Chiarello Family 2006 Bambino Cabernet Sauvignon
We recently went to Bottega in Napa Valley (Michael Chiarello’s restaurant in Yountville). The polenta with balsamic-wild game sauce, the rabbit sugo, the gnocchi and the burrata were all...
View ArticleNed Ludd Restaurant in Portland
My friends and I were thrilled to discover Ned Ludd in Portland. We went there on a chilly, rainy Sunday evening after a day of exploring Portland’s cheese, chocolate and wine shops. What a delight...
View ArticleAskinosie Chocolate
Perhaps the BEST chocolate in the world is being made by Shawn Askinosie in Springfield, Missouri. Seriously. It has become my absolute favorite, and I taste a LOT of chocolate. When starting up...
View ArticleNo More Plastic Bags at SF Farmers Market
Starting on May 23rd, the SF Ferry Building Farmers Market has banned the use of plastic bags by the vendors at the market. This is a trend that may be picked up by other farmers markets in the area....
View ArticleReverie-Daydream Boutique
Melissa and Sean McArdle recently opened a new online shop, Reverie-Daydream Boutique . They feature unique and beautiful artisan products from around the world. Their goal is to bring to their...
View ArticleRoasted Asparagus Frittata with Bacon (optional)
Ingredients 14-15 medium stalks asparagus, washed 2 Tablespoons olive oil 3 strips bacon (such as Niman Ranch Applewood Smoked Bacon), optional 2 Tablespoons butter 1/4 cup chopped scallions 6 large...
View ArticleFresh Strawberry Margaritas
In making homemade cocktails, I start with great ingredients. That typically means a trip to my garden or else to the farmers market for seasonal fruits. In this recipe, I use strawberries but you...
View ArticleFish in Sausalito
My restaurant pick this time is Fish in Sausalito. Fish is located on Harbor Drive and is dedicated to serving sustainable seafood. The chef/owner, Kenny Belov, works with near-by farmers to serve...
View ArticleReconstituting Sundried Tomatoes
My favorite sun-dried tomatoes (hands-down!) come from Everything Under the Sun in Winters, California. They are intensely-flavored and packed with Vitamin A, minerals and fiber. I love to have them...
View ArticleFresh Green Garbanzo Beans
Fresh green garbanzo beans were onhand this morning at the San Francisco Ferry Plaza Farmers Market! I have eaten dried garbanzo beans and even canned ones, but never fresh ones. The fresh garbanzos...
View ArticleFresh Hazelnuts from Freddy Guys in Oregon
My fresh Oregon hazelnuts just arrived! Since discovering the fresh hazelnuts that are grown in Oregon, I have really come to appreciate the flavor and versatility of these aromatic nuts. I like to...
View ArticlePumpkin Cheesecake with Creme Fraiche
Ingredients For the crust: 1 ½ cup roasted, unsalted almonds 3 T. melted butter 3 T. brown sugar ¼ t. cinnamon For the cheesecake filling: 3 8oz. packages cream cheese, softened 2 cups fresh pumpkin,...
View ArticleQuick Breakfast Apples
I love the floral fragrance of warm apples. This is a very simple recipe that combines a little honey and cinnamon (if desired) with the apples. It is a great side dish for breakfast. Ingredients 2...
View ArticleMoist Persimmon Cake with Creme Fraiche
This cake is so moist! I truly love to make it. It is so simple – no mixer required! And it is a small cake, so it doesn’t stay around the house forever. I hope you enjoy it! Ingredients 1 cup...
View ArticlePumpkin Flan
Note: This delightful Pumpkin Flan has a nice rustic consistency and a wonderful Autumn flavor. It will keep in the refrigerator (covered) for several days. Ingredients For the caramel: 3/4 cup sugar...
View ArticleChocolate-Banana-Cinnamon Whole-Grain Paninis
These chocolate-banana-cinnamon paninis are favorites of ours. We have them a couple of times a month for breakfast, usually on the weekend. We like to use rustic bread from the farmers market, along...
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Persimmon Pudding with Hard Sauce
English-style puddings remind me of luscious fruit cakes – only much more moist. This one is made with one of my favorite fruits, the hachiya persimmon. There are so many persimmons in our farmers...
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Fig Chutney
A friend just delivered a surplus of figs – perfect for making fig chutney! This chutney is a delicious compliment to slow-roasted pork and duck confit. It really adds zip to hamburgers, as well. I...
View ArticleCrunchy Apple-Blueberry Coffee Cake with Almonds
This coffee cake is decadent with its wealth of fruit and its crunchy topping. You can use almost any fruit in it. Feel free to experiment with strawberries, pears, nectarines, peaches, or...
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