In the past, Scandinavian cooking has been unjustly neglected and I could never figure out why. Many think the cuisine as bland or boring, which it is not. In the last several years it is rising in the ranks with the popularity of local, sustainable, and fresh ingredients. Well, guess what? That’s what Scandinavian cooking […]
It’s Time for More Judith!
Judith Olney books and recipes are some of my favorites, so I don’t know why I didn’t have this one yet. I found it at a used book store last weekend and couldn’t wait to get it home. Judith calls this book a “love song to Farmer’s Markets,” and celebrates America’s small growers. It’s a source […]
Wednesday (Double!) Winners: Pillsbury Bake-Off # 24: Banana Crunch Cake and Quick Crescent Pecan Pie Bars
A stay at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California wouldn’t be too hard to take! Such was the site for the 24th Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest hosted by Bob Barker in February of 1973. In the entry blank for the contest, the Doughboy looks pretty relaxed in his hammock, although I still have not figured out […]
Old-Fashioned Goodness
The most enchanting of all aromas has to be that of yeast bread baking in the oven. Some experts say that food fragrances linger in memory more strongly than tastes. Think of when your nose gets a whiff of something and you think – ooohhhh… that smells like my grandma’s cooking. It’s happened to me a […]
It’s the Time of the Season for Comfort Foods
Once Halloween is here, then Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner. It’s this time of the year when everyone seems to gravitate to comfort foods, which are perfect for eating and sharing. When you think back on good times, it usually involves family and friends along with good food. Food makes people happy, […]
For All you Bake-Off Lover’s Out There! A Special Giveaway for this Week!
With all of the contestants chosen for the next Pillsbury Bake-Off, there is an excitement in the air! I have a special giveaway for today. In my random drawing for this week, I have a large Green Giant tote bag, a Green Giant baseball hat, and two Pillsbury cookbooks: one for Bake-Off winning breads, and […]
The Cutest Halloween Chocolates Ever!
Whenever I am in the Napa valley, I head to Woodhouse Chocolates in St. Helena. They have the most beautiful and delicious chocolates, with special offerings on holidays. You can find them at : http://www.woodhousechocolates.com/ If you subscribe to their newsletter, you will also get some great seasonal recipes. This month’s recipe is pumpkin-filled pasties. Here is […]
The Sometimes Ignored Parsnip
I don’t know what it is about parsnips. I have had strangers ask me at the produce section if I know how to cook it – or they ask, what is this, exactly? I personally love parsnips roasted, as it brings out their wonderful sweetness. An exception would be this soup. It’s creamy, elegant, and totally […]
