This version of Paella cooks in the oven with very little attention. Unlike traditional Paella cooked on the stovetop which needs much more diligence to pull off successfully.   With a little bit of prep work, you will be free to enjoy conversation and cocktails with family or close friends without worry. Dinner will be quietly… Continue reading

Years ago, when my husband and I took our very first trip to Italy we learned a tip about shellfish and cheese.  We were staying in a little pensione on the Adriatic with a restaurant on the main floor that faced the ocean, so gorgeous it could have been a movie set. One night, we… Continue reading

I want to share with you my latest food obsession –  grits!  Specifically white corn grits from Palmetto Farms, gluten free of course.  With little knowledge and no prior consumption of them, they are a revelation for me.  I didn’t grow up in the “South”, and have not even one relative that could lay claim… Continue reading

With this hot summer weather, I think everyone wishes they were on the French Riviera eating moules frites while sipping rosé, am I right?  Not the usual mis en scène here, though.  I often find myself caught in an endless cycle of summer salads, which I rotate depending on mood.  However, I am really proud that I… Continue reading

Last Saturday, we invited a few friends over for dinner.   Naturally, we were really excited and planned a fabulous meal – Asian salmon, sticky rice, steamed baby bok choy with garlic sauce.  We even had fantastic kimchi from the Asian store that’s not even remotely close to home, but so good that I drive there… Continue reading

I certainly have developed a newfound respect for cornstarch.  It usually hangs out way in the back of that cabinet that houses the baking powder and various exotic spices rarely used – until today that is. Sure, most of us already know it can be used to thicken soups, sauces and stew.  But used alone… Continue reading

When I started this blog many years ago, I wanted to include a section that would give you suggestions for using up leftovers.  But, the thing is, I haven’t figured out how to add it — yet.  It’s a technical issue, not a visual one, I will get there. So, this fabulous recipe for Salmon Cakes… Continue reading

Honestly, when will I learn not to go to the grocery store without a list?  I should’ve just turned around, gone home and retrieved it.  Instead, I wander aimlessly, putting random things — that look really good –into my basket.  When dinnertime rolls around, here I am, with a bunch of food that doesn’t really mesh together…. Continue reading

This last week it seemed as if everyone I know was someplace warm.  Can you blame them?  We have had 20 days this month alone, with minus temperatures.  And there are still a few days left in February.  Sigh. And, I have to admit by this time in the season I am getting tired of… Continue reading

I want to know who decided it was a good time to have the Superbowl just a month after the Holiday Season?  I was just getting back on track (eating better, and less) when asked to a fabulous party with tons, yes tons, of delish food. And, you know, since they made the effort to… Continue reading

There very few foods that I don’t like. So few, I can count them on two fingers. Swordfish is one. Whenever I admit this to any of  foodie friends. They assure me they have a certain preparation, that surely I will love. Pan seared and finished with white wine, olives and capers. Wrapped in prosciutto… Continue reading

One of my Hubby’s favorite dishes to order in restaurants is Seared Ahi Tuna. Bone Fish Grill is no exception. There they serve it all dressed up with pickled ginger and wasabi. I prefer to pair it with garlicky spinach wilted in a splash of sesame oil, and some sticky rice. They all go together… Continue reading

Okay, three weeks into January, and I think I have reversed most of the effects of holiday merry making and gluttony. It seems I only last a few weeks any time of the year, and I have a yearning to entertain. Lately though, it seems that not just our calendars, but the stars must also… Continue reading

My husband was always amazed that I didn’t like mussels. I love raw oysters on a Friday night with a split of champagne. Will gladly gobble up clams in any form. Dream of grilled prosciutto wrapped shrimp. And need to have some type of asian prepared ahi tuna regularly. So why the dislike of mussels?… Continue reading

With the fall upon us I feel I should be preparing more hearty fare. Updating my repertoire of warming soups,  savory  stews and slow cooked braises. But two things got in the way of that thought this week. First,  is has been well into the mid 70’s. Hooray. Second,  I don’t just have a parsley… Continue reading

If I had to choose my all time favorite type of seafood, it would undoubtedly be clams. I just love them. However the kids haven’t jumped on the clam bandwagon, yet. They will eat seared ahi tuna, calamari even octopus. But not clams. And the Hub says he likes them but will eat just a… Continue reading

I had dinner all planned. Yep, I am one of those types that plan dinner while eating breakfast. Can’t help it, that’s what goes on here early in the am. Tonight’s plan was a Mediterranean inspired swordfish on the BBQ with tons of fresh rosemary, lemon and olive oil. With the fabulous warm weather we… Continue reading

We were thrilled  last spring when we heard that our Niece would be attending a great college nearby this year. It has been so much fun to have her over for dinner, and do laundry of course  But also to lend a sympathic ear, and give advice and support when needed. This week she spent… Continue reading

  Two days ago I made individual Chocolate Molten Lava Cakes. They were a work of art. The picture turned out fabulous. Which is no small feat for me,  with no sunlight all winter , and the fact that I am still figuring out how to work my expensive camera. In my early posts I… Continue reading

I had my doubts this morning. The forecast predicted was 80 degrees and sunny. Wait, what?  It was 59 degrees and foggy at 7am this morning. However around 10 am the clouds parted, and the skies cleared, oh yeah there’s the sun. Missed it this last few rainy, cold, fall (gasp! already) days. I am… Continue reading

Are you at that point in your summer when you are trying to fit in all the things you had planned to do? Excursions to parks, museums, a few big cities, or even just a attraction not far from home that you never get to? I feel that way about getting together with friends as… Continue reading