Butterscotch Drop Cookies | Secret Recipe Club

It is Secret Recipe Club time again!  A time where we are assigned a blog and get to peruse it all month long to determine which recipe we will select, make and write about.  The catch is that the other person doesn't know who has them OR what recipe they will select.  It always amazes me how far folks will go back into the archives to find that perfect recipe.  If you want to join in the fun or learn more, simply click here.

This month I was assigned to Eliot’s Eats.  When Debra started her blog, she actually wanted to remain anonymous but I believe over time, she has opened up.  The name of her blog is derived from T.S. Eliot is her favorite poet and soon she and her hubby named the stray cat that adopted them, Eliot.  They claim to not be cat people but it is evident that soon changed. Debra works as an administrator at a public school and I can certainly imagine that cooking and blogging helps her wash away the days stress.  She loves to travel, cook and eat - some of my favorite things to do as well.

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Grilled Apricot Crostini | Friday Night Bites

I am hopelessly in love with summer fruit.  Raspberries, blueberries, plums, nectarines, peaches and apricots all just signify that summer is here.  They are fresh, flavorful, ripe and bursting with brilliant fruit flavor.  What tends to go hand in hand with summer is grilling.

If you have not grilled bread, I highly suggest it.  It adds such a depth of flavor to the bread and what you decide to place on top of it.  Many times I will grill bread and top with thinly sliced avocados and drizzle with a bit of reduced balsamic vinegar and a touch of fleur de sel.  The combination is out of this world.  Trust me.  By the way, with a great glass of sauvignon blanc or even a smoky cabernet, you will be in appetizer heaven.

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Rhubarb Ice Cream + Weekly Inspirations

Rhubarb always catapults me back to my childhood in an instant.  My Mom would prepare it in a simple fashion by cutting into cubes along with adding a bit of sugar and then proceed to cook it until soft.  She would let it cool and we would eat it.  I absolutely love it prepared this way.  With the season in full swing, I thought why not make some Rhubarb Ice Cream to celebrate the season and near arrival of summer.  I wanted to add that something extra to the recipe, so I added pomegranate liquor.  Quite honestly, it was the perfect addition.

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Bacon, Smoked Mozzarella and Blueberry Jam Crostini | Friday Night Bites

If you have been following me for a while, you know I have a small, okay, large obsession with crostinis. They are the perfect vessel for placing a combination of tasty ingredients on top of and then devouring. As for the combinations, those are simply an endless list. It can be a simple as some triple cream brie with a dollop of fig jam on top or something more complex with say ten different ingredients. Whatever the amalgamation you choose, it is destined to be remarkable.

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Classic Sangria + Wine Fridge Review + Wine Storage Tips

Recently I have been enthused by Spanish food and wine.  The idea of Tapas and Pintxos along with sipping some fragrant Sangria is quite inspiring. Perhaps I feel as though I am being transported to Spain or better yet, I think I need to add to my bucket list.  In the meantime, I can create the food and sip on handmade Sangria.  I have a classic Sangria recipe to share with all of you today along with some wine storage tips but first I wanted to share a product review that Staples asked if I would do.

About a month ago the wonderful folks at Staples reached out to me to inquire if I would be interested in reviewing one of their unique products.  As I continued to read the email, I realized that due to my love of wine, the inquiry was for a small wine refrigerator.  Now my eyes lit up like the new lights on the Bay Bridge.  It was an instant YES!

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Grilled Romaine Salad with Smoky Barbecue Vinaigrette + Weekly Inspirations

The last few days have definitely had summer reveal itself here in the Bay Area.  Personally I love it!  Each day this weekend we enjoyed our backyard with wine, food and friends.  Summer means salads too.  Recently I made what I deem the “Perfect Summer Salad”.  It is a Grilled Romaine Salad with Smoky Barbecue Vinaigrette.  Found the dressing recipe in the June issue of Food and Wine Magazine and created the rest of this divine salad.

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Ultimate Guacamole | Friday Night Bites

I love a great dip.  Whether it is a perfect caramelized onion dip, spinach dip with crunchy water chestnuts or flavored hummus – it is one of the most simple appetizers to prepare.  Although I don’t indulge too often, a great handmade guacamole is a treat around our house.  It is a beginning of summer type dip that typically in California and other parts of the country comes out to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.  I missed the boat this year on celebrating this holiday, so I whipped up my Ultimate Guacamole for our Friday Night Bite weekly tradition.

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Individual Pineapple Upside-Down Cakes with Salted Caramel Drizzle + Weekly Inspirations

Fresh on the heels of attending the Dole Taste of SpainSalad Summit, I was inspired to recreate a classic dessert that we enjoyed at the summit – Pineapple Upside-Down Cake.  I served it my dinner party I hosted last weekend and decided to make individual servings and kick it up with my handmade Salted Caramel Sauce for that added WOW factor.  Easy, delicious and a crowd pleaser!

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Dole "Taste of Spain Salad Summit" Hightlights

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  – three days in Carmel, tours of the lettuce fields and processing plant, cooking class, tapas, meeting other food bloggers, Eating Well Magazine, dinners, winery lunch and all being sponsored by Dole Salads – my answer was a resounding YES!

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Fava Bean and Roasted Tomato Crostini | Friday Night Bites

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 a smile from ear to ear on my face.  If you have not had the innate pleasure of a fava bean, please run don’t walk to your nearest farmer’s market or expansive grocery store and pick up a few handfuls.

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Camembert, Caramelized Onions and Fig Jam Crostini | Secret Recipe Club

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 Club, then let me share a quick snapshot of what all of the fun is about.  Essentially it is a group of approximately two hundred food bloggers who are paired with another food blogger monthly and it is a secret who has who.  During the month, you get to stalk – okay – peruse the blogger who you were assigned to determine what recipe you will choose to make.  If you want to learn more, simply click here.

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Farmer's Market Salad with Sweet Paprika Dressing + Weekly Inspirations

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 Carmel.  It was three days of talking about food, blogging, salads and learning about how the lettuce makes it to your table.  I gained new knowledge, met great people and will share the entire experience in a few days.  In the meantime, I was inspired to make a Farmer’s Market Salad with Sweet Paprika Dressing that I will share with all of you.

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Pimento Cheese and Bacon Jam Toast Points | Friday Night Bites

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 curiosity to explore the area.  Included in my bucket list, is to visit all fifty states.  I am hovering around the 28 mark and it should tick up to 29 when hubby and I visit Chicago soon.  Speaking of Chicago, if you have any great restaurant recommendations, let me know.

With my ever growing inquisitiveness about the wonders that lie in the south, I was inspired to create this week’s Friday Night Bites.  In the Bay Area, Pimento Cheese is not prevalent yet not extinct.  However, I understand it is commonplace in the south.  This just fueled my need to create a batch of the cheesy wonder.  I thought to myself, how could I elevate it to the next level?  Why not add bacon jam, of course.  Now throw this combination on a toast point and you have a southern inspired Friday Night Bite.

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Strawberries with Bourbon Brown Sugar Dip + Weekly Inspirations

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 Mommy to our adorable Lhasa Apso, Max.  In addition, I am an Auntie to four wonderful nephews ranging in age from 3 to 13 years old.  We will be celebrating Mother’s Day by going out to brunch as a family and celebrating this special day.

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Hickory Smoked Barbecue Popcorn | Friday Night Bites

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 pan is simply heaven.  It completely reminds me of growing up and when my Mom would pop in their fifty plus year old cast iron pot.  This pot is beyond seasoned; it is a legend in our family.

I am a tad obsessed with William Sonoma’s Hickory Smoked Sea Salt.  Recently I used it on my Avocado Crostini’s with Reduced Balsamic.  It is a fine salt with a perfect balance of smoke and hickory flavor.  With my craving for popcorn, my mind went spinning into creative mode and I came up with this flavored popcorn. 

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Rosemary Citrus Water + Weekly Inspirations

Many, many things give me inspiration.  I have always been a creative person since being a kid. Often my mind is running in circles with so many thoughts and consistently being inspired.  It could be from a photo I saw on Pinterest, flipping through a magazine, chatting with a friend or co-worker or something I dream up on my own.  Does this happen to you? 

We live in a world that is filled with diversity, creativity and so much to see, experience and accomplish.  Depending on what is important to you, life is rather short and my philosophy is like the Nike commercial – Just Do It!  Going forward, each weekend I will bring you a list of my ten inspirations.  Some topics will be consistent week to week and others will be simply what inspired me during the week.  As I always say to my team at work – “It would be awfully boring, if everyone or everything was the same.” 

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“Baked Potato” Deviled Eggs | Friday Night Bites

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 volunteered to host our book club meeting in May.  I thought – wow – she is super organized and excited.  A few moments after her hand was raised, she mentioned she wanted to host in Hawaii.

All ten of us had our mouths drop.  She went on to explain that she wanted to host at her house in Hawaii.  We were all excited and grateful for her offer.  Quickly we got energized and could hardly wait for May to arrive.  The next week, emails flew back and forth with who had already booked their ticket and the planning began from there.

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Kale and Farro Salad

It’s a beautiful weekend in the Bay Area.  Temperatures are supposed to round the 85 degree mark today.  I absolutely love this time of year. Hubby and I awoke to the birds chirping and crows laughing.  I guess they aren’t really laughing per se, but if you listen closely, it sort of sounds like they are. Smile.

Sundays at our house typically begin with a freshly brewed cup of coffee and watching the weekend edition of Good Morning America.  Next is the treadmill for me and a long bike ride for hubby.  Then the day begins. We decided that today would be set aside for chores around the house that are bit overdue.  Hubby is tackling the garage while I am excited to clean off the backyard furniture and put the cushions on. I don’t anticipate additional rain, but you never know.  One or two rain showers won’t hurt a thing.

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Avocado Crostini with Reduced Balsamic and Hickory Smoked Sea Salt | Friday Night Bites

I have said it before and it is worth repeating – sometimes the simplest things in life are the best.  For me, I love putting together recipes with great ingredients that have great flavor profiles yet there are not a billion components.  Quite often folks think that I make these elaborate dishes that take forever, but that is the exception versus the rule. 

One of my favorite simple appetizers is an Avocado Crostini with Reduced Balsamic with a sprinkle of Smoked Hickory Sea Salt. It is crunchy, creamy, salty, and sweet with a touch of smoke.  Quite honestly, it is two to three bites of heaven.  The recipe is fairly loose, so you can make as few or as many as you would like.

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Toffee and Double Chocolate Cookies | Secret Recipe Club

I was thrilled when I read my email about a month ago.  I received my April Secret Recipe assignment.  I recognized this blog immediately and was excited.  This month I was paired with Liz from That Skinny Chick Can Bake.  I have been an admirer and follower of her blog for quite sometime. 

Liz has been blogging since March of 2010 and she has many loyal followers.  Just sifting through her extensive well rounded assortment of recipes, you know why.  Each recipe is approachable, tasty and mouthwatering.  She focuses her blog on her cooking and baking while her hubby and 3 kids stay outside the focus of her camera.  If you have not had the opportunity to browse through her blog, I would highly encourage you to – you certainly won’t be disappointed.  Trust me.  Smile.

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Bacon and Blueberry Jam Pizza | Friday Night Bites

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 wanted to give you a quick update regarding the results of the Make-a-Wish Foundation auction for Team Chloe that was held last Saturday.  If you recall, I shared photos of the three cakes that I created and donated to the auction and I am pleased to say that they raised more money than last year.

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Julia Child's Perfect Chocolate Mousse + Joy of Giving

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 bringing a batch of homemade cookies to the office or giving a jar of my handmade jam as a hostess gift.  Perhaps it is my way of giving and to quote Julia Child – “Cooking is like love; it should be entered into with abandon or not at all”.

I hosted a dinner party last weekend and shared my menu with my Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad post.  The final touch to this wonderful dinner party was chocolate mousse.  What I neglected to mention was it was the perfect mousse.  Perhaps it was perfect since the recipe was adapted from the master of French cooking – Julia Child.  Thus I had to name this mousse – “Julia Child’s Perfect Chocolate Mousse”.  It was essentially quite simple to make.  Believe it or not, it was the first time making mousse.  I added the Bourbon along with the espresso whipped cream topping and the result was simply heaven. Going forward this will be a “go to” dessert to impress my guests and now it can be yours too. 

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Prosciutto and Pesto Crostini | Friday Night Bites

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 arrived.  Yippee Skippee!  I made these first for Easter then for my dinner party on Saturday night and they will also be enjoyed for this week’s Friday Night Bites.

I absolutely adore a great Crostini and these rank high on my list.  Oh, did I mention, they are super easy.  If you have a Trader Joe’s near you, all ingredients can be purchased there.  If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s close or you want to put that handmade touch on it, I have included the recipes for that.  Either way; a terrific impromptu appetizer for unexpected guests or to simply enjoy while enjoying your favorite movie or television show.

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Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Honey Garlic Vinaigrette

I love dinner parties.  I love planning, preparing and throwing a great dinner party.  It brings me much joy.  Saturday night brought me joy.  Hubby and I had another couple over for dinner.  Originally I thought we would go formal and spend the evening in the dining room.  Plans changed and decided to have a cozy dinner in the kitchen at our new Pottery Barn kitchen dining set.  The fire place was burning in the adjacent family room with music piped in through the speakers – just perfect.  It was chilly outside, candle light glistening through the antique votives and a slight wind pounding against the two windows in the kitchen nook.

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Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites with Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce | Friday Night Bites

I am a huge fan of simple yet delicious appetizers.  Why fuss with twenty different ingredients and hours in the kitchen – there is no reason.  Sometimes the simple things in life are often the best things in life. 

We spent the Easter Holiday at my parent’s house with the entire family.  It was a wonderful day filled with great company, much laughter and food that was simple with an abundance of flavor.  My Mom tends to go the comfort food route, which always puts a smile on everyone’s face.  With four nephews ranging from 3 to 13 years, their level of interest varied from video games to being all about the foil wrapped chocolate eggs that decorated the dining room table.

My sister and I always assist with the festivities by bringing various dishes along with helping prepare the food.  I created an extremely tasty Crostini that was a hit with the family and will be making again for a dinner party I am hosting on Saturday.  It will be featured for next week’s Friday Night Bites.  A little hint:  Crispy Fried Prosciutto.  Smile.

Speaking of Friday Night Bites, this week I wanted to share with you a simply divine appetizer that packs an immense punch of flavor.  Typically you think of bacon wrapped dates or water chestnuts, but when bacon wrapped pineapple popped into my head, this was a must make.  The addition of an Asian inspired dipping sauce just completed this uncomplicated appetizer.  Enjoy!

Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites with Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce

Makes 24

Pineapple, 24 one inch chunks

Bacon – 24 three inch slices

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

You can use fresh or canned pineapple chunks.  I prefer fresh.  Pat dry with a paper towel and wrap with the bacon and secure with a toothpick.  Use a large baking sheet pan with sides to place the bites one.  Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the bacon is crispy.  Turn the bites halfway during cooking process. Serve warm with the soy ginger dipping sauce.

Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce

½ Cup Soy Sauce

¼ Cup Rice wine vinegar

2 Tablespoons Fresh Ginger, finely minced

2 Garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

2 teaspoon sesame seeds

Add all the ingredients to a jar and top with a lid.  Shake well to combine and let rest for at least one hour to have the flavors combine.

Russian Tea Cakes

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 heard these called – Mexican Wedding Cookies or Snowball Cookies. All of these have the same premise – butter, flour, nuts and powdered sugar as the primary ingredients.  I just know they melt in your mouth and it is hard to limit yourself to one or two.

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Fried Chickpeas with Sautéed Garlic and Truffle Salt | Friday Night Bites

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 time in the day to accomplish all that needs to be done.  Surprisingly enough, I do believe that everything will be done – just need to have a laser focus as Friday approaches.

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Cheddar Cheese Biscuits + Farmstead Restaurant in Napa Valley

In the heart of Napa Valley resides Long Meadow Ranch (LMR).  This 650-acre home ranch produces both wine and food in the Napa Valley from three different locations including the home for wine making at the 90 acre Rutherford Estate in the center of the Rutherford AVA. Among this vast estate, the destination spot is the Long Meadow Ranch Winery and the spectacular restaurant, Farmstead and the tasting room in the historic Logan-Ives House and the Farmers Market at Long Meadow Ranch. It is an impressive destination and not to be missed if you are in St. Helena and/or Napa Valley.

Yesterday we convened for our regular restaurant club get together and this month it was my turn to select our destination.  Farmstead had been on my list for a while. I was thrilled the day had finally arrived to experience this distinguished restaurant. 

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Port Infused Fig Blue Cheese Crostini | Friday Night Bites

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".  Okay, I might be a bit dramatic, but you are picking up what I am putting down.  Smile.

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Brown Sugar Cookies | Secret Recipe Club

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 was assigned to Carrie’s SweetLife.  Carrie’s philosophy for her blog is to create and share simple comforting food that puts a smile on anyone’s face that has the pleasure of eating it.  I can relate to her thought process.

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Italian Butterhorn Cookies

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 to attend Lindsay from Love and Olive Oil’s new book tour.  I initially met Lindsay virtually from an online program titled “adopt a blogger”.  The premise was to match a veteran and newbie blogger together.  The veteran would mentor the newbie, to impart their knowledge and experiences.  Lindsay had given great advice and was always available, should I have a question or need.

I was elated to finally meet Lindsay in person along with her hubby Taylor.  She is as lovely as she appears on her blog and could not be nicer.  I am thrilled for all of her success and wish her all the best with her future endeavors.  She has a fan for life with me and I can’t wait to make some of her delicious recipes from her new book – “Breakfast for Dinner”.  Okay cleaver concept, huh?

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Spaghetti Fritters with Arugula and Walnut Pesto | Friday Night Bites

I adore Oprah.  She is someone who is insightful, inspirational, a thought leader, motivator and role model.  Her positive influence has reached all ends of the earth.  With the ending of her daily talk show and the emergence of her OWN network, her positive impact continues to inspire people.  I love learning and growing.  Oprah’s Master Class series along with Life Lessons are among my favorite shows on her network. 

Over the weekend, I sat down to watch the Master Class episode with Cindy Crawford and it was such an authentic view into her life experiences, thoughts and lessons she has learned.  I identified with many of her insights especially about marriage and to root your love in friendship.  My hubby is truly my best friend. 

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Chocolate Buttermilk Donuts with Salted Caramel Sauce

Chocolate and caramel are a marriage made in heaven.  When this month’s theme for the Chocolate Party was official, it brought a large smile to my face.  The idea of blending chocolate and caramel into some type of confectionery delight was simply magical.  The variations spun through my head like a high speed car chase – the possibilities were endless.

I finally came to a resolve.  Since my hubby is obsessed with donut holes, I knew my decision was final.  I found a recipe for Chocolate Caramel donuts from Martha Stewart.  The only problem was two-fold:  I did not have those store bought soft caramel squares plus I am quite frankly not a fan of them.  I still wanted to surprise my hubby with some homemade donut holes.  Then it came to me, why not make some of my delicious Salted Caramel Sauce to dip or drizzle the chocolate donuts with.

The result was a pure sensation of the marriage between chocolate and caramel.  What a perfect dessert to enjoy while watching your favorite movie or at your next dinner party.  If you would like to learn more about joining in the Chocolate Party fun and seeing what fun combination is up for next month, simply click here to learn more.

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Gruyere and Cayenne Crackers | Friday Night Bites

My addiction with homemade crackers continues. As a kid, and still today, I love the traditional “cheez-its” cracker. That perfect square shape with ruffled edges and the tiny dot imprint in the center has a certain appeal.  Perhaps, it is since they are incredibly easy to eat and snack on. Since the cheddar variety is the most traditional flavor, I thought I would mix it up and put my own spin on this iconic cracker. After much internal debate, I came up with Gruyere cheese and cayenne - a little spice along with the rich nutty cheese flavor; simply perfect for our Friday night bites.

It doesn't feel much like winter here in the bay area. We did experience a fairly vigorous rainstorm on Tuesday night which awakened me during the middle of the night. The weather man is predicting that we will have sunshine and warm weather over the weekend. I wish winter would happen here in the bay area since we definitely need the rain. I was certainly hoping the rain would continue through the weekend especially for our traditional Friday night bite celebration.  A cozy fire along with the sound of rain hitting the windows sets the tone for a perfect winter Friday night.

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Sriracha Popcorn | Friday Night Bites

Real butter, fake butter or no butter?  Microwave or stove?  White or yellow?  Plain or flavored salt?  How do you like your popcorn?  I prefer white popcorn that is popped in a large pot over the stove and lightly salted with a drizzle or two of real melted butter.  I pop it the old fashioned way over the stove, the way my Mom taught me and shake it in a paper bag to ensure the salt and butter distributes over all of the popcorn.

With the resurgence of popcorn onto the culinary scene; it has been claimed as the snack of 2013.  It is light, crispy and versatile.  Among the savory flavored popcorns - I have seen it dusted with various herbs, parmesan cheese, truffle, garlic, bacon, chili, lime, dill or curry.  The classic sweet variety is caramel and kettle corn.  Popcorn has gone gourmet!

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