The Chauvet
I was in Sonoma Valley recently and discovered the most gorgeous luxury vacation rentals! The historic Chauvet building in downtown Glen Ellen has converted six spacious luxury condominiums into...
View ArticleBrinata
Brinata is a pasteurized sheep’s milk cheese from the Tuscany region of Italy. It is moist, creamy and delicious. This cheese has a white mold rind and a soft, creamy texture. It is similar to a cow’s...
View ArticleRaspberry Crisp with Creme Fraiche
Ingredients 4 cups ripe raspberries, rinsed For the topping: 1/3 cup (approx. 5 Tablespoons) butter, softened 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup old fashioned oats 3/4 cups brown sugar, packed 1/2 cup...
View ArticleLe Pigeon, Portland, OR
I recently visited Le Pigeon with my friends, Linda and Mora. I loved the casual atmosphere of the place, the friendliness of the chef and of the staff, and the delicious and creative dishes they...
View ArticleBoot Coffee Consulting
I recently visited Willem Boot in his coffee lab in Mill Valley, California, for a coffee tasting. Willem founded Boot Coffee Consulting in 1999. He has been in the coffee industry since age 14. He...
View ArticleLe Garage in Sausalito
My husband and I have been to Le Garage a number of times since it opened. This casual, hip restaurant is located in an industrial area in a former garage space. It is positioned beside the water...
View Article2004 Chateau de la Gardine Vieilles Vignes (Blanc)
I tasted this wine recently at my friend’s wine cave in Chateauneuf du Pape, and it just blew me away! This wine is 100% Roussanne and the grapes are from 80 year old vines. It has been aged in oak....
View ArticleRoasting Chestnuts
One of my favorite Autumn treats is chestnuts. I was recently in the Ardeche region of France for a mushroom hunt and was thrilled to see all of the chestnut trees lining the roads. In some regions,...
View ArticleMeyer Lemon Olive Oil Torte
This torte is crispy and chewy and filled with delicious Meyer-lemon flavor. It looks a bit like an ugly duckling, but you can dress it up nicely with candied lemon slices and fresh mint. Ingredients...
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 ArticleShelburne Farms’ Clothbound Farmhouse Cheddar
I recently enjoyed a taste of Clothbound Farmhouse Cheddar from Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, Vermont. This cheddar is made in the traditional method from raw milk of the purebred Brown Swiss cows...
View ArticleLMR Rutherford Gardens in Napa Valley
One of my favorite places for produce in Napa Valley is LMR Rutherford Gardens. Not only can you buy excellent organic produce right from the farm but they also encourage you to walk around the farm...
View ArticleSlow-Roasted Pork
Ingredients 1 7-lb pork shoulder roast, bone-in, tied 1 T olive oil Gray sea salt Pepper 2 c water Fresh herbs, such as sage or rosemary, if desired You will also need: Roasting pan Roasting rack...
View ArticleBob’s Belgian Beef Stew
Ingredients 3 lbs boneless lean stew beef, trimmed of fat 2 T olive oil 1 large bottle dark Belgian-style beer, such as Chimay or Hennipen (about 22 ounces) 1 quart (32 oz) chicken stock 12 pearl...
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 ArticleSmoked Ham and Apple Pancakes
This morning I decided that I wanted something a tad sweet but also savory for breakfast. I had bought a tiny smoked ham from Taylor Boetticher at Fatted Calf, and I wanted to include some of that for...
View ArticleNew Year’s Day Good Luck Soup
I grew up in Southeast Georgia, and our tradition for good luck for the New Year was eating Hoppin’ John. To us, Hoppin’ John was a big pot of dried black-eyed peas cooked with hog jowl or ham shank....
View ArticleSalad of Snap Peas, Bacon and Marcona Almonds with Meyer Lemon Dressing
This week I found the most flavorful snap peas at the San Francisco Ferry Plaza farmers market. These peas are so delicious when just eaten as as snack, but I wanted to do something different with...
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Roasted Pork Tenderloin and Vegetables with Fennel Flowers
Fennel flowers have a very pleasant spicy, licorice flavor. I harvested some from my garden to use with a pork tenderloin roast and vegetables. The flowers make a gorgeous garnish to serve with the...
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Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
This dish is great for nights when the weather is slightly cold or dreary. The leftovers can be used in sandwiches the next day – guaranteed to bring a smile! You can serve these meatballs as an...
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