The Simplicity of Soups

Growing up in the South, soup to me was a concoction made cream or cheese or both — broccoli & cheese soup, shrimp bisque, corn chowder. While a gumbo may have been less rich, it would take days to make (or so it seemed). That’s why I avoided making them when I got older — either […]

For the love of avocados!

When it comes to me and avocados, it was love at first bite. If you feel the same, don’t despair about the high fat content. The nutritional benefits far outweigh any disadvantages. When are avocados in season? While California’s peak season for avocados is February – September, we get a year-round supply of this fruit, […]

Chicken and Prosciutto with Fake Fried Okra

  In Jamie Oliver’s Cook with Jamie, there are four roasted chicken recipes ideal for time-strapped individuals: with cherry tomatoes and asparagus, wrapped in pancetta with leeks and thyme, with creamy butternut squash and chili, and with lemony Bombay potatoes.  Each is designed to feed one person, so you can expand to fit your family’s […]

Chicken with Watercress Salad and Guacamole

This is when a nice dinner salad hits the spot, along with a cold beer, of course. This dish is inspired by Jamie Oliver. Though the original recipe cannot be found online, you can purchase the video tutorial for your iPad. I usually throw it together based on whatever ingredients I have on hand, and […]

Beef with Black Bean Sauce

By this time, you have probably surmised that I am a big Jamie Oliver fan. And you would be correct. Today’s entree originated from a recipe out of Jamie’s Food Revolution, Sizzling Beef with Scallions and Black Bean Sauce. Though the original recipe isn’t bad for you, I’ve spiced it up a bit, added some veggies […]

Experience New Flavors By Cooking at Home

Just the other night, I was reminded of how cooking a dish from scratch really boosts its flavor. Rather than using a store-bought curry paste, I made a curry sauce from scratch. An incredible bouillabaisse of flavors was the result! And though the dish took a tad longer to prepare than throwing in a dollop […]