Every so often, you stumble upon a Chardonnay so refreshing and unique, unlike over-the-top oaky-buttery-California Chardonnays, that you want to drink it and cook with it, try every dish with it. I love Chardonnay with a creamy freshness and lemon-lime quality that is well integrated with oak flavors. Sometimes these are fermented in a combination …
I love Syrah. To me, it outshines California Cabernet Sauvignon in pairing with foods, especially those from the Rhône area of France, or cool-climate Syrahs from California. I thought pairing wine with a dish for this post would be a good idea, but then thought using the wine in the dish was even better. I …
I love French food and wine…and I love eating and drinking local. These two loves inspired me to create a local version of a typical French dish: oven-roasted chicken with vegetables and herbs de Provence. Of course, this is using local Chardonnay – in the dish…and in my glass. Pair with: Hoyt Chardonnay from Paso …
Summer on the Central Coast means grilling in your own backyard! If you’re keeping it healthy, here are 2 main dishes for the grill that keep it lighter. So invite some friends over, fire up the grill and chill some drinks…it’s going to be a great weekend! First up, burgers. I love burgers, but eating …
What’s the one ingredient that can make every one of your backyard BBQ dishes shine? That will kick up the flavors and make everyone come back for more?? Bacon, that’s what. 1. Figs wrapped in bacon with balsamic glaze. For an amazing starter, take some fresh figs and wrap them with bacon. Bake in the oven …
I know the first the day of Autumn has officially come and gone, but the weather around here hasn’t gotten the message. It’s still unseasonably hot and sticky, and the garden is still producing summer vegetables like crazy. I’ve been craving a fresh and simple breakfast lately, and dreaming of fruit tarts. Berries have one …
I had just spent some time in Spain, Basque country to be exact, where I’d eaten so much amazing seafood. Octopus charcoal-grilled or swimming in fragrant broth, fish caught that day then wood-oven fired with wine and garlic and zesty, salty sardines to start every meal. When I returned, I decided to make this Grilled …
Valentine’s Day is coming, and I love Valentine’s Day—even when I have no Valentine. This year, I have a houseful of friends who deserve some love-in-a-baked-form from me. This raspberry tart with gluten free pie crust fits the occasion perfectly! I’ve been researching and cooking healthier foods for a long time, and lately have been …
When I used to help out in a national food company test kitchen, my favorite task was helping back submissions for various recipe contests. And, then help judge them! This amazing entry was a perfect chocolate/peanut butter/cream cheese combination! This was a spectacularly delicious day in the test kitchen. Believe me, this decision was tough! …
