Booyah! (I can’t believe I just said that). Chocolate layer cake lightening can strike twice and it did this past weekend as my son’s entry at the Los Angeles County Fair won First Place in chocolate layer cakes and Best of Division for all layer cakes! Coming off our victory from the OC Fair in July, we thought, just for fun, to go for the big daddy of fairs and around these parts it’s the LA County Fair. The fair… [Read More]
One of the pleasurable successes of our garden this summer has been the English or “hot house” cucumbers. They’re long and thin with few seeds compared to the standard waxy cucumbers and are usually seen in stores wrapped in plastic. This helps to retain their moisture. In my opinion, they are more delicate and meaty than the thicker cucumbers and are my choice for this salad but any variety works with this recipe. This seasonal salad is our family’s favorite… [Read More]
My thoughts and prayers go to my blogging friends on the east coast this weekend as you hunker down. Keep safe.xoxo SHARE THIS POST:
A few years ago we hosted a backyard movie night for the high school marching band. With over 80 teenagers the evening was a lot of fun and something I always wanted to do again for our family and friends. Not knowing what we needed back then we rented the equipment for the night which included an inflatable screen, speakers and a projector. The menu for the night was pure concession stand nostalgia: hotdogs in paper boats, boxed candy, soda… [Read More]
If the name “granita” is not familiar to you, it’s an icy Italian dessert that resembles shave ice in texture and is possibly the most light and refreshing treat you can make this summer. In the snooty culinary world of terminology I’d call it a “deconstructed” popsicle. The ingredients are simple: fresh squeezed citrus juice, sugar and water. No special ice cream making equipment is necessary. If you’ve got a metal cake pan or baking dish and a fork, you’ll… [Read More]
My new favorite kitchen toy. Sharp & Fun. Kuhn Rikon Pink and Black Dot Paring Knife Sur la Table – also available in store SHARE THIS POST:
August.It’s just starting to hit me that time is running out and my opportunities for all my good intentions this summer are dwindling. Son2 will be back at college next month and how many good home cooked meals have I made? Not many. I need to change that. Son1 flies into town on Friday for a week’s visit which we’ll also have the pleasure of celebrating his birthday with him at home. This is a real treat. He deserves a… [Read More]
If you haven’t tried homemade pineapple sherbet with fresh lemon and orange juices you don’t know what you’re missing. Prior to this frozen epiphany, I had only tasted store bought from 31 Flavors which left me ordering Daiquiri Ice next time. Words I would use to describe ~ cold, icy, refreshingly fresh. And a phrase ~ “One more little cone won’t hurt.” And a sound ~ *sigh* What is particularly nice about this recipe is that it makes 4 quarts… [Read More]
I hope you’ll allow me my ‘15 seconds, minutes or written lines of fame’ ‘cuz this is going to be one braggy blog post. It’s my story of entering the 2011 Orange County Fair Culinary Arts Division this summer. It all started with my husband who lovingly encouraged me to enter cookies I made for my niece’s wedding this past May. Those who love you are always your biggest fans. Since I had a few extra left over I thought,… [Read More]
We’re not having very good luck this summer with our garden. Our tomatoes never really grew or took off and I lost interest very quickly when my expected results weren’t happening. Even the zucchini isn’t showing the love. Or maybe it’s me. Perhaps it started when we realized the yellow squash was mislabeled and were really gourds. Of course we found this out at dinner one night. What does one do with a gourd anyway besides letting it dry and… [Read More]
Pretty Pink Petal Cake – A Wilton Cake Decorating Technique
Make-Ahead Frozen Buttercream Cake Decorations
Fourth of July Red, White & Blue Bunting Cupcakes
Bridal Shower Gifts and Wrapping Ideas
Pumpkin Spice Mini Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year Decorated Almond Cookies
Embossed Fondant Wedding Cookies – Part 1
Bridal Shower Tushie Cookies–Pink, Blue and White
