Recipes

This week’s cold lunch salad is a little late – it’s been a crazy week with all my craft projects. I try to always keep a package of fresh pancit canton noodles on hand. They’re easy to find in the Bay Area and make the perfect foundation for odds and ends in your fridge. Like…

I’m trying to get in the habit of making big batches of a cold salads each Sunday night to take with me to work for the start of the next week. At my new job, we all eat at our desks so it makes extra sense to bring my lunch instead of eating out. Plus,…

During family vacations at the beach, we usually made a trip to a deli in Montecito to pick up a variety of cold salads for one dinner. We each got to pick out a dish from the pristine glass display. It was so elegant! Ever since, summer salads have been a special fixation. I made…

Cooking on vacation is so pleasant. None of the rush that comes with everyday cooking after work. This classic, light salad is just right as part of a lunch spent watching whales and pelicans migrate. Insalata CapreseTwo of the best tomatoesFresh mozzarella (the kind packaged in water)Fresh basilOlive oil1 clove of fresh garlicPepperOnion salt Pour…

Mmm…first potato salad of the summer. And it was just right. This family favorite is a purists version of the recipe. Classic Potato SaladMakes 6 servings. Prepare the day before. 5 or 6 large red potatoes, (pool cue size)3 stalks of celery3 green onionsMayonnaiseOnion salt and pepper Boil the potatoes for about 20 minutes and…

So odd that the lasagna I made with the least effort and the strangest ingredients turned out to be my most successful. On Tuesday I shopped for stir fry, but switched to lasagna while watching Giro d’Italia. The result was an easy and healthy midweek dinner: Healthy Lasagna1/2 a package of no-boil lasagna noodles1 zucchini,…

This pasta recipe proves once again the magical properties of butter and garlic. I made this quick spring pasta from fridge “remnants” earlier this week. The artichokes add a little zing and the snap peas provide crunch: Artichoke and Snap Pea Pasta1/2 a package of quality dried Paglia e Fieno (“straw and hay”) pasta1 can…

Thanks for sending in your requests for more information about artichokes. They’re one my favorite things and so easy to prepare, too. Here are a few pointers: Shopping for Artichokes – I can’t think of a time I ever bought a bad artichoke. Even the frost damaged variety are delicious. Since they’re usually sold at…

A friend is coming for dinner this week – she’s never had a real, live, genuine artichoke. The pickled variety in jars doesn’t count. We’re excited to introduce her to this California staple. The only question is which dip? Balsamic vinaigrette, melted butter, lemon, mayonnaise or my current favorite: soy sauce with mayonnaise? (don’t knock…

Saturday’s party was so fun. I really should host a 1906 earthquake anniversary party every year! We’ve created our own traditions: no electricity, a table set with candles in odd glass containers and chandelier crystals, lots of wine and good conversations about disaster preparedness (more entertaining than you might think!) From this year forward, cioppino…