Recent Posts

Blueberry Drop Biscuits

Blueberry Drop Biscuits

The first time I made these “foolproof” biscuits, I followed the original recipe for Strawberry Drop Biscuits from New York Times Cooking.  They were a winner and I’ve kept the recipe for repeat versions. Jerrelle Guy’s recipe encourages switching up the fruit, using other berries…

Snappy Pea and Spinach Salad with Lemony Mint Dressing

Snappy Pea and Spinach Salad with Lemony Mint Dressing

Spring green is the theme for this quick salad that announces much-awaited spring vegetables.  After so . many . months of kale, collards and broccoli, sugar snap peas at the farmers market signal a big shift in what we’ll have on our plates for the…

Curry Cod Fish Cakes

Curry Cod Fish Cakes

Easy enough for a weeknight dinner, these curry cod fish cakes do not skimp on flavor nor appealing presentation (If I say so myself!).  Truth be told, we have a version of cod fish cakes on a regular basis.  Curry flavors are near the top…

Italian Sausage and Garbanzo Bean Soup

Italian Sausage and Garbanzo Bean Soup

It’s still soup season, although it’s fair to say soup is welcomed pretty much the year round here in the Bay Area.  We’ve had record cold days lately and we’re enjoying this simple and satisfying soup, especially at lunchtime. We enjoy it for lunch since…

Orange-Scented Olive Oil Cake

Orange-Scented Olive Oil Cake

Fortunately, my pantry is usually well-stocked with baking essentials.  Growing up in a family in the restaurant and grocery business, I know the importance of having back-ups on basic ingredients.  This month’s recipe was developed during the omicron surge, so my pantry has come to…

Greek-Inspired Chicken and Rice Soup

Greek-Inspired Chicken and Rice Soup

Brrrr – This winter is especially chilly, often with a daily temperature range from the high-30’s to high 40’s on several days running.  Snow atop the Bay Area’s highest peaks also attest to this fact. This soup can come together using ingredients you may already…

Pear Cranberry Cake

Pear Cranberry Cake

One of our favorite fall and winter fruit combinations is pears and cranberries. This cake speaks of the seasons and is welcomed on a dessert table for brunch, coffee or teatime, and dinner. I enjoy its simplicity but use your imagination on how to serve…

Spanish-Style Garlic Bread Soup

Spanish-Style Garlic Bread Soup

A recent series of dental procedures required I expand my repertoire of soft food dishes.  No chewing, so either puréed or very, very soft to eat.  I made my way through Chinese jook (rice congee), lentil soup, and this bread soup through the several weeks…

Anytime Zucchini Crumb Cake

Anytime Zucchini Crumb Cake

And by “anytime” I mean morning, noon or night.  This cake is equally enjoyed as a breakfast sweet, mid-afternoon coffee or tea pick-me-up, or dinner’s dessert! Technically zucchini is a fruit since it grows from the flower of a plant and contains the seeds for…

Oven-Roasted Ratatouille

Oven-Roasted Ratatouille

  Now is the perfect time when ratatouille ingredients are abundant at our markets.  Every year, late summer into early fall, versions of zucchini, eggplant, and tomato dishes appear on our table for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We enjoy ratatouille as a versatile accompaniment to…