Fig Cocktail + Gruyere Baked Olives | Friday Night Bites

A well engineered cocktail transports you to a different level. When you pair it with a nibble that is simple yet sophisticated, you have hit nirvana.  As many of you know, I am simply obsessed with figs.  This year I discover tiger figs at Trader Joe's and made 40 pint jars of my infamous Balsamic Fig Jam.  I have discovered a passion and appreciation of a great cocktail.  I decided to create a signature fig cocktail to celebrate the beginning of fall, since figs are the quintessential sign fall is around the corner.

Bite Sized BLT's | Friday Night Bites

I know it has been a while since I have posted.  Life has been busy during the summer.  I made these little delights for Friday Night Bites and was quite please with how they turned out.  It was a perfect bite of crunch, savory, salty, smokey, spicy and a slight twist on a classic.

"Markle Sparkle" Cocktail | Friday Night Bites

The day millions of royal fans across the globe have been waiting for finally arrived.  The Royal Wedding of course and it certainly did not disappoint.  Tradition, elegance and love were definitely in the air last Saturday.  Like many, I was glued to the television to watch the spectacular historical moments.  From the array of distinctive fascinators to the abundance of flowers embellishing all corners of the St. George's Chapel to that phenomenal yellow dress worn by Amal Clooney - I knew I was in for hours of witnessing a traditional yet modern mark on history.  Some would say a pre-emptive positive turn to the future and what we can expect.

Bacon, Ricotta & Honey Crostini | Friday Night Bites

What is better then bacon?  In my book ..... nothing!  The key to great bacon is to cook is low and slow on a griddle until it is crispy but certainly not burnt.  The flavor stays true and a crispy delight is ready to enjoy.

"The Aviator" Cocktail + Kicked Up Chex Mix | Friday Night Bites

Yippee Skippee .... it is finally FRIDAY!  I think that means it is time for Friday Night Bites and this week I thought I would share another sublime cocktail with all of you.  Noted for its stunning purple color, this old-school gin cocktail is a standout. It is a cocktail that was created before Prohibition by a bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York.  It is made with gin, maraschino liqueur, creme de violette and fresh lemon juice.  The creme de violette is such a unique addition and makes this cocktail a true standout and often referred to the "forgotten classic".  It is flowery, assertive yet sweet but a liqueur worth trying.

Orange Bourbon Fig Compote | Friday Night Bites

I am dreaming of forwarding time to mid summer right now.  You may ask ....... why?  It is fig season of course. Smile.  I do simply adore figs, well actually kind of obsess over them - oh those glorious figs.  It has been almost two years since I made my last big batch of Balsamic Fig Jam.  I typically set aside a whole day and bang out 80 half pint jars of this delightful crowd pleaser.  Besides enjoying it at home, it is my "go to" hostess and holiday gift to share with others.  I have friends who wait in anticipation for it and one friend even has her whole family asking - when are you getting more fig jam?

Warm Goat Cheese with Herbs and Spices | Friday Night Bites

Just imagine .... warm goat cheese, flavored olive oil and warm crunchy bread - now that is my idea of heaven in my mouth.  The infusion of citrus, spice and earthy herbs is a sublime combination along with the tangy goat cheese and crunchy baguette.  Add a touch of fluer de sel and this bite is simply perfect.  Goat cheese has a pristine white color and distinct flavor that is one of the most amazing cheeses in the world - a humble basic for some, a gourmet delight for others.

Sublime Bar Nuts + "The Last Word" Cocktail | Friday Night Bites

There is something special about enjoying a craft cocktail with sublime bar nuts.  The bar is raised even higher (no pun intended) when you are sitting at a swanky, hip bar with cool music playing and having your significant other or close friend next to you.  You could even simply be sitting at the counter in your kitchen with the lights dimmed and have a bar experience.

Peach, Balsamic and Basil Tartine | Friday Night Bites

Rain glorious rain!  The Bay Area has been a bit starved this year for rain.  December, January and into February were rather dry months.  Five years ago we experienced the beginning of drought much the same way, so as you can imagine, we were all getting nervous.  Yesterday, March 1st brought much needed rain and it was really coming down.  The forecast calls for more rain ahead over the weekend and next week - thank goodness!  We can only hope that March and April bring buckets of rain to ward off a drought.

Bacon, Cheddar and Jalapeño Madeleines | Friday Night Bites

This week I am thrilled to share my savory madeleine recipe with all of you!  I have long been obsessed with madeleines.  You tend to never think of these small shell shaped french sponge cakes as a sweet treat but not often turning them upside down to make a savory version.  I have long wanted to share a savory version.  Hubby loved them.

Crispy Prosciutto, Apple & Stilton Toasts | Friday Night Bites

What is it about a little piece of toast loaded with crunchy, salty, creamy and herbaceous goodies? It is the dance that your mouth has along with your stomach being extremely happy.  I absolutely love creating new flavor profiles and tasty bites for my Friday Night Bites weekly series here.  I just hit my one year anniversary at my new job and I can't believe how time flies by so quickly.  I absolutely LOVE my new role and company.  After 18 years with one organization and 8 promotions later, it was time for a change.  Change is good. Change is empowering. Change is what we need to invigorate our careers and life.

Blood Orange Compote and Herbed Goat Cheese Crostini | Friday Night Bites

It is that time of the year.  The bright brilliant blood oranges are in season. Once you cut this jewel in half, the rich red pink color is revealed. Blood oranges have a unique flavor compared to other oranges, being distinctly raspberry-like in addition to the usual citrus notes. They are in season in California from about November through May, although I have a hard time finding them late in the season.  Their origin is thought to be from China or the southern mediterranean but now they are primarily grown in Italy. Their beauty inspired me to create this pink peppercorn blood orange compote to adorn a simple crostini.

Wild Mushroom Pinwheels | Friday Night Bites

It seems like we were just celebrating New Years Eve with appetizers and bubbly.  With February around the corner, this year is already sailing by.  I live by each day and believe that we need to enjoy each day to the fullest.  I enjoy the simple things, the people that I love around me and having a sense of purpose each day.  One of my resolutions for 2018 was to dedicate more attention to my blog that I have nurtured over the years.

Apricot Mostarda Brie Cups | Friday Night Bites

Happy New Year!  I know it has been a while since I have posted and one of my resolutions for the new year is to post at least once a week.  As you all know, I am slightly obsessed with appetizers.  If you follow me on Instagram, then you see my Friday Night Bites with wine and often cheese plates.  My goal for this year is to bring you more interesting Friday Night Bites and spice up my little corner of the internet.