Apricots and Apriums
Apricots are starting to appear in the farmers markets in Northern California. Fresh apricots are really healthy for you, as they contain high amounts of beta carotein, the plant form of Vitamin A....
View ArticleCaffe Divino
Caffe Divino is one of our favorite restaurants in Sausalito. Under the ownership of Elizabeth Nebot, this restaurant has undergone a transformation. One of the first things Elizabeth did was hire...
View ArticlePineapple Cheese Ball
I had not tasted a cheese ball in years but the last time I was in Georgia, my mother made one. I liked the savory and sweet complexities of this dish. Combining it with apples was my touch to make...
View ArticleBanana Hazelnut Skillet Cake
Ingredients For the bottom of the pan: 1/2 stick (2 oz.) butter 1 cup brown sugar 2 bananas, peeled and cut diagonally into 1/4” thick pieces 1/2 c. chopped hazelnuts For the cake: 1/3 cup hazelnuts,...
View ArticleAunt Neenie’s Peanut Butter Frosting
This recipe has been a favorite in my family for years. For the cake layers, use your favorite recipe – either a butter cake recipe or a chocolate cake recipe works fine. Ingredients 2 c sugar 1 c...
View ArticleSweet Potato Hash
Ingredients 2-3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½” pieces 1 T bacon drippings or olive oil 2 medium sweet onions, cut into ½” pieces 1 garlic clove, peeled and minced 1-2 sprigs of marjoram,...
View ArticleSlow-Roasted Pork
Ingredients 1 7-lb pork shoulder roast, bone-in, tied 1 T olive oil Gray sea salt Pepper 2 c water Fresh herbs, such as sage or rosemary, if desired You will also need: Roasting pan Roasting rack...
View ArticleBlack Mission Figs
It’s fig season again in Northern California! These luscious, versatile fruits are starting to appear in the local farmers markets. There are many varieties of figs out there, but only a few are...
View ArticleThe Chauvet
I was in Sonoma Valley recently and discovered the most gorgeous luxury vacation rentals! The historic Chauvet building in downtown Glen Ellen has converted six spacious luxury condominiums into...
View ArticleBrinata
Brinata is a pasteurized sheep’s milk cheese from the Tuscany region of Italy. It is moist, creamy and delicious. This cheese has a white mold rind and a soft, creamy texture. It is similar to a cow’s...
View ArticleCaramelized Root Vegetables
Ingredients 1/3 cup olive oil 10 sprigs English thyme 4 cups assorted root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips and turnips, cut into 1/2″ pieces 1 T. balsamic vinegar Sea salt to taste You will also...
View ArticleMashed Yukon Gold Potatoes with Roasted Chestnuts
This is one of my favorite dishes for the holidays. The roasted chestnuts add a little sweetness and a unique flavor to these already delicious mashed potatoes. I also add caramelized onions or...
View ArticlePotatoes Au Gratin with Truffles
Ingredients 2 T unsalted butter ¾ cup (175ml) whipping cream 2 T chopped truffles 2 lbs (1 kg) yellow waxy potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced ½ lb (250g) onions, thinly sliced Sea salt and pepper, to...
View ArticlePotato Gratin
Ingredients 3 pounds potatoes (You can use russets or a yellow waxy potato, such as Yukon Gold). 1 quart whole milk Freshly grated nutmeg Sea salt to taste 2 T butter 1 c heavy cream 2 c freshly grated...
View ArticleMashed Yukon Gold Potatoes with Mushrooms and Braised Leeks
This is one of my favorite side dishes. I have always loved soft, braised leeks, and they are plentiful right now in our Bay Area farmers markets. They are a perfect addition to mashed Yukon gold...
View ArticleRoasted Pork Tenderloin and Vegetables with Fennel Flowers
Fennel flowers have a very pleasant spicy, licorice flavor. I harvested some from my garden to use with a pork tenderloin roast and vegetables. The flowers make a gorgeous garnish to serve with the...
View ArticlePotato Pancakes with Stewed Apples
Potato pancakes seem especially good on a cold, rainy day. These are made with yellow Finn potatoes, but Yukon Gold or russets will work fine. The key is to ring out the excess water that is in the...
View ArticleRosemary-Scented Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Potatoes, Spring Onions and...
This is a meal in a baking dish. It is very easy to prepare and really delicious. The sweet and savory combination is perfect for a rustic summertime lunch or dinner. This dish pairs well with a...
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