Gourmet Buffet

A First...

2012-01-31T13:50:00.000-08:00

Olive, artichoke and tomato skewers

Grilled marinated zucchini and mushrooms and vinaigrette

Caramelized brussel sprouts, mixed squash and honey butter nut squash

Chickpea and parsley salad with lemon herb dressing

Stuffed mushrooms grilled with thyme and arugula

I'm a carnivore, big time. I was scheduled to cater a retreat a while ago, and at the last minute, they decided to omit all meat and fish. Suddenly I was forced into cooking my first "meat free" event. And while I thought it would be very challenging it turned to be a rather tasty and quite beautiful spread. Phew!

I tried

2012-01-31T13:38:00.000-08:00

I tried to make my version of my fave dish at a local bar. Not bad if I do say so myself!

oh yeah!

2011-12-03T18:11:00.001-08:00

asparagus, wrapped in chicken, wrapped in bacon.

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my first official pinterest test-out

2011-11-19T20:23:00.001-08:00

bacon wrapped asparagus

...

2011-09-20T19:36:00.001-07:00

omg...nice description!!

de mathersonaiga

2011-07-17T23:57:00.001-07:00

burro

making the switch to salvadorian

2011-07-14T23:41:00.001-07:00

making the switch to salvadorian crema was awesome. but even more awesome was the love i felt for sour cream when....

Happy Hour

2011-06-03T12:23:00.001-07:00

SLO California Bee Sting

(Inspired by Eric Ripert)

2 oz mango infused vodka
1 oz honey and chili infused simple syrup
splash of OJ
2 oz ginger beer

Combine vodka, simple syrup and OJ with ice and shake well. Pour over ice and top off with ginger beer. Garnish with lime and jalapeño.

Fab with Five Entry #5

2011-05-23T18:17:00.000-07:00

Creamy Chipotle Lime Lasagna

1. 1 bottle of Saucy Mama Chipotle Lime Dressing

2. 1 lb ground beef

3. 1 box of ready cook lasagna noodles

4. 1 jar of Salvadorian crema

5. 3 cups cotija cheese

Water

Directions

This real simple… you prepare it like regular lasagna, and if you’re like and you forget to grease the pan, it will be totally rustic.

1. Brown ground beef, and drain. Mix with 1/2 cup of the Lime Chipotle Dressing.

2. In a small sauce pan, combine 1 cup of Salvadorian Crèma with the remaining Lime Chipotle Dressing, and about 1/2 cup water to cut the richness of the creme. Mix well, and season with salt and pepper. Let simmer at very low heat.

3. Next, begin your lasagna layering system. First a layer of noodles, then meat, then crèma then cotija and repeat.

4. Top with the creamy sauce and one last layer of Cotija.

5. Bake at 400 degrees for about 35 minutes or as long as the lasagna noodles require according to their packaging.

Fab with Five Entry #4

2011-05-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

Beef Carpaccio with Lemony Sweet Onion Dressing

1. 1 cup Saucy Mama Sweet Onion Dressing

2. ½ lb beef tenderloin

3. The juice and zest of 4 lemons

4. 1 red onion, thinly sliced

5. 2 TSP Chives (or Italian parsley)

Olive Oil

Sea Salt

Freshly Ground pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the beef for Carpaccio. I used these instructions to make sure I did it right.

2. Next, mix Sweet Onion dressing with the juice of 2 lemons and the zest of 1.

3. Lay out the thin pieces of beef on a serving dish and drizzle with 2 TSP of very good quality olive oil, then squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the top.

4. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper and lemon zest.

5. Artfully drizzle with the Sweet Onion and lemon dressing, and sprinkle with the purple onion.

Carpaccio is an acquired taste that not all people enjoy. I for one love it! Saucy Mama's Sweet Onion dressing mixed with the acidity of the lemons really makes this a bright and flavorful dish. So much so, that the traditionally used arugula and Parmesan cheese isn't even missed. If you are skeptical of this dish, you can always just cook it up! (That's what I did for my husband.) You could also substitute the beef for smoked salmon.

Fab with Five Entry #3

2011-05-23T14:20:00.000-07:00

Why complicate things? Five ingredients are plenty….especially when one of the 5 is Saucy Mama’s Sweet Heat Marinade. It has the just right amount of heat and sweet and is super versatile.

Sweet Heat Beef and Broccoli
1. 1 bottle of Saucy Mama Sweet Heat, divided
2. ½ tsp of freshly grated ginger
3. 1lb beef sliced thin (I used tri-tip filet that I sliced)
4. 4 cups of broccoli florets
5. 1 small purple onion, sliced “French” style
Sesame oil

5 Easy Steps
1. Slice the meat thinly and place into a plastic bag and add the ginger and ½ of the bottle of Saucy Mama dressing. Seal tightly and allow marinate for 4 hours or overnight.
2. In a wok or large sauté pan, heat 1 TSP sesame oil over high heat. Drain off excess marinade from meat and pat dry. This allows the meat to get a nice caramelized coating.
3. Cook meat for about 5 minutes over medium high heat.
4. Next add the broccoli and onion, and stir. Cook for about 5 more minutes and then add the remaining ½ of the Saucy Mama Sweet Heat.
5. Cover the pan and remove from heat. Keep the pan covered for about 5 more minutes to allow the veggies to steam, but still stay crisp.

If you’d like to try some of Saucy Mama’s amazing products, leave a comment here, or on my Facebook page. A food memory would be great, but any comment will work. I’ll end the contest on June 5, 2011 and the random winner will be notified via email.

Fab with 5 Entry #2 Pacific Rim Pineapple Ceviche

2011-05-20T21:03:00.000-07:00

Fab with Five Entry #1 (and a contest for you!)

2011-05-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

Five. 5 is great number. It's the age of my oldest daughter. There's the five elements. And then there's Saucy Mama's Fab with Five contest. The challenge is to create a delicious dish using only five ingredients. That's right, five ingredients. At first I balked at the idea, but then i realized that some of my most fave recipes are very simple. Most of my favorite dishes are composed of a few very good ingredients so why was I worried? I can totally make a dish with only 5 measly ingredients, right?!? Of course I can. Here's my first entry.

Click the picture for a bigger and better view.

Mini Burgers with Creamy Santa Fe Tomato Relish

Ingredients

1. ½ cup Saucy Mama Santa Fe Creamy Chipotle Dressing

2. 1 pound of lean ground beef or turkey

3. 6 small gourmet rolls sliced lengthwise

4. 4 roma tomatoes, flesh removed and diced

5. ½ cup sweet and hot pepper rings, drained

Salt

Pepper

Directions

Step 1

In an small bowl combine ½ tsp of salt and ½ tsp of freshly ground pepper and mix well. Using your hands, form 6 small patties and lay on parchment covered late. Refrigerate.

Step 2

To make the tomato relish, remove flesh from the tomato and dice finely. In a small bowl mix with the Saucy Mama Santa Fe Creamy Chipotle dressing and dash of fresh ground pepper. Refrigerate.

Step 3

Heat in dry frying pan over high heat and add your patties. Cook on each side for 3-5 minutes each. Once cooked your liking, removed from pan and set on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5

Lay out your rolls, and put 4 pepper rings on the bottom of each roll. Next add a hamburger patty, and top with the tomato relish. Add the other half of the roll and secure with a toothpick.

Click the picture for a bigger and better view.

I pride myself on making my own sauces, marinades and aiolis, so please take my word for it when I tell you that Saucy Mama's goods are amazing. I love everything that I have tried, and I've almost tried it all. They more than pass my test and get the "Crissy Mathers' seal of approval." The Creamy Santa Fe Chipotle dressing a creamy, smoky and slightly spicy dressing. Like most of her products it's very versatile and full of bright flavor-2 things I love!

But don't take my word for it. You could with your very own pack of Saucy Mama products. Simply tell me about your favorite food memory either here on my blog or on my Gourmet Buffet Facebook page. Each memory you submit via comment is worth 1 entry. (Winner will be determined by random on or around May 24th, 2011.)

steak?

2011-05-12T19:30:00.000-07:00

anyone?

Micro Mini Vacay

2011-05-09T14:22:00.000-07:00

Last weekend the hubs and I took way too fast trip to Santa Barbara for an early un-birthday for me. It was a great mini trip, but way too short.

The venue was the historic Arlington Theater.

There was lots of finger pointing, name calling and hilarity.

After a restful evening, we picked up the Naughties and headed to beach for quick minute.

It was a great weekend, indeed!

just arrived

2011-04-30T19:12:00.001-07:00

and in perfect time for tomorrow. micro mini vacay (sans kids) starts ...NOW!

Snack

2011-04-30T18:50:00.001-07:00

mango & papaya ceviche a la me.

lilacs in my garden! they smell amazing.

2011-04-20T15:12:00.001-07:00

Yep, I'm bad at blogging.

2011-04-11T18:26:00.000-07:00

I've been slacking big time in my blogging. I've been real busy with shameless self promotion and it's been paying off. I'm pretty busy for the next few months with showers, and weddings and parties. I am also hooping to start teaching cooking classes soon. It's exciting, and a bit scary. Meanwhile, I'm making a resolution to be a better blogger. We'll see how that turns out.

Here's some pics of a party I did this past weekend....

Chevre with Ancho Chili grilled nectrarines

This party had a flamer thrower.

Grilled pineapple makes for some good salsa!

Cupcakes with a dusting of my own sweet cinnamon spice.

plums about to be grilled with ancho powder...

2011-04-02T15:32:00.001-07:00

improvising...

Funny

2011-03-19T15:31:00.000-07:00

I found this website somehow and it's been giving me countless hours of fun! You must check it out for little gems of hilarity such as this:

Courtsey of www.foodnetworkhumor.com

and this. You can thank me later.

Let's Go Bananas

2011-03-12T15:22:00.001-08:00

um, yes please! amazing! just picked these up from trader joe's and they are tasty.

Zinfandel - Paso's Wine

2011-02-08T14:15:00.000-08:00

The Zin Fest is one of my most fave times to go wine tasting. Who's coming?!

devilish eggs!

2011-01-21T21:32:00.001-08:00

yes!

Smells Like Gg Cariaga's House

2011-01-20T21:14:00.001-08:00

Almost the makings of Christmas pork Cariaga style

2011-01-19T17:33:00.001-08:00

2011-01-18T23:06:00.001-08:00

nutella and ritz crackers with white choc and toppings...

Chicken 'Pops' with spicy Asian peanut sauce

2011-01-14T19:51:00.001-08:00

mmm!

2011-01-07T22:18:00.001-08:00

salmon with spicy broccoli slaw

Spicy Pork

2011-01-06T20:44:00.001-08:00

spicy pork lettuce wraps with easy peanut sauce

2011-01-04T19:23:00.001-08:00

lettuce tacos...with ground turkey, zuchinni, corn, tomatoes, and yellow peppers.

New Years Day Mac & Cheese

2010-12-28T16:04:00.000-08:00

New Years Day Mac and Cheese Bake

Ingredients

1 lb al dente macaroni (i like penne or old fashioned elblows best)
2 cups diced ham
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup swiss cheese
1/2cup Gruyere cheese
1 cup whole milk
1 clove garlic
1/2 stick butter + 2tsp of flour for the roux
fresh croutons (or Panko) and your fave herbs and spices

Directions

Here's how I like to do it. In a sauce pan, make a roux with the flour and butter. Slowly add milk and mix well. Add in most of the cheeses, reserving some of the top of the dish. Season with garlic, a pinch of herbs de Provence and pepper. Simmer on very low until all cheese in incorporated. Meanwhile, grease a large (and deep) baking dish. Next, make layers in the dish with mac then ham...then mac, then ham. You get it, right? Pour the cheese mixture over the mac and ham. Top with reserved cheese and croutons and enjoy!

You can easily use whatever cheese you like with this, but I wouldn't recommend reducing the fat on the milk. I tried that once, and it just wasn't as tasty.

Cheers!

What do you mean by "FAUX?"

2010-12-23T01:22:00.000-08:00

Top ten Faux Foodies?!?!

WOW! Better than Ballet?

2010-12-22T22:44:00.000-08:00

Sweet Potato Fries

2010-12-08T19:34:00.000-08:00

If you know me at all, you know I don't like to follow recipes. So forgive this sloppy recipe:

In a large bowl combine combine about 1 lb of sweet potatoes (cut into the french fry shapes of your choice) with 1/2 cup garlic olive oil (if you don't have just use olive oil and add chopped garlic.) Toss well, and then start seasoning. For the tasty treats above, we used about 1 TSP each dry mustard, chopped shallots, curry powder, smoked Salish sea salt, coarse ground pepper, chives, Ancho chili powder, Chipotle powder and smoked paprika. Cook in a preheated 450 degree oven until crispy or for about 25 minutes. They're best if you flip them half way through.

exactly!

2010-12-02T23:23:00.001-08:00

2010-11-30T12:44:00.000-08:00

cilantro surprise...delish!

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More Dinner Music

2010-11-29T00:04:00.000-08:00

2010-11-23T19:07:00.001-08:00

Radish + Butter + Fleur de sel....

2010-11-20T21:34:00.000-08:00

equals p u r e genius!

Dinner Music: Adele - Someone Like You (Sometimes It Lasts in Love, But Somtimes It Hurts Instead.)

2010-11-17T22:04:00.000-08:00

Loving Where We Live

2010-11-10T17:01:00.001-08:00

beauty.

9pm snacks

2010-11-04T21:23:00.001-07:00

mmm! honey chili wontons...

2010-11-04T16:59:00.001-07:00

the girls made pizza. avery grace made asparagus and ellie a turkey smiley face!

Dinner at Home

2010-10-26T20:41:00.001-07:00

steak, tomato salad and vino, yes please.

Fight Night

2010-10-24T17:03:00.000-07:00

Drunken chicken legs made with wimg sauce, spices and beer!!

Gorgonzla and honey! Love the contrasting flavors

the sundried pesto torte from TJ's is to die for!!

Who doesn't love baby brie?

Had a small soiree last night and totally took the easy way out with some easy appetizers. They were enjoyed as was the company! Can't wait till our lasagna cook off in a few weeks! Watch out Bobby Buckman!!!

Oh, Costco, I missed you.

2010-10-18T20:25:00.001-07:00

heaven, i'm in heaven. i love costco.

2010-10-18T19:33:00.001-07:00

2010-10-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

KK @ 4vines, loves her!

2010-10-16T20:42:00.001-07:00

who doesn't love a heart?

2010-10-16T19:28:00.001-07:00

my fave of all faves.

2010-10-16T19:25:00.001-07:00

wine tasting=duck face and bad hair!

Fresh Salsa

2010-10-14T17:17:00.001-07:00

Ready to roast for fresh salsa!

Honorable Mention

2010-10-14T16:11:00.000-07:00

Today is the day that Saucy Mama "I am A Saucy Mama" recipe contest winners were announced. I didn't win, but I did a very nice personal note from them. They said that they loved my recipe, and that I used 3 products. Apparently the liked it so much they decided to give me an honorable mention! WOW! what a compliment! They are even going to send me some saucy prizes. Check out their blog in the next few weeks to see my recipe. Or you can get it here too! Also, I think I should mention that the products are really amazing. We all know how snobby I am when it comes to other peoples sauces and goodies, but I honestly do love the products the products I've tasted so far. And they are very versatile.

Also, I think I should mention that the products are really amazing. We all know how snobby I am when it comes to other peoples sauces and goodies, but I honestly do love the products the products I've tasted so far. Thank you Saucy Mama for such a fun contest, I look forward to more in the future!

Lunch at Pier 46 with my Pal Emilie

2010-10-12T15:39:00.001-07:00

Fish Tacos and Crab Cakes a la Pier 46

One of my fave places to go for lunch is Pier 46 in Templeton! Super fresh and so delicious. I got to have lunch there today with my pal Emilie. Next time you go to Trader Joe's you should eat there. Calimari salad is amazing too.

A Few of My Favorite Things...

2010-09-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

Plum tomatoes with sea salt, finely chopped cilantro and garlic infused olive oil

A Very Saucy Party & a Contest

2010-09-15T16:52:00.000-07:00

I've been debating, hemming and hawing and going back and forth for weeks over this Saucy Mama Contest. After much deliberation, thought and sampling, I give you my submission of Mahi Mahi Tostadas with Crunchy Apple Slaw and Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce. This is a quick and easy recipe to make, but is impressive in presentation and taste! The sweetness of the green apples is a surprising contrast to the spicy Lime Cilantro Sauce while the Avocado Cilantro Sauce adds just the right bite at the end. This recipe contains the following Saucy Mama products:

Below are the directions to make the Mahi Mahi Tostadas...

Wonton Tostada Shells

Ingredients

·         1 Package of won-ton wrappers
·         Olive oil spray
·         Salt, chili powder and garlic powder to sprinkle

Directions

Spray each won-ton with olive oil spray and place into muffin tin to form a bowl or a tostada. Bake in 400 degree preheated oven for 7-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Let cool, but do not remove from muffin tin.

Lime Chipotle Mahi Mahi

Ingredients

·         2 lbs of Mahi Mahi
·         The juice and zest of 1 lime
·         ½ cup Saucy Mama Lime Chipotle Marinade

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. Place fish in greased glass pan and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes or until flaky and firm. Break apart fish and add marinade. Mix well and set aside.

Crunchy Apple Cabbage Slaw

Ingredients

·         2 large Granny Smith apples cut into matchsticks
·         2 cups shredded cabbage mix
·         1 cup shredded purple cabbage (for color)
·         ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
·         ¼ cup chives, chopped
·         The juice and zest of 2 limes
·         4 TSP Saucy Mama Sweet Onion Marinade
·         1 splash vinegar
·         Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Mix all ingredients will and chill. This can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. If making ahead, don’t add the purple cabbage until just before serving or everything will be pink!

Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce

Ingredients

·         1 cup cilantro
·         5 Saucy Mama Jalapeño Stuffed Olives
·         2 large avocados
·         1 clove garlic
·         Salt and pepper to taste
·         water

Directions

Blend everything in the blender, adding a tsp or 2 of water as needed so that it's smooth and creamy and the consistency of sour cream. This can easily be made a day or two a head of time and stored in the refrigerator.

Spicy Spanish Rice

Ingredients

·         1 cup rice
·         4 TSP sesame oil
·         1 TSP Ketchup
·         2 TSP Saucy Mama Wing Sauce
·         2 cups water
·         3 TSP chicken bouillon powder
·         ½ cup chopped purple onion
·         1 cup cooked or canned black or kidney beans
·         1 cup whole kernel sweet corn

Directions

In a large skillet over high heat sesame oil and add rice. Brown rice for about 1-2 minutes or until slightly golden. Add ketchup and Saucy Mama Wing Sauce and mix well, stirring constantly for 1 more minute. Add water, bullion and onion and bring to a boil then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until rice is fluffy and all of the water is absorbed. Add beans and corn and fluff with a fork.

The finished product...

To assemble the mini tostadas simply add a spoonful of fish into the won-ton, then add a spoonful of the slaw. Top with a bit of Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce. Serve with Spicy Spanish Rice and a lime wedge. Not only is this recipe easy, but it's a super party pleaser that is beautiful to look at, easy to eat and full of bright and fresh flavors. It is also very adaptable. Add a bit of sesame seed, some ginger, a few dashes of sriracha and soy and suddenly it has a spicy Asian twist.

If you want to win your own Saucy Mama products, please leave a comment here or on Facebook telling me your fave party food. I'll randomly pick a winner on Sept 30th.

So Saucy & a Contest

2010-08-31T17:39:00.000-07:00

I've been lucky enough to be entered into a recipe contest sponsored by Saucy Mama and Barhyte's Specialty Foods. I am so excited and can't even think of where to begin. There are so many good things to chose from. While the deadline is looming by, we have been experimenting with the different products they sent me to sample. So far, we love everything!

You can love them too. If you want to be entered to win your very own Saucy Mama products, simply post a comment on this blog describing your favorite party food. (You can also enter by leaving a comment on my Facebook Page.) On September 30th, 2010 I will randomly select a contest winner who will receive several of Saucy Mama's delicious products. Winner will be notified via this blog.

Sweet Onion Dijon Potato Salad

The Sweet Onion Marinade made an amazing twist to my Dijon potato salad. Here's the recipe.

Sweet Dijon Red Potato Salad

Ingredients
2 lbs of red potatoes, quartered
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Pinch of celery seed
1 shallot, diced
2 heaping tablespoons of Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons of Saucy Mama's Sweet Onion Marinade

Directions
Preheat oven to 400. Mix potatoes with olive oil, shallots, salt and pepper and spread over baking sheet. Roast in oven for about 20 minutes or until tender but still holding shape. Let cool. Add Dijon, Sweet Onion Marinade and celery seed. Season if needed with additional salt and pepper and garnish with parsley.

Summer Spinach Salad

2010-08-16T20:03:00.000-07:00

With Peach Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ingredients

1/4 cup peach white balsamic
1/4 cup peach nectar
1/2 cup olive oil
spalsh of red wine vinegar (mostly to make that lovely peach color)
2 tsp honey
1 clove garlic finely minced
1 pinch dried parsley
1 pinch herbs de Provence
dash of salt and pepper

Directions
Whisk or shake all ingredients together, and thank me later! I served it over a bed of baby spinach, smoked almonds, white onion and clementines, with a smidgen of feta. I think Gorgonzola would work too.

Avocado

2010-08-12T15:24:00.000-07:00

There is a day approaching that I am trying to avoid. It will be one year since my Grandpa Power left us, and I am really not sure what day he died, but I know it's approaching. I kind of don't want to know.

What I do know is that while slicing into a perfectly ripe avocado, I realized how many fun memories of my Grandpa revolve around food. As un-gourmet as it sounds, there is nothing like a ripe avocado crudely mashed onto a toasted piece of wheat toast and sprinkled with Bob's Big Boy seasoning. It instantly makes me thinks of mornings in my grandpa's kitchen watching him stir wheat germ into his water.

Year before last Gpa gave me 10 bottles of the stuff kind of as a joke. I didn't think of it until recently, but I think maybe, just maybe he bought it in the hopes that it would keep a fond memory alive for me. It surely has.

Red Potato Salad-sans mayo

2010-08-01T17:33:00.000-07:00

Red potatoes before roasting

Rustic Red Potato Salad

Ingredients

5lbs red potatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
salt
pepper
herbs de Provence
chopped shallots
chopped garlic

Directions

Preheat oven to 400. Chop potatoes into quarters and add to large bowl. Add olive oil and then season with the spices I suggested or use your own favorite. Bake for 20 minutes, then sprinkle with balsamic vinegar, bake for an additional 10 minutes or until potatoes look caramelized. Let cool and then add a bit more balsamic and olive oil about 4 TSP each.

Adding a bit of mayonnaise to this makes it creamy and tossing in a bit of bacon makes it awesome!!

I Can (almost) Die Now

2010-07-30T18:25:00.000-07:00

Eric Ripert replied to my Tweet.

What's For Dinner

2010-07-28T20:47:00.000-07:00

I've had a vision of Asian Pork Tacos for a few weeks now and have yet to really pull it off. I tried it in the crockpot and it was delish, but not really what I wanted. I pictured something a little crispy, a little sweet and a little salty. My husband brought up his love for Teriyaki pork chops, so that's what I made tonight. I let them marinade over night in a homemade marinade of soy, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, cilantro and orange juice. I BBQ'd them on low for about 5 minutes on each side. Then after a mandatory rest on the counter, I sliced into the thin chops and was wowed! My husband was right! They are fab. I made them with my fave slaw. Here's the recipe:

Crunchy Asian Slaw

Ingredients

1 cup shredded cabbage
1 cup broccoli slaw
1/2 cup shredded carrots
2 radishes, jullianed
TSP fresh cilantro

For the dressing:

1/2 cup orange juice
1 tsp orange zest
4 tsp oyster sauce or soy sauce
fresh grated garlic and ginger to taste

Directions
For the dressing, simply combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix with whisk. Add cabbage, broccoli, carrots, radishes to the dressing and mix well. Top with cilantro. Goes great with a few honey roasted peanuts or crispy chow mein noodles.

TCD

2010-07-28T18:45:00.000-07:00

Do I know the way to my man's heart or what? Turkey chili dogs, while so simple and quick are one of my most fave disgusting food addictions. I don't meant that it's really disgusting, it's just something that you could eat all the time and live with yourself. When I was in my early 20's I mainly ate ~~beer, vodka and other assorted spirits~~ sandwiches and Top Ramen and the occasional TCD-turkey chili dog. So last night when I just really didn't feel like cooking, I made him one, and he was happy! I was too. It made me feel 20 again. (Not really.)

What's one of your fave disgusting food addictions?

Uh oh!

2010-07-28T14:46:00.000-07:00

Whoops! I was trying to get fancy with my blog and I ended up changing it entirely! I will be finalizing my changes soon, and have some fun things on the horizon, including a give-away and some delish new recipes. I hope you'll be back to check out it soon.

Cheeseballs

2010-07-28T14:23:00.000-07:00

I recently had the pleasure of helping a dear friend with the food for a baby shower. One of the hits of the party was a very simple let delicious cheese ball recipe. Ours were more like cheese mountains, as we molded them in small souffle cups. Here's the recipe for all you die hard cheeseballers!

Cheeseballs/Cheese mountains

1 package non-fat cream cheese
about 1/2 cup chopped green onions
about 1/2 cup of finely diced Armour Dried Beef

Bon appetite!

Soup

2010-01-29T20:02:00.000-08:00

Roasted Garlic, Shallot, Onion & Potato Soup

Ingredients

· 5 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced

· 1 package of shallots, onion and garlic (near the salad at Tj’s)

o Or 1shallot, 1 small onion, and one clove garlic, finely chopped.

· 1 bulb roasted garlic

· 2 TSP butter

· 1 TSP olive oil + more as needed

· 2 cups chicken stock

· ½ cup half and half or milk

· Lots of salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In a large pot sauté shallot, onion, and garlic in butter and olive for about 4 minutes or until soft. Add potatoes and sauté for an additional 4 minutes, adding more oil as needed so that the potatoes don’t brown, but soften. Add stock and roasted garlic and reduce heat to medium. Once it comes to a boil, reduce to low, and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes fall apart and are translucent. Season and add milk, and puree with immersion blender until smooth. Great additions would be rosemary, bacon or pancetta, broccoli and cheese.

Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

2009-09-04T14:44:00.000-07:00

(As featured in Taste of Home Magazine June/July 2008)

Ingredients
-2 packages of softened cream cheese
-1 TSP capers
-4 TSP of Fresh Dill
-2 TSP freshly grated lemon zest
-1 shallot
-1/2 lb smoked salmon, flaked
-4 tortillas (preferably spinach and garlic flavored)
-pepper and dry dill to taste

Directions
In a food processor, combine all ingredients except the salmon and tortillas. Mix well and season with pepper. Spread /4 of the mixture on a tortilla, layer 1/4 of the smoked salmon on top. Sprinkle with dry dill. Roll tightly and repeat with the remaining ingredients. Refrigerate 4 hours to over night. Cut each roll into 8 pieces. Garnish with fresh dill. You can also change it up by making the spread and spreading it on top of a whole wheat cracker, top with salmon and 1 caper. Very nice presentation and very impressive taste.

We pretty much ate this for dinner tonight and it was delish, easy and very pretty-see my pics!!!

Lunch

2009-07-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

Amsterdam Coffee House, Paso Robles, CA

2009-07-17T22:52:00.000-07:00

Stephanie, one of the owners, hand painted that sign! Check out the koi.

(That stuff on the middle shelf is mine!)

Don't you just love? 725 13th Street in Paso is the place to be! The coffee and tea is amazing, the staff is friendly and fun. Come check it out.

From the Sea

2009-07-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

Mahi Mahi Tostada with Apple Avocado Salsa

Big News

2009-07-14T00:23:00.001-07:00

Folks, big news....starting Friday, my 'Gourmet Goods & Culinary Delights' will be on sale at Amsterdam Coffee House in Paso Robles. I don't know what this new venture will hold but I am beyond thrilled for this new path. I really feel like good things are happening. Thanks to all of you who support me via Etsy. I appreciate it more than you know! If you are in town, come by and have a Greek Wrap or a some pasta salad!

Gourmet Grill Seasoning

2009-07-03T17:47:00.000-07:00

A must for any bbq-er/griller out there!

4th of July Special: Order via My ETSY and get one FREE! Chose one item of equal or lesser value! Make sure you mention this blog when you check out to get offer. Valid only thru July 4th, 2009.

For Jill...Cherry Cabernet Sauce

2009-06-15T15:08:00.000-07:00

Cherry Cabernet Sauce

Ingredients
• 1 cup of cherries, pits removed and cut into quarters
• 4 cloves of garlic, diced finely
• 1 small shallot, diced finely
• 2 TSP of olive oil
• 1 cup of red wine (Cabernet or Merlot works best)
• 1 beef bouillon cube
• ¼ cup of water
• 2 TSP balsamic vinegar
• 1 TSP of fresh thyme leaves
• 3 TSP of honey
• Three whole cloves
• Fresh ground pepper
• Pinch + of crushed red pepper flakes
1 TSP herbs de provance

Directions
In medium sauce pan, sauté cherries, garlic, and shallots in olive oil until cherries are soft. Slowly pour in red wine and stir well. Add beef bouillon cube, water, balsamic, thyme, honey, cloves, and peppers. Stir well to incorporate honey. Reduce heat to medium and bring to a slight boil for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to simmer until it has reduced by ½.

Serve over freshly grilled sliced tri-tip that has been marinated in a combination of red wine, balsamic, garlic and olive oil. I generally cook a 1.5 lb tri tip in the oven, covered for 1 hour at 250 degrees and then grill on the barbecue for about 15 minutes on each side until brown and cooked to medium rare. Works great on pork tenderloin too!

The sweetness of the cherries and honey play nicely with the tartness of the balsamic vinegar and the garlic. The crimson color and rich flavor make it a great addition to Christmas dinner or a New Year’s party.

Gourmet Grilled Carne Asada Burger

2009-06-09T10:37:00.000-07:00

If you think this looks good, you should see how it tastes! Muy bien!!

Gourmet Popcorn Seasoning Set

2009-05-01T22:29:00.000-07:00

Such fun, so flavorful and surely a great gift idea!

This set comes with popcorn kernels and 2 gourmet popcorn seasonings:

Sweet Cinnamon Spice Kettle Corn, a mix of sugar, salt and my signature Sweet Cinnamon Spice for a sweet sprinkle.

Hot, Sweet and Salty, a mix of salt, garlic, sugar, pepper, hickory smoke and chipotle peppers to add just the right amount of heat.

Simply sprinkle onto fresh popped corn (or microwave popcorn) for a gourmet twist on a yummy snack!

Comes neatly packaged in a plastic popcorn box.

CHECK IT OUT HERE!

California Chicken Sandwich with Avocado Cilantro Dressing

2009-04-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

California Chicken Sandwich with Avocado Cilantro Dressing

Ingredients

4 slices of Garlic San Luis Sourdough Bread
8 slices of Havarti or Pepper Jack Cheese
1 large tomato sliced
1 cup of baby spinach
2 TSP + Olive Oil
½ lb fresh ground chicken (1/2 lb breast/ ½ thigh)

Seasoned with

3 TSP crispy bacon or real bacon bits
A few twists of fresh ground pepper
Pinch of salt
1 tsp chopped shallot
½ TSP minced garlic

Avocado Cilantro Dressing

1 large ripe Haas Avocado
1 TSP Light Sour Cream
1 TSP Mayonnaise
½ tsp. celery salt
½ tsp cumin
Fresh ground pepper
2 TSP Chopped Cilantro
The juice of 1 lime

First make sauce so that the flavors can melt together. Simply combine all ingredients and mix well until smooth. Toast or grill bread. Then, Season chicken and mix well. Score into 2 sections and form into the shape of the bread. Pat well, and pat dry with a paper towel. Heat oil over med/high heat. Meanwhile, lay out remaining sandwich components to make an assembly line of sorts. Add patties to the pan, and don’t turn for at least 1 full minute to get a crispy outer burger. Spread each side of toast with about 1-2 TSP of dressing. Add in layers, spinach, cheese and tomato. Season tomato with pinch of sea salt and pepper. Turn chicken and cook about 5-7 more minutes depending on thickness. Place on bread and serve with a local spinach salad. Also, it's just as good to use grilled chicken rather than ground chicken.

Carne Asada Tacos

2009-03-29T17:43:00.001-07:00

Carne Asada Tacos

Ingredients

· 1.5 lbs of flank or skirt steak

· 4-6 corn tortillas

· Lime wedges, chopped cilantro and onion for garnish

For Marinade

· 1 TSP olive oil

· The juice of 2 limes

· 3 TSP of orange juice

· 2 TSP of soy sauce

· 2 cloves of chopped garlic

· Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

This easy meal can be made on the BBQ or on the stove. Simply marinade the meat with the above ingredients 15 minutes to 1 hour before cooking. Grill on BBQ for about 5 minutes on each side-careful not to overcook or the meat will be tough. If cooking on the stove, get your pan very hot, and then add the meat. Cook for 5 minutes on each side. Remove from heat, and chop with sharp knife. Wrap the tortillas in paper towels and microwave for about 45 seconds. Once heated through, wrap in foil to stay warm and soft. Serve with rice and beans.

Cherry (or Raspberry) Cab Sauce

2009-03-20T20:12:00.001-07:00

Classic Crock Pot Recipe: Chili Verde

2009-03-03T19:28:00.000-08:00

Chili Verde De Crockpot

Ingredients
1 lb pork stew meat
1 cup of green enchilada sauce
1 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 can diced green chilis (Ortega)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Add all ingredients to crock pot and cook on low for 5-6 hours. Strain meat, shred if needed and return back to sauce. Serve over warm tortillas with cilantro, onions. Don't forget the sour cream and cheese if you are into all that. Or turn into nachos, burritos, whatever your heart desires.

Serve with Fiberlicious Spanish Rice

This rice is a tad healthier because it's full of fiber from the beans

Ingredients
1 CUP Rice
1 TSP sesame oil
4 TSP Sriracha of El Pato or Ketchup if you must
2 cups chicken stock
1 TSP garlic, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
Season with herbs and spices of your liking. I like to add a dash of cumin, chipotle powder, smoked paprika and cilantro.

Directions
Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add rice and brown for 1 minute. Add Sriracha and mix well. Add garlic, onions and chicken stock. Bring just to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer til most of the water is absorbed and rice is tender, about 15 minutes. Add beans and tomatos and mix well.

Mixed Pepper Marmelade 6oz sweet and spicy jelly

2009-01-09T19:18:00.000-08:00

Check it out HERE.

A bright, sweet and spicy mixture of yellow, green and red bell peppers, piquante peppers, sugar, water, gelatin powder, cilantro, garlic, dehydrated jalapeños, diced onions, salt, pepper and hickory smoke flavoring.

Mild and Hot versions available in 12 and 6 oz. (Hot version shown here.)

MAKES A GREAT GIFT! Comes neatly wrapped with coordinating ribbon. Gift wrap and boxing available too!

Serve over cream cheese with crackers or tortilla chips. Makes a lovely sauce for shrimp cocktail too. Please refrigerate after opening.

To order more than one, please email me for shipping discounts.

For the 1 hour cocktail party

2008-12-13T10:52:00.000-08:00

Imported and Domestic Cheese Plate with grapes, apples, bread and featuring:

Imported Coastal Cheddar
Chevre with honey
Gorgonzola

Baked Brie Cheese with Cranberry and Pecan Compote

Assorted Italian Piatto di Carne with pepperochini, olives and peppers and featuring:

Hot Calabrese
Pepper Salami
Hot Capocollo
Pepperoni

Haute and Spicy Shrimp with Greek Chimichuri Yogurt Sauce

Flatbread assortment with herbed ricotta cheese, artichokes, olives, Cippolini onions, tomatoes and peppers.

Lunch Dec. 5th

2008-12-03T09:48:00.000-08:00

Lunch THIS Friday! Click the menu to see the offerings. Please order by 12 on Thursday and deliveries will be made between 10 and 1 on Friday.

Lunch

2008-11-29T21:29:00.000-08:00

Lunch sample of Greek Pinwheels, BBQ'd Chicken Sandwiches with Raspberry Chipotle Sauce and Veggie Sandwiches with herbed cream cheese. Served with a side of Raspberry Chipotle, Fat Free Italian Herb and Lite Ranch Dressings.

Lemon Grass Shrimp

2008-11-28T21:46:00.001-08:00

Shrimp poached in oil and garnished with fresh lemon and garlic and sea salt. Lovely as an appetizer or served with rice as a main course.

Won Tons Wraps

2008-11-28T21:37:00.000-08:00

Chicken, shrimp or pork seasoned with vegetables, garlic and ginger. Served with plum, sweet and sour, hot mustard and black pepper sauces.

Greek Spring Roll

2008-11-28T21:33:00.000-08:00

With peppeochini, cucumber, roasted yellow bell pepper, Feta cheese, olives and tomato. Served with fat free Greek herb dressing.

Mediterranean Flatbread

2008-11-28T21:21:00.000-08:00

with herbed ricotta cheese, sun dried tomato, kalamata olives, red onion, zucchini and artichokes.
(Also available: Italian, BBQ Chicken and Thai Peanut)