The Brussel Sprout Files!

Below is a formula sure to make your Brussel sprouts are a success no matter what flavor profile you’re after. Sweet, salty, or tangy! Brussel sprouts are aggressive in flavor. You either love them or hate them. So many ways to cook them too– from baked chips to chopped salads. At my home we love ourContinue reading “The Brussel Sprout Files!”

Make-Ahead Feast Worthy Cranberry Pear Compote! 

This recipe has been in my culinary repertoire for over two decades. It’s my absolute favorite! Loose the canned cranberry sauce- trust me on this one. Just like everything Thanksgiving– it’s better the next day; especially smothered all over your leftover turkey sammy! There is quite a bit of sugar in the recipe because theContinue reading “Make-Ahead Feast Worthy Cranberry Pear Compote! “

Fresh Summer Cherry Vinaigrette

It’s easy to speed through the Central Valley of California or roll along the farm-bounded country roads less traveled, and find some great fresh fruits, nuts and delicious vegetables, especially during summer.   If you find yourself in the heart of some of the world’s most productive farmland, grab yourself  some fresh delicious cherries,– seasonContinue reading “Fresh Summer Cherry Vinaigrette”

Making Fresh Pasta at Home

Sixteen years ago I designed a cooking school for kids with my then, 6 and 8-year-old daughters. They named it: Kids Culinary Adventures- where math, reading, science and art mix with kids. Although I’ve retired from teaching hands-on to children- and both my kids grew up and onto college. I do continue to food coach parents onContinue reading “Making Fresh Pasta at Home”

2016 Post Election, Red Wine and Chocolate Popsicles ! 

I know it’s 5 o’clock somewhere ! Here is a fun pick-me-up after a long stressful election year. Try my  frozen popsicle recipe strictly for adults. Cause, sometimes we need a break too! Not only will these take the edge off the 2016 Election, it will also turn your lips and tongue into a bright shadeContinue reading “2016 Post Election, Red Wine and Chocolate Popsicles ! “

Non-Dairy Hot Chocolate Chai 

Ahhhhh, comforting ! A nice warm cup of drinking chocolate with chai spice! Perfect for a cozy fall,  or winter evening!! Ingredients: 2 cups organic, vanilla almond milk, sweetened. (Or my nut milk recipe here- plus adding 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract – or, one vanilla bean-sliced open, and seeds removed into milk. And 2Continue reading “Non-Dairy Hot Chocolate Chai “

The Faux-Re-O! Homemade Vegan Oreo Cookies. Clean ! No additives, preservatives or shelve-stabilizers! 

Aside from the slightly bizarre flavors of the past few years, Kraft Foods – the parent to the Oreo, a Nabisco brand; has a dynasty into the worlds best tasting cookie!  A large corporate box chain foods  company–but, this means highly processed, refined food ingredients. Also, foods contain additives; that might not be so healthyContinue reading “The Faux-Re-O! Homemade Vegan Oreo Cookies. Clean ! No additives, preservatives or shelve-stabilizers! “

Homemade Bacon-Maple Butter

Delicious on just about anything including a good grilled steak. Love this on my recipe for homemade pumpkin spiced flap-jacks, or extra toasty waffles. The best part about making this homemade bacon-maple butter, is that your entire house will smell like holiday ( Insert big, happy sigh.) Ingredients: 1/2 lb. unsalted butter, cut into approximatelyContinue reading “Homemade Bacon-Maple Butter”

How to Make Simple Syrup & Why You Need It in Your Life!

Simple syrup! Typically I use a 2 to 1 ratio (2 sugar, 1 water) to make my simple syrup. You’ll need: sugar filtered water Here’s how to make it: Bring mixture to a roaring boil. Reduce to a simmer and continue to cook for at least 10 minutes to reduce and thicken. You can make aContinue reading “How to Make Simple Syrup & Why You Need It in Your Life!”