It was 102° here yesterday. 102. I’ve been living in Redondo Beach for over ten years, and I don’t think it’s ever been that hot here. I mean, I live 10 blocks from the ocean. It’s supposed to be cooler on the coast, not stale and sweltering. But I unfortunately can’t control the weather, and… Continue reading Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Roasted Potatoes
Presbyterian Cocktail
Don’t worry, I haven’t suddenly gone all religious on you. I picked the Presbyterian because the first day of fall was yesterday. Unfortunately the temperature is still in the triple digits here in Southern California, which means I’m still in the mood for cool, fizzy drinks. Luckily, this cocktail is made with ginger beer which… Continue reading Presbyterian Cocktail
Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Salad
Sometimes when it’s hot, the last thing I want to do is turn on the oven. It’s on those occasions that I turn on the grill. Yes, I know the grill is an open flame and so also quite hot, but at least I’m outside. Still, sometimes grilling up a piece of chicken or beef… Continue reading Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Salad
Gin Buck
Fall is only a few days away so that means cool breezes, marine layers and maybe even the occasional cloud burst. Before the temperature drops completely though, there’s still time for cool, fizzy drinks. But if you’d like to acknowledge the fall, the Gin Buck is the way to do it. Similar to the Foghorn,… Continue reading Gin Buck
Mango Lassi Popsicles
I’ve always been a fan of mangoes. They’re sweet and a little tart and perfect for smoothies or desserts. Plus, my sons absolutely love them. They ask for them every chance they get. They don’t care if they’re fresh or dried, though they prefer them fresh, and I don’t blame them. Fresh mangoes are amazing.… Continue reading Mango Lassi Popsicles
Foghorn Cocktail
It’s been really foggy here the past few weeks. I don’t get it. The last two summers have been hot, beautiful and clear well into October. But for some reason, this year, it’s been chilly and foggy… kinda like it should be in September. It’s weird! And it’s totally throwing me off my game. I… Continue reading Foghorn Cocktail
Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa
Strawberry season may be coming to a close, but there’s still a couple months left to savor the sweet red fruit. I love strawberries. As a matter of fact, they’re one of my favorite berries. They’re great as a snack and turned into a dessert, but they’re also delicious when added to a savory dish…… Continue reading Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa
Port Au Prince Cocktail
Labor Day is tomorrow, and while that may not be the official end of summer, it certainly feels like it. The kids are back in school, there’s a little bit of a chill in the air and the sun is setting earlier and earlier. But before you turn off the air conditioning and get out… Continue reading Port Au Prince Cocktail
Cherry Tomato Pie
I love the produce that’s available during the summer. Yes, the stone fruits are exceptional, but there’s another little fruit that starts to appear in July that’s just as amazing but doesn’t get as much publicity because it’s considered more of a vegetable that a fruit. It’s the heirloom tomato. I love heirloom tomatoes. They’re… Continue reading Cherry Tomato Pie
Mojo Pork Chops with Orange and Jicama Salad
I discovered mojo a long time ago. I don’t remember when exactly, I just remember that I liked it. A lot. What is mojo (pronounced MO-ho)? It’s a garlicky, citrusy sauce that’s often used as a marinade and a finishing sauce. It’s Latin-based and it’s always amazing, especially when served on or with pork. While… Continue reading Mojo Pork Chops with Orange and Jicama Salad
Demerera Dry Float
One of the most common fruit juices used in tiki cocktails is pineapple. This has always been a problem for me because I’m allergic to pineapple. So, I’ve always either tried to find a drink without pineapple in it or I’ve asked that they substitute passion fruit. Luckily today’s drink doesn’t have pineapple in it.… Continue reading Demerera Dry Float