Small bites, big delights! Those who know me well, know that baking is NOT my forte! Sweet treats are not the first thing that comes to mind when I am in the kitchen either. Probably because I’m not a big sweet eater. My husband David has that base covered! He’s the one with a sweet tooth…or two and it makes me happy to make him happy so I make treats for him. Last Christmas my daughter-in-law Liz made the most wonderful little macaroons. They were so yummy I couldn’t stop eating them. I even had them for breakfast. I guess you could say they were a huge hit! Thanks Liz! Continue reading
Mexican Style White Bean Turkey Chili
It’s chilly outside so let’s get some chili going inside! I’ve had to wait a long time for some cool, we really don’t get cold, weather in San Diego! We are finally getting some rain and it is a big event! A rush to the windows and watch it fall kind of event! A cozy fire, one of our favorite Christmas movies and a big bowl of chili and some sweet and savory corn bread is the recipe for a perfect evening at our house. Continue reading
Guinness Braised Chicken with Irish Champ
When I was growing up there was always a subtle undercurrent of knowing that we had Irish in our blood. It wasn’t something we discussed a great deal. It was just something we knew and were proud of. If I was asked what my family ancestry was, I’d immediately reply, Irish. But it wasn’t until my mother started to trace our family history did some of the pieces began to fall into place and it became more real. Now, I had a yearning to visit the family roots and feel my full Irish. Continue reading
Jalapeno Creamed Corn
One of the things I look forward to at the holidays, or anytime there is a large gathering, is the variety of food. Large groups of people tend to mean Potluck style! You never know if you are going to have a dish you have never heard of, one of those taste treats you only allow yourself on special occasions or a new recipe that could become one of your favorites. That’s the beauty of it! Continue reading
Gluten Free Cranberry Orange Scones
Scones! To the Scottish, scones aren’t just a treat at tea time, they are a national treasure. The English eat scones mainly at teatime, but the Scots eat them almost any time they can get their hands on one. A scone with mid-morning coffee, with soup and salad at lunch, at afternoon tea or high tea, and even with a glass of wine at the cocktail hour. Grab a scone and jump on the train for a civilized and comforting journey. Anytime is a good time for a scone! Continue reading
Ho Ho Cocoa! ~ Friday’s 5 o’clock Wet Your Whistle Call!
Hark! Thy holiday cocoa is here! Up on the roof top, down through the chimney and all around the Christmas tree. Whew! Holiday decorating is a lot of work! Doesn’t your Santa deserve a special cocoa for getting up on the ladder, stringing the lights in all those hard to reach, sometimes life threatening, places? I know mine does! Continue reading
Shepherd’s Pie with Colcannon
As we wrap up the International Cooking Tour, we head into the land of my people, the British Isles. They are known for many contributions to civilization but cooking is not at the top of the list. At least it has not been for more years than one can count. One thing you can always bank on is change and that is what is happening in the culinary world, especially in Ireland. But let’s go back in time to trace how this all came to be. Continue reading
Cinnamon Ice Cream
Oh my gosh! Words fail me….but I will try. I scream, you scream, we all scream for Ice Cream! This has never been truer than with this cinnamon ice cream. I mean, I could almost get hysterical this is so good! The best way I can describe it is, it tastes like the icing on a freshly baked cinnamon roll! Then pair it with a slice of apple pie and the talking is done! Continue reading
French Apple Tart
French pastries are some of the finest treats one can ever have. But do you need to be a pastry chef to make one at home? I think not! Sweet pastry crust for tarts is not difficult to make but it does add time to process. At the holidays we all seem to come up a bit short on time but that ‘s no reason to come up short on a sensational dessert that will please all your guests! Short cut to the rescue! Continue reading
Crustless Quiche Lorraine
Let them eat quiche! We think of quiche as a classic dish of French cuisine, but quiche actually originated in Germany, in the medieval kingdom of Lothringen, under German rule, which the French later renamed Lorraine. The word‘quiche’ is from the German word ‘Kuchen’, meaning cake. Continue reading