Raspberry Crisp with Creme Fraiche
Ingredients 4 cups ripe raspberries, rinsed For the topping: 1/3 cup (approx. 5 Tablespoons) butter, softened 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup old fashioned oats 3/4 cups brown sugar, packed 1/2 cup...
View ArticleLe Pigeon, Portland, OR
I recently visited Le Pigeon with my friends, Linda and Mora. I loved the casual atmosphere of the place, the friendliness of the chef and of the staff, and the delicious and creative dishes they...
View ArticleBoot Coffee Consulting
I recently visited Willem Boot in his coffee lab in Mill Valley, California, for a coffee tasting. Willem founded Boot Coffee Consulting in 1999. He has been in the coffee industry since age 14. He...
View ArticleLe Garage in Sausalito
My husband and I have been to Le Garage a number of times since it opened. This casual, hip restaurant is located in an industrial area in a former garage space. It is positioned beside the water...
View Article2004 Chateau de la Gardine Vieilles Vignes (Blanc)
I tasted this wine recently at my friend’s wine cave in Chateauneuf du Pape, and it just blew me away! This wine is 100% Roussanne and the grapes are from 80 year old vines. It has been aged in oak....
View ArticleRoasting Chestnuts
One of my favorite Autumn treats is chestnuts. I was recently in the Ardeche region of France for a mushroom hunt and was thrilled to see all of the chestnut trees lining the roads. In some regions,...
View ArticleMeyer Lemon Olive Oil Torte
This torte is crispy and chewy and filled with delicious Meyer-lemon flavor. It looks a bit like an ugly duckling, but you can dress it up nicely with candied lemon slices and fresh mint. Ingredients...
View ArticlePumpkin Flan
Note: This delightful Pumpkin Flan has a nice rustic consistency and a wonderful Autumn flavor. It will keep in the refrigerator (covered) for several days. Ingredients For the caramel: 3/4 cup sugar...
View ArticleShelburne Farms’ Clothbound Farmhouse Cheddar
I recently enjoyed a taste of Clothbound Farmhouse Cheddar from Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, Vermont. This cheddar is made in the traditional method from raw milk of the purebred Brown Swiss cows...
View ArticleLMR Rutherford Gardens in Napa Valley
One of my favorite places for produce in Napa Valley is LMR Rutherford Gardens. Not only can you buy excellent organic produce right from the farm but they also encourage you to walk around the farm...
View ArticleCaramelized Root Vegetables
Ingredients 1/3 cup olive oil 10 sprigs English thyme 4 cups assorted root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips and turnips, cut into 1/2″ pieces 1 T. balsamic vinegar Sea salt to taste You will also...
View ArticleMashed Yukon Gold Potatoes with Roasted Chestnuts
This is one of my favorite dishes for the holidays. The roasted chestnuts add a little sweetness and a unique flavor to these already delicious mashed potatoes. I also add caramelized onions or...
View ArticlePotatoes Au Gratin with Truffles
Ingredients 2 T unsalted butter ¾ cup (175ml) whipping cream 2 T chopped truffles 2 lbs (1 kg) yellow waxy potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced ½ lb (250g) onions, thinly sliced Sea salt and pepper, to...
View ArticlePotato Gratin
Ingredients 3 pounds potatoes (You can use russets or a yellow waxy potato, such as Yukon Gold). 1 quart whole milk Freshly grated nutmeg Sea salt to taste 2 T butter 1 c heavy cream 2 c freshly grated...
View ArticleMashed Yukon Gold Potatoes with Mushrooms and Braised Leeks
This is one of my favorite side dishes. I have always loved soft, braised leeks, and they are plentiful right now in our Bay Area farmers markets. They are a perfect addition to mashed Yukon gold...
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Roasted Pork Tenderloin and Vegetables with Fennel Flowers
Fennel flowers have a very pleasant spicy, licorice flavor. I harvested some from my garden to use with a pork tenderloin roast and vegetables. The flowers make a gorgeous garnish to serve with the...
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Potato Pancakes with Stewed Apples
Potato pancakes seem especially good on a cold, rainy day. These are made with yellow Finn potatoes, but Yukon Gold or russets will work fine. The key is to ring out the excess water that is in the...
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Rosemary-Scented Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Potatoes, Spring Onions and...
This is a meal in a baking dish. It is very easy to prepare and really delicious. The sweet and savory combination is perfect for a rustic summertime lunch or dinner. This dish pairs well with a...
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