Marrakech-Inspired Granola

A couple of years ago I was gifted a copy of Jamie Oliver’s Food Escapes– a boxed DVD set of six, beautifully filmed, visually delicious 45-minute episodes. In each, Oliver explores a different city, from Venice to Athens, to Stockholm.

Waffles and the Grand Ambition

Almost all my recipes start as perfectly prepared illusions– crispy, evenly browned and seasoned just right. Like this waffle recipe. I thought the crumby texture and crisp streusel topping of a blueberry muffin would transition effortlessly well into a waffle, and in theory perhaps it does.

Avocado and Grapefruit Salad

I’m ready for summer. I’m ready for tortilla chips and salsa, icy-sweet cocktails, sunscreen, sandals and garden tomatoes.

It’s been a chilly few weeks here in Southern California. Obviously nothing compared to other parts of the country, but when you consistently leave your house under-dressed and ill-prepared to face the brisk and bluster your mood is considerably dampened. My oven has been churning out roasted vegetables for weeks, the stove is constantly simmering soup and beans and tea kettles. I don’t want to invest in a new cold weather wardrobe, I just want to walk out to the patio without shoes on.

Birthday Minestrone

My sister has a January birthday, too close to the holidays. As such, she often gets passed over for hangovers and vacations and has learned not to put too much hope in a festive celebration. I insisted we party this year, and since she wanted no part of the planning, throwing together a Sunday Funday get-together fell to me.

Hard Cider Sangria

We may be deep into “winter” in Southern California, but you wouldn’t know it. Temperatures in the eighties, some of the clearest days, and just the right mix of Santa Anas. That could all change in a day and we could return to dreary gloom, but until then I’ll take my lack of “weather” with a side of booze.