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For the Sit-in-the-Kitchen Dinner with my friend Maria, I knew I would assemble an Antipasto Platter, but I wanted to make it extra special. I am fortunate to be able to buy gorgeous raw colossal wild shrimp at my neighborhood market. These shrimp are delicate with a slight sweetness. I could have just broiled them […]
I always keep homemade cookies in my freezer for friends who drop by for a cup of tea or spur of the moment dinner guests. These are not your typical oatmeal raisin cookies. They are loaded with shredded coconut, crystallized ginger and golden raisins. They are dense, chewy and perfect with fresh fruit or dish […]
In Italy, dessert is frequently fresh fruit with a bit of mascarpone cheese, some nuts and a few cookies on the side. This is my take on that tradition. This dessert is super easy and it comes together in less than 10 minutes. (You don’t even peel the pears.) Sliced pears are topped with blueberries […]
The staples in my pantry include lots of canned beans: garbanzo, kidney, black beans, cannellini and giant white butter beans. Canned beans are great for making spur of the moment dips, soups and side dishes. Beans are also a great source of protein. Which is probably why any given night, I can often find my […]
Meatloaf is a standard in many home kitchens. For many people meatloaf is immediately associated with mashed potatoes and gravy, and it evokes childhood memories. Meatloaf and mashed potatoes is comfort food to be eaten when it’s cold outside and we need to feel the warmth of hearth and home. I would never take away […]
Marinated artichoke hearts with tarragon
Baked wild shrimp with ***Ajvar and feta
Mozzarella balls with basil and red pepper flakes
* Roasted tomatoes with garlic
** Italian salami
** Prosciutto di Parma
** Olives
** Baby arugula
Polpettone stuffed with eggplant and smoked mozzarella
Sautéed spinach / Roasted asparagus and zucchini
Gratin of pears, blueberries and mascarpone cheese
Coconut oatmeal ginger cookies
* Purchased at Bristol Farms
** Purchased at Trader Joe’s
*** Available at my Amazon Affiliate Store
It was a weeknight and my friend Maria was coming over for dinner. I’ve known Maria for 30 years. (Is it really that long?). Maria doesn’t cook but she eats real food, so it’s always fun to make dinner for her. She doesn’t eat mushrooms, loves artichokes and will try anything I prepare. This was […]
Filmed and Edited by Xu Zhang
Filmed and Edited by Xu Zhang
If you follow my blog, you know I think everyone should visit Morocco. But if you can’t get there this week, you can have a taste of Morocco via Beverly Hills. Enjoy! Filmed and Edited by Xu Zhang Moroccan Feast Menu Appetizers Bastilla with Chicken * Warm hummus with pine nuts * Spinach and feta pastries […]
