Robustly flavorful, delicious and healthy, this Roasted Pumpkin Hummus is simply out of this world! Enjoy it with your favorite crackers, toasted pita bread, or veggies and let the party begin! Let me tell you, this roasted pumpkin hummus ROCKS! The first time I … Continue reading →
Gourmet Marinated Olives
Perfect for entertaining and snacking, these delicious marinated olives will serve as a beautiful addition to your next gathering! And they also make a wonderfully elegant and tasty gift! These homemade marinated olives are a real show-stopper.  Plump, juicy, and … Continue reading →
Sesame Chicken
This Sesame Chicken recipe rivals your favorite Chinese takeout or restaurant version. Deliciously crispy breaded chicken is tossed in an exquisitely sweet-savory sauce that will "wow" your taste buds and have you coming back for seconds! Sesame Chicken Recipe Chinese … Continue reading →
Orange Beef
Tender beef in a delicious spicy-sweet orange sauce, this Orange Beef recipe is quick and easy to make, is bursting with flavor and aroma, and is sure to be a smash hit! Orange Beef Recipe You don't have to order takeout any more to enjoy Orange Beef. This Orange Beef … Continue reading →
BEST New England Clam Chowder
One of America's most famous dishes, get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort! This New England Clam Chowder recipe gets bumped up several flavor notches and will have you coming back for seconds! The concept of chowder goes back several centuries. Chowders were … Continue reading →
Hammer Stahl: A 150 Year Legacy in American Cookware
I received some products from Hammer Stahl for review. All opinions are entirely my own.   I've gone through many cookware brands and products over the last 20 years and only ONE has remained a constant in my kitchen, and that's my cast iron cookware. All of the … Continue reading →
Mozzarella-Stuffed Crispy Portobello Burgers (“One to Five” Cookbook Review + Giveaway!)
I received a copy of Chef Ryan's cookbook for review and all opinions are entirely my own. If you like easy, quick, affordable, and crowd-pleasing dishes (I do!) then you should check out this new cookbook from Chef Ryan Scott which has been endorsed by celebrated chefs … Continue reading →
Salmon with Cranberry Ginger Mustard Sauce
Tender and moist salmon topped with a luscious cranberry ginger mustard sauce. Â It's delicious and it couldn't be easier! I've teamed up with Hamilton Beach to bring you this delicious post! Last week I found an incredible deal on fresh cranberries at a roadside produce … Continue reading →
Aneto: The World’s Most Exceptional Broth
Artes, Spain. Â This small town on the outskirts of Barcelona is home to Aneto, a broth manufacturer named after the tallest mountain in the Pyrenees. Â Unless you live in Spain or frequent specialty shops in the U.S. you've likely never heard of this broth manufacturer. Â But … Continue reading →
Protecting Our Home & Property with D-Link Home Security Cameras (+ Camera Giveaway!)
I received these D-Link cameras for review.  All opinions are entirely my own. I'm not an overly paranoid kind of person.  But I'm also not excessively carefree or naive.  I'm not oblivious to the fact that there are people out there, even in the best and otherwise … Continue reading →
Valencian Paella Recipe
Thank you to Culinary Collective for sponsoring this post It's no wonder paella is the national dish of Spain because this delicious and drop-dead gorgeous dish is simply phenomenal! This Valencian paella recipe is a one-pot rice dish that's easy to make and perfect for … Continue reading →
KoMo Classic Grain Mill Review + Giveaway
I received this KoMo grain mill for review. Â As always, all opinions are entirely my own. The KoMo Classic Grain Mill has changed my life. Okay, that's a little dramatic, but in some aspects it really has. When I first saw the KoMo Classic Grain Mill, admired … Continue reading →
French Entertaining Part II: Nouvelle Cuisine (+ Alexian/Le Creuset Giveaway!)
I've teamed up with Alexian to bring you this post. Welcome back to Part II of French Entertaining! In our last post French guest cook Sandrine Vannson enlightened us on French entertaining "country style" with Duck Rillette and Pheasant & Rosemary … Continue reading →
Cutco Knives Review & Giveaway (a $261 knife set!)
I received some Cutco knives for review and I am impressed.  If you don't already own some Cutco knives you likely know someone who does.  I was introduced to Cutco for the first time about 5 years ago when we were visiting my brother-in-law and I saw his collection.  He … Continue reading →
French Entertaining “Country Style” + Alexian/Le Creuset Giveaway!
I've teamed up with Alexian to bring you this delicious post! I recently had the opportunity to try some amazing products from ALEXIAN.  Let me tell you a little about them.  Alexian is America's premier producer of the finest pâtés and mousses all made with the finest, … 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 →
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 →
Asian-style Grilled Fish Tacos
Thank you to NAKANO for sponsoring this post! Our Summer here has been a hot one! Â It's been a record low for rain with a grueling consistent 85-95 degree weather (for us Washingtonians that's grueling). Â But it sure has done absolute wonders for our garden! In … Continue reading →
An Iconic Tour of Victoria, BC
Depending on what you plan on doing there, Victoria offers fun, beauty, elegance, charm, history and adventure. Â A few weeks ago in early March I invited my mom to join me for a weekend getaway. Â Victoria is reminiscent of England in some aspects of its culture 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 →
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 →
Mini Victoria Sponge Cakes (A Taste of Britain)
Thank you to Tate+Lyle® for sponsoring this post. Today I’m sharing a taste of Britain with you, a quintessential dessert that has been enjoyed at tea time for ages.  Exquisitely rich buttercream and jam are sandwiched between two delicately soft and buttery sponge … Continue reading →
The Daring Gourmet Dines Out: John Howie Steak, Bellevue
My husband, Todd, and I recently enjoyed a night out in Bellevue and had dinner at John Howie Steak. Â This was our second time to this restaurant, and this time I came prepared with camera in hand because I wanted to share with you what I already knew would be a wonderful … Continue reading →
Mexican Wheat Berry Salad with Chipotles and Toasted Walnuts
A deliciously flavorful, vibrant and healthy whole grain salad laced with smoky chipotles, tangy cheese, and a sweet & savory vinaigrette! PLUS, a cookbook giveaway! … Continue reading →
Preserved Lemon Ginger Pound Cake
Thank you to All You Magazine and Pollinate Media Group for sponsoring this post. A delicious lemony cake punctuated with those preserved lemons we've been raving so much about lately. Â This cake adds bits of chewy candied ginger and gets a double dose of lemon in the … Continue reading →
Porcini Mushroom Linguine with Chicken, Shiitakes and Gorgonzola
I received some pasta from Pappardelle's for review. Â All opinions are entirely my own. In general, I've become pretty tired of store-bought pasta. Â Do you feel the same? Â Just a little bit jaded? Â Even the "flavored" ones lack flavor. Â Either they don't add enough of … Continue reading →
Baked Polenta with Mushrooms, Bacon and Swiss Chard
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. Â I developed this dish by way of request from Constance (Make a Request!). Â She wrote the following: Â "My mom used to make polenta on top of the stove with bacon and onion and then bake it to get a nice crisp crust. Â Any ideas?" Â Constance, this gave … Continue reading →