Have you ever heard of a Madras?  This beauty is my new favorite cocktail.  Technically speaking, a Madras is similar to a Sea Breeze.  Some call them cousins.  Both are made with vodka and cranberry juice.  But where a Sea Breeze includes grapefruit juice, a Madras substitutes orange juice. As I dabble with mixology and […]

A lot of people say how lucky my kids are to have a mom who’s a chef. The truth is, not everything I cook is well received in my house. (I am mainly referring to my children.)  Most often, they like the things I make.  Other times, things don’t go so smoothly and they actively […]

I recently traveled to Alaska, a first for me and my family.  The sometimes-overlooked 49th state, or the last frontier, proved to be as remarkable as my late uncle always said it was.  Spectacularly beautiful with towering mountain ridges that disappear into the clouds.  Glassy water, towering glaciers, lush rolling landscapes that appear to be […]

[Updated Recipe] Dessert bars, or simply “bars” and “squares,” are an American creation.  Bars are sweet snacks with a cake or a cookie-like texture, made in one pan, and enjoyed any time of the day.  Staples of neighborhood bake sales, class parties, and picnics, bars are great any time of the year. I make my […]

Tofu lettuce cups have become a favorite of mine.  To be honest, I have always loved the lettuce wrap concept, beginning years ago with In-and-Out’s bunless, lettuce wrap “protein style” burger, which I discovered long before I even moved to California.  Tofu has also been a staple in my house.  My boys started eating tofu […]

Chicago-style hot dogs are not fancy, they are not French, and they don’t have any gourmet ingredients in them.  But they are darn perfect for Labor Day.  The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council reported in 2016, that American consumers spent more than 2.4 billion on hot dogs in supermarkets.  Los Angeles was listed as […]

This strawberry-balsamic tequila sour is a refreshing, sweet cocktail with just the right amount of sour to keep you sipping.  Summer may be slowly coming to an end, but warm nights may linger for just a bit longer.  So, whether you are holding onto those carefree vacation days or just in need of a great […]

This is the Bishop’s cake from the Silver Palate Cookbook and it’s a killer. The Silver Palate Cookbook by Sheila Lukins and Julee Rosso is a classic and essential cookbook for any home chef.  Seriously, if you don’t own it, buy it; you won’t regret it.  First published in 1982, The Silver Palate Cookbook was […]

This mango-pineapple protein smoothie is a must-try for kids and adults.  Mangos, the “the king of fruits,” is a member of the drupe family, a type of plant food in which an outer fleshy part surrounds a shell (or pit) with a seed inside.  Olives and dates are also drupes.  Mangos can range in color, […]

Herb-crusted flank steak with tomato-olive relish should be in your recipe repertoire no matter what.  Seriously, if you are a beef eater, it’s a keeper.  A simple fresh herb coating brings a great earthy flavor to this dish. The sweetness of ripe seasonal tomatoes paired with briny olives complements the texture and flavors of the […]

School has started this week for my boys (thankfully, I was very ready for that…) but sadly, those long warm summer days are beginning to fade.  A fresh peach mint julep may be just what you need this weekend.  My peach julep is a fun, refreshing drink that is perfect for sipping on as the […]

Coconut chocolate chip granola bars are perfect for school lunches.  Cheaper and somewhat healthier than store-bought versions, these are soft, chewy, not-too-sweet, and rather easy to make.  Oats, coconut, and almonds create the perfect texture balance for me: not too firm (so kids, like my son with braces, can eat them) and they hold together […]

A chocolate truffle is a simple but incredibly delicious treat.  A truffle is something everyone should learn how to make, at some point, if you love chocolate.  Surprisingly easy, if you stick with a basic four-ingredient truffle recipe like this one, and completely worth it. Technically speaking, a chocolate truffle is a confectionary, traditionally made […]

A crudité is a traditional French appetizer and an important part of entertainment if you ask me.  If they are made right, they can be a great focal point, adding vibrant colors as well as offering a healthy food choice option for guests of all ages.  I am a big vegetable eater generally, but I […]

A special post-shout-out to The Almanac, a local Silicon Valley newspaper, for the awesome piece they just published on me and my blog this week titled “Chef In The House“.  I am super excited.  In honor of my very first press coverage, I developed this delicious, refreshing cucumber-tequila cooler as a “thank you” to The […]