Giving Thanks for friends and family, good fortune and health is something we try to do each day. This time of year tends to make me think of my blessing even more than usual. Recently we have had the great fortune to meet so many wonderful new friends as we travel up the state of California in our RV. Some we have met as we camped along the way, some we met right at the dealership when we picked up our new RV, and one couple we met through an online group of RV-ing enthusiasts! Continue reading
Author Archives for lotpa
Chicken Thigh Ragu over Cheesy Polenta
Easy, incredibly flavorful and elegant enough to serve to guests! And if that wasn’t enticement enough, it’s a one pot wonder! Yep, this riff on braised short ribs is made in the crock pot! My girlfriend Carolyn doesn’t eat beef so I created a chicken thigh ragu just for her! She was kind enough to share it with the rest of us! Continue reading
Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Noodle Soup
Noodles, noodles, noodles! Call me crazy but I’m not a lover of traditional chicken noodle soup. I know, it’s supposed to sooth and comfort. When I’m looking for comfort, soup will definitely do the trick, but I like mine with a little zip to it! How can you have chicken noodle soup without noodles? Spaghetti squash to the rescue! More veggies and you get your noodles too! A little cumin and chipotle in adobo with a squeeze of lime and now you have a noodle soup with a south of the border feel! Continue reading
Gingerbread Trifle with Spicy Pecans
Hello Fall!….wherever you are….It’s been so blazing hot in Southern California it feels like the longest, hottest summer on record! So what do you do? You fake it! Make the flavors that remind you of fall and maybe she will peak her little head out and say hello. Ginger and cinnamon with a little, or a lot, of whip cream will do it for me every time! Continue reading
Rainbow Slaw
We all love to spot a rainbow after a good rain. The earth has been washed fresh and clean once more. All the colors of the rainbow are in this crunchy, beautiful salad. Just like the plants after a gentle shower, the slaw is fresh, clean and vibrant. A rainbow is a gift, and when we encounter the beauty and splendor, it is the perfect time to be grateful for all the gifts and people in our lives. Make a big bowl and share the rainbow with family and friends! Continue reading
Asian Veggie Noodle Salad
Whoa! Where has the summer gone? I can’t believe summer is almost over! Kids of all ages are heading back to school as we gather for one last fling of summer fun! Labor Day festivities are upon us this weekend and it reminds us to take time out of our crazy schedules to relax. No labor for this girl! Let’s keep it simple, yet flavorful and fire up that barbeque!
Asparagus Beef Rollups
When the days are so hot and humid you think you are in Florida, but your’e still in San Diego, it’s time to hit the water and let the cooling sea breezes wash over you! Throw in a concert, snacks and a few good friends and you have the makings of a perfect evening. Now what to eat on a sailboat is the question? Roast beef, horseradish, asparagus and peppers! It’s dinner that eats like a snack! Continue reading
Cauliflower Risotto
Conversations with girlfriends….you never know where they will lead you but it’s usually great fun! Women love to share! They share their ideas, experiences, feelings and we always come away feeling inspired, comforted or enlightened. Sometimes we just need to vent too. I love my husband but there’s nothing like talking with your girlfriends! Continue reading
Gluten Free Strawberry Dream Cake
Celebrate! What’s a birthday party without cake and candles? Our granddaughter Caitlin just turned 2 years old and I wanted to bake a cake for her party. The challenge was two fold for me. First off, I’m not a big sweet eater or baking genius. Secondly, one whole side of the family has varying degrees of gluten intolerance. Being family, we all jump on the gluten free train when we are together. I know it makes me feel better too! Wheat flour is a perfect creation in nature so to have the same effect without gluten is truly an art! So what did I do? Continue reading
Southwestern Potato Salad
Those who know me well, know I’ve never met a potato I didn’t love! But this little potato got all dressed up for Independence Day! While fireworks light up the night sky, you can rely on this salad to light up the day. The heat from the chipotle cream sauce is cooled by the fresh sweet corn. The salad is loaded with crunchy bits of celery and red bell peppers which makes for a very satisfying salad to share with friends. Continue reading