When I was in Bhutan last fall I noticed many of the buildings had really cool cup rain chains, some silver, some copper but my favorite one had a red patina over silver. I’m sorry I didn’t bring some home along with the prayer flags that I still need to hang in the garden. But as I learned from the monks, I need to make sure I hang them on […]
These have been my all-time favorite cookies since I can remember. I know they might not be the most photogenic cookie, but what they lack in good looks, they make up for in delicious, mouth-watering, chocolatey good taste. And as their name implies, you can make them in just a few minutes. Minute cookies are popular during the holidays, but I enjoy them all year. INGREDIENTS FOR “MINUTE” COOKIES 2 cups sugar […]
I love making soup, especially at this time of year. You can keep this Tuscan Bean Soup on the stove and if friends drop by treat them to a bowl bursting with flavor but low in calories, which is very welcome during the holidays! I made a huge batch but you can cut the recipe in half if you need to make less. INGREDIENTS FOR TUSCAN BEAN SOUP 3 garlic, […]
It was my turn to host book club last month and I planned to make one of my crowd favorites–Greek salad and chicken kabobs, but an unplanned menu item–Ribollita* soup– turned out to be the surprise hit of the evening. The night before our book club meeting I cooked a big batch of Ribollita, with plans to freeze it. I just happened to post this photo on Facebook and Instagram and one of […]
When I think of Greece I think of white-washed buildings with bright blue roofs, a sparkling Aegean Sea, long lazy summer days and the best “street-cart” chicken kabobs, warm pita and tzatziki I’ve ever had–of course that was a long time ago when I was backpacking. But summer still reminds me of that special time in Greece. Well, I’m not in Greece but the Pacific Ocean in Laguna is a pretty […]
I love everything that Ina Garten makes and this Greek Salad is no exception! With just a few simple ingredients you can have one of the most flavorful summer salads. And you’d never know it’s low calorie–it tastes just that good. The key is to start with really fresh veggies and good feta cheese. Try to buy it in a little tub with its liquid–that way you know it’s really […]
It’s the middle of summer and since I wasn’t enjoying it lying on a great beach in Greece I decided to do the next best thing–have a Greek inspired dinner party with the perfect summer cocktail. I always like to serve a signature cocktail so I went “shopping” for ideas on Google and found this Santorini Sunrise from Saveur. It was cool and refreshing with the sweetness of a bit […]
I should have known better! Just last week I was telling a friend that my garden had been “pest-and-critter-free” this year. I was even gloating a little. As soon as I said it I worried that I had jinxed it…and boy, did I ever! Last Wednesday, as I planted more cilantro (I can never have enough), admired how well my lettuce looked, and nibbled on the best strawberry crop I’ve ever had, […]
If you need to bring a dish to a summer potluck this Watermelon, Feta and Mint salad is a cinch to make and a huge hit! The only trick is to find a really sweet seedless watermelon. INGREDIENTS 1 large, sweet, seedless watermelon a block of feta cheese mint leaves Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper 1. Cut the watermelon into cubes 2. Cut the feta into small cubes 3. Chiffonade […]
Here’s the perfect dish to celebrate the 4th of July, Bastille Day or Summer–an heirloom tomato, grilled peach and burrata crostini with Franco’s balsamic on a bed of home-grown arugula. I think this is one of the prettiest appetizers you can make and according to my co-workers, the best one I’ve ever shared in the office. (That made me feel good!) Not to mention, it’s really simple to make. INGREDIENTS […]