Blackeyed Pea Stew and Chefs’ Toys

As I’m sure you’ve noticed I love to cook. I cook all sorts of things from entreés to desserts to of course cocktails. But I can’t cook anything if I don’t have the right tools; and while I have plenty of tools, there’s no rule that says I can’t have more. As a matter of… Continue reading Blackeyed Pea Stew and Chefs’ Toys

Autumn Sausage and Apple Pie

A few months ago when fresh apples were just starting to show up at the farmer’s market, I decided to make a pie. But this wasn’t your standard apple pie. I wasn’t testing out desserts for Thanksgiving. Instead, I wanted to make a savory pie for dinner. Something that used the autumn fruit (hence the… Continue reading Autumn Sausage and Apple Pie

Short Ribs with Cranberry Gravy

Have I told you how much I love cranberries? Cranberry sauce, cranberry muffins, I even added dried cranberries to some chocolate chip oatmeal cookies recently (that were then promoted on ABC’s The Chew). I just can’t get enough, which is why I always seem to (luckily) have a bag or two left over from the… Continue reading Short Ribs with Cranberry Gravy

Noodles Louise

It’s been so hot here in Southern California, I haven’t been in the mood to use my oven. As I’m sure you’ve noticed most of my recipes of late have been grilled or cooked in a cast iron skillet on the stove. I’ve been trying my best to avoid the oven if I can because… Continue reading Noodles Louise

Breaded Mustard Chicken Thighs

Tuesday mornings are always very busy for me. I get up, get the boys’ lunches made, get them to school and then it’s off to the farmer’s market and the grocery store. I always go shopping on Tuesdays because while the grocery store is open seven days a week, the best farmer’s market by me… Continue reading Breaded Mustard Chicken Thighs

Grilled Chicken & Plum Kebabs

I know I’ve been all about the grill recently but that’s because it’s been so hot I just don’t want to turn on the oven. The weather’s been so nice though, I don’t mind cooking outside. As a matter of fact, I’d like to do it more often. The good news is that it appears… Continue reading Grilled Chicken & Plum Kebabs

Triple Chocolate Hatch Chili

I know a big bowl of chili seems like an odd choice when it’s 200° outside, but there are two events happening this week that are chili worthy: Labor Day is today and football season officially starts. Now, I know there are plenty of people out there who have already been watching football games and… Continue reading Triple Chocolate Hatch Chili