After living in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than six years, summer to me means cool, foggy weather. The onset of our Bay Area summer translates into a lot of sun seeking day trips to escape the blanket of Karl the Fog that envelopes the bay. Yes, our fog has a name, as well as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Continue reading did someone say summer?
Category Archives: Recipes
celebrating 50 years of amazing
This year Nutella is celebrating its 50th anniversary. I tried finding out when the actual date is, but the interwebs failed me. Ok, I’ll admit, I didn’t dig that deeply. My plan is to celebrate Nutella every day. Which is something I do regardless of whether or not the creamy, chocolate, hazelnut spread is celebrating a golden anniversary. Continue reading celebrating 50 years of amazing
learning chinese cooking from the best: ti pong
I first experienced Ti Pong made by my mother-in-law’s sister, aka Aunt Kathy. The dish is one of her Chinese specialties, but because she lives in Nashville, it’s not something I have the opportunity to eat on a regular basis. I have delicious memories of eating Aunt Kathy’s Ti Pong during our last two visits to Nashville. In non-Chinese terms, Ti Pong is meaty, fatty, delectably braised pork shank. It melts in your mouth and is a truly meaty treat. Continue reading learning chinese cooking from the best: ti pong
the great fry-off
Sometimes we believe our kitchen creations or family recipes are the best, and sometimes we need a contest to add validation to that belief. My friend Mel has always maintained that her grandma’s fried chicken recipe is the best. The double frying coupled with the secret ingredient of club soda is what sets Mel’s grandma’s fried chicken above all others. My husband thinks his fried chicken is the best. Brined overnight and the secret of air chilling is why his version is the best. Continue reading the great fry-off
no meat for dinner?
I’m always experimenting with veggie-based main dishes, and I’m constantly trying to trick my husband into believing that dinner with no meat is still a good meal. Sometimes I’m successful in my meatless trickery, other times I’m not. Continue reading no meat for dinner?
detroit inspiration
May has been a busy month of being away from home. Although it’s been almost two weeks since my last post, I’ve found myself inspired by the foods, friends and settings with which I’ve been surrounded. It’s finding the time to capture and organize all of my thoughts that’s been the challenge. Continue reading detroit inspiration
copy cat from OC
It’s no secret that I didn’t exactly take well to living in Orange County. Aside from a friendship with three very wonderful ladies, with whom I’m still close, I really don’t miss living behind the “orange curtain” much. However, now that I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, I have better perspective on OC. The Vietnamese food in OC is superior, the weather is better and the beaches are warmer. OC is also home to my favorite vegan eatery. I keep hoping a Native Foods will pop up in the Bay Area, but it hasn’t. There’s more competition in the veggie/vegan space in the Bay Area, so it’s probably not viable for a new player to move in. Every time I visit OC, a trip to Native Foods for the peanut butter parfait is a must. Continue reading copy cat from OC
learning chinese cooking from the best: green onion shao bing
I share many interests with my mother-in-law. We both love her son, we both love to travel, and we both love cooking, eating and talking about food. She is a woman who has instilled in her two sons an appreciation for food and cooking. They are both skilled in the kitchen, and they both love their mama’s Chinese cooking. I remember a story my husband told me back when we were dating. When his extended family gets together, their daily routine consists of eating breakfast, then immediately discussing and planning their next meal. Needless to say, I adore my husband’s family. Continue reading learning chinese cooking from the best: green onion shao bing
vegan (kind of) copy cat
It’s been almost a month since my experience in the desert for the Coachella Music Festival. I’m still thinking about amazing performances by Beck, Nas, Girl Talk and numerous others. I’m also still thinking about the Buffalo-style cauliflower from the Mohawk Bend booth at Coachella. Because I don’t live in LA, and Coachella only happens once a year, I’m unable to drop in when I get a craving. Which means my copy cat mentality has set in. I do this a lot, you see. I will fall in love with a dish at a restaurant and become fixated on recreating it at home.
say no to toxic yellow
Happy Cinco de Mayo! Let’s face it, most of us use today as an excuse to have a drink and a taco or two. And no, it’s not Mexico’s independence day. In actuality, May 5 marks a victory for the Mexican Army. But because this is a food-focused, not a history blog, I’m going to stick with what I know. And what I know is any excuse to make a proper margarita is a great day in my book. Continue reading say no to toxic yellow
planks and sticks 