Truffle Getaway in Provence
We just recently returned from Provence where the focus of our Getaway was truffles! Black Perigord (tuber melanosporum) truffles, to be exact. We had a fun, energetic group and an active agenda for...
View ArticleMid-Week Excursion at the Ritz in Lake Tahoe
My husband and I recently decided to do a spur-of-the-moment mid-week trip to Lake Tahoe. He had bought new ski gear and we decided to go up and spend a few relaxing days in the snow. On the way up,...
View ArticleCooking at Napa Style
Today I did a cooking demonstation at Napa Style‘s flagship store in Yountville, California. What a lovely, energetic and fun place to be! I have always been a fan of Michael Chiarello’s Napa Style,...
View ArticleMizuna
This week I found mizuna at the Star Route Farms stand at the San Francisco Ferry Plaza farmers market. Mizuna has tender dark green leaves and a pleasant peppery flavor. Mizuna is also referred to...
View ArticleBalsamic Strawberries with Cracked Pepper and Creme Fraiche
First of the season strawberries are in our local Bay Area farmers markets. Not only do they taste great, but they are so nutritional, as well – packed with Vitamin C, magnesium, Vitamin A, potassium...
View ArticleMorel Mushrooms
Morel mushrooms have arrived for the 2010 season! These are the mushrooms that resemble the tip of your finger and have a honeycomb texture to them. I found morels this week at Far West Fungi in...
View ArticleRestaurant Le Jardin du Quai in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, France
Restaurant Le Jardin du Quai is located in the charming village of Isle-sur-la-Sorque in the Provence region of France. The entrance to the restaurant is through a lovely garden that is filled with...
View ArticleAskinosie Chocolate Auctions the First Single-Origin Liberian Chocolate Bar...
It is no secret that one of my favorite chocolate makers is Askinosie Chocolate, located in Springfield, Missouri. Not only is their chocolate incredibly delicious and complex, but the company is very...
View ArticleMiner’s Lettuce
I’ve found miner’s lettuce for the past couple of weeks at the Saturday morning San Francisco Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. Miner’s lettuce is a green edible annual plant from the purslane family that...
View ArticleSalad of Snap Peas, Bacon and Marcona Almonds with Meyer Lemon Dressing
This week I found the most flavorful snap peas at the San Francisco Ferry Plaza farmers market. These peas are so delicious when just eaten as as snack, but I wanted to do something different with...
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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