I love a great dip.   Whether it is a perfect caramelized onion dip, spinach dip with crunchy water chestnuts or flavored hummus – it...

Fresh on the heels of attending the Dole Taste of SpainSalad Summit , I was inspired to recreate a classic dessert that we enjoyed at ...

Back in March I received a VIP invitation to participate in the Dole Taste of Spain Salad Summit .  There wasn’t much to think about  ...

I am doing the happy dance right now.   No really – I am simply SO happy.  It is fava bean season.  It comes but once a year and puts ...

Time is flying by.   I can’t believe it is time for another Secret Recipe Club reveal.  If you have not heard about the Secret Recipe...

Last week was chalk full of inspiration.  I was invited as a VIP Food Blogger to the Dole “Taste of Spain Salad Summit” in beautiful...

I am captivated by the South.   Not sure if it is the southern charm or history that draws me.  It is perhaps a bit of both plus my cu...

I want to extend a very Happy Mother’s Day to all of the wonderful mothers.  Although I do not have any children, I am a doggie Mom...

One of my favorite go to snacks is popcorn.   The microwave version is good BUT the hand popped version done over the stove in a heavy...

Many, many things give me inspiration.   I have always been a creative person since being a kid. Often my mind is running in circles ...

I agonized for days. Back in December when my book club met for our annual holiday dinner, one of the ladies raised her hand and volu...

It’s a beautiful weekend in the Bay Area.   Temperatures are supposed to round the 85 degree mark today.  I absolutely love this time ...

I have said it before and it is worth repeating – sometimes the simplest things in life are the best .  For me, I love putting toget...

I was thrilled when I read my email about a month ago.   I received my April Secret Recipe assignment.  I recognized this blog immedia...

Where does the time go?  I can’t believe that it is Friday Night Bite time again.  Before I share with you this week’s delight, I wan...

My joy comes from making people smile with my cooking.   Perhaps that is why I have a weakness for throwing a great dinner party or br...

The wait is over.  I teased you about what kind of Crostini I would be sharing for Friday Night Bites.  Now the day has finally arriv...

I love dinner parties.   I love planning, preparing and throwing a great dinner party.  It brings me much joy.  Saturday night brought...

I am a huge fan of simple yet delicious appetizers.  Why fuss with twenty different ingredients and hours in the kitchen – there is n...

If there is a top ten list of my favorite cookies in the world, the Russian Tea Cakes would be in that list.  Okay, you have probably...

It has been a long week at work .  Busy, busy and even more busy as the week is winding down.  It is all good stuff, just not enough t...

In the heart of Napa Valley resides Long Meadow Ranch (LMR).   This 650-acre home ranch produces both wine and food in the Napa Va...

I am obsessed with Crostinis! They are like a blank canvass begging to be painted on.  A great crostini can be your own "Mona Lisa...

I love brown sugar.  When used to make cookies, it elevates the flavor to the next level. This month for the Secret Recipe Club, I wa...

Several weeks ago I took a short road trip up to Napa .   Luckily for me, it is only about an hours drive from my house.  I ventured t...

I adore Oprah.   She is someone who is insightful, inspirational, a thought leader, motivator and role model.  Her positive influence ...

Chocolate and caramel are a marriage made in heaven.   When this month’s theme for the Chocolate Party was official, it brought a la...

My addiction with homemade crackers continues. As a kid, and still today, I love the traditional “cheez-its” cracker. That perfect sq...

Real butter, fake butter or no butter?  Microwave or stove?  White or yellow?  Plain or flavored salt?  How do you like your popcorn? ...

Winter is still here.   For many parts of the country, it is more extreme than others.  Here in the Bay Area, it has been relatively m...

Hubby loves meatballs.   They can be with or without sauce.  He just plain loves those little nuggets of joy.  He prefers my homemade ...

Spring seems to be in the air in the Bay Area.   The weather topped almost 70 degrees on Saturday.  Despite lemons being available yea...

Meyer lemons are in season.  Oh how I love the sweetness and unique flavor of these beauties.  We have a meyer lemon tree in our backy...

Sometimes life throws you curveballs. Not sure why, but they happen.  I recently learned that a long time friend that I have known fr...

Love is in the air.  With Valentines Day around the corner, you can’t help think about love - whether you are in love or seeking the ...