sort of a right of passage around these parts. My Dad, who grew up on a farm in Ohio, said he...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Herb Crusted Flank Steak with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives
My Step-Dad used to call this easy grilled flank steak recipe “A company diner!” meaning that it was so delicious he would happily serve it to guests. I found this dish in my Mom’s enormous recipe...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Grilled Sardines with Spicy Jeweled Herb Sauce
My husband looks at the plate of Grilled Sardines with my ridiculously delicious green sauce spooned neatly overtop and says: “I want to love this, I know I’m going to love this, but I just feel I...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Sliced Tomatoes with Rosemary Flowers and Capers
My Mom loved to serve a simple sliced tomato plate with a little side of mayonnaise when the Northern California dry farmed coastal varieties (like Molinas and Early Girls) hit the farmer’s markets....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Do Ahead Holiday Brunch For a Crowd
Ah, finally a moment after all the Christmas craziness to sit down. Happy holidays friends and family! Hope you had a good one spending time with loved ones, no matter where you are or what you...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Summer Squash Carpaccio with Seafood Squid Ink Spaghetti
Are your neighbor’s locking the doors and pulling the curtains tight when you come over with a pretty basket (dirty crate) of summer squash? Are you trying to pawn off five-pound zucchinis on...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Persian Saffron Chicken Kabobs: Jujeh Kabobs
That’s not a kabob – THIS IS A KABOB!!! Saffron Chicken Kabobs I didn’t want to leave you hanging with that last saffron cherry rice dish (albaloo polo). I know you were like: What do we serve with it...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Pink Peppercorn Pork Chops, with Pink Pearl Apples, Lemon Thyme, Pan Jus and...
I always welcome the beginning of Fall with the ripening of these magnificent magenta-fleshed apples! This recipe: Pink Peppercorn Pork Chops with Pink Pearl Apples, Lemon Thyme, Pan Jus and Celery...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Watercress, Fennel & Pink Pearl Apple Salad
Move over kale now there’s something more nutritious and delicious! It’s called: watercress. Yes, watercress! Humans have been eating if for centuries and it’s a powerhouse of antioxidants – even more...
View ArticleClik here to view.
French Apple Cake
Before I reflect on this French Apple Cake made with magical Pink Pearl apples, I just have to say that this is the first time in over three years, where I have had a moment in the evening to be alone....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
If there is one new dessert you try this Winter, please oh PLEASE, let it be this one! Moist and squishy pumpkin cupcakes loaded with fresh ginger, tangerine zest and cinnamon topped with luscious...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Pear and Almond Tart
Since everything is haywire this Thanksgiving, I’m opting for something other than the normal pie trifecta (pumpkin, apple, pecan) for dessert. Not that I don’t love pie trifecta – I do! – I’m just...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Butternut Bisque with Crab
Behind every good recipe is a great adventure. And I promise that this one, will not disappoint. Or actually it will disappoint but only briefly. First, the butternut soup, then the live crab part of...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Kookoo Sabzi
Totally switching gears here from St. Patrick’s Day to Nowruz, Persian New Years. Honestly I could use a few more days — aaaaaa!!! – not stressed at all! Chahr-Shanbeh Suri, the beginning of the New...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp with Melon and Mint
Throw some shrimp on the grill, mix up a summer’s-comin’-in-hot side, sip a melon mescal margarita and hope that the world will right itself in time. Keep it light this weekend, keep it spicy, keep it...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Pansy Pancakes
Martha Stewart – Merci! I got the idea for this recipe from a Martha magazine. The pancake recipe is my tried and true substitute for Bisquick (Buttermilk Better than Bisquick) but the idea of sticking...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Peach Blossom Pie
Yay for Summer, it’s peach pie time! This is my Mom’s old recipe and if you want to make some one in your life super happy – maybe even so happy they cry – then give this a try! My Stepdad, Joe, would...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Elderflower Ice Cream
This might be the prettiest tasting ice cream I’ve ever made. Elderflower gives vanilla ice cream a delicate floral flavor that is simply beautiful. It pairs nicely with strawberries, peaches (or peach...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Pictures then and now of Cornmeal Crusted Fried Green Tomatoes with Homemade Ranch Dressing! It’s so great to have a food blog – how else would I keep track of my favorite recipes? I originally made...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Perfect Pulled Pork Sandwich
The Perfect Pulled Pork Sandwich! So easy, right? And downright delicious too, such a crowd pleaser. I worked with a Sous Chef at a 3-Michelin star restaurant (that will go unnamed) who used to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Ricotta Pork Meatballs
This tender pork n’ veal ricotta meatball recipe is baked in a delicious and light Pecorino cream sauce and topped with a bright mix of fava beans and chopped fresh herbs — super easy, extremely tasty...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Morels and Madeira Cream with Jumbo Asparagus
And the Morel of the story is? Spring! Yes, it’s that time of year again when my favorite funny meaty mushroom starts miraculously popping up in the woods. I do love morels. I look forward to them...
View Article
