Chinotto Cocktail

Wanna lounge around on a sunny weekend day? Or, indulge in a brunch cocktail in the comfort of your own home, maybe? This tasty bitter orange soda needs no embellishment. But, if you’re in the mood for a cocktail, this one makes a refreshing adult beverage on a warm and […]

Blackberry Pinot Pops

This delightful pop recipe comes just in time for Blackberry Season.

Kim Crawford Pinot Blackberry Pops

Makes 10 pops

4 ounces dark organic cane sugar

4 fluid ounces water

1 1/2 pounds fresh, ripe blackberries (about 5 cups), rinsed and […]

The Best Salsa In The World

Where can you find the best salsa in the world?

Your kitchen.

Make it your way.

Salsa makes one big bowl

2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes, washed 2-4 jalapeƱos, washed & seeded 1/4-1/2 onion, skinned 2-3 cloves garlic (or try shallots) […]

Smothered Pork Chops

My version of smothered pork chops includes sun-dried tomatoes and about 10 cloves of garlic.

We devoured these chops at light speed.

After a quick sear on the pork chops (maybe too quick?), a light caramelization of the onions and whipping up a […]

Cashew Butter Bark

Have you ever accidentally purchased “white bark” at the grocery store? It looks like white chocolate. It vaguely smells of white chocolate. But, the taste is pure oil and artifical flavor chemicals. The synthetic chemical taste is absolutely and utterly disgusting.

You must use white chocolate in this […]

Garden 2012 — Herbs & Tomatoes

Every squirrel in the neighborhood eats at least one green peach a day.

Will any survive?

Black Mission Fig Trees

Each tree grows at its own rate.

This is the healthiest tree with over 16 inches of new growth […]

Orecchiette con Ceci

This is one of those dishes that really needs to be served immediately.

Don’t you hate over-wilted greens?

Orecchiette Con Ceci makes 1 giant bowl

1 lb orecchiette (or conchiglie or cavatappi), cooked al dente 1/2 – 1 lb pancetta (cubed) 1 small onion, finely diced […]

Quickie Whole Wheat Focaccia

This is not the proper way to make focaccia. But, guess what?

It’s still divine.

You’ll want to try this one. You won’t be sorry.

Quickie Whole Wheat Focaccia makes 1 9×13 inch rectangle

2 teaspoons yeast 1 1/2 […]

Shrimp Boil

Shrimp Boil serves 2 very hungry people

2 bottles amber ale 4 cups chicken stock 4 garlic cloves, crushed 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon cayenne 4-5 black peppercorns (or, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground) 1/4 teaspoon allspice

Bring it all to a boil. Then, add:

Succotash

Topped with a grilled chicken breast, this makes one hearty and tasty meal. Or, for a vegetarian meal, serve with grilled bread and shavings of ricotta salata.

Succotash makes 1 big pot

1 onion, diced olive oil 1/4 lb bacon, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 […]