How to make more than reservations

BHG winner! Amazing!

2009-04-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

Olive Medley Pinwheels

8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup pitted green olives, chopped
1/2 cup pitted ripe olives, chopped
1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped
1 tsp. finely shredded lemon peel
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
4 10-inch flour tortillas
8 large basil leaves
1/2 cup bottled roasted red sweet peppers, well-drained and cut in strips

Directions

1. In medium mixing bowl beat cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Stir in olives, lemon peel, garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; set aside.

2. Warm tortillas according to package directions. Spread olive mixture on each tortilla; arrange basil leaves and sweet pepper strips along center. Roll tortillas parallel with sweet pepper strips. Wrap in plastic; refrigerate 2 to 4 hours. To serve, trim off ends of each roll; cut rolls in 1/2-inch slices. Makes 10 servings (about 40 slices).

Cherry Cab Sauce

2009-03-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

Cherry Cabernet Sauce

Ingredients
• 1 cup of cherries, pits removed and cut into quarters
• 4 cloves of garlic, diced finely
• 1 small shallot, diced finely
• 2 TSP of olive oil
• 1 cup of red wine (Cabernet or Merlot works best)
• 1 beef bouillon cube
• ¼ cup of water
• 2 TSP balsamic vinegar
• 1 TSP of fresh thyme leaves
• 3 TSP of honey
• Three whole cloves
• Fresh ground pepper
• Pinch + of crushed red pepper flakes
1 TSP herbs de provance

Directions
In medium sauce pan, sauté cherries, garlic, and shallots in olive oil until cherries are soft. Slowly pour in red wine and stir well. Add beef bouillon cube, water, balsamic, thyme, honey, cloves, and peppers. Stir well to incorporate honey. Reduce heat to medium and bring to a slight boil for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to simmer until it has reduced by ½.

Serve over freshly grilled sliced tri-tip that has been marinated in a combination of red wine, balsamic, garlic and olive oil. I generally cook a 1.5 lb tri tip in the oven, covered for 1 hour at 250 degrees and then grill on the barbecue for about 15 minutes on each side until brown and cooked to medium rare. Works great on pork tenderloin too!

The sweetness of the cherries and honey play nicely with the tartness of the balsamic vinegar and the garlic. The crimson color and rich flavor make it a great addition to Christmas dinner or a New Year’s party.

Raspberry Chipolte Sauce (+ Free spice packet!)

2008-11-12T17:09:00.001-08:00

if you order before Friday!

Check it out here.

2008-10-23T17:24:00.001-07:00

Great treats can be individually wrapped with a tag for treats for teachers and coworkers!

Humongous Gourmet Peanut Butter Cups

Chocolate, pretzels, marshmallow, butterscotch, and peanuts. What more could ask for? Visit my shop for treats!

Guilt Free Autumn Dessert

2008-10-14T21:36:00.001-07:00

1. Chop 1 large apple, and place into ramekin.
2. Sprinkle with 1 tsp. Sweet Cinnamon Spice and 1 TSP brown sugar.
3. Dot with a very small about of butter or margarine.
4. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.
5. Top with fat free ice cream and hold onto your pants because it is really, really good!

Something New

2008-10-06T21:26:00.000-07:00

I've opened an Esty Shop!

I plan on selling marinade mixes, spice rubs, corn bread and cake mixes and other little bits of culinary goodness.

I hope you come and check it out soon! I should have product up in a few days. There's a preview on the right....

Olive and Salami Pinweels

2008-09-23T16:11:00.000-07:00

These yummy pinwheels are made with herbed cream cheese, Olive tapenade, light salami, and Italian parsley.

Watermelon Mojoto

2008-08-25T14:47:00.000-07:00

Makes 2 12 oz cocktails

Ingredients

1/2 cup strained watermelon juice
2 springs of mint, plus more for garnish
3 oz. light rum or vodka
1 tsp juice
1tsp sugar
dash of triple sec
ginger ale

In a shaker, muddle the lime, sugar and mint. Add remaining ingredients, fill with ice and shake. Strain into glasses and garnish with melon balls and mint. Mmmmm! Refreshing.

California Chicken Sandwich

2008-08-19T14:22:00.000-07:00

California Chicken Sandwich with Avocado Cilantro Dressing

Ingredients

4 slices of Garlic San Luis Sourdough Bread
8 slices of Havarti or Pepper Jack Cheese
1 large tomato sliced
1 cup of baby spinach
2 TSP + Olive Oil
½ lb fresh ground chicken (1/2 lb breast/ ½ thigh)

Seasoned with

3 TSP crispy bacon or real bacon bits
A few twists of fresh ground pepper
Pinch of salt
1 tsp chopped shallot
½ TSP minced garlic

Avocado Cilantro Dressing

1 large ripe Haas Avocado
1 TSP Light Sour Cream
1 TSP Mayonnaise
½ tsp. celery salt
½ tsp cumin
Fresh ground pepper
2 TSP Chopped Cilantro
The juice of 1 lime

First make sauce so that the flavors can melt together. Simply combine all ingredients and mix well until smooth. Toast or grill bread. Then, Season chicken and mix well. Score into 2 sections and form into the shape of the bread. Pat well, and pat dry with a paper towel. Heat oil over med/high heat. Meanwhile, lay out remaining sandwich components to make an assembly line of sorts. Add patties to the pan, and don’t turn for at least 1 full minute to get a crispy outer burger. Spread each side of toast with about 1-2 TSP of dressing. Add in layers, spinach, cheese and tomato. Season tomato with pinch of sea salt and pepper. Turn chicken and cook about 5-7 more minutes depending on thickness. Place on bread and serve with a local spinach salad. Also, it's just as good to use grilled chicken rather than ground chicken.

Just for Jiff

2008-08-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

Inside Out Baked Potatoes
Serves 6-8

Ingredients

1.5 lb of russet potatoes with the skin mostly peeled off
1/4 cup half and half (milk would work too)
1/4 cup light sour cream
1/2 stick butter (not margarine)
1/4 cup real bacon bits or freshly cooked bacon that's been chopped
1/2 cup chopped chives

Directions
Cook potatoes in a large pot about 10 minutes or until fork tender. Drain and return to pot. Add milk, butter sour cream, and salt and pepper to taste. next, fold in bacon and chives.

This is delicious man food that my husband says is better than my usual caramelized onion and garlic red potatoes. I made them for my extended family and they were a hit too.

FYI: Do not drink too many mojitos before making this or you may end up accidentally dumping an entire tube of sea salt into and that would be really unfortunate while entertaining.

BBQ Rib Throwdown.

2008-08-04T12:28:00.000-07:00

My husband woke up on Sunday and decided that we needed to have a rib cookoff/throwdown. Of course I was game, and it was on!

Above: My Spice Rub included:
Cumin, Chili Powder,Paprika, Brown Sugar, Colemans Dry Mustard, Garlic Powder, Salt, fresh ground pepper, Curry powder, Cinnamon
And I slowly boiled the ribs in a bath of red onion, garlic,cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, bay leaf and salt. I rubbed the spices and then BBQ'd them. Just before done, I coated them with my homemade Pineapple Chipolte BBQ Sauce.

Above: Michaels Sprice Rub included:
brown sugar, paprika, salt and pepper, dry mustard,cumin
Michael boiled his in water before coating in his rub.
Michaels hand looked like this after he massaged the spice rub into the ribs.
I also made a chipolte BBQ 2 ways-one was smoky and the other had honey and pineapple and more heat. It was a great addition to my ribs. Michael used ready made sauce---tsk-tsk! Just kidding.

Not sure who won the cook off the ribs were quickly turned to bones they were finished.

Lemongrass Shrimp

2008-07-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

Lemon Grass Shrimp Wontons

Ingredients

1 package of large wontons
1/2 lb of uncooked prepped shrimp
2 TSP lemongrass, chopped
2 TSP shallot, chopped
1 TSP ginger, freshly grated
1 TSP garlic, chopped
1/2 tsp of red chili flakes

Directions
Combine lemongrass, shallot, ginger, garlic, and red chili flakes, and mix well. Set aside. Lay out all the wonton on a large cookie sheet so that you can start an assembly line. Cut shrimp into 1/2 and lay onto wonton, repeating until shrimp is gone. Sprinkle with lemongrass mixture. Fold however you wish. I like to make a little pouch, a little wrap, and a little envelope. serve with different dipping sauces such as spicky mustard, sweet and sour, Chinese five spice or soy sauce.

My favorite sauce is as follows:

4 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp rice wine vinegar
1 TSP honey
pinch of lemongrass, ginger, crushed red pepper and fresh grated orange zest

2008-06-05T13:26:00.000-07:00

48 Hour Red Cabbage Salad

Ingredients

½ head red cabbage, shredded finely
1 large red onion, sliced very thinly
¼ cup red wine vinegar
¼ cup white balsamic vinegar
Dash of apple cider vinegar
Dash of rice vinegar
1/8 of a cup of olive oil
2 TSP of sugar or Splenda
1 tsp of celery salt

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a large ziplock bag. Let sit for 48 hours or more. Before serving, drain off most liquid, and scoop with slotted spoon. Super duper good with fish and chips or even fish tacos.

2008-05-26T20:27:00.000-07:00

Citrus Ceviche

Takes 15 minutes to make plus 1 hour to marinate, serves 4

Ingredients

½ lb of white fish such as Dover sole, orange roughy or tilapia, cut into even ½ inch pieces
The juice of one lemon, two limes and 1 tangerine or orange
1 tsp of hot sauce
1 clove of garlic, chopped
2 tsp of of tangerine or orange zest
1 large tomato diced
1 jalapeño, de-seeded and chopped
1 medium red onion, chopped
¼ cup of chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
1 large avocado, cut into 4 lengthwise pieces
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Combine in a medium bowl fish, citrus juice, hot sauce, garlic, and citrus zest. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate at least 1 hour to “cook” or cure the fish. After fish has been cured, drain most of the citrus juice out. Add tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeño and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange avocado onto 4 chilled plates. Scoop 2-3 spoonfuls of ceviche onto avocado. Garnish with cilantro and extra citrus zest.

This can also have the avocado chopped and added to the fish mixture and served as a salsa with tortilla chips. You can also substitute shrimp instead of the fish but it may require a bit longer to cure.

2008-05-26T18:07:00.001-07:00

In the rare instances that we get to enjoy breakfast around here, savor some delicious eats. Some of our favorites are always omelets, biscuits and gravy and eggs Benedict-you know, all very healthy choices ; ). something new we tried weekend was this.... for now I will call it...

Breakfast Heaven

Ingredients

1 tube of refrigerated, ready to bake buttermilk biscuits
1/2 stick butter melted
2 tsp of brown sugar
1 lb of bacon or breakfast sausage (or both!) , cooked, drained and chopped
1 cup of cheddar cheese
1 tsp of ranch dressing mix
2 TSP of Maple Syrup

Directions
Preheat oven to 375. Lightly grease a large loaf pan. Mix together bacon or sausage with cheese and ranch mix. Divide biscuits in half, and cut each one into quarters. Dip each quarter in butter and place on bottom of loaf pan. Sprinkle with 1 tsp of brown sugar. Add cheese and bacon mixture. Dip the remaining of the biscuits in butter, placer on top of cheese and bacon mixture and sprinkle with remaining brown sugar. Cook for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, and pour maple sugar over the top. Return to oven for 5 minutes. Cut into 1 inch thick pieces and top with a smidgen of maple syrup. Try hard not to faint from the extreme goodness.

Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

2008-05-02T22:37:00.003-07:00

Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
(As featured in Taste of Home Magazine June/July 2008)

Ingredients
-2 packages of softened cream cheese
-1 TSP capers
-4 TSP of Fresh Dill
-2 TSP freshly grated lemon zest
-1 shallot
-1/2 lb smoked salmon, flaked
-4 tortillas (preferably spinach and garlic flavored)
-pepper and dry dill to taste

Directions
In a food processor, combine all ingredients except the salmon and tortillas. Mix well and season with pepper. Spread /4 of the mixture on a tortilla, layer 1/4 of the smoked salmon on top. Sprinkle with dry dill. Roll tightly and repeat with the remaining ingredients. Refrigerate 4 hours to over night. Cut each roll into 8 pieces. Garnish with fresh dill. You can also change it up by making the spread and spreading it on top of a whole wheat cracker, top with salmon and 1 caper. Very nice presentation and very impressive taste.

We pretty much ate this for dinner tonight and it was delish, easy and very pretty-see my pics!!!

They liked it!

2008-04-20T19:35:00.000-07:00

My first recipe that was published online! (click the pic to enlarge)

2007-11-18T21:44:00.000-08:00

this carrot cake is simply a boxed cake that i added about a 1/2 cup of very finely chopped carrots and 1/2 cup of raisins to. the frosting is the caramel frosting below but i only used 1/2 stick of butter and 1 8oz block of room temp cream cheese. then i beat it in the mixer until smooth. it was super yummy and a great fall treat. my brother said it made his mouth happy!

2007-11-05T14:53:00.000-08:00

Maya Angeleau's Caramel Frosting--sort of

Ingredients

1 box confectioners sugar
1 stick of butter, melted over medium flame until light brown in color (about 10 minutes)
1/2 cup of heavy cream (low fat milk works too)
pinch of salt
dash of nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla *optional

Directions
let butter cool. using electric beaters or a kitchenaid mixer add butter to sugar, salt and spices. slowly add milk table spoon at a time until smooth and creamy.

2007-09-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

Jalapeño Jelly

Ingredients

1 c. lengthwise strips green bell pepper (about 1 med. pepper)
1 1/2 c. cider vinegar
1/3 c. quartered fresh jalapeño peppers with seeds
5 c. granulated sugar
1 pouch (3 oz.) liquid pectin
5 drops green food color

Directions
Combine pepper strips, vinegar and jalapeno peppers in a blender until desired texture is reached. Combine with sugar in saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil 5 minutes. Remove from heat and skim to remove foam. Cool 2 minutes, then mix in pectin and food color. Pour into sterilized jars and fasten lids. Process in boiling water bath for 15 minutes if desired. Cool. Invert jars a few times after about 30 minutes of cooling to distribute peppers evenly before jelly completely sets. If you make this for yourself, you don't have to do the sterilized jar thing.

To some this may sound kind of gross, but I promise you , it’s so yummy. Once set, pour over a block of cream cheese and serve with wheat thins. Scrumptious!

2007-09-14T18:53:00.000-07:00

Open Face Meatball Sandwiches

Ingredients

1 Ciabbata loaf, sliced length wise
1 jar of your fave spaghetti sauce (TJ’s Tomato Basil Marinara works for me)
1 few slices of provolone
1 bag of already cooked turkey meatballs (TJ’s brand is delish!)

Directions

Simmer sauce and meatballs together for about 20 minutes until heated through. Top ciabatta with sauce, cheese and meatball, and broil until cheese is melted. This takes like no time and is considered “Man Food” in this house! Make sure you get extra napkins. You can also make this with Italian Sausage and some sliced red and green peppers. Simply, cook the sausages with the sauce and peppers and then assemble.

Super Simple

2007-09-12T21:14:00.000-07:00

Chinese Chicken Salad

Ingredients

1 head of iceberg lettuce
1 can of mandarin orange, chilled
2 roasted chicken breasts (or 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded)
¼ cup chopped cilantro
¼ cup honey roasted peanuts
½ cucumber, diced
2 green onions, chopped

Directions
Simply arrange chopped lettuce on a plate, add chicken, top with veggie and oranges. Garnish with peanuts and cilantro. Serve with Sesame Ginger dressing. I love Trader Joe’s brand which is fat free as well as Paul Newman’s Low Cal version. This is an easy way to use some leftover chicken. If you don’t like peanuts, you can use crispy chow mien noodles.

2007-09-09T21:02:00.000-07:00

Chili de Crissy

Ingredients

· 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies
· 1 can of pinto beans
· 1 can of kidney beans
· 1 large onion, diced
· 1 tsp of butter
· 1 tsp of brown sugar
· 1 cloves of garlic, diced
· 1 bay leaf
· 1 lb. of ground turkey
· 2 TSP of BBQ sauce
· 1/4 cup of salsa

Directions

1. Brown turkey in a large pot. Meanwhile, caramelize the onions with butter and brown sugar.

2. Once turkey and onions are done add remaining ingredients and mix well and heat over medium heat. Bring to boil , and then simmer for 15 additional minutes.

This is even better once it has been sitting over night! Add cheese for a meal that will keep you warm!

2007-09-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

Creamy Shrimp Citrus Salad

Ingredients

1/2 lb of cooked shrimp
1/2 cup of lemon yogurt
1/2 cup of Italian onion, diced
1 tsp of flat leaf parsley
1/2 grapefruit, peeled and sectioned
1 each tsp of salt and pepper
1 tsp of lemon pepper
1 tsp of dill
1/2 cup of celery, diced
1 tsp of lime zest

Directions

1. In a medium bowl combine yogurt, parsley, onion, salt, pepper, dill, lemon pepper, celery and lime zest.

2. Add shrimp and grapefruit and stir well.

A light and delish treat on a hot summer day! For some added crunch add cucumber or almonds.

2007-09-09T13:44:00.000-07:00

Ranchero Tortilla Soup

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 cloves of garlic, diced
1 16 oz. cans of diced tomatoes w/ green chilies
2 cans of chicken stock
1 cup of celery deiced
2 carrots, sliced
1 yellow onion, diced
1 16 oz. can of kidney beans, drained
1/2 cup of corn
1 16 oz. can of black beans, drained
1 bay leaf
1 4 oz. can of Ortega chilies

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a crock pot and heat on low for about 3 –4 hours.

2. Top with shredded cheese and tortilla chips

This is a hearty and filling soup that really hits the spot when it’s chilly out. You can thin it out by adding a bit of water or chicken stock. Extra good with corn bread on the side.

2007-09-08T23:19:00.001-07:00

Salmon Sandwich Stackers

Ingredients

· 3-5 of thinly sliced smoked salmon or lox
· 6 pieces of pumpernickel bread
· 1 8oz. package of cream cheese, softened
· 1 tsp of black pepper
· 1 TSP of fresh dill weed
· 1 small clove of garlic, finely chopped
· 2 tsp of chopped black olives
· 1 very small Italian onion, sliced into thin rings

Directions

Combine cream cheese, garlic, pepper, dill and olives and mix well. Spread cream cheese mixture over each piece of bread.

Layer salmon over the cream cheese, and then add a layer of onion. Cover with another piece of bread and cut diagonally.

If you can’t find smoked salmon, you could use lox flavored cream cheese located in the deli or dairy section

2007-09-08T22:29:00.002-07:00

Carne Asada Tacos

Ingredients

· 1.5 lbs of flank or skirt steak

· 4-6 corn tortillas

· Lime wedges, chopped cilantro and onion for garnish

For Marinade

· 1 TSP olive oil

· The juice of 2 limes

· 3 TSP of orange juice

· 2 TSP of soy sauce

· 2 cloves of chopped garlic

· Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

This easy meal can be made on the BBQ or on the stove. Simply marinade the meat with the above ingredients 15 minutes to 1 hour before cooking. Grill on BBQ for about 5 minutes on each side-careful not to overcook or the meat will be tough. If cooking on the stove, get your pan very hot, and then add the meat. Cook for 5 minutes on each side. Remove from heat, and chop with sharp knife. Wrap the tortillas in paper towels and microwave for about 45 seconds. Once heated through, wrap in foil to stay warm and soft. Serve with rice and beans.

Bridal Shower Sample Menu

2007-08-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

Bridal Shower Menu

Cocktails

Seasonal Sangria

Pinot Grigio with Blood Orange Italian soda

Hors d'oeuvre

Asian Chicken Salad on Cucumber Rounds

Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

Fruit and Cheese Kabobs

Lunch

Petite California Chicken Sandwiches

Spicy Shrimp with Avocado Cilantro Sauce

Spinach Salad with Bacon and Egg

Dessert

Chocolate Mini Cakes with Strawberries and Fresh Crème garnished with mint

Carrot Cupcakes with Cream cheese frosting

Lemon Bars with Berry Coulis