There’s nothing I love more than inviting a girl friend to come hang out in my kitchen: cooking together, comparing recipe notes, opening a bottle of wine and inevitably sharing lots of laughs. Two of my favorite foodie gals recently got together and did all of the above, and blogger-designer Athena Calderone was sweet enough […]
Planning our Fourth of July menu last weekend got me thinking about the dearth of really good, fresh, non-heavy potato salad recipes out there. I mean, I’m all for classic American BBQ staples (bring on the fully-loaded hot dogs!), but does anyone really love those mayonnaise-laden potato salads that become soggy (and actually a little scary) […]
I grew up in Southern California which means Mexican food is as prominent in my house as chicken and rice. Almost any meal deserves red pepper flakes or hot sauce, and breakfast is no exception. Breakfast tacos and burritos were a huge part of my family’s breakfast menu. It also happens to be a seriously […]
When it comes to eating al fresco during the dog days of summer, you have to be careful — the dishes have to be refreshing enough to not weigh you down, served cold or at room temperature to offset the blazing heat, and casual enough to match the laid-back, barefoot vibe. So when we heard […]
This breakfast is somewhere between a healthy morning meal and a delicious indulgence. It’s the perfect warm weather brunch idea, individually baked for your guests. Breakfast crisps are perfectly sweet without giving you the sugar hangover of most pastries. It’s best served with strong coffee and a dollop of whipped creme if you’re feeling fancy. […]
The simplest breakfasts are often the most delicious. Much like the beloved avocado toast, it doesn’t take a lot of ingredients to form an addiction. My boyfriend made this delicious combination for me on a whim, and since then, I can’t get enough. It’s the perfect flavor for a light, early Summer breakfast. Ingredients: 2 large […]
Lobster, watermelon, and citrus—lots of citrus! We are so ready for all the refreshing summer flavors that await us, so we rounded up recipes for our 10 favorite summer salads. Enjoy them as a first course pre-poolside BBQ, paired with a sparkling Rosé of your choice or all on their own. Don’t let the simple […]
Quinoa has somehow become the health food superstar—from a rice side dish substitute to an essential element in any meal of the day (even dessert?). Some may argue that quinoa’s reign ended after its trendy introduction in 2013, but we’re still loving the creative edge that this ingredient provides on a daily basis. What’s your […]
I know most people spend their mornings rushed with a quick pastry and coffee-to-go. As much as that seems easy and convenient, gluten-free pastries are not widely available everywhere…so I am usually stuck making my own. Luckily, these homemade muffins are incredibly addicting. They will keep you full longer than the average muffin (thanks to […]
Over the weekend, we had a few friends over to jump in the pool and fire up the barbecue, and all of a sudden I remembered why May is my favorite month of the year. There’s something so thrilling about an entire summer stretching ahead, with Memorial Day cookouts and lazy days by the pool […]
One of my favorite go-to snacks is granola, and these almond cranberry granola bites hit just the right spot! The mix of a little bit of sweet with the salt, nutty almond flavor—it’s just perfection. And they’re healthy, of course! This recipe is quick to throw together and makes a large batch…but be warned, they […]
We all love a warm bowl of oatmeal in the morning, but sometimes its nice to switch it up. What can be better than coconut oat bars with tart raspberry preserves? This delicious breakfast can be eaten warm, cold, at home or on the go. Raspberry preserves were my first choice, but feel free to […]
Although kale salads could probably win the prize for “trendiest food of 2014,” when I stumble across a really great one, I can’t help but become obsessed. A couple weeks ago, it happened again at the Mother’s Day brunch that we hosted at my house with Minted. Word of Mouth prepared the mouthwatering spread, and […]
A Chinese chicken salad is one of those things that if I spot it on a restaurant menu, I’ll probably order it. There’s something about the crunchy cabbage, creamy avocado and bright taste of cilantro that makes it one of my favorite flavor combinations. I’ve had my go-to version that I’ve made at home for […]
Easter brunch doesn’t have to be all about hiding eggs this year. Our Spring-y scramble is a perfect light and bright breakfast for the upcoming holiday, and we promise your guests will love it, too. Serve it warm with your favorite brunch beverage (coffee or a cocktail)…sometimes we like both! Ingredients: 1/2 cup quinoa 3 […]
There’s this adorable French bistro in Austin called Blue Dahlia, and I love to meet friends there for a late lunch or a glass of wine to sample a couple of their tartines. Since this month is all about getting outside and soaking up the spring sunshine, we’ve had picnics on the brain: which foods […]
I had a childhood obsession with fruit leather…it was my favorite snack ever! And when I say fruit leather I mean fruit roll ups, the content of which I don’t even like to think about. So recently, I made my own mango and blackberry goodness. They taste even better than the fruit leather of my childhood, […]
I love a one-pot meal for dinner, but I love ’em even more for breakfast. This spring skillet bake is heartier than a standard “hash” and isn’t just a breakfast side…it’s the main event! Not only does it feed up to four guests, but you can serve it oven-to-table without re-plating or fussing over servewear. […]
My friend Anne and I spent an inordinate amount of time discussing our love for it… my friend Kim and I both brought it to the same book club potluck (how embarrassing! It all got eaten though.) It’s not often that the humble cauliflower could be considered “buzz-worthy,” but it seems that the roasted cauliflower & […]
As much as I eat my fair share of avocado toast, I love a pancake breakfast. Eggs or toast can be equally satisfying, but there’s something inherently special about pancakes. They always signify an occasion, or leisure weekend breakfast. These little chestnut cakes are super flavorful and will hold you over thanks to the addition […]