Mashed Cumin Black Bean Quesadillas with Extra-Sharp Cheddar and Cilantro

Mashed Cumin Black Bean Quesadillas with Extra-Sharp Cheddar and Cilantro

often find myself checking out the fridge because I’ve forgotten that I should eat something. I know most people don’t do that, but I think it’s the reminisce of chefdom which occasionally peak it’s head out of the shadows and stops me from eating even 

A Birthday Italian Feast

A Birthday Italian Feast

Overindulgence! Phew, I need to get back into the yoga studio. But it’s not for nothing, that’s for sure. I just need to work a little harder and I can make up for all this delicious decadence I’ve been subjecting myself to. My dad’s birthday 

Sloppy Joes Transformation into Messy Moes with Red Cabbage, Peanut and Carrot Molasses Coleslaw

Sloppy Joes Transformation into Messy Moes with Red Cabbage, Peanut and Carrot Molasses Coleslaw

Yes, I said it: sloppy Joes! Okay, so it’s a guilty pleasure, but I see no guilt in eating it when I really want something to satisfy my childhood craving. The subtle spices of sloppy Joes can be something to master, although once you do, 

Camping and a Going Away Party

Camping and a Going Away Party

My life seems to have evaporated in front of me this last month, but in a very amazing way. I’m so lucky all my friends and family are so amazing and I’ve had such an amazing August and September already. There’s so much coming up 

The simple pleasures of the eastern sierras; Mammoth Lakes, CA.

The simple pleasures of the eastern sierras; Mammoth Lakes, CA.

As a young girl, and even now in my twenties, I looked forward to our family vacations in the summer all year long. Three pretty rough, very close in age, small kids: my sister, brother, and I, crammed in the back of a car together 

A beautiful Summer time Birthday Dinner for Guy!

A beautiful Summer time Birthday Dinner for Guy!

A very dear friend of mine asked me about a month ago if I would be able to help cater his 26th birthday for about 14 people. Of course I obliged, birthdays are my very favorite times to cook for others. As you’ve seen I’ve 

Bachan’s 88th Birthday

Bachan’s 88th Birthday

Yesterday I presented some of the best food I’ve ever made. In my cooking experience this is what it comes down to, delivering something with love and something so honest as the things you grew up with, or just love yourself that the food you’ve 

Chicago Austrian Bakery, Lincoln Park Zoo And Conservatory, Lou Malnati’s

Chicago Austrian Bakery, Lincoln Park Zoo And Conservatory, Lou Malnati’s

My trip to Chicago is more than words could ever really put together. Just as my trips to Tokyo, Seattle, North Carolina, and Vegas, my whole world is always centered on food. Maybe that makes me a lush, maybe it makes gluttony my number one 

Pozole… Happy Fathers Day Dad!

Pozole… Happy Fathers Day Dad!

An Early Father’s Day Wish… What does a father really need on father’s day? My dad likes peace and quiet, maybe a couple of packs of pro v golf balls,  or these days  to pitch in on his latest eBay find, some food, and a 

My Mom, My Grandma Ruth, My Bachan… and My Sister’s first mothers day… Feast

My Mom, My Grandma Ruth, My Bachan… and My Sister’s first mothers day… Feast

These women are the core of my heart. They have taught me more then I could ever imagine. My family is created of these die hard matrons who make everything in their lives about their families. These are the people who taught me my love