French-Style Macarons in San Francisco
When I couldn’t take my scheduled flight to Paris this week due to the volcanic ash issue, I did the next best thing – searched for French-style macarons in San Francisco. A macaron (not to be...
View ArticleChoosing and Preparing Fava Beans
Fava beans are appearing now in our local Bay Area farmers markets. They are so fresh-tasting and delicious. You do have to shell them, cook them and peel them before serving. However, they are so...
View ArticleRoasted Spring Torpedo Onions
Sweet spring torpedo onions are in season now. My favorite way to prepare them is to roast them. Roasting really enhances their sweetness, and the leftovers (if there are any) are delicious when...
View ArticleRoasted Rhubarb with Cinnamon and Sugar
Rhubarb is one of my springtime favorites! It grows like crazy in my Napa Valley garden. I’ve found that people either love it or hate it – or else they have never tried it. Rhubarb has edible...
View ArticleChocolate-Banana-Cinnamon Whole-Grain Paninis
These chocolate-banana-cinnamon paninis are favorites of ours. We have them a couple of times a month for breakfast, usually on the weekend. We like to use rustic bread from the farmers market, along...
View ArticleBountiful Blueberries
Blueberries are in season right now in our local Bay Area farmers markets. In addition to tasting great, I’ve read that blueberries may actually reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as...
View ArticleBlackberry Jam
Blackberries are in season now and are available locally in our Northern California farmers markets. Making jam is a great way to preserve blackberries so that you can enjoy them all year long. I...
View ArticleBaby Radish Appetizers
Marin Roots Farm brought baby radishes and radish flowers to the market this week. They were exceptionally fresh and flavorful. So flavorful, in fact, that I didn’t want to waste one single bite of...
View ArticleRoasted Pork Tenderloin and Vegetables with Fennel Flowers
Fennel flowers have a very pleasant spicy, licorice flavor. I harvested some from my garden to use with a pork tenderloin roast and vegetables. The flowers make a gorgeous garnish to serve with the...
View ArticleSlow-Roasted Tomatoes
This is one of my favorite ways to bring out even more flavor in vine-ripened tomatoes. You can either peel the tomatoes first, or leave the skin on – it depends on how you would like to use them. We...
View ArticleCaramelized Root Vegetables
Ingredients 1/3 cup olive oil 10 sprigs English thyme 4 cups assorted root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips and turnips, cut into 1/2″ pieces 1 T. balsamic vinegar Sea salt to taste You will also...
View ArticleMashed Yukon Gold Potatoes with Roasted Chestnuts
This is one of my favorite dishes for the holidays. The roasted chestnuts add a little sweetness and a unique flavor to these already delicious mashed potatoes. I also add caramelized onions or...
View ArticlePotatoes Au Gratin with Truffles
Ingredients 2 T unsalted butter ¾ cup (175ml) whipping cream 2 T chopped truffles 2 lbs (1 kg) yellow waxy potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced ½ lb (250g) onions, thinly sliced Sea salt and pepper, to...
View ArticlePotato Gratin
Ingredients 3 pounds potatoes (You can use russets or a yellow waxy potato, such as Yukon Gold). 1 quart whole milk Freshly grated nutmeg Sea salt to taste 2 T butter 1 c heavy cream 2 c freshly grated...
View ArticleMashed Yukon Gold Potatoes with Mushrooms and Braised Leeks
This is one of my favorite side dishes. I have always loved soft, braised leeks, and they are plentiful right now in our Bay Area farmers markets. They are a perfect addition to mashed Yukon gold...
View ArticlePotato Pancakes with Stewed Apples
Potato pancakes seem especially good on a cold, rainy day. These are made with yellow Finn potatoes, but Yukon Gold or russets will work fine. The key is to ring out the excess water that is in the...
View ArticleRosemary-Scented Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Potatoes, Spring Onions and...
This is a meal in a baking dish. It is very easy to prepare and really delicious. The sweet and savory combination is perfect for a rustic summertime lunch or dinner. This dish pairs well with a...
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