If you find yourself in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho at lunchtime on a weekday, head straight to Café Carambola. You’ll be welcomed into this tiny, bright restaurant by the ebullient smile of Carlos Aguilar. His wife, Colomba – whose recipes are fresh, delicious combinations of Latin flavors, is most likely (repeatedly) answering customers’ questions about what is in this or that delicious dish. Continue Reading →
On summer evenings there’s a window of time between when our deck is finally covered in shade, and before the mosquitos come out, that is perfect for dinner al fresco. And if I’ve done just a little prep early in the day, I can spend my time enjoying a nice glass of Sauvignon Blanc outside instead of standing over the stove.
This Skinny Buddha Bowl, inspired by my friend Robin Asbell, is a perfect meal for those nights. Continue Reading →
I’m a little bit country
And I’m a little bit rock ‘n roll
I’m a little bit of Memphis and Nashville
With a little bit of Motown in my soul
I don’t know if it’s good or bad but I know I love it so
I’m a little bit country, I’m a little bit rock ‘n roll…
My 70’s crush on Donny Osmond made me want to be a little country to his “rock ‘n roll.” I knew every cheesy dance move to the song, and daydreamed about taking Marie’s place, if say, she called in sick or fell off the stage. Never mind that I couldn’t sing. {Why yes, I was a huge nerd. How did you know?!?}
Regardless of whether or not you enjoyed the song, the lyrics definitely reinforced the belief that opposites attract.
Indian food isn’t Indian food without rice. I get that. But I’ve tried to move away from white food {rice, potatoes, bread}…. you get the picture. Quinoa has proved a great substitute for my starchy favorites. So I played with my beloved Peas Pulao {typically made with white basmati rice} to come up with an acceptable substitute. Oh, yum! Continue Reading →
When my friend Kasey served this Summer Squash & Red Quinoa Salad, it was a “get out the cell phone and take a picture” moment. Besides that, it was delicious!
I don’t know about you, but by this time in the summer, I’ve had enough potato- or 7-layer salad to last me awhile. I want something different! Mix it up a little! And how about something that’s healthy, fairly simple to throw together, and gorgeous? Is that too much to ask?
This bulgur salad is a great addition to your summer repertoire! I’ll make it on Monday morning, and enjoy it throughout the week for lunch, or as a great salad/side dish for dinner. And it travels well – say, to the office or a picnic. Continue Reading →
Few foods are as polarizing as cilantro. There is no middle ground here. Ask a group of people if they like cilantro and one half will say they LOVE it, the other will say they HATE it. No “take-it-or-leave-it” attitudes on this one…
Me? Love it. Bring it on. A cilantro candle? Sure!
Cilantro bath salts? You mean I can soak in it? YES!
Cilantro on my toast? Please and THANK YOU!
Husband? Hates it. Thinks it tastes like dirt. Or soap.
When asked if she’d eat it, Julia Child said “Never! I would pick it out if I saw it and throw it on the floor.”
One friend said it tastes like a penny. Another added “a bad penny at that.” (Is there a “good” penny taste!?). Another said it tastes like perfume… There’s even an “I Hate Cilantro” Facebook group, with the motto “Cilantro is disgusting and ruins everything.” There are currently 2,990 members. What an angry lot!
I'm glad you stopped by ... pull up a stool, grab your favorite beverage, and let's make something delicious!
