I love cooking with a variety of grains and quinoa is one that I particularly enjoy experimenting with. Â Not because it's my favorite tasting grain, but because it's the healthiest grain on the planet, the only grain that is a complete protein. Â I like to use quinoa in … Continue reading →
White Bean & Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Dip
I looooove a good dip.  Growing up I always had my staple favorites:  French onion, sour cream & onion, a variety of cheese dips, and bean dip.  In recent years I've really enjoyed experimenting with a variety of flavors and mediums.  Here is one we really enjoyed and … Continue reading →
Blueberry Lemon Apricot Jam
What says comfort like a slice of freshly baked bread slathered with butter and homemade jam? I've been experimenting with a few jams this Summer and this one has become a family favorite.  The combination of blueberries-nectarines-lemons works beautifully and I'm sure … Continue reading →
10-Minute Margherita Flatbread Pizzas
Thank you to La Brea Bakery for sponsoring this post! Pizza is pure bliss, don't you think? Â There's just something about that crispy-chewy bread crust topped with sauce, oozing cheese and any variety of toppings that speaks universal comfort. I enjoy all kinds of … Continue reading →
The Evolution of The American Kitchen
I've teamed up with GE Appliances and BlogHer to bring you this post. The history of the kitchen is a fascinating one. Â I've never seen one, but I would love to watch a documentary on the subject from a sociological perspective. Â Kitchens tell us so much about the … Continue reading →
Creamy Rice Pudding with Yogurt (Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Vegan)
Thank you to Silk for sponsoring this post! Aren't those rice puddings pretty? Â This recipe for Creamy Rice Pudding is super easy and adds an element of fun and variety by stirring in your yogurt of choice. Â The yogurt not only makes the rice pudding even creamier, it … Continue reading →
Peter Piper’s Pickled Peppers
 Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked. If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, Where's the peck of pickled peppers that Peter Piper picked?  (*scratching my head*)  Have you ever stopped to really think … Continue reading →
Pulled Pork Burritos with Creamy Tomatillo Sauce
Few things can top meat that's been cooked for hours in the slow-cooker until fork-tender and saturated with flavor. This pulled pork is a prime example. And I can't even begin to describe how delectable it is once it's packed into a burrito shell with rice and black beans … Continue reading →
French Connection Sandwich (Two Ways)
Partnering with Castello for a Summer of Blue Cheese has a way of reconnecting me to my original home of Europe. Â Every time I sample some European cheese my mind is taken back to the lands and regions I spent my childhood through young … Continue reading →
Homemade Lemon Lime Marmalade
Lemon lime marmalade is fabulous but it's difficult to find in stores. Â And when you do it's generally a little pricey. Â So why not make your own? Â It's not only cheaper, it's tastes a lot better too! The question on your lips may be, "And why would I even want to make … Continue reading →
German Tomato Salad (Tomatensalat)
This is a fresh and vibrantly flavorful Summer tomato salad that is typical of the ones I know and love from Germany. Â Simple, quick and as easy as 1, 2, 3, all you have to do is cut up the tomatoes, onions, and herbs, prepare the vinaigrette, and pour the vinaigrette over … Continue reading →
Chicken Meatballs
Italian Chicken Meatballs This Italian Chicken Meatballs recipe features deliciously seasoned ground chicken enveloped a simple but dazzlingly vibrant and flavorful tomato sauce! If you prefer, you can use ground beef instead. Â I'll make it both ways depending on … Continue reading →
Greek Lemon Chicken
Capers are one of those ingredients you come across occasionally but may have never cooked with or even tried. Â But they're an integral part of Mediterranean cuisine. Â Their use dates way back to ancient Greece. Â They come from a perennial plant that bears edible flower buds … Continue reading →
Grilling Steak & Snake River Farms Beef Review
I received some steak from Snake River Farms for review. Â All opinions are entirely my own. In preparation for Father's Day, Snake River Farms and Double R Ranch are offering some special Father's Day Gifts packages containing premium steaks (see special offer at the … Continue reading →
How To Make Candied Ginger
Make your own homemade candied ginger! The flavor is WAY better than store-bought, much fresher and more vibrant. It will bring your baked goods to life, plus they're fabulous just to snack on!  PLUS there's the additional bonus of an amazing ginger simple syrup you'll … Continue reading →
Broccoli and Pasta Salad with Olives, Parmesan & Toasted Walnuts
There simply is no excuse for buying those pre-packaged boxed pasta salad mixes. Â Not when you can whip up something this delicious and wholesome in minutes! I love the combination of chewy-crunchy, especially in a flavorful and wholesome pasta salad. Â This salad comes … Continue reading →
Locomotion Barbecue Sauce (Weber Genesis EP-330 Gas Grill Review)
I've teamed up with Weber to bring you this post! I can't even tell you how done I am with rickety grills.  We've gone through two of them in the last 5 years and it's one of those hard lessons learned:  You end up paying more for cheap quality items because you have … Continue reading →
Goat Cheese, Spinach and Bacon Wontons
If you don't like goat cheese, no problem - use cream cheese instead. Â Either way, these crispy bundles of goodness are simply irresistible! They are dangerous though, I have to warn you. Â These are one of those foods that are hard to stop eating. Â You pop one in your … Continue reading →
Beef Stir-fry with Snow Peas and Mushrooms
Who doesn't enjoy a good stir-fry? One of the things I about Chinese food, aside from the fact that it's delicious, is that it's generally so doggone quick to make. Â Really the only time involved is the prep work - the chopping. Â The actual cooking takes less than 5 … Continue reading →
Szegedin Goulash (Székely Gulyás)
One of my most favorite Hungarian dishes, this Szegedin Goulash recipe features slow-simmered, succulent meat, onions and sauerkraut in a wonderfully rich paprika-infused broth. It's incredibly delicious! For more authentic Hungarian dishes be sure to also try our … Continue reading →
Cream of Jerusalem Artichoke, Leek and Potato Soup
"Cream of" soups have always been some of my favorites. Â They really bring out the flavor of the vegetables and love their creamy texture. The Jerusalem artichoke, also called sunchoke, is native to eastern North America. Â It's a root vegetable and is actually related to … Continue reading →
Swabian Lentils with Spaetzle (Schwäbische Linsen mit Spätzle)
If the national dish of Swabia were put up for vote, Schwäbische Linsen mit Spätzle would certainly be one of the finalists.  This was always one of my favorite dishes growing up and any time I make it now it's a nostalgic experience.  If you've lived in southern Germany and … Continue reading →
The American Kitchen: The World’s Melting Pot
Thank you to GE Appliances and BlogHer for sponsoring this post! What comes to mind when you hear the term "The American Kitchen?"Â That was the question I was posed when invited to write a post on the subject. GE Appliances has been part of the American home since 1905 and … Continue reading →
Exclusive Interview with ATK’s Christopher Kimball
I've long been a fan of America's Test Kitchen cookbooks and their TV show is the most-watched cooking show on American television. Â Running since January of 2001, it's approaching it's 15th anniversary. America's Test Kitchen host, Christopher Kimball, is the author of … Continue reading →
Havarti Dill Corn Cakes
Thank you to Castello for sponsoring this post! If you enjoy traditional cornbread or corn cakes these are a "must try." Â The combination of a high class European cheese with all the goodness of down-to-earth, traditional home-style Southern cooking makes these Havarti … Continue reading →
Spanish Steaks
This is the recipe that had my husband's work staff clamoring at his office door because of the aroma flooding the clinic at lunchtime. It's always rewarding when you can prepare a meal that smells amazing, tastes as good as it smells, and is visually appealing. Because … Continue reading →
Roasted Tomato Risotto
Incorporating the fresh and vibrant flavor of roasted tomatoes and garlic with the wonderful texture and flavor of melted mozzarella, Parmesan and herbs, this Roasted Tomato Risotto is absolutely delicious! Roasted Tomato Risotto Recipe Risotto is a culinary art of its … Continue reading →
Classic Angel Food Cake
The food of angels. Â I've always thought this cake had a fitting name. Â White as wool, light an airy as a cloud, and a deliciously delicate flavor - Â it's easy to see why this 19th century American creation has remained a favorite through the generations. … Continue reading →
Kusksu (Libyan Couscous with Spicy Beef and Vegetables)
The national dish of Libya is couscous, commonly prepared like this, with stewed beef, sweet potatoes, carrots and garbanzo beans in a spicy hararat tomato sauce. Â It's a warming, hearty, comfort dish featuring a delicious blend of Middle Eastern spices. Couscous is … Continue reading →
Daring Gourmet Getaways: Westin Portland, Oregon
My mom and I recently took a trip down to Portland, Oregon for a girls' weekend getaway.  Choosing a hotel was an easy decision.  After the great experience my husband and I had at the Westin Bellevue, I was eager to try the Westin Portland.  We couldn't have picked a better … Continue reading →
Four Fun Family Attractions in Santa Barbara, California
My husband and I took a couple's trip to Los Angeles last Summer and drove up to Santa Barbara for a day while we were there. Known as the American Riviera, we instantly fell in love with it. Â And as wonderful as it is for a romantic getaway, Santa Barbara isn't only a place … Continue reading →
German Pea Soup with Egg Dumplings (Erbsensuppe mit Eierschwämmchen)
 "Pea soup" is the literal translation of this dish but that doesn't even begin to do it justice.  There is a TON going on here flavor-wise.  With the flavor of caramelized onions and bacon combined with savory leek, carrots, celeriac, potatoes, peas and dumplings, … Continue reading →
The Daring Gourmet Dines Out: Casa Guadalajara, San Diego, California
Our family had the pleasure of eating at Casa Guadalajara while on vacation in San Diego. Â It was a fun and delicious experience! Colorful, vibrant, lively, flavorful - four words that describe both the restaurant and its food. Â Come take a virtual tour of the restaurant … Continue reading →
Austrian Linzer Cookies (Linzer Plätzchen)
A thoroughly authentic Linzer Cookies recipe from Austria! Made with almonds, these cookies have a delightfully delicate crumb with a fruit jam filling. They're fun to make, look beautiful, and taste absolutely delicious! You can never have too many kinds of … Continue reading →
The Daring Gourmet Dines Out: Bali Hai Restaurant, Shelter Island, San Diego, California
Here's some sunshine and palm trees for you to enjoy during this chilly season. Â Our dining experience at Bali Hai Restaurant on Shelter Island in San Diego, California. Â You've got to see the setting and views! … Continue reading →
Sausage, Fennel & Butternut Squash Lasagna
Here's a delicious variation of lasagna that will "wow" everyone who has the good fortune to eat it! … Continue reading →
Bethmännchen (German Marzipan Cookies)
An authentic German Bethmännchen recipe! Firm on the outside, chewy on the inside, and packed with marzipan, these traditional German marzipan Christmas cookies are absolutely delicious! What are Bethmännchen? One of the most famous and beloved of all German Christmas … Continue reading →
Daring Gourmet Getaways: Hotel Palomar, Westwood, California
This is the second Kimpton hotel we've stayed at and we're noticing a definite pattern: Â Swanky luxury hotels in great locations with top notch service, exquisitely comfortable rooms and beds, and each with their own unique personalities. Â Come take a virtual tour of Hotel … Continue reading →
Frozen Caramel Apple Crunch Cake
Apples. Â Caramel. Â Ice cream. Â Cake. Â EASY. … Continue reading →
Daring Gourmet Vacations: Omni San Diego Hotel, California
Our family went on vacation to San Diego a few weeks ago and stayed at the Omni San Diego Hotel.  Normally a hotel is just the place you stay while you're having fun elsewhere, but in this case, Omni San Diego was very much a highlight of our family vacation.  We were so … Continue reading →