This week I’ve been visiting my old hood in Venice, California, where the air has been clear (surprise, no smog at the beach folks!), the sand and surf has
Friday Faves
Happy Friday friends! This week I’m back in my old hood of Venice, CA with my husband, daughter and her BFF on a little family vaca. Wow, what a time warp we’ve
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Milkshake
I have to tell you, this wasn't my idea. This milkshake is 100% Smudge. I mean, cereal and ice cream? It's a 10 year old's dream! At first I scoffed the
Summertime and I’m Feelin’ Pie: 20 Classic Pies to Love
As far as summertime in America goes, it doesn't get much more patriotic than pie. This quintessential all-American treat beckons nostalgia with every
Grilled Pork Chops with Spicy Balsamic Grilled Peaches
Consider these brined and grilled chops the food anthem of the summer. Scented with fresh rosemary and garlic, and paired with a juicy grilled peach salsa
Friday Faves Firecracker Style
Snap, Crackle, POP! and a Happy 4th of July! This weekend I'm heading to the hills for our annual quest to see just how much recipe creating we can do in
Quick and Easy Raspberry Fool
Raspberry Fool is a quick and easy raspberry dessert recipe. It's essentially raspberries and cream that's been swirled together to make an elegant
Friday Faves
Happy Friday, friends. Those words always brings a smile to my face. Years ago I worked with a printer who every time I called him on the telephone, he didn't
Hazelnut and Salted Caramel Ice Cream
Why is homemade ice cream so fulfilling? So totally and utterly...happy? Move over Pharrell. There’s a new tune in town. Making ice cream at home is
Friday Faves and a Corn Lover’s Recipe Round-Up
The midwest may lay claim to the best corn in the land (because of the farmers I talked about here and the blogger's recipes here). I'm gonna have to toss this
Bacon Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Guacamole
I try my best when it comes to cooking and baking from scratch for my family and friends. But sometimes, the time it takes to cook from scratch takes a back
Korean Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Caramel Apple Crumble
Presented by Spike TV's Frankenfood. Premiers Sunday, June 22 at 10/9c. Why subsist in the normal when you can revel in the outrageous? It’s what puts the
Friday Faves and a Father’s Day Favorites Recipe Round-Up
What more is there to say about barn-burner weekends? Except for the fact they go way too fast. So this weekend I'm going to settle on down, take a cog out of
Friday Faves Plus 8 Birthday Cake Recipes Made for Celebrating
Smudge’s birthday was this week. 10. Double digits. How did this happen and where did the time go? To say that she's been jumping, skipping, leaping and
How to Host a Wine and Cheese Pairing Party + Free Printable
I’m the first to admit it. I’m not an expert in the nuances of cheese. And I am a far, far, far cry from calling myself a wine enthusiast, let alone a
Friday Faves and a Berry-licious Recipe Round-Up
This week simply flew by. Maybe it’s because I was actually home for a stretch without my head in the clouds. Or could be that it was an “official” 4 day week.
S’mores Krispies Bars and a Sweet S’more’s Recipe Round-Up
Snap. Crackle. And mix those krispies with butter, chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers then let’s start snacking. Those little elves who live in the
Friday Faves and What I Learned at Blogher Food 2014
I'm never sure how much to write so it’s just enough or when to stop so it’s not too much. I don't back up my blog until I have a really big scare when my site
Balsamic and Honey Chicken Skewers and Introducing Hatchery
It's time. It's time to put the slow-cooker in the basement and scrub up the grill. It's time to break out the tongs and sing M-A-R-I-N-A-D-E in falsetto.
Avocado Caprese Salad Plus 5 Crunchy Avocado Salads
Dress up the traditional Italian caprese salad recipe with fresh, peppery arugula and creamy avocado for more great flavors and textures. We all
Stuffed Artichokes with Thai Shrimp Salad
Eat seasonal! Eat fresh! Eat good food! In my world that's the mantra to live by. While I crave ultimate comfort foods like blackened seafood pastas, the
Pickle Infused Vodka
I’m a self-confessed pickle head. Kosher dill. Bread and butter. Garlic spiked. It really makes no difference to me, I love ‘em all. Summer eats at my house
Friday Faves and a Mother’s Day Brunch Recipe Round-Up
We've just barely snaked our way past margarita madness and the accompanying buckets of nachos and here we are with another holiday simply MADE for recipe
Quinoa Tabbouleh with Chickpeas and How to Become a Kitchen Knife Slayer
This classic tabbouleh recipe gets a boost of protein thanks to healthy quinoa, for a nutritious and refreshing Mediterranean salad that's great for a meal or
Swirled Mascarpone Brownies with Hazelnuts
Me and my mom. The love of chocolate runs in our DNA. Maybe she passed her love of the cacao to me through her umbilical cord. Or maybe she transferred
Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese and How to Take an Epic Grilled Cheese Photo
Grilled cheese sandwiches are probably one of the easiest, most classic sandwich recipes ever invented. Taking a photo of one is sometimes another
Friday Faves and 8 Great Mint Julep Recipes
The month of May. so. much. going. including the fact that the IRS is no longer banging on our doors! Let’s celebrate with cocktails and this week’s list of
Mango Margarita with Chile Salt and Lime
These mango margaritas with a chile salt rim are easy to make, so refreshing, and the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and spicy! Frozen cocktails aren’t really
Spicy Fish Tacos
A homemade spice rub makes these fish tacos with pickled carrots, avocado, and cotija cheese a total standout dinner that's easy enough for a
Friday Faves
TGIF and how-did-that-week-go-by-so-fast. Has it really been 5 whole days since we were all talking about peeling Easter eggs and 4 days since we were trying to
Berry Tart With Lemon Curd Mascarpone
This easy to make berry tart features a tender base of almond crust filled with a luscious whipped lemon curd mascarpone filling and topped with fresh
Crab and Avocado Grilled Cheese
Uh-oh. Looks like I've entered an eating contest. It won’t be for hot dogs. It won’t be for pie and it’s not for chicken wings. This eating contest won’t be