Braised Easter Egg Radishes
One of the most beautiful things about this site is that it has helped me to discover my voice in my writing. I used to hate it. English 101, term papers, and short stories are just not my “thing”. But, when I actually get to write because I WANT TO, it makes a huge difference. Read the rest of this entry »
Sake Poached Sea Bass in Parchment
Brown paper packages tied up with strings, these are a few of my favorite things….
Aren’t these the cutest little packages? Can you believe you can actually eat them? This is why I love cooking with parchment paper. The easy clean up is just a bonus. It creates one of the most beautiful presentations when it is plated. Guests (or husbands) wonder what this little package contains as the rip open the contents. The steam rises, and juices flow out from the brown paper. It covers the plate, and beckons to be sopped up by some form of carbohydrate. Read the rest of this entry »
My Zuni Roast Chicken Salad
This week’s goal was to spring clean. And. It. Did. Not. Happen. Oh, yes. I had lofty goals. I printed out the infamous Martha Stewart Spring Cleaning check list that includes hand-washing your dishwasher and dusting your refrigerator coils. I even cleaned my house for 3 hours on Tuesday to jump-start to process, but that ended up in a 2-hour upper back spasm. Read the rest of this entry »
Bouchon’s French Lentil and Feta Salad
I have to give Twitter credit for this recipe. Yes, reader. Twitter. Did you know that if you ask someone on Twitter to give you inspiration for an ingredient, such as Lentils, that you will get more responses back than you can handle. Try it. Inspiration will come.
I was given recipes for a Mujadara, a magical Lentil soup, a Masoor Dahl, and finally the recipe that I decided on which is this French Lentil and Feta Salad.
Halibut Steaks with Braised Leeks
I know, I know. Where have I been? Well, I am actually house sitting for my Moma while she is in Costa Rica. She is retiring there, so visiting may times BEFORE she retires is a must.
I wasn’t invited (boo!), but she does have a hot tub which is an added “vacation-like” bonus. It is also good for Cashew because he does have a major love interest in my Moma’s teacup poodle, Zoe. But, alas, the excitement dwindles when we are stuck with dismal rain here in Seattle. Being in a hot tub just isn’t as fun when your head is cold. Read the rest of this entry »
Fuji Apple and Agave Nectar Marmalade
I love the word agave (Ah-GAH-vay). It rolls of your tongue as if you are speaking a foreign language. Maybe I also like it because it comes from the same plant that produces tequila!
Not only do I love the word, but I also love the health benefits. Agave has a low glycemic index, which basically mean it does not spike your blood sugar. Therefore, it does not give you extra insulin which causes a slew of medical problems. Read the rest of this entry »
Summer Chicken Salad in Lettuce Cups
Remember how I was complaining that it was TOO cold? Now, it is too HOT! Seattle needs to make up it’s mind.
I decided to make this recipe because one, it required no heating of a stove or oven. B., I have no air conditioning or refer back to reason number one. Three, I didn’t have to cook, just chop. And lastly, It is a light summer dish that doesn’t weigh you down.
Erik, Cashew, and I just returned from a two-day backpacking trip to the coast with our friends Rob and Dane. After eating powdered eggs, Lipton Noodles, and my specialty trail mix, we were ready for something healthy, and refreshing.
I first made my version of these lettuce wraps for a bridal luncheon for my Sister-in - law, Annalise. They are always delicious, and even better the next day. Erik and I eat about 2 or 3 lettuce cups per person. If there are any leftovers, you can make a Summer Chicken Salad Sandwich out of it!
Mache with Apple, Bacon, and Hazelnuts
After 5 weeks of afternoon naps, a daily walk with Cashew, grocery shopping in the morning, and mini-vacations, I am finally back to work.
It was brutal. I had been taking ballet class over the layoff to stay in shape, but nothing prepares you for an 8-hour day of rehearsal in pointe shoes. Ibuprofen was a staple with the morning coffee.
Coming back to work always starts with a week of fresh dinners. I feel when my body is trying to get back in shape, it just needs light, clean food.
I started out the week with a shrimp salad with mango and glass noodles, and then a farmer’s market style salad with asparagus and new potatoes. But, by the end of the week, I was done with too many vegetables. I needed something satisfying and indulgent.
Enter: Bacon, Hazelnuts, and Goat Cheese.
