Favorite Recipes of 2015

As they say, out with the old and in with the new!  It is time to say goodbye to 2015 and hello to 2016. (Okay I can't seem to get the Adele "Hello" song out of my head - you too?)   I am ready for 2016. May it be a year filled with much happiness, fabulous health, much time with family and friends, divine food and wine and lots of laughs.

"The Bridgett Cocktail" | Cocktail Hour

Milestones are epic moments in life that are unforgettable. Whether it is the birth of a baby, high school graduation, college graduation, first real job, marriage or buying your first house – they are all milestones. Milestones are locked in your memory forever and pave the way through this journey we call life.

Orange Pecan Cookies | Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap

One of my favorite holiday traditions is to make festive cookies and share them with friends and family.  I love the reactions and looks I get when I know that I am sharing a bit of myself and putting a smile on the person’s face.  It is a priceless gift.

Almond Shortbread Cookies (Mantecaditos) | Blogger C.L.U.E. Society

Tis the season to celebrate!  We wait all year long for this time of year and then it is over in a blink of the eye.  I try to relish every moment and not rush any day.  When I think of the holidays many things come to mind – sparkling lights, holiday decorations, parties, festive cocktails, spending time with family and friends and cookies.  Yes, the last one I mentioned is cookies.

Banana and Berry Smoothie

The Bay Area weather is quite dreary today.  Not quite a steady stream of rain, which we need, but the slow and consistent drizzle.  There is nothing like a vivid berry and banana smoothie to brighten a Sunday morning. I happen to have all ingredients on hand to make hubby and me a nutritional glass of fruit wonderfulness to start our Sunday.

The Modern Wedge Salad + "Dole Fresh Fest" Highlights

I am enjoying the distinct honor of being chosen as one of eleven DOLE Brand Ambassadors for 2015 and being part of their campaign – Get Up and Grow.  DOLE is one of those iconic brands that I am proud to represent amd believe in their products and company mission and values.  One of the many perks to being an Ambassador was being invited to the “Dole Fresh Fest” which was held in North Carolina. 

Cast Iron Apple Pie | Blogger C.L.U.E. Society

Fall is in the air. One day it was almost 80 degrees and then practically overnight, the weather turned to be very chilly for San Francisco Bay Area standards.  The evening temps were in the low 30’s.  Along with the chill, we have been getting rain over the last couple weeks on a Sunday and Monday.  The weather man predicts it will be that way for this coming Sunday.  With a four year drought, this is a welcome site.  I am actually pretty excited to have a real winter.

Dude Bars

Hubby and I got back a week ago today from Arkansas.  You might be asking, what in the heck are you two doing there.  Glad you asked.  We went to spend a long weekend with our long time dear friends Dean and Mark who shared their love for each other by exchanging vows and getting married. It had to be one of the BEST weddings, besides ours, that I have attended. 

Pumpkin Palmiers | Blogger C.L.U.E. Society

The autumn season has arrived on the calendar.  In the Bay Area, we don’t have any indication that it is really here from a weather standpoint.  We are experiencing a warm October although the weather folks keep telling us that El Nino is around the corner and to brace for a very stormy season.  With our unprecedented four year drought here in California we are welcoming the deluge of water.  We keep praying it will arrive soon.

Drunken Man Noodles | Friday Night Bites

Sometimes you just have to mix things up. It would be really boring if we did the same things all the time. Don’t you agree?  For this week’s Friday Night Bites I am doing just that.  Not saying that my Friday Night Bites are boring, since I think they are pretty exciting.  Instead of having bite sized delights, this week I am sharing a recipe for a bowl of delicious bites.

Fig and Caramelized Onion Crostini | Friday Night Bites

A few weeks ago I attended a CaBi Party to preview the new fall collection.  If you are not familiar with CaBi, check out the link here.  I am not typically a person who loves those in home parties that sell things, but CaBi is the one that I do go to year after year. They have a spring and fall collection. I was catching up with my friends at the party and one lovely friend said to me – “I have not seen a post for Friday Night Bites for such a long time.” 

Pumpkin Molasses Tea Bread | Blogger C.L.U.E. Society

The San Francisco Bay Area is made up of micro climates.  You could drive one hour in any direction from San Francisco and experience on average a 25+ degree difference.  According to the weather authorities here, we are in for a very warm week ahead and averaging in the low to mid 90’s.  Living in the Bay Area, we are known for our Indian Summers where despite the calendar stating it is fall; we have summer like weather through the end of October many years. 

Mango Jicama Salsa | Blogger C.L.U.E. Society

Summer is simply flying by.  Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, we have had a relatively mild summer.  The weather report is predicting a rather toasty weekend ahead – around a 100 degrees where I live. It is time to plan for preparing foods that are easy and that don’t require a lot of oven time to heat up the house.

Speaking of foods that “beat the heat” that is our theme for this months Blogger C.L.U.E. Society.  This secret society of sorts is a group of really wonderful food bloggers who are assigned a fellow member and need to seek out a recipe on their blog that matches the monthly theme.  Kind of like playing the clue game that we all grew up with and/or still play today.

Bulgur and Herbs with Semi-Dried Tomatoes

Have you ever had an unexpected gift land on your lap?  It could have been a tangible or non-tangible gift.  Regardless, it brings you joy, happiness and a puts a huge smile on your face.  Several months ago, I received an email from the publishing company – Penguin Random House asking if I would like to review a new cookbook “What Katie Ate on the Weekend” from Katie Quinn Davies.  The first thing I thought, this is a gift.

Brie, Bacon and Fig Jam Tarts | Secret Recipe Club

If you have been following my foodie adventures for a while now, you know I absolutely love appetizers.  I take pleasure in a one to two bite delight that is packed with flavor and is full of various textures.  Even when we are at home regardless of the day of the week, enjoying appetizers makes us feel like we are celebrating.

Hubby and I are hooked on a show that airs on the Hallmark Channel called Cedar Cove.  Saturday night was the 2 hour season premier and we could hardly wait to view it.  We actually don’t call it Cedar Cove but rather "the feel good show” since overall it is a happy show with some twists and turns along the way.  We felt the premier deserved an appetizer dinner along with a great bottle of wine. 

Crinkle Sugar Cookies | Blogger C.L.U.E. Society

Summer is in full force!  Tis the season for grilling, BBQ’s, vacations, flip flops, longer days and warm summer evenings. I love this time of year with all of the fresh fruits and vegetables that are full of flavor, especially the corn, tomatoes and stone fruits are among my favorites.  It is hard to believe that we over halfway done with 2015 and before you know it, the holiday season will be around the corner.

Before we start celebrating the holiday season, I want to fully embrace the summer season and all that it has to offer.  My grill has been busy with chicken and vegetables lately along with fresh salads.  Speaking of grilling, it is time for Blogger C.L.U.E. Society and our theme this month was “Summer Barbecue/Grilling – grilled vegetables or meats, main courses or side dishes or desserts or drinks that would be great at a barbecue”.  What a fun theme and the possibilities were endless.

Pecan-Cheddar Coins | Friday Night Bites

Today is my Friday.  I am taking a few extra days off to enjoy the upcoming 4^th of July holiday weekend. It is a time to: de-stress, relax, eat great food, exercise, drink wonderful wine, and spend time with hubby, friends and family.  I know it has been several weeks since the last Friday Night Bites post but I am happy to announce that the series is back.

Spicy and Salty Peanut Brittle | Secret Recipe Club

I know I say this all the time …… time just flies way too fast.  The weekends go by way too fast and then the work week, depending on my schedule seems to whisk on by.  I just said to my hubby the other day, we are going to be pulling out the Christmas decorations before you know it.  At the end of the day, I have learned to savor each and everyday and appreciate each day for what it is.  I have learned that life is a gift and you need to make the most of it.

Spinach, Cherries and Smoked Almond Salad with Honey Lime Vinaigrette + Dole Get Up and Grow Tour

There is nothing better than a fresh, flavorful and nutrition packed salad on a warm almost summer day.  I take that back, this fresh and flavorful salad can actually be enjoyed year round. Just use dried cherries instead of fresh if out of season. Oh and add a bit of crunch on top of the salad, now you have hit salad nirvana.  This nirvana is achieved when you have the freshest of ingredients on hand in your kitchen.

I have the distinct privilege of being one of eleven food bloggers around the country to be bestowed the honor of being an official ambassador for Dole Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for 2015.  Dole had provided me compensation for my time. As always, all opinions expressed in this post are mine.

Olive Sables | Blogger C.L.U.E. Society

I am thrilled to put my super sleuthing hat on again for this month’s edition of Blogger C.L.U.E. Society.  We are a group of enthusiastic food bloggers who belong to this secret society of sorts where we are assigned another blog in the group and must hunt for a wonderful recipe of our choice that fits the theme for the month.  It is a fun journey that we get to experience each month. 

Roasted Pepper and Chevre Tartine | Friday Night Bites

Yesterday was a special day in our house.  It was the 1^st birthday for Marty and Stewart who are our fluffy baby Havanese. I adore Martha Stewart and originally wanted a boy and girl, but we were blessed with two brothers, so they became "Marty and Stewart". It is still hard to fathom that we picked them up from SFO back in early August.  How time flies!  I made a special photo of them to celebrate their milestone and wanted to share with all of you.

Almond Crescent Cookies | Secret Recipe Club

My weekend was filled with both hard labor and relaxation.  The hard labor part came first in the way of repairing our backyard fence to prevent our little fur babies, Marty and Stewart from escaping.  After 14 years, the fence has taken a beating with the sun, rain and sprinklers.  The bottom portion on some of the sections of fence had sustained damage which made the boards easy to move.  Our little havanese, as smart as they are figured out how to move them and explore in the neighbors backyards.

Raspberry Oat Bars | Blogger C.L.U.E. Society

I am excited about three things at this exact moment.  First that it time again for Blogger C.L.U.E. Society.  Second is that the theme for May is berries. Third but the most exciting is that I was paired with Kim from Liv Life.  I belong to this secret society of sorts where each month we are paired with another food blogger, given a theme and set off to explore our assigned bloggers blog and hunt down a recipe that matches the theme and we are excited about making.

Baby Kale and Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Creamy Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette + Dole Ambassador Spotlight

Did you know that May is National Salad Month?  If you are like me, then you are simply elated.  I probably eat salad 5 times per week and sometime twice a day – for lunch and dinner.  I love a salad with the freshest vegetables, a bit of crunch, grilled chicken and packed with flavor.  It is like love in a bowl – you get all of the right nutrition all in one convenient handy vessel.

I am an official ambassador for Dole Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.  Dole provided me with compensation for my time.  As always, all opinions expressed in this post are mine.

Savory Cheddar and Thyme Whole Wheat Mini Biscuits | Friday Night Bites

As many of you know, I relish my Fridays, especially the moment work ends and the weekend begins.  Hubby and I celebrate the launch of the weekend with Friday Night Bites.  A few nibbles, a bottle of wine, good conversation and a time to either chill with our favorite television shows or time with friends.

Pizza Pinwheels | Secret Recipe Club

It is that time again for the secret reveal.  You might be asking yourself, a secret reveal for what?  It is Secret Recipe Club time again.  It just seems like it was the March reveal and here we are in April.  Time is flying by WAY too quickly. 

This month I was matched with Nicole who publishes a blog called PicNic.  Nicole lives in New Zealand and earned a PhD in Neuroscience/Biochemistry.  In addition to be extremely busy with work she loves to bake and cook. She has a wide variety of recipes on her blog which made it challenging to find the one that I would choose for this month.

Peppercress and Basil Pesto | Blogger C.L.U.E. Society

We had some great rain showers yesterday and today in the Bay Area.  Oh how we need the rain here in California – it was such a welcome event.  We just need about 10 to 15 more Spring Showers here to make a dent in this 4 year drought. Speaking of spring, this month’s Blogger C.L.U.E. Society theme is Spring Vegetables.  I have to declare that the spring time vegetable season is simply stunning.  From asparagus to fava beans, the assortment is spectacular.

Japanese Style Pancakes

Often each weekend, hubby will ask – what are we going to have for breakfast?  My answer is “something good”.  I know he typically wants eggs, some sort of breakfast meat and a carbohydrate.  Hubby loves, adores, craves and quite frequently inquires about pancakes.  This weekend was his lucky weekend.  I had been wanting to make these Japanese Style Pancakes for several weeks now.  I saw it on Pinterest, of course, where else is there – just kidding.  But seriously, that site is dangerous – it will either make you overweight or in debt – laughing out loud right now – okay, but I know you are saying to yourself, she has a point ……. right?

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Chorizo, Medjool Date and Apricot Bites | Friday Night Bites

The weekend is around the corner and you know what that means – it is Friday Night Bite time.  Oh how I simply adore the weekends – don’t you agree?  By the time the work week comes to an end on Friday, I am so ready to simply unwind with a great bottle of wine and tasty appetizers.

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Chili Parmesan Popcorn | Secret Recipe Club

It feels like spring is here in the Bay Area. Our temperatures hit the mid 80’s on Saturday and it was certainly flip flop weather.  I know a lot of the country is experiencing extreme weather conditions whether it is rain, snow or cold AND we need rain so desperately. It got me excited that spring and summer are simply around the corner.  It is Secret Recipe Club reveal time again – can’t believe how fast a month goes.

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Chocolate, Coconut, Butterscotch and Oatmeal Cake Cookies | Blogger C.L.U.E. Society

Are you still sleepy from turning the clocks forward an hour?  Flipping the time forward is a love/hate thing for me.  I love that it stays lighter in the evenings but hate that it is dark in the morning – so much harder to giddy up in the AM.  After a few days, I am completely use to the change and when summer approaches, I absolutely love staying outside sipping wine with my husband in the warm evenings with the sounds of the fountain running in the background.

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Avocado, Bacon and Tomato Tartines | Friday Night Bites

Friday Nights mean the work week has officially ended and the weekend has begun.  Hubby and I have a tradition of kicking it off with our Friday Night Bites weekly celebration ritual.  A tasty snack or two along with a great bottle of wine marks the official kick off.  Typically it is just the two of us, but often friends will join in the celebration.

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Salty Dog Palate Cleanser + Dinner Party Highlights

I absolutely LOVE a great dinner party!  The idea of planning a dinner party exhilarates me beyond my imagination.  Making people happy through my food and entertaining prowess, is one of the great pleasures I have to share.  The idea of great friends gathering around the table to break bread, savor wine, share stories, laugh a lot and leave feeling better than when they arrived through our front door simply makes me blissful.

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Bacon & Cheddar Savory Bread Pudding Bites | Blogger C.L.U.E. Society

It is time again for the Blogger C.L.U.E. Society.  We are a group of like minded food bloggers who get assigned once a month to another blogger who is a member of this secret society of sorts.  We go on a secret mission to discover and make a recipe from our assigned blog with the theme of the month.  For February, our theme was red.  That could mean make something that is red or venture down the virtual red carpet.  I chose to dance down the red carpet and choose an appetizer that could be enjoyed while hosting an Oscar Party at home.

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Orange Scented Valentine Sugar Cookies

Love is in the air.  The images of heart shaped objects abound during this time of year.  Whether you walk into a department store or your local drug store, you can’t help but be bombarded with the iconic symbol of love – the heart.  My hubby always calls Valentines Day, the hallmark holiday.  It got me thinking, what is the actual origin of this multimillion dollar holiday for retailers. Okay after reading here, I learned that it is beyond an obsessive retail holiday but a real holiday.  I knew that deep down, but had to check myself.

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Gooey Pimento Cheese & Ham Crostini | Friday Night Bites

Do you ever just crave something ooey gooey and delicious?  Oh and with some melted cheese and smoky ham added in for good measure – then I have just the perfect treat for you.  I was relaxing on a Saturday morning and watching one of my favorite shows on the Cooking Channel called Road Trip with G. Garvin, when he completely caught my eye by making a Pimento Cheese and Ham Hock Toast.  Okay – I have to admit my mouth was completely watering and wanted to share with all of you.

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Baby Kale, Banana and Pineapple Smoothie + 2 Bonus DOLE Smoothie Recipes

With each New Year, come those resolutions that we all make – right?  The typical list is to lose weight, work out more and eat better.  Those are all great and now the challenge is to stick to these goals and make them happen.  They say it takes at least 30 days to create a new habit and I also believe that you need to really commit to yourself that you are going to make that change and stick to it.  Like many, these are among the list of resolutions that I made for 2015.

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Pumpkin Scones with Spiced Glaze | Secret Recipe Club

It’s a new year of kicking it off with the Secret Recipe Club.  For January, I received Heather’s blog called – It’s Yummy to My Tummy.  While looking through her blog for the perfect recipe to make, I soon realized why her blog had a familiarity to it – she was paired with me back in June and made my Caprese Bites.  Heather likes to make people happy with her food and decided to add her collection of delightful treats to one place – her blog.

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Sparkly Shortbread Cookies | Blogger C.L.U.E. Society

Hubby and I took down the last vestige of holiday decorations on Sunday.  Not sure about you, but I get to a point where I have enjoyed the holidays so much that when the New Year rolls around, it is time to pack these treasures away in anticipation of the day after Thanksgiving when the whole decorating process begins again.  The house looks sparse but that is how it is actually year round, just seems that way – a bit of holiday deception I guess. 

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Parmesan, Cheddar and Thyme Gougeres | Friday Night Bites

Happy New Year!  We are now in a new year with new beginnings and new hopes and dreams.  I am excited for what 2015 has to offer.  If I look back on 2014, it was a great year with no regrets.  I am working on my goals for 2015 and excited about what will happen this year.  Do you have your goals and resolutions set for the New Year?

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