craving

Stewed Chicken Tacos

April 2, 2013

Going through my recipe archives I noticed the glaring omission of a recipe that has become a favorite around our house. I only had two taco recipes on the blog, one for Fried Avocado Tacos and one for Spaghetti Tacos, the first being a somewhat untraditional twist and the second suitable mainly for a gaggle of pre-teens or the indecisive Mexican Italian.

While I am a lover of beef tacos made with traditional beef—ground, shredded, it’s all good in my book—tacos made with shredded chicken have become a favorite at Casa del Larsen and an ode to the shredded chicken tostadas at Venice, CA’s El Tarasco. Their chicken tostadas were a Monday night staple after a weekend of play and an empty fridge yet to be restocked.

The stewed chicken atop a mound of shredded lettuce and doused in salsa made the beginning of the week that much more bearable.

I’ve tried to recreate El Tarasco’s chicken stewey, and while this is similar, it isn’t quite the same but is oh so tasty in its own incarnation thanks to its earthy flavor.

But what I really love about this recipe is that it’s a one pot wonder thanks to a little secret that makes it super easy to make no matter which day of the week.continue to the recipe… about Stewed Chicken Tacos

Baked Orange French Toast with Almond Crumble

March 19, 2013

I have a friend who abhors anything citrus. The smell alone puts her into a tailspin and the gag reflexes start. Peeling an orange in the same office with her was always a sensitive affair, but being the ever polite and gracious co-worker she would simply step out and never complain when any one of us would forget about her unfortunate dislike.

I feel sad for her. Citrus is so good! Thank goodness we’ve both moved onto new jobs where inconsiderate co-workers are a thing of the past.

Smudge is obsessed with clementines, and she will argue with me, “Moooom, they’re called “Cuties” not clemmmmentinnnnes.” She doesn’t quite get the branding thing yet. And that’s perfectly fine with me. As long as she’s getting her vitamin C and eating oranges.

So when I was noodling around thinking of recipes where I could add some orange flavor, one of my favorite dishes made its way to the front and center. French toast made easy: baked in the oven.continue to the recipe… about Baked Orange French Toast with Almond Crumble

Fontina Polenta and Easy Marinara

March 7, 2013

It sounded like a freight train running into our house. And I thought my dog was dying.

We’ve had a winter that has piled the snow higher in our neighborhood than nearly any other along the benches of the mountains where we live.

This winter has put a toll on the snow shovels, the snow tires and nearly everyone’s patience.

With each snowfall the load on our roof gets deeper. And heavier. And with a nearly flat rooftop the snow has nowhere to go. it just. stays. put.

Until it warms up. And then the avalanches begin. And that’s when my dog loses it.

continue to the recipe… about Fontina Polenta and Easy Marinara

Seared Ahi Tuna with Asian Avocado Salsa

March 5, 2013

Are you a dinner recipe planner or do you fly by the seat of your desires once your cute striped TOD’s hit the front door of your favorite grocery store?

I wish I was a better grocery shopping planner. But then if I was, I wouldn’t have found these amazing tuna steaks at the good old Costco. And because I would have had a list I was compelled to follow, I probably wouldn’t have deviated from said written word. And then, I wouldn’t have shared these lovely meaty fishes with you. Meaty fishes? Oxymoron. But still.

When we lived in Venice, we didn’t have to buy fish from the good old Costco. We had Santa Monica Seafood which for anyone who has a crush on fish is like a the sparks that fly between Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper in Silver Lining Playbook. Why oh why did he not win Best Actor. His baby blues deserve their own award, stat.

SM Seafood had a plethora of fish, every single day. Stuff you’ve never heard of. But the tuna was crazy good. But given we were on the pacific coast, we didn’t always have to get our tuna from the store.

Nope, we had Jimmy for that.

continue to the recipe… about Seared Ahi Tuna with Asian Avocado Salsa

Stacked Breakfast Enchiladas Recipe

February 26, 2013

The phrase, “too many cooks in the kitchen,” need not apply to the Soza family, who’s motto rings, “Pásale, Pásale, vengan a comer,” (Come in, come in. Come in and eat).

Since 2010, Evangelina (Vangie) Soza and daughters Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack and Veronica Gonzalez-Smith have preserved three generations of family recipes and memories, celebrating their Mexican heritage in their well-followed blog, Muy Bueno.

I first discovered the cooking threesome when I featured Muy Bueno in the first issue of FoodieCrush magazine, where they shared their Christmas family traditions handed down from one generation and now to another. The role of family and tradition is the centerpiece of their brand, and it all started with their grandmother who they pay homage to in each word written and recipe created.

continue to the recipe… about Stacked Breakfast Enchiladas Recipe

Chicken Tzatziki Pizza

February 19, 2013

I’m always keeping an eye out for a nugget of inspiration to create a new recipe, whether it’s from a local restaurant, a TV show, old family favorites or from definitely from friends.

So when my intern and I were working last week, talking shop about design, food and our never ending to-do list, we realized it was time for lunch. Over lunch is when she shared an idea for a recipe that her friend had mentioned to her, and she was having some major cravings.

Chicken Tzatziki Pizza.continue to the recipe… about Chicken Tzatziki Pizza

Daddy’s Hamburgers and Friday Faves

February 1, 2013

With The Super Bowl blowing up television screens and beer kegs nationwide, there will be plenty of eyeballs glued to the screen. Will they be watching the game? Shhushing fellow T.V. watchers during the commercials? Or anxiously awaiting to judge the lip syncing skills of Beyonce? You go girl.

Sure that’s all part of the fun, but for wayyyyy more of us its all about the food. Americana at its gluttonous best with antacids and Ibuprofen on stand-by, ready to remedy too much revelry when the San Francisco 49ers come home with the ring. That’s right. My team is coming home with the big V.

continue to the recipe… about Daddy’s Hamburgers and Friday Faves

Mexican Turkey Meatball Sandwiches with Avocado Smash and Game Day Sweepstakes

January 14, 2013

Enter Avocado from Mexico’s Game Day Sweepstakes via FoodieCrush here. See what you might win and details at the bottom of this post.

I’m just saying it now. So get out your cute little Moleskins, grab a pen and take heed.

2013 is the year of the meatball.

No matter it’s nationality—Italian, Swedish, Vietnamese, Greek, every country has it’s version of meatballs—the meatball is a ubiquitous culinary staple that is the figurehead of basic, down-to-earth, comfort food. In. My. Mouth.

The meatball has even made its way into popular culture, including as the title of one of my all-time favorite movies now being made into a T.V. series by none other than the creator of Friday Night Lights (I’m so ready to discover who will become my new Riggins, IF, and that’s a big IF, he can be replaced.) Are you ready for the summer? Are you ready for the good times? Ah, yes, about now I certainly am.continue to the recipe… about Mexican Turkey Meatball Sandwiches with Avocado Smash and Game Day Sweepstakes

Coconut Snowball Cookies and Friday Faves

January 11, 2013

(Dear reader, please rewind one month and put this little sing-song to a very popular Holiday jingle in your head as you read…) “It’s finally beginning to look a lot like wiiiiinnn-ter, eeeeverywhere I gooooo…”

After an entirely lame-o winter last year, I was so geared up for some serious white fluff to fall from the heavens this year. I’m happy to report Winter 2012-13 is serving up some doozey storms, like 3 that delivered over 1-2 feet at each shot. I might be one of the few and far between who is giving props to the weather man.

There isn’t much I like more than lighting the fire, sitting in my living room and watching my front yard get absolutely buried in snow, like you can’t leave your house type of snow. Live you may never see your car again snow. Like don’t let the chihuahua out, we may never be able to find her snow. Since I live on the benches of the mountain and on a get-your-glute-burn-on steep kind of hill, its not so far fetched when old man winter cooperates.continue to the recipe… about Coconut Snowball Cookies and Friday Faves

Microwave Egg and Vegetable Breakfast Sandwich

January 10, 2013

It’s been 6 months since I quit my job and became a solopreneur. Taking ma’ bizness into my own hands and saying goodbye to an office full of officemates.

Since that time, I’ve often thought about the mornings I’d have to hustle about the house, trying to get it all together to make it to work in time. In time to drive to work, walk over to Whole Foods to get a coffee to go, head into the office, check e-mail, see what’s up on Twitter, check in with co-workers. You know, the mundane routine you do to ease into the work day.

I never used to eat breakfast before I went to work. It wasn’t that it was a running-out-of-time-oh-hell-I’m-going-to-be-late thing, it was mostly that my stomach wasn’t tying itself into knots crying out in pain for food so I figured I could wait a little longer ’til it spoke up. Plus, making breakfast at work as a nice.little.diversion from work.

So after I’d finished my morning office round-about-routine I would make my eggs for breakfast. In the office. “Wow!” you must be thinking to yourself, “you had a full test kitchen at your office. Cool!” Um, no. So I came up with an alternative cooking method…continue to the recipe… about Microwave Egg and Vegetable Breakfast Sandwich

Chicken Nicoise Pasta Salad

January 8, 2013

The New Years resolutions have rung themselves in. And some of them, for some of you, are already on their way out.

This year I’m not making New Years resolutions. Instead, I’m setting goals that aren’t beginning-of-the-year-dependent, the kind that once the shiny sparkle of the New Year has faded so with it go the good intentions of achieving those rock hard abs and closets that look like they were ripped from the Container Store catalog.

That’s just not where I am anymore, looking toward the unknown of what might or might not work, what might or might not make me happy. It’s not that I don’t want to be in good health or have a clean and organized home, its just that I know time is precious and flies by too quickly. Instead, I’m going to go retro this year. I’m going to remember the way I used to behave, the way I used to enjoy, because I know what I did then worked and made me happy. The essentials are there, and can easily be adapted to where I am now in my now, much happier life. So, here are my goals for this year.

continue to the recipe… about Chicken Nicoise Pasta Salad

Shrimp and Scallop Ceviche Stuffed Avocados

December 24, 2012

The most tasteful things in life are usually the simplest. And this dish is a shining example.

After weeks of nipping at our ankles like border collies herding sheep, Christmas Eve is here and New Years Eve will be scurrying right up behind it. I for one am ready to welcome in a new year of hope and gratitude with clinks of champagne and air kisses galore.

These occasions scream for something decadent, but with the flurry of social activities, travel time and overall high expectations, why don’t we all decide to keep it simple, shall we? Simply decadent.

This year I’ll be celebrating New Years on a beach in Mexico. No, not just in my mind as I settle into below freezing temperatures as my husband suggests I warm up that snow shovel. No, this is all real life baby. Sand, surf and shrimp will be tops on my itinerary, and not necessarily in that order.continue to the recipe… about Shrimp and Scallop Ceviche Stuffed Avocados

French Onion Soup and 5 More Cheesy Recipes

December 4, 2012

After a full day hanging about in airports—due to my own volition and giving up my seat on two flights for others who had major connections to make overseas—oh, and the travel vouchers they dangled in front of my nose—I’m home.

Before I left for Mixed Conference I had the best of intentions to get this recipe up and out the door—aka in the blog queue—before I left for the event. It just didn’t happen. And so here we are.

Meeting and spending time with my fellow speakers was a highlight of the trip.

The absolutely charming Bree of Baked Bree showed her graceful and unguarded style in such friendly conversation it felt we’d known each other since high school; Self-deprecating videographer Lenny’s one-liners were the perfect pairing to the calm and collected sensibility of his partner Denise, the photographer and voice of Chez Us, both of whom I felt an instant connection; Always gracious and incredibly talented Marian of Sweetopia made it her mission to make sure each and every person down to the breakfast server feel special and welcome while quick witted stylist extraordinaire Tammy of Running With Tweezers readily shared her fountain of reality based knowledge and deftly saved the day as the keeper of the wine key.

If you aren’t following their blogs, do it. You can thank me later.continue to the recipe… about French Onion Soup and 5 More Cheesy Recipes

Stuffed Pork Chops with Roasted Grapes

November 28, 2012

It’s not even December yet and I feel like the holidays have already passed me by.

Working in magazine publishing means you’re always working at least 3 months ahead of each and every holiday. Plotting Halloween while others are launching firecrackers and decorating Easter eggs to the jingle of Christmas carols.

Hence why I’m always 3 months ahead yet 3 steps behind.continue to the recipe… about Stuffed Pork Chops with Roasted Grapes

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies and Friday Faves

November 23, 2012

The turkey has been carved, the last bits of gravy have been slurped up with a soft white roll and the last few pieces of pie have been doled out to departing family as the last memories of yet another thankful Thanksgiving.

Now let’s get to the good stuff: Christmas cookies!

While this recipe for Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies may not scream holidays, it is a really taaaaaasty cookie and should absolutely be relished thanks to its super dunking abilities. But if you’re looking for peppermint, coconut or biscotti I have the recipes for you.

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients

¾ cup butter 1 ½ sticks, softened
¾ cup light brown sugar
¾ cup white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 ¼ cup peanut butter
1 cup flour
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup peanut butter chips
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream butter, and sugars until light and creamy. Add egg and vanilla and mix well. Add peanut butter and mix to combine.
Sift flour, cocoa powder and baking soda together and slowly add to butter mixture until just combined. Add peanut butter chips and chocolate chips and gently combine with fingers. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet topped with parchment paper. Bake cookies for 9-11 minutes or until cookies begin to brown on edges but still soft in center. Remove from oven and let cool.

If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram you’ve seen a few teases of a new ebook I’ve created with Maria of Two Peas and Their Pod. Oh yes it is time my friend for more sugar, chocolate and cookie dunking!

On Monday, November 26th, our NEW cookie ebook will go on sale, Holiday Cookie Cravings. Maria has created 10 brand new, never before published holiday cookie recipes that we’ve packaged in a gorgeous ebook with full-color photos in an easy to read format. And you’ll see on Monday a super fun bonus a very talented contributor added to the festive flair.continue to the recipe… about Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies and Friday Faves

10 Cranberry Recipes plus a Turkey Cranberry and Grilled Brie Cheese Sandwich

November 21, 2012

This year’s Thanksgiving dinner table conversation could turn from a mild meet-up to a combative melee depending on one’s beliefs. Why? Here’s one reason why.

Thanks for the stimulating conversation but I’ll be staying far from the fracas.

Thanksgiving brings out opinions aplenty in areas other than current events or whether the Redskins or Cowboys will take the turkey honors. Some of the strongest are tied to food and the stalwart stands we each take when it comes to defending our turkey day dinners.continue to the recipe… about 10 Cranberry Recipes plus a Turkey Cranberry and Grilled Brie Cheese Sandwich

Friday Faves and a Pepperoni Italian Egg Skillet

November 16, 2012

It’s the last weekend before the final gorge, aka Thanksgiving.

But before you sweat it out over the pumpkin pie with distant cousin Miranda who doesn’t hesitant to tell you allllll about her kids amazing experience at the gifted children’s private school where they’re getting straight A’s or listen to Uncle Barry’s wife #4 who he met on his most recent trip to Baja, we must eat breakfast. Something that’s hearty enough to nourish us early in the a.m. and carry us past noon or until the big bird sings and more “interesting” relatives show up.continue to the recipe… about Friday Faves and a Pepperoni Italian Egg Skillet

10 Thanksgiving Sides and a Stovetop Creamed Spinach Recipe

November 15, 2012

It happens every time we go out to eat.

I studiously examine the menu, taking into account the balance of all of the offerings before I can possibly fathom what choice I might make for my meal. Debating. Then deciding. Then debating again. Then re-reading the entire menu once more.

And by the time the waiter rolls around and lets us in on the secret that he’ll be our waiter for the night I’ve more than likely changed my mind again. Hey, I can bash on the server introduction because I used to have the same exact set-up when I was a server, but frankly now that I’m a customer it really doesn’t matter to me about the formal intro.continue to the recipe… about 10 Thanksgiving Sides and a Stovetop Creamed Spinach Recipe

White Bean and Pumpkin Pork Chili Recipe

November 13, 2012

Top buns. Ombre. Glasses that don’t really have lenses but make you look smart. It’s all about what’s hot at the moment. But don’t be fooled, fashion isn’t the only place trends make a statement. Food has its favorites too.

Take these two “it” ingredients of the moment: These days the mere mention of heart healthy pumpkin and superfood kale is nearly as buzz worthy as vampires or that funny cowboy dance to the Korean song I can’t sing along to because I don’t speak the language. But I can still move to the beat and do my best Rhinestone Cowboy impression while I do, much to the dismay and embarrassing looks from Smudge.continue to the recipe… about White Bean and Pumpkin Pork Chili Recipe

Pumpkin and Fried Sage Flatbread plus 5 Savory Pumpkin Recipes

October 11, 2012

Sometimes you just don’t have time to create a complicated meal. And sometimes you have the time and just don’t want to.

Today was one of those days.

Last week Smudge and I picked up a few sugar pumpkins at the farmer’s market, both for decoration and to cook with. She isn’t so sure she’s ready to relinquish her babies—Bob, Harry and Babycakes—to me and my menu making plans just. quite. yet.

So I had to be stealthy and cagey to sacrifice the pumpkins to the oven gods to create a roasted, creamy, orange base for the simplest pizza I’ve ever made.continue to the recipe… about Pumpkin and Fried Sage Flatbread plus 5 Savory Pumpkin Recipes

Mascarpone Pumpkin Mousse Cups Recipe

October 9, 2012

Like my Smudge, my nephew doesn’t care for birthday cake. Like her, he’d rather have pie with candles than a three tier, frosting laden, light and crumby old cake.

If you have one of those kind in your home, you need to check out my hybrid Yellow Cake Pie with Chocolate Mousse that was a rip-roaring success for Smudge’s birthday celebration. In fact it was so successful I’ve been commissioned by three of her 8-year old friends to make it for their 9-year-old birthdays.continue to the recipe… about Mascarpone Pumpkin Mousse Cups Recipe

Beer Bratwurst and Onions Recipe Plus 7 Oktoberfest Dishes

October 4, 2012

Hello, my name is Heidi. Classic German name right? I even fit the demo: blue eyes and blonde hair—thanks more to my colorist than my genes as I’ve gotten older—but I can still claim it, right? Please say yes. Please.

You might think I was named after the classic children’s book, or maybe an ancestor who traipsed about the countryside, blonde braids wrapped about her bobbing head as she delivered steins of brew to very happy citizens.

Well, that’s about half right.

Yes, it’s a pretty German name and my German immigrant grandmother was pleased with the choice, but my naming was also influenced by another Heidi, a family friend who did indeed deliver beer. Back in the day she and her husband owned the oldest bar in Utah complete with a stuffed head of a St. Bernard on one wall and dollar bills pinned to the ceiling. Heidi was gorgeous, blonde and the funnest person in the one-room joint. Let’s just say that legend has it that the top of the bar saw the bottom of her heels more than once. Am I like her? Buy me a drink sometime and maybe you’ll find out for yourself.continue to the recipe… about Beer Bratwurst and Onions Recipe Plus 7 Oktoberfest Dishes

Cheesy Chorizo Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe

September 27, 2012

Boys will be boys. And boys like football. And cheese. And sausage.

My husband, like so many guys out there and quite a few ladies with a penchant for competition, is a big football fan.

He isn’t as nutty as some dudes out there who are obsessed with their Fantasy Football leagues or who lay down hard-earned cash on the spreads in Vegas. And you won’t find him sporting his favorite team’s football jersey other than on the occasional game day. But you will hear him yelling very naughty, naughty words at the T.V. when a bonehead referee makes a bad call—or at least a call against his team.

Yes my husband is a fan. But my dad…oh my dad. HE is THE fan. Over the years he’s been known to be somewhat obsessive with his viewing pleasures. continue to the recipe… about Cheesy Chorizo Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe

Roasted Tomato and Zucchini Frittata Recipe

September 25, 2012

I don’t have a coop. But lucky for me I know someone who does.

I’m a bit of an egghead. I know, last week I was a picklehead, now I’m an egghead and soon enough you’ll be reading about me becoming a cheesehead. Yes, a real-live Wisconsin cheesehead. But you’ll be hearing of that soon enough.

Back to the eggs.

Backyard chicken coops are the of-the-moment-hipster-hobby. It seems like the more dependent we become on our beloved digital devices (phones, televisions, cameras, computers) the more we crave anti-technology time (crafting, gardening, exercising, cooking.) And nothing seems more back-to-our-roots than farming. And the easiest way to farm for many of us is to put up a couple of chickens in the back forty—or 10 X 10 square—and enjoy the fruits of our free-range, hormone-free, freshly-laid orb.continue to the recipe… about Roasted Tomato and Zucchini Frittata Recipe

Friday Faves and Smokey Corn with Bacon

September 21, 2012

The farmer’s markets in my neck of the woods are at their peak, harvesting all sorts of goodies and selling out to long lines of anxious customers waiting with baited breath to succumb to their favorite fall flavors.

Last week I made the voyage to the Wednesday Park City Farmer’s Market—’cause I can do that now that I work for myself—with my friend Kelley of Mountain Mama Cooks. It is exactly the type of market I absolutely love: Plenty of local vendors showcasing the very best in food that Utah has to offer with the emphasis on fresh farmed goods while keeping the homemade good vendors at respectable ratio.

Kelley led the charge sharing all of her favorite vendors and pointing out the good ones: “This guy has THE BEST peaches and nectarines in the state”—to the shysters: “He says he’s selling you sorrel, and its a premium price, but its mostly mixed greens.” Buyer beware.

As we strolled past freshly canned jams, fresh pacific seafood (in Utah? YES!) and loads of tomatoes, we came across “the best corn ever.” Needless to say I loaded my canvas bag with a half dozen ears for my corn obsessed husband. And Kelley was right, it was sweet, tender and delish and I instantly had a plan for the dinner table.continue to the recipe… about Friday Faves and Smokey Corn with Bacon

Zesty Bread and Butter Pickles Plus a Homemade Pickle Recipe Round-Up

September 20, 2012

Growing up, we were a house of dill.

Everything I ate had to have a dill pickle on it. My lunchtime tuna sandwich wasn’t complete without long slices of kosher dills (plus one or two on the side.) My after school snack of Triscuits, liverwurst, mustard and dill hamburger chips was my favorite treat as I watched Gilligan mess up the rescue attempts of Ginger and MaryAnn every. single. episode. And I will never, ever be able to eat a cheeseburger without some sort of cucumber stick topping (can I get extra pickles please?) thanks to the memories of stacking my mom’s homemade dills high on just-off-the-grill summer cheeseburgers.

I haven’t changed much. You’ve heard of Wisconsin Cheeseheads? I know you’ve heard of Deadheads. Well call me a Picklehead, perhaps in need of a hat or maybe some pickle earrings…

continue to the recipe… about Zesty Bread and Butter Pickles Plus a Homemade Pickle Recipe Round-Up

10 Ways to Cook with Chai Plus Chai Shortbread Cookies with Sea Salt

September 18, 2012

Goodbye summer’s afternoon diet coke, hello chai latté de fall.

Now that my coffee shop is just 18 strides from my office desk—when you work at home you have the luxury of doing things like actually counting how far the kitchen is from the computer—I’m finding that my afternoon routine has made a major switcheroo.

Lately I’ve been craving a different afternoon pick me up rather than the cold diet soda I sometimes wished could be pumped straight into my veins. I’ve been craving a cuppa something hot.

I tend to get all wrapped up in what I’m working on, so lately I’ve been making it a point to get up from my chair, move away from the computer screen, stretch my legs and clear my head with a 5-minute afternoon timeout.

My new favorite ritual is partaking of a moment in the waning afternoon sun, sitting on my deck with my chihuahua in my lap and a simple coffee drink in my hand. Lately my favorite has been an afternoon latte. Warm, milky and creamy.continue to the recipe… about 10 Ways to Cook with Chai Plus Chai Shortbread Cookies with Sea Salt

Friday Faves and Matsuhisa Cucumber Martini Recipe

September 14, 2012

Ah, nothing like topping off a week of work like a hard, HARD, HARD-shaken cocktail.

Back in the day when I was the Creative Director for a publishing company in Los Angeles, I made plenty o’ trips trans-US—to NYC for photo shoots—that were a total perk of the jobbie job because my husband usually tagged along and we’d make a vacation of it after all of the hard work was done.

On one of our first forays to the Big Apple we both knew we had to experience the best sushi in the City. We had our assignment thanks to our well-heeled L.A./NYC friendlies, who advised there was no place better than Nobu—the crown jewel of everything sushi of the moment—as our destination.

But there was a slight problem: No reservation = no service.

If there’s anything about me and my man that you should know right now, it’s that we don’t always play by the rules. The parking lot is for VIP passes only? We tip the guy to let us in. The line to the bathroom is up the wazoo? We enter through the exit door. Those awesome seats right up front that we didn’t pay $250 for? Well, let’s just say we’ll give it the old college try. It’s just the way we roll, and we usually end up in the winner’s circle and nobody gets hurt in the process.continue to the recipe… about Friday Faves and Matsuhisa Cucumber Martini Recipe

Tasty Tomatillo Shrimp Recipe

September 13, 2012

This year in my garden I went above and beyond my basic tomato planting regimen and introduced a new garden bedfellow to the rest of the team: Hello Mr. Tomatillo.

Up until about two years ago I was pretty unfamiliar with raw tomatillos. I don’t think I had even put together the fact that they are the main ingredient in my favorite green salsa that I douse my morning eggs in.

But then I started experimenting and made up one of my favorite salsas and posted a plethora of tasty tomatillos recipes.

And that’s when I kinda fell in love with the sticky little buggers.continue to the recipe… about Tasty Tomatillo Shrimp Recipe

Avocado Cream and Chicken Suiza Enchiladas Recipe

September 6, 2012

Yesterday I sat on the deck at lunchtime and it hit me. Fall has arrived.

It’s only a few days past Labor Day and while I’m fondly reminiscing about Smudge and her summer hijinks, I am beyond thrilled to bid it adieu. Hello to cooler nighttime temps forcing the changing colors of the mountain leaves, sleeping at night without the hum of the swamp cooler and basking in the warm sunshine at lunchtime without melting into a puddle of goo.

Oh and then there’s the introduction of comfort food. Oh baby, bring it.continue to the recipe… about Avocado Cream and Chicken Suiza Enchiladas Recipe