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I love sweet pickles in my potato salad but they are purposefully missing in this recipe. Instead I quickly pickled some shredded and cubed veggies with seasoned rice vinegar. It was such a fun and different way to enjoy one of my all-time favorite side dishes....the beloved potato salad. Pickled veggies adorn my sandwiches too, … Read More »» &
Side dish week continues with this absolutely lovely Mango and Papaya Pasta Salad with Creamy Lime Vinaigrette. I have been dreaming up this salad for quite some time now. And mango and papaya are close to their peak this time of year so they are tasting beautiful at the moment. I think every outdoor … Read More »»
Memorial Day Weekend is quickly approaching, which means grilling season will officially commence. I say that with a smirk as the Pacific Northwest has been plagued with rain for the past week-and-a-half. Come back sunshine!!! Anyway, I thought it would be fun to indulge in some side dishes that might be perfect for your … Read More »» &#
Fresh artichokes. I love em', but as a kid I always questioned why we were scraping the tiny amount of flesh off the leaves with our teeth. I felt it was just to eat the butter. Not that I had a problem with that. But the artichoke is a really healthy veggie, one artichoke … Read More »»
These! Are they not gorgeous? I think they kind of scream summer in their own not-so-subtle way. They are certainly eye-catching on a platter together. There is something about puff pastry. It has this way of making everything so darn cute, elegant and fancy all at the same time. If you have never used … Read More »»
So, here's a little secret. I always grill a "little" extra steak so I have leftovers to make these Steakhouse Bruschetta. We absolutely love them over here and everyone always looks forward to these little bites of heaven. Of course you could grill steak just to make these but it's fun enjoying the meat … Read More »» &
Yummy, summer salad season is in full swing....and who doesn't love a crisp green, chilled salad? For me, salad has to have some crunch. I do not enjoy limp greens covered in dressing. I'm assuming a lot of people don't. I guess that's why I've always loved romaine lettuce. Unlike other lettuce varieties romaine is … Read More »»
We celebrated Cinco de Mayo this past weekend with a taco bar. It's one of my favorite ways to entertain with Mexican inspired food. I make lots of toppings available and different seasoned meats. Everyone enjoys the casual feel of the taco buffet and ends up grazing the whole evening with different combinations. I also … Read More »»
It has been a busy week around here. Spring brings on so many tasks and projects that weren't necessary during the cold and rainy months. The vineyard is growing and needs constant attention, the decks need power washing, the garden needs to be planted. It's never ending...in a good way. Now that the weather … Read More »»
Spring and picnic season have definitely arrived in Oregon. And if there is one thing Oregon does well...it's Spring. Maybe it's because we live in a backdrop of grey clouds and rain for much of the year, so when Spring does arrive it settles in with an exclamation point. Growing up in Southern California, I … Read More »»
Growing up, Sunday morning breakfasts were never your typical fluffy pancakes and crisp, smoked bacon. That was purely Saturday fare. Sunday breakfasts were special. We always had kielbasa sandwiches on the best hard rolls my mom would get from a Jewish deli in Los Angeles. Those epic rolls plus kielbasa with nothing but spicy … Read More »» &#
I don't make shrimp often enough and I'm not even sure why. It's so easy and shrimp can be flavored in so many ways. This particular dish is a little bit creamy, a little bit spicy and is loaded with flavor. My oldest son is the big shrimp lover in our house and he … Read More »»
While I love quinoa, sometimes it can be a little mushy. So I decided to crisp it up a bit. My crisping technique worked and I love the little bit of chew it gave this dish. Now, to enjoy the crispness, you must serve this soon after making it or the crispy edge will … Read More »»
Smoothie season is just beginning. I have a hard time during the winter months whipping up a cold drink like this one. But the sun is shining, the birds are singing and the weeds are growing. It's definitely time for smoothies. I have a freezer full of blackberries, spoils from last summer's blackberry picking … Read More »» &
This salad makes a regular appearance at my house. It looks very summery but I serve it all year long, assuming I can get decent tomatoes. It's almost not even a recipe because there is nothing to putting it together. Some light chopping, opening a can and pouring the seasoned rice vinegar over the top. … Read More »»
I haven't had homemade cookies in the house for a while. My only explanation is...I eat too many of them. I can't help it. They caaaalllll to me from their tupperware prison. I'm not making this up. So I wanted to inject a little bit of health into what I know will turn into a … Read More »»
Honestly I have been trying to write this post for several days now but I just couldn't. Like so many others I have been caught up in the events of the past week. With so many suffering in Boston and Texas I just wasn't in the mood to talk about a recipe I love. At … Read More »»
Mother's Day is quickly approaching and I've teamed up with Tate's Bake Shop, one of the most celebrated and award winning bakeries in the Hampton's. The bakery itself is a popular destination for tourists and locals with lines often stretching out the door. Kathleen King, founder and owner of Tate's Bake Shop, began baking … Read More »»
We have all experienced great meals, ones that we talk and think about again and again. And then there are the meals and flavors that are so epic, they imprint on our brains forever. This, my friends, was one of those meals. It was just spectacular. Does anyone remember Wolfgang Puck's celebrated Smoked Salmon Pizza … Read More »» &#
Diamond Head is just about the most prominent landmark visible when you are in Honolulu and Waikiki on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. As you lay on the beach, it is a great reminder that the beautiful Hawaiian Islands were all formed from volcanoes. It's kind of amazing. Diamond Head crater itself is said to … Read More »» CommentsG
Happy weekend everyone. I hope you are all having great weather and enjoying Spring. We are still having lots of rain and cloudy days. I'm kind of done with it to be honest. I have to admit I am a little envious of the flip-flop weather in many parts of the country. But this is … Read More »» CommentsBy: katie by katie http://Kat
Happy National Grilled Cheese Day!! My contribution to the madness of this lovely designated day is the Gnocchi-Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich. It's kind of over-the-top don't you think? A sort of carb-lover's dream. I guess that's why it fits into my life so perfectly. I had never thought of putting pasta into a sandwich before...until … Read More »»
Is there a dish you make that gets your family a little excited for mealtime? At my house, it's gnocchi. When word gets out gnocchi is showing up for dinner, everyone starts milling around the kitchen...just waiting. Thank goodness this pasta only take a few minutes to boil. Gnocchi is a wonderful comfort food, … Read More »» &nb
Is there a dish you make that gets your family a little excited for mealtime? At my house, it's gnoochi. When word gets out gnoochi is showing up for dinner, everyone starts milling around the kitchen...just waiting. Thank goodness this pasta only take a few minutes to boil. Gnoochi is a wonderful comfort food, … Read More »» &nb
We definitely have some mushroom lovers in our household, and any chance we get to enjoy them, we go for it. White pizza had also been on my mind lately, it's a nice change from the regular red sauce variety I tend to make. If I had to pick a favorite pizza recipe, Hawaiian, with lots of … Read More »» Comme
Hey all...how many of you make your own pizza dough? It just tastes so much better when we make it ourselves. Store-bought is okay but often the dough remains flabby...I'm over that. My kids know the difference too, in fact they don't even want a second piece if it's not my dough. They are going … Read More »» CommentsI always th
We loved this dinner. It was just delicious and full of Spring-like flavor. Can Spring be a flavor...yes, it can. It's kind of undescribable but you just know it when you taste it. I think it's the bright flavors of the orange juice and ginger with some herbs thrown in...bliss! We are also big … Read More »» Comments
Happy weekend everyone! Did you grow up with lots of muffins in your household? I didn't. In fact, I don't remember having them around at all. Cakes? Yes. Pies? Yes. Cupcakes? Yes. Muffins...no. Maybe that's why I love them....I'm making up for lost time. Now, my favorite muffin is hands down the Peanut Butter-Banana-Chocolate Chip Muffin I … Read More »»
As you know my oldest son turned thirteen about two weeks ago. It was time to do something with his room as it has remained a blank slate since we moved into this house (about two years ago). I was waiting for his interests to define and wanted him to have a room that would … Read More »» CommentsBy: Kari de Lavenne by Kari de La
Before I get to the recipe, I want to give a shout out and a thank you to Babble for naming this blog one of the "Top 100 Mom Food Blogs of 2013". I am so honored and humbled to be mentioned on this list with so many other talented bloggers. I mean wow. … Read More »» CommentsBy: DessertForTwo by DessertForTwo http://www.d
My kitchen is the heart of my home. It's where we gather, congregate, laugh and of course eat wonderful meals together. We share our days and nights here, our stories and ideas. And regardless of how large the house is, everyone crams themselves into the kitchen, making it the epicenter of my home. And if … Read More »» Com
Let's talk tacos first and foremost. I love them. Growing up in Southern California, tacos have always been a part of my life. There is just something about them that screams comfort food. I have even enjoyed authentic homemade versions of tacos from food trucks and little stands in the Baja region of Mexico. … Read More »»
Happy almost Easter everyone. If you have a house full of kids coming over to celebrate, this is the perfect dessert to serve the younger crowd. Sure you could just buy vanilla ice cream but if you really want to taste a super-extra-vanilla ice cream, this recipe is amazing. As a bonus I added … Read More »» CommentsBy: Je
Hello everyone...if you follow along on Instagram then you know I am currently taking a much needed break in the Hawaiian Islands. I am having a wonderful time with the family and the kids have eased into island life without issue. They are not quite sure why we don't live here. Hmmm, me either. These are … Read More »» Comm
Wow, it's hard to believe today I am the mother of my first teenager. Happy Birthday Ben! My sweet little Ben is finally the big kid I never imagined he would be. It's very cliche to say I don't know where the years have gone...but really I don't. Heck, in my mind, I still feel … Read More »» CommentsBy: Maria in Oregon by Maria
I am obsessed with popovers at the moment. After getting my new popover pans last week I have made many different versions. I've been testing different temperatures and methods to get them just right. Honestly they are so easy to put together and come out perfect when you adhere to a few simple rules. … Read More »»
Talk about the dreamiest cake...wow, you will fall in love. I promise. I have always been an advocate for fruit in my desserts. A simple cake with filling is one of my favorite ways to get a little extra fruit into the perfect after dinner treat. Now, before I go on about fruit and dessert, … Read More »» CommentsBy: Rachel
Talk about the dreamiest cake...wow, you will fall in love. I promise. I have always been an advocate for fruit in my desserts. A simple cake with filling is one of my favorite ways to get a little extra fruit into the perfect after dinner treat. Now, before I go on about fruit and dessert, … Read More »» CommentsBy: Robin
Oh my goodness. THIS. SOUP. I'm completely addicted. I just couldn't stop eating it. It's the perfect amount of sour and savory and the thickness is just right. I'm just in love with it. The kind of love where you want to eat it for dinner and breakfast. I know you get me. I'm … Read More »» CommentsBy: Cathy by Cathy htt
I love hard boiled eggs. Using them for egg salad and especially for making deviled eggs is always a treat. They are also the perfect high-protein snack right out of the refrigerator. While I love a good hard cooked egg, I detest peeling off their shells. I have tried every method possible to remove the … Read More »» CommentsBy:
Yes, my Easter table is already set! I will be traveling so everything needs to be fixed-up early. And setting the table adds to the festiveness of your home. It's a small reminder that a special meal is on the horizon. Get it done early if you can. Then you can show me a … Read More »» CommentsBy: Connor Harley by Connor
My oldest son is a good eater. However, he has always experienced spurts of random enthusiasm for very specific foods. Funny thing is, while pregnant with him, I had the exact types of precise cravings (just for different things). I wanted rainbow sprinkles, baby corn out of a can, diced ham sandwiches with pancakes...it … Read More »»
Friends....so much to tell, not to mention this incredible fusion of Irish and Korean cuisine. Where to begin? Let's start with my trip to Wisconsin last month to Sargento Cheese Headquarters where I found my inspiration for this amazing dish. A while back Sargento Cheese began working with celebrity Chef Rick Bayless on a project … Read More »»
We are having gorgeous weather at the moment, I'm sure it won't last but that sunshine...wow! It feels amazing. And it's time to get the garden and the outdoors ready for Spring and Summer, there's so much to do. Preparing the outside for a party can be daunting and making it look cute can … Read More »» CommentsBy: Meg by
We are having gorgeous weather at the moment, I'm sure it won't last but that sunshine...wow! It feels amazing. And it's time to get the garden and the outdoors ready for Spring and Summer, there's so much to do. Preparing the outside for a party can be daunting and making it look cute can … Read More »» CommentsBy: Connor
Well folks I hate to admit it, but this is the only type of "green" shake I can get behind. And look, it's not even green, even though it sounds like it should be. But really, for those of you who have not experienced the rich and creamy avocado as a substitute for ice … Read More »» CommentsBy: leslie by leslie htt
Sweet tooth anyone? This will get you through, but you'll need milk or black coffee and then you'll be in your own swirly heaven. You'll need someone to save you. I literally sat around indulging in this while I finished a book I recently became obsessed with. I'm not usually a fiction reader but I … Read More »» CommentsBy: Ashl
Sweet tooth anyone? This will get you through, but you'll need milk or black coffee and then you'll be in your own swirly heaven. You'll need someone to save you. I literally sat around indulging in this while I finished a book I recently became obsessed with. I'm not usually a fiction reader but I … Read More »» CommentsBy: Lynn
. I am really enjoying my pressure cooker. I hope some of you still on the fence will finally take the leap and try the pressure cooker out. It will save you time, money and energy. Not to mention the delicious dinners you will be able to create in literally minutes. We love red potatoes … Read More »» CommentsBy: Lea Ann (
