Hump Day: Taste of the Caribbean

Yesterday we had our Monthly Office Happy Hour at work.  It's nice to work at a place where events like Happy Hour are valued and given a 4:00 time slot.  I was in charge of bringing this month's cocktail and, still feeling like the new girl, wanted to make something that my co-workers would really like.  It's been gray, dreary and rainy here in SF the last few weeks, so I thought a fun island drink like these...

Super Sad True Book Club

The only thing super sad about this month's book club is that I didn't read the book, Super Sad True Love Story:  A Novel by Gary Shteyngart.  Jillian picked this book about a May-December romance set in futuristic NYC and I actually can't wait to read it at some point.  Everyone really enjoyed it, but between work, play and the fact that I'm working through a 900 page John Irving novel, I just didn't have time...

Richard Goes Crazy and a Shrimp-Quinoa Salad

Before I get into today's recipe, I just have to share a few thoughts on last night's episode of  Top Chef, which is obviously one of my favorite shows.  I've seen every season (including Top Chef Masters) except for the D.C. season.  I love, love, love Richard Blais.  I think he is the best chef who has ever been on the show, period.  Game Over.  When you think about what makes someone a "Top Chef", Richard...

Pretty Parchment Packets: Salmon en Papillote

A lot of times when friends come into town, they want to take advantage of being by the ocean and go to a "seafood restaurant" for dinner.  I'm always a little perplexed by that request because in San Francisco, you can get fish at almost every restaurant, not just seafood restaurants.  However, I do have a go-to spot to satisfy that craving:  Hyde Street Seafood House. My favorite thing to get is the Salmon...

Crunchy & Colorful Winter Salad with Red Onion Vinaigrette

I try to eat a salad for lunch everyday but, let's face it, salads get boring.  A typical lunchtime salad for me includes romaine or spinach leaves with cucumbers, tomatoes, red peppers, carrots and lowfat feta.  Simple, easy to make the night before, and light on the calories.  This week I decided to mix it up by making a Crunchy and Colorful Winter Salad with Red Onion Vinaigrette.  I swapped out the boring...

Hub Specialty: Jamaican Jerk Chicken

In April 2008, The Hub and I took a trip to Jamaica to attend our friend's wedding in her hometown of Montego Bay.  We had a really fun time chilling on the Caribbean, experiencing the local culture and eating some amazing homemade island food!  We stopped at roadstand after roadstand for some spicy, authentic Jerk Chicken - one of our favorite parts of the trip! Ever since that trip, The Hub...

Orange and Dark Chocolate Cookies, FTW!

This past weekend, I really wanted to make some kind of baked good using an Orange and Dark Chocolate combination.  It's becoming a popular flavor combo, but it's never been too appealing to me.  So why was I feeling the urge to make it?  I have no idea.  But I'm glad I did! These cookies were saved from EPIC FAIL by one simple kitchen gadget - a melon baller. Yep, that's right.  My lack of cookie dough...

Thai Cooking School: Crispy Spring Rolls

Last year at this time The Hub and I were on our belated 3 week honeymoon trip to Thailand.   It was the most memorable trip  of our lives and best vacation we've ever taken.  It changed us for the better and was the catalyst for jump-starting Step 2 of our Life Plan, which I hope to tell you all about very soon. We had so many amazing adventures in Thailand, but our fondest memory is the day long class we...

Hub Specialty – Seared Ahi Tuna Delight

Last night The Hub and I spent the evening drinking a fantastic red, listening to some Martin Denny, and cooking a delicious meal for Valentine's Day.  Well, more like he cooked and I was his sous chef.  You see, my husband is a fantastic cook.  In fact, I think he's way better than me.  But don't tell anyone. One of my favorite meals that The Hub makes is his Seared Ahi Tuna Delight.  It's seared, sushi grade...

Southwestern Corn and Black Bean Salad

Last week we had our monthly Book Club meeting with an extra bonus celebration for Kate's Birthday.  We read The Glass Castle which is a raw and startling memoir about a family moving around the US living in poverty.  The author's parents were clearly mentally ill and the children were forced to fight for their own survival.  I've read a lot of memoirs in my day and this was one of the most interesting and eye...