On the Farm

Dakota flipping over ribs and pork shoulders to get the perfect grill marks for Jam's wedding in Iowa.

Croutons

I had some Millet bread from Lucia's that was about a week old and perfect for croutons. Sliced, drizzled in EVOO and sea salt. I threw in about 10 garlic cloves to roast for flavor and take out after to use for salad dressing (or just snacking) mmmm

Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi

This is a twist on the classic Italian gnocchi. No potatoes in these guys. Just ricotta, eggs, EVOO, and flour. So simple. So delicious. I quickly sauteed them in some spicy oil and pesto to serve after boiling them in salty water for about a min. They would also be amazing with some brown butter and cheese or nothing at all.

Good Morning Fall

Welcoming cooler weather with a hot drink. mmm.
If you're not in the mood for coffee try some hot milk with honey, vanilla bean, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Almafi Coast 2

Simple IS better. A fresh baguette with homemade ricotta cheese and lemon rind. I picked the lemons straight from the trees in Almalfi. The flavor is unlike lemons were eat here in the US but the idea for this appetizer demonstrates how just three ingredients can make a delicious, beautiful appetizer for any meal. Maybe juicing a lemon into the ricotta would bring the full flavor of the lemons in Almafi. Try it!

Amalfi Coast

Italy has some of the best ingredients in the world.  A plate a simple as this can be the most delicious (and beautiful) lunch that is so easy to make. Fresh tomatoes, purple olives, radishes and apricots with spicy arugula leaves on top. Snacking heaven!

Florence 2

Similar idea here... Fresh salad, boiled and then baked potatoes, fresh baguette and roasted chicken. This bowl became the vehicle for delicious lunches. Throwing in a few favorite foods then combining them on your plate however you like.

Florence

The perfect lunch in Florence, Italy. Fresh mozzarella, arugula with red onion, crusty wheat baguette and prosciutto. Yum.

Boulder Market Video

Video #2 Radishes

Cocktails in Bloom: 107 Spring Drinks

Cocktails in Bloom: 107 Spring Drinks

Check out these delicious ideas. They are making me excited for warmer weather and patio drinking!

Boulder Farmer's Market

buying radishes at the market on a very rainy wednesday night.

6 Things to Do with a Can of Tuna: bonappetit.com

Check out my friend Dakota's recipe in Bon Appetit!

6 Things to Do with a Can of Tuna: bonappetit.com

Pull Apart Cinnamon Loaf

I made a sweet cinnamon and nutmeg pull apart loaf of bread. After letting it rise once and sit over night, I sliced the bread into individual slices and allowed it to double again before going into the over. It was eggy, spiced and not too sweet. I covered it with freshly ground nutmeg, cinnamon and a little bit of sugar. It came out browned and aromatic. Heaven? Yep.

Tilia

Just returned from a wonderful dinner at the new Linden Hills restaurant, Tilia.

We arrived just in time and were seated immediately. The room was bustling with every generation and illuminated with tea lights. We started with delicious celery root soup with oysters and a smoky sauteed kale. We shared the pot of meat which tonight featured duck confit- it was delicious, salty, and well-balanced served with touches of onion, spicy mustard and butter to smother on a crusty baguette.
Before our entrees were delivered, the owner brought us two complementary dishes to sample. The first was a crisp and light salad with thinly sliced radish and peppers while the other was a warm squash pasta with gorgonzola and walnuts in a creamy decadent sauce that made our mouths water upon first glance.
Our entrees arrived a while later as the restaurant was packed but we were content sipping beer and talking about how delicious the starters had been. Our entrees included more squash pasta, a spinach salad with bacon and almonds and a fresh potato pasta smothered in bright green parsley pesto. Nothing short of heavenly.
Taste buds dancing and stomachs at capacity, we called it a night. I will definitely be returning to Tilia.
Next time I plan on sitting at the bar facing the open kitchen, a concept that I adore. Hurry in for an early dinner or late snack to avoid waiting.

2726 W 43rd St. Minneapolis.

Maria's Cafe

I've been losing sleep over something lately.

I finally realized the issue that was causing my insomnia- I don't know the secret ingredient to Maria's corn pancakes.

My best friend took me to brunch last weekend in Minneapolis. Little did I know it would be a life-changing experience.
Maria's Cafe is a Colombian restaurant that is whipping out delicious fusions of North and South American traditions. It has earned the reputation of some of the best brunch in the twin cities. I now know why...
As I grabbed a menu it was abruptly stolen from my grip as my friend informs me that she will be ordering. "Two corn pancakes please."
After my first bite (the life-changing experience) I understand the uselessness of the menu- I would never need it again. These were magical. The pancakes were sweet and savory with cojita cheese on top, giving the gooey chewy corn a perfect salty kick.
We ate it silence until they were almost gone. I know that we were thinking the same thing- how does she do this?! They say Maria goes into the kitchen at the crack of dawn to mix up the batter to ensure its secrecy. She is the only one who knows the recipe.
That's going to change, I thought, as I rapidly imagined ideas that would involve hidden cameras or breaking and entering.

After exhausting the idea, we paid the bill and walked out planning the next visit to Maria's- preferably the next morning.

1113 E. Franklin Ave Minneapolis. Get 'sum.

"Sushi"

Fun little appetizer for a party- Bite size pieces that taste like a lil sushi roll. Sliced cucumber functions as the vehicle for a homemade cheese blend (greek yogurt, cream cheese, creme fraiche and dried herbs) smoked wild alaskan salmon and capers. Fresh and delicious- good way to welcome Spring!

Consider This

 These are a list of foods to consider avoiding. Interesting article. I disagree with the first one because I have read conflicting articles on the benefit of canned tomatoes. The rest seem like fairly easy foods to skip.

http://foodfreedom.wordpress.com/2010/06/11/7-foods-so-unsafe-even-farmers-wont-eat-them/

My Sugo Sauce

This was my version on my family's traditional "sugo" sauce, a pasta that my Italian grandmother used to make. Sugo essentially means sauce in Italian. The basics are tomatoes, garlic, and meat. I made a version similar but some delicious adjustments.
I used hot italian sausage, chorizo, tomatoes, and garlic. Once that was hot and delicious I added the noodles and almost an entire bag of spinach. I choose egg noodles simply because I love the texture. After I scooped the pasta into bowls, I threw a generous handful of parmesan and candied cashews on top. I candied the nuts about an hour earlier so they were cool and not sticky. It was delicious and I think Nonna would be proud.

Get Poppin

My soup needed a lil something extra so I throw on some fresh popped popcorn. It added a fun texture and flavor. I am a huge fan of toppings on soup. Actually, I am a huge fan of toppings on everything. Try any of these topping ideas next time you laddle up a bowl:
-Avocado
-Crispy panchetta or bacon
-Grated cheese
-Crisp Shallots
-Fried Sardines
-Popcorn!

Good Morning

Waking up with an espresso from my wonderful Nespresso. mmm

Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Made with maple syrup instead of sugar and yogurt for extra deliciousness. Cranberries, orange essence and walnuts are other little splendors that add to this perfect breakfast.

Olive Oil Brownies

I made these brownies last week (for the family that I work for) from a recipe in the NY times. I thought they were a bit too cakey for my liking so I changed some things...
I'm guessing the reason they made it into the NY times is because of all the savory fun with the olive oil and sea salt. They were not quite as out there as I would have liked so I kicked it up a notch.

3/4 C olive oil
1 3/4 C sugar
1 C flour
2 eggs + 1 yolk
splash of vanilla
sprinkle of salt (more for the top)
1/4 C Cocoa Powder (unsweetened)
4 ounces baking chocolate (bittersweet)
1 Tblsp cayenne pepper mmmm spicy

Mix mix mix it up. grease a pan (I used coconut oil) and throw her in the oven for 20 min.

Breakfast Sandwich Xtreme

This was a great breakfast for a long day. Eggs, arugula, red onion, mustard and lemon juice.

Sunny Side Up

Perfect eggs with a kick. Cayenne pepper, cracked red pepper, and some herbs. I'll take two of those please.

Green Tea Matcha Mochi Bars

Mochi Bars with matcha green tea powder and japanese azuki red beans. Delightful treat with barely any sugar. The recipe needs some tweaking before I post it, but let your eyes feast!

No Bowl? No Problem.

No dishes at the new apartment... No problem. Scoop out a cantaloupe and have yourself some cheerios.

Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies with no egg! Very crispy, buttery and delicious!