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DRESSING FOR WINTER ~ TOASTED FENNEL WHOLE GRAIN MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE
This proved to be the perfect vinaigrette for our roasted vegetable salad with sliced pears, crumbled goat cheese and organic greens. The fennel tone is subtle, but gives an earthy note that perfectly mellows the lemon, vinegar and whole grain mustard. We served this...
MAN O WAR COCKTAIL with BOURBON
This is the drink for Winter 2022. Not to be confused by the Portuguese siphonophore, a blue jelly-fish looking creature with a painful sting. This cocktail is named after the famous race horse, Man O War. It's a boozy, classic drink that packs a pleasant punch of...
ROASTED VEGETABLE & SLICED PEAR SALAD with TOASTED FENNEL WHOLE GRAIN MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE
In a desperate need to make a big salad that could serve as an entree or a side salad, I came up with this gorgeous, delicious winter salad. Honestly, as far as salads go, this wasn't that much effort. The vegetables were easy to cut and prepare for roasting and...
RUSTIC CARAMELIZED ONION SHALLOT QUICHE with GRUYERE & FRESH THYME
This is one of our Christmas brunch dishes. Typically we make it with bacon, but this year my Mother is with us for the holiday and she doesn't eat bacon. So, I added extra gruyere, along with extra herbs and garlic for a bit more flavor. I like to serve this warm...
CHILES EN NOGADA ~ Stuffed Poblano Peppers with Walnut Cream Sauce
Another Bay Area story ... When I lived in San Francisco, a friend recommended a restaurant to my sister for our Sunday brunch. It was Guaymas, located in Tiburon on the water. I'm not sure if it's there any longer, but it should be. It was outstanding! Their stuffed...
SPINACH-HERB RICOTTA STUFFED SHELLS with HOME-MADE MARINARA
These ricotta, spinach and herb stuffed shells are one of our kids' favorite dishes. It may seem daunting when you read "stuffed", but this dish comes together quickly. Total prep time is about 30 minutes and total cook time is about 45 minutes. Using fresh herbs,...
WILD RICE HERB STUFFED SWEET POTATOES with BERBERE SPICED SQUASH & GARBANZO CONFETTI
Everyone knows sweet potatoes are a great source for beta carotene, fiber and potassium and with that comes Vit A, Vit C and magnesium to mention a few benefits. But regardless of how good they are for you, we like them because they taste good and there a gamut of...
RUGELACH with APRICOT PRESERVES
I love this traditional dessert and have had it many times in my friend's homes, but have I made them myself? Nooooo. Because, as you know, I DO NOT BAKE! So, I'm sharing this recipe, because tis the season! This recipe was recommended to me from one of those...
HOMEMADE TURKEY STOCK
Tis the season, so we're reposting this homemade turkey stock recipe. It's good and will serve you well on freezing cold days in December and January! Since a roasted turkey is generally seasoned with sage, thyme, and rosemary, all those seasonings fill the air when...
ROASTED BRUSSEL SPROUTS with BALSAMIC APPLE SHALLOT GLAZE
Brussel sprouts are in season right now. I have a hard time not buying them, especially when they're displayed on the stalk. Everyone in our family loves them, particularly if they're roasted - so I've been buying a lot lately. Unlike boiled Brussel sprouts, roasted...